I hope you all have enjoyed this prequel because I've enjoyed writing it. This is going to be a long chapter. As always, don't forget to leave a little review! And one last thing: in case you didn't notice, I totally ignored the whole Marian thing. Don't get mad at me, I just think Regina should have a chance because she's changed and not the person she was before.
And as always, I do not own OUAT or any of its characters because if I did, I'd keep Captain Hook all for myself.
The Discovery
Emma blinked at the morning sunlight shining over her face. Opening her eyes she became acutely aware that she was not in her room at the loft. She noticed the familiar look of a room at Granny's B&B. She felt a weight on her back and looked to see his arm draped over her. She turned to look at him and she smiled to see he was sleeping soundly with a smile on his face. Emma carefully moved Killian's arm off her and scooted softly off the bed. Killian grunted and turned over, snoring lightly.
Emma picked up her underthings from where they'd ended up the previous evening along with Killian's white dress shirt and went into the bathroom to get cleaned up. She put on her things and Killian's shirt and looked at herself in the mirror: part of her hair was still in a braid but the rest was hanging loose around her shoulders. Her mother's tiara was gone, most like somewhere with her dress. She grabbed a glass from the cabinet and filled it with some water, trying to rinse away that icky feeling ones gets in the morning.
She made her way quietly back out to the room, Killian still sound asleep. She sat down where she'd been sleeping and sat down as softly as she could and looked down at Killian's sleeping form. He looked so peaceful and happy…and so was she. He rolled around onto his back and she could see all the scars on his chest from the three centuries he spent fighting for his revenge. She brushed his bangs out his eyes and caressed his cheek, remembering how the stubble felt against her skin the night before.
"Enjoying the view darling?" she heard him ask. His deep blue eyes were looking straight into hers. "How are you this morning?"
"I'm good." He raised an eyebrow at her,
"Just good?"
"What else should I say? That I am happier than I've ever been, than I ever was?" she asked. Killian sat up and took her hand.
"I make you happier than you've ever been?"
"I'm sorry it took me so long to realize that." He cupped her chin and pulled her to him.
"You've nothing to apologize for love." He kissed her lightly. "Now, I do have to say that you look ravishing in my shirt."
"I do huh?"
"Would you like me to show you just how much?"
"Please, I don't think you could handle it", she said with a coy smile. He pulled her to him and they fell back, kissing passionately. He was starting to undo the buttons on the shirt when there was a pounding at the door. They both looked over at the door when they heard David's voice,
"Killian! Killian!" Emma rolled off the bed, gathering her things,
"One second mate!" Killian called.
"Open this door!"
"You know, you are a grown woman", Killian whispered as Emma rushed into the bathroom, "I don't think it should be a problem…"
"That's not the point Killian! He's still my dad and this would be so embarrassing!"
"Open up it's important!" Emma hid in the bathroom and shut the door. Killian pulled a robe around him and opened the door.
"Good morning mate", he said with a big smile.
"Get dressed. I got a call from Belle this morning…she says they've found a way to send the Snow Queen back."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Hurry, we're meeting at the Library in 15 minutes", said David as he turned to leave. He stopped short and turned to face the bathroom door, "See you there Emma." Killian just stood at the doorway, mouth hanging open as the door creaked open.
"Hey dad."
"Hurry up you two", said David and he left. Emma stepped out of the bathroom,
"Oh my God, that was so…he's going to tell my mother!"
"You're a grown woman darling. Don't worry yourself." Killian pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "Just get dressed and we'll go."
"I hate you."
"No you don't. You love me." Emma shut her eyes and concentrated on her closet at the loft, flicked her wrist and pile of clothes appeared in her hands. She left Killian to get dressed on his own as she changed into her trademark jeans, white shirt, boots, and red leather jacket. She found Killian trying to button up a pair of jeans.
"Do you need help?" she asked him.
"I've dressed myself for 300 hundred years on my own, I think I can do up these trousers lass."
"Then why haven't you done them up?" she asked, crossing her arms. "Just let me and I promise I'll help you take them off later."
cscscscscscscscscscscscscscsCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCScscscscscscscscscscscscscscs
They arrived at the library hand in hand 10 minutes later and everyone but Elsa and David were there.
"Good morning you two!" said Snow.
"Hey mom", said Emma and Killian gave a small bow.
Just then David came in with Elsa in tow and she took a seat next to Emma.
"Okay everyone! Can we all pay attention? Belle says she and Gold have discovered a way to get Elsa, so you guys have the floor." David went around and sat next to Snow. Belle stood and placed a big book on the table.
"I've been looking through this since Elsa arrived here and I've finally found a way to send her home", said Belle. "One way would be to use a magic bean, but Hook used the last one to be known of in existence to go to New York and get Emma…and there are no other beans in this realm. Another way would've been to open a portal with the wand that Emma used to bring her and Hook back to the present, but that wand didn't make the return trip."
"Get to the point sister", said Leroy. "Did you find a way?"
"I did." But there was something about the look on her face that made Emma feel she was holding something back.
"Belle…what is it? What aren't you telling us?" Emma asked her.
"After everything I've read and gone over, there is only one way for her to go back…"
"And that is…?" asked Ruby.
"We have to enact a curse." Everyone stood up and started talking loudly over each other, but all Emma could do was look over at Killian, who had the most pained look on his face. Emma grabbed his hand and tried to shake him out of his stupor,
"Killian? Killian?" He turned to look at her.
"I will not lose you again Swan. I won't go. No!" Everyone quieted down and turned to look at him. He scowled at Belle, "You find another way Crocodile!"
"Calm down Captain", said Rumple and with a wave of his hand Killian fell back into his chair. "And let us finish." All Killian could do was glare at Rumple.
"The curse that has to be cast would take everyone from Storybrooke back to the Enchanted Forest. No one would be left behind, not even Henry or baby Neal who were both born here…everyone would go."
"You can do that?" asked Regina, a big smile threatening to come out. Rumple nodded,
"I can rewrite the Dark Curse so that it is that way and when it washes over the Enchanted Forest, it will restore everything destroyed during the first curse."
"We'll have our homes to go back to?" asked Snow.
"Yes."
"How do we do it?" asked Emma. "What is it going to cost?"
"The cost is that I will have to give up my power as the Dark One."
"You have to die? Again?" she replied. Belle started crying, and Rumple put an arm around her,
"No, I just have to give up the power. It would go into the dagger, unable to be used again." Everyone started chattering about how excited they were to go home, but Killian still didn't look like he understood. He went over to Rumple,
"It won't cause anyone to lose their memories? We can all be together?" And then Rumple did something no one ever expected: he put a reassuring hand on Killian's shoulder,
"Emma won't forget you and you won't forget her and you will be able to be with each other and the rest of us…the rest of this family. Don't worry…Killian." Everyone just stared, and then a smile like the one Killian gave her the night they returned from the past spread across his face and he ran to Emma and swept her up in his arms.
"How soon can you get started? When do we go back?" asked Granny.
"We will begin today and I believe we will be ready in a week."
"Okay everyone", said David as he stood, "You heard him, we're going home in week, so be ready."
"None of your possessions, only that material thing you hold most dear, will go with you so there is nothing to really prepare. Just make sure to spread the word." He looked at Leroy (notorious town gossip), took Belle's hand and they left. Emma couldn't believe it: she was going home, but not by herself or without Henry…she was going with her parents, her brother, Henry, and even Killian. She'd be somewhere she'd never lived and hadn't really gotten to experience, but she'd be with the people she loved the most.
"I will go to the forest and inform my men", said Robin and hurried out after a quick kiss to Regina. Leroy left with Granny and Ruby and Archie escorted Elsa back to the diner. Blue and Tink went back to the convent to tell their sisters.
"Miss Swan, would you like to go with me and tell Henry?" Regina asked her. Emma nodded, and looked at Killian,
"I see you at Granny's." He kissed her quickly and then she and Regina disappeared in smoke.
cscscscscscscscscscscscscscsCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCScscscscscscscscscscscscscscs
Henry was at his 'castle' and was plenty surprised when his mothers appeared in front of him.
"Hey mom", he said to neither one of them in particular. "What happened at the meeting?"
"That's why we're here sweetie", said Regina as he and Emma sat on either side of him. "We have some news."
"Did my grandpa find out how to send her back?"
"He did kid", said Emma, "And that's what the news is about."
"Rumple says the only way to send her is to create another curse, except that this time, everyone goes", continued Regina.
"What do you mean? Even me and baby Neal? Even though we were born here?" he asked, wide eyed.
"Yes, even you and your uncle. All of us", said Emma.
"When do we leave?"
"A week kid."
"We should probably take care of things in New York. Get rid of the apartment and sell everything. I need to say goodbye to all my friends too."
"Of course", said Emma. They couldn't leave any evidence of them being there, "If it's okay with your mom, we can leave today and be back in a couple of days." Henry looked over at Regina,
"Is it ok?"
"Of course honey", she said, "Let's get back to town so you three can be on your way."
"Three?" asked Emma. Regina rolled her eyes at her,
"Miss Swan, do you really think the good captain is going to let you go without him?"
cscscscscscscscscscscscscscsCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCScscscscscscscscscscscscscscs
Regina, Henry, and Emma appeared in a puff of purple smoke outside of Granny's diner. Killian ran out to Emma as soon as he saw her and Regina went inside with Henry. Emma pulled him to the table where she'd found him at Neal's ceremony.
"I've got something to tell you."
"What's happened Swan?" he asked worriedly.
"Nothing bad, don't worry. After we told Henry, he brought up a point. He and I have to clean up a few things in New York before we leave: the apartment and everything in it has to be sold and he needs to say goodbye to his friends. I've got to make it seem that we're moving far away and that's why they won't be seeing us again." He looked a little sad,
"How long?"
"Just a couple of days. It shouldn't take the three of us too long to sell everything…I mean, we're not going to need the money. Wait! We'll just donate it!"
"One moment love, you're taking me with you?"
"Seriously? We're going to let us go without you?"
"Of course not!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the diner where they joined in with Henry to explain the plan. Regina took Henry to her house to pack some clothes for the trip will Killian went upstairs to pack with Emma in tow.
"Don't get any funny ideas Killian", she said as he wiggled his eyebrows at her after he shut the door.
"Whatever do you mean lass?" he asked as he sidled up next to her.
"Come on, keep it in your pants. I've got to get this stuff back to Snow's so I can pack for the trip to New York. Be ready to go in an hour." She hung her red dress on a hangar and put the tiara (after finding it under a pillow on the bed) in her coat pocket. She picked up her shoes, kissed Killian, and left for the loft.
cscscscscscscscscscscscscscsCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCScscscscscscscscscscscscscscs
As soon as they arrived at the apartment, Emma called the Goodwill and arranged for them to come the next day to start taking everything. Then she called the landlord and told them that she and Henry were moving to England to be with her boyfriend and that they had to terminate the lease.
The next day, while Emma and Killian helped the Goodwill people move things to the truck, Henry spent time with his friends, feeding them the same story that Emma told the landlord. When the men left for the day, Emma ordered pizza and they finished packing up the rest of the small things that were going to be taken away along with the beds the next day.
"It is too bad those gentlemen took the couch", said Killian as they all got ready for bed that night.
"Why?" asked Emma.
"Where am I going to sleep?" he asked. Henry gave a small snort.
"With my mom…duh." Emma and Killian turned to look at him, "I'm 12 years old, not stupid."
"But…" said Emma.
"Do you love her?" he asked Killian.
"More than anything, with my whole heart."
"Do you love him?" he asked Emma, who looked into Killian's deep blue eyes.
"Yeah kid, I do."
"Than what's the problem?" Emma ruffled his hair and laughed,
"You know, sometimes you're too smart for your own good kid."
cscscscscscscscscscscscscscsCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCScscscscscscscscscscscscscscs
They arrived back in Storybrooke the next night. The whole town was abuzz with the fact that they were going home in a few days. There was free food at Granny's every night until they left. On their last night in Storybrooke, Main Street in front of Granny's was closed down and a big party was thrown. Even Elsa, who was excited to see her sister again, participated by doing a demonstration with her powers. All the children clapped and stared in awe.
After she did that, Elsa made the street an ice rink for everyone to skate on, complete with recurring snowfall. Emma was excited because she hadn't been ice skating in a very long time, so she focused all her magic and conjured a pair of ice skates for her and Killian.
"I'm not sure about this love", he said as she did the laces up for him. "I've never skated before." She sat on the bus bench next to him and slipped into her skates.
"Don't worry, I'll help you." When she was done, she stepped off the curb and onto the ice, "Just watch me for a bit." She skated off, one foot in front of the other, as if no time had passed. When she made it back to Killian, she extended her hand to him, "Come on."
"No."
"Come on you bloody pirate!"
"Fine!" She pulled him to the ice and took him by the good hand around and around. After a while he sort of had the hang of it, so she got him to skate on his own. She turned her back on him for 2 seconds and when she turned back, he was already on the ground.
cscscscscscscscscscscscscscsCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCScscscscscscscscscscscscscscs
Henry stayed with Snow, David, and his uncle Neal that night. The happiness that Emma felt that night she spent with Killian was so overwhelming she cried.
"Emma, love, are you okay?" he asked as he sat up in bed to look at her. "Did I hurt you or something?" He pulled her to him, and they lay back down.
"No, no", she said in between low sobs as she rested her head on his bare chest, draping an arm over him. "I'm just so happy. This was my home, but now we're all going back to our real home in the Enchanted Forest. I just can't wait to live out the rest of my life there…with you, with Henry, with my parents and my brother…in the life I was supposed to have." They were both quiet for a while when she spoke again. "What will you do when we go back?"
"What do you mean darling?"
"For a living? I would love to spend every waking moment with you, but trust me, we'd get bored quick…doing nothing."
"I could never get bored of you love", he said. "I was going to surprise you after we returned, but your father actually asked me to be Commander of the Royal Navy yesterday."
"He what?"
"I will be in charge of the entire Royal Navy. Luckily my position will not require me to go away that much, because I couldn't bear to leave you for a long period of time."
Emma was happy. Killian would be able to be on the seas again and she knew how much he loved it. It wasn't brought up at the last meeting that afternoon, but some other major things were discussed:
Regina gave up her reign to Snow and David, instead choosing to go back to being the princess she was born as. This meant that Emma, Henry, and Neal were going to be officially crowned as heirs to the Northern kingdom. Snow, David, Emma, baby Neal, and (obviously) Killian would live in the castle that Snow and David had taken from King George and Regina would live at her castle with Robin and Roland and any of his Merry Men that wanted to live there. Henry would spend time at both places. Rumple would return to his castle with Belle, where they would deposit the Dark One's dagger into Rumple's old vault after he gave up his power.
cscscscscscscscscscscscscscsCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCSCScscscscscscscscscscscscscscs
The next morning, Killian dressed in his pirate leathers again.
"Happy to be wearing something you're used to?" Emma asked him from the bed.
"I won't lie to you love, I do love this coat. I may be donning a Navy uniform soon, but I think I'm going to be keeping this coat."
"Ooh and the red vest. Please keep that one too, it's my favorite."
"Anything for you love." He pulled open the drawer he never thought he'd need to use again pulled out his hook. He placed it in the brace and it clicked in to place. Emma pulled on her usual, really hoping that her red leather jacket would make the trip back because it was one of her favorite things. After they were dressed, they took a look around the room one last time and headed went to meet Snow, David, and Henry at the loft. Another place they all looked into, remembering the moments they'd experienced there.
When they were ready, they headed over to Granny's to grab some breakfast because they weren't sure when they'd make it to the castle. After eating, they all gathered out front and boarded a school bus that they'd take to the Magic Well in the forest. When they arrived, they all gathered around while Rumple did the spell.
"It's time!" he called out to the big group. Not everyone was there with them, as some had chosen just to wait it out in their homes. As Rumple readied to relinquish his power, Emma looked around at her family: Regina stood with Robin, Roland, and Henry, all them in a big embrace. Emma was so happy that Regina had finally found peace and happiness in her life. David and Snow stood with Neal between them, holding each other fiercely. Victor (who had been in the Enchanted Forest at the time of both past curses) stood next to Ruby, whose side Emma was sure he was never going to leave.
They all watched as Rumple's Dark Magic left him and flowed into the well. As the low rumble began and purple smoke started to billow out, everyone turned to their loved ones and held them close.
Killian pulled Emma to him and kissed her as if their lives depended it on it as the curse overtook them all. He could feel her in his arms, her lips on his as the curse did its job.
Then almost as soon as it had begun, it ended. When Emma opened her eyes and looked around, they were in a big empty field and her mother spoke the words she spoken a year before:
"We're back."
I hope you enjoyed my story and stay tuned for Return to the Enchanted Forest which I will be starting in the next couple of days. I've got to give my creative juices some time to replenish. Please do let me know what you think of this whole story…leave a review down below. Thanks again for being on this first of what I hope are many adventures with me!
N.