Blackbeard had provided some valuable information about Pan's Shadow and what they were actually up against in the last four months. At least the Enchanted Forest and Neverland were encompassed in eternal night and the magic from each land was being absorbed into the Shadow. It grew more monstrous with every land it took. Children were disappearing, being taken by the Shadow to create a legion of Lost Boys. Blackbeard had wanted the Jolly Roger because as far as he knew, that was the only vessel that had ever contained the Shadow, which provided it's only chance at being defeated. He had intended to trap it in the sail again.

"How many realms are going to go dark before this thing actually hits?" Emma asked, licking ice cream off her spoon.

"I'm not sure, luv." Killian rubbed his hand over his face. "All I know is this land is it's ultimate goal. Conquering a land without magic makes anything possible."

"It's been months. It's almost like it's...waiting for something." Emma stared off into the distance.

"Whenever it decides to make an appearance, believe me, luv, we'll be ready." Killian stood from assembling the crib in front of him to take Emma's empty bowl from her.

"It's okay, I can get it." Emma struggled to her feet from the rocking chair she sat in. Killian took her arm to assist. The nursery they sat in was nearly ready.

Killian's eyes skimmed over his wife before he released her. She had never looked so radiant.

"What?" Emma looked up at him and gave a cautious smile.

Killian didn't respond but pulled her to him and kissed her gently, moving down to caress the swell of her stomach.

"Hmm." She sighed contentedly.

"Happy, darling?"

"More than I should be." She whispered.

"Quiet moments, Swan. Remember that." He brushed his nose against hers.

"We better get them in while we can." She smiled and placed her hand over where his still rest on her womb.

"Aye." He agreed, giving her a smirk and pecked her lips again, moving away to sit in front of the partially assembled piece of furniture.

Emma travelled down the stairs and washed her bowl out in the kitchen sink. As she dried her hands her phone began to ring. She picked it up and answered.

"Hey Mom...yeah, we're at home...Yes, it's ok if you stop by." She laughed. "Okay, see you soon." She hung up and put the phone down on the table.

"Ah, Swan?" Killian's voice came from behind her. She turned around and her eyes nearly popped from her head. Killian was absolutely covered in blood.

"What the hell?!" Emma rushed over to him, dishrag still in hand and pushed it into his hand, the source of the bleeding.

"Just an accident. Hook slipped putting a board into place." He winced as she wiped his hand off, revealing a rather large puncture wound.

"What am I going to do with you?" She muttered, waving her hand over the wound, light pouring from her palm. The wound sealed immediately.

"Well, I could think of quite a few things to do with me, but now I think I should go clean the mess I left." He grinned and trotted back upstairs.

A couple of minutes later, a knock came at the door.

"Emma? Can I come in?" Snow cracked the door and called in. Emma shook her head and smiled.

"Come in, Mom." Emma called back from the kitchen, washing the remnants of the blood from her hands.

"Emma! What happened?" Snow rushed over to the bloody dishrag next to her and grabbed Emma by the shoulders, looking her over.

"I'm not hurt, Mom. Killian decided to pierce himself with his hook setting up the crib."

"I didn't decide anything. This thing has a bloody mind of its own sometimes." Killian came back downstairs and greeted his mother-in-law with a kiss on the cheek. "Besides, Emma's done a fine job mending me already. See?" He turned his unmarred hand over in front of her. "Ship shape."

Snow sighed. "Well, I suppose that's good."

"So, what's up?" Emma asked as Killian slipped an arm around her shoulders.

"Oh! Right. Just a minute." Snow smiled brightly and dashed away to the table where she had set some papers. "What do you think of these?"

Emma took the pastel colored papers from her mother and flipped through them. Little ducks and teddy bears and sailboats adorned page after page.

"What are they?" Emma asked.

"Baby shower invitations!" Snow was nearly bursting with excitement. "Of course we will wait until you find out what you're having to finalize anything. So?" Snow looked up cheerily.

"Uh..." Emma looked up at Killian and he cocked an eyebrow.

"What?" Snow's smile faltered slightly.

"We're not...going to find out genders until they're born. We want it to be a surprise." Emma smiled sheepishly at her mother and handed the pages back.

"Oh, well, that's not a problem. Some of these are gender neutral." Snow shuffled through the pages, her smile returning full strength. "And you have plenty of time to change your minds if you really want to know." She shuffled through her purse and pulled a pendant from its depths.

"What is that?" Killian leaned closer to examine it.

"This was your grandmother's, your father's mother, Ruth." Snow said softly to Emma. "If you hold it over your palm, it will tell you the sex of the babies. North to south means boy, east to west, girl. You don't have to make up your minds right now. But it's here, if you change your mind." She placed it in Emma's hand.

"Thanks, Mom. I think we're still going to wait, at least for awhile."

"Aye, besides, I already know." Killian grinned mischeviously. "And it's a secret." He kissed Emma on the cheek.

That night, Emma jerked awake suddenly, feeling something almost jolting her. By the time she was awake enough to pay attention, the feeling had already subsided. She reached over for Killian and was met with a handful of empty mattress. She looked over to the bathroom door and saw light coming from the jamb.

She snuggled back into her pillows and closed her eyes to fall back asleep. Then she felt it again, like thumping in her midsection. She gasped and tears began to flow. The light in the bathroom went out and the door squeaked open slowly. Emma sniffed with her tears.

"Emma?" Killian turned on the bedside lamp and put a book down on the end table next to it. "Are you alright, luv?" He climbed into bed beside her and brushed her hair over her shoulder. She rolled over to face him, wearing a face splitting grin. Killian smiled back and cocked an eyebrow.

"They're kicking." She whispered, and laughed softly. Killian returned her smile with a much brighter one.

"You felt them?"

Emma nodded and moved his hand firmly against her stomach. They lay still together for a long while. The thumping returned and Killian's burning blue eyes shot up to Emma's.

"Did you feel it?" She asked, eyes sparkling like emeralds.

Killian nodded. "Aye. That was the most miraculous thing I've ever experienced."

"What were you doing up this late?" Emma asked as they waited for movement again.

"Just getting in a bit of light reading. Didn't want to wake you."

Emma peeked up over his shoulder at the book on the night stand.

'What to Expect When You're Expecting'.

"Light reading, huh. Just take it easy on the heavy stuff." She teased and snuggled into his shoulder, letting her eyes drift closed.

"Fatherhood is not for the faint of heart, that's for certain." He kissed the top of her head and they drifted back to sleep.

Blackbeard stalked around Regina's office, picking up things and examining them. Regina followed behind him, putting things back into place, annoyed.

"I'm still not clear how Pan's Shadow even survived being thrown in the fire." Regina put a glass figurine back into place on the mantle as Blackbeard walked to her desk and helped himself to an apple from the basket sitting in the center of it.

"You merely injured him. Loosened his grip enough to release his magic hold." Blackbeard sunk his teeth into the apple. "He retreated back to Neverland to regenerate."

Emma sat back into her chair. "We trapped it once, we can trap it again. And this time, we'll destroy it for good."

"D'ya really think the Shadow will be fool enough to let you best him twice? He's an evil almost as old as the Black Fairy herself." He crunched into the apple again.

"I didn't say it would be easy." She snapped back. "I'm just saying it can be done. And I think we've proved ourselves more capable than you at least."

"Snagged yourself a feisty one, did ya Hook?" Blackbeard chuckled, bits of apple flying from his mouth.

"Aye, you'd do well to remember that." Killian regarded the pirate darkly.

"I'm shaking in my wee boots." He bit the apple again and tossed it into the trash. Killian flinched to stand up in rage but Emma's hand clasped his and pressed against his lap, urging him silently to stay seated.

"If that's quite enough," Regina stepped between where Blackbeard leaned against her desk and Emma and Killian sat on the couch. "Can we get back to business then?"

"Aye." Killian stood, gritting his teeth and walked to the desk where Regina had the town map laid out.

"The Sorcerer's Mansion is here. The docks are here." He traced a line with his hook across the map. "Assuming that's where the Shadow will appear, it's a long shot to the Jolly Roger but it's definitely the best shot we have."

"We should go pick up Henry." Emma said, hoisting herself from the couch and walked to Killian's side.

"I'll be getting back to me crew, let the lads prepare." Blackbeard said and headed into the hallway, Killian and Emma following behind.

"I'll give you a call later." Regina called after them.

They reached the car and Killian patted his pockets.

"I forgot my talking phone in Regina's office. Back in a minute." He leaned in for a kiss.

"Still just called a phone." Emma smiled and kissed him back.

"Still a bloody ridiculous name." He grinned and jogged back inside.

She smirked and opened her car door.

"Aren't you adorable. So in love. And motherhood definitely becomes you, lass." Blackbeard approached the car.

"Can I help you with something?" Emma asked tightly.

"Well given your, ah, penchant for pirates, I'm sure, I'm sure you could help me with a great many things." He smiled at her and her stomach turned with disgust.

"Come closer and I'll help you right into a coma." Her mouth set in a line.

"Easy, lass, I'm here on a peaceful mission." Blackbeard leaned against the car. "Besides we're on the same side, now."

"Oh yeah, we're best pals. Don't confuse my position on you. Enemy of my enemy is all you are."

"I only wanted to ensure you are ready for what's coming."

"It's not me you should be worried about."

Blackbeard chuckled and shook his head, moving closer to her. "You truly haven't realized yet, have you?"

"Realized what?" Emma backed up warily.

"While you and I both know how truly ravishing you are, do you really think that's the real reason I came after you?" Blackbeard stepped closer still to her. Emma backed up into the hood of the car.

"What is it that you want from me, exactly?" Emma spoke lowly.

"You are the key, Savior. Only light can defeat the dark." Blackbeard took a step further in towards her, practically leaning against her. "It's only too bad you're with child. Hook will never let you fulfill your destiny with his brats baking in your womb." He reached out and toyed with one of Emma's blonde tendrils.

"You have no idea what I'm capable of, and Killian will always make the right decision when it comes to our family's safety." She responded fiercely.

"Aye, that he will. Or at least what he thinks is right. He will never let you put yourself in harm's way, darling. You should have just come with me quietly and the rest of your quaint little village would have stood a chance." Blackbeard suddenly jerked backwards and Killian's fist caught him directly across the jaw.

"Touch her again, mate, and I'll bury you." Killian was enraged.

Blackbeard smirked and wiped the blood from his lip. "Just having a friendly chat, mate. No harm meant."

"Keep your distance." Killian poked two fingers into Blackbeard's chest and made his way back to Emma.

Blackbeard laughed again and retreated without another word.

"Did he hurt you, luv?" Killian's eyes were filled with concern.

'Hook will never let you fulfill your destiny.' Blackbeard's words flitted through her mind.

"I could have handled it, Killian." She moved past him and out of his touch. Killian looked around, confused.

"I never meant to imply..."

"We're late for Henry." She cut him off and got in the car.

"Alright, then." He raised his eyebrows and got in the passenger seat, not sure of why she was upset with him.

They drove to Henry's school in silence.

Killian got out and let Henry into the backseat.

"Sorry we're late, kid. How was school?" Emma smiled at her son.

"Pretty good. I have a math test tomorrow that I need to study for." He settled in as Killian pushed the seat back and got back in.

"Well maybe I can help you with that while your mother rests, lad."

Emma scoffed. "I can help my son with his homework. I'm pregnant, not deathly ill."

"Swan, praytell, what exactly have I done to deserve your ire?" Killian looked quizically at her.

"Maybe if you wouldn't infantalize me all the time and remember that I'm the Savior and I can I take care of myself, you wouldn't suffer my 'ire.'" She spat and pulled out of the parking lot. Henry raised his eyebrows and looked at Killian, who looked flabbergasted at Emma.

"Emma." He started.

"Don't 'Emma' me, Killian."

"Emma, will you bloody stop acting like this?"

"No."

They pulled up outside the house and Emma yanked the keys from the ignition, storming off towards the door and Killian jumped out after her. Henry walked slowly up behind them.

"Swan, wait just a minute." He snagged her arm and turned her around. Her face was red with withheld tears. "You have not been yourself since Blackbeard accosted you. What the bloody hell did he say that has you so upset?" Killian reached up and stroked her cheek.

"Maybe it's not him, Hook, maybe it's you." She hissed. Blackbeard was right, and it killed her. She knew what she had to do to keep her family safe. To keep him safe.

Killian blinked at her as if she just slapped him.

"You haven't called me that in ages." He said softly.

"Yeah, well..." She struggled to find words and the dam finally broke. Angry, heartbroken tears coursed down her cheeks.

"Emma, please. You can tell me anything."

"Alright, fine, you want to know what's bothering me? I have to run off in a matter of, I don't know, days? Weeks? So I can be the Savior again. I'm the one. Light against dark, once again." Emma's hands balled tightly into fists.

"No." Killian's face went pale. "Emma, you can't put yourself in danger. There's always another way. You have our children to think about."

"I knew that's what you'd say. It's not like I have a choice, Killian. It's not like I ever have a choice!" She shouted at him and a sob caught in her chest.

"Emma, we will figure this out as we always do, together-"

"No. There's no figuring it out Killian. It's me. It was always me." She stepped backwards. "I don't think you should be here anymore." She whispered, crying softly.

"Mom!" Henry exclaimed.

"What the devil do you mean, Swan? I'm your husband, you're carrying my children, you can't just bloody send me away!" Killian yelled back.

"Yes, I can. I can't have you holding me back, not when everyone I love depends on me." Emma answered angrily. Killian took a step forward and Emma stepped back again. "I mean it, Killian. I don't want you here. I don't want you with me."

"Well that's too damn bad, because I'm not leaving."

"Yes, you are." Emma charged magic into her hand.

"Mom! What the hell are you doing! Stop!" Henry ran up on the porch.

"Henry, go inside."

"No! Stop this!" Henry stepped in front of Killian and Emma lowered her hand.

"Lad, do as your mother asks." Killian asked softly of Henry. "I'm going to leave."

Henry flipped around, astonished.

"What? No!" Henry grabbed Killian's arm.

"It's clear that your mother and I have some things to sort out. We'll discuss everything later. Go and get a jump on your homework." Killian gave him a weak smile. Henry grabbed Killian in a tight hug, which Killian returned just as tightly. He swallowed down the lump in his throat as he released him with another small smile. Henry glared at his mother and stomped off into the house.

"We have a future, Swan. Don't throw us away." Killian said slowly. "I love you."

"I don't have time for this, Killian." She swallowed her anguish and angrily brushed the tears off her face. "I have a job to do. You can come get your things this weekend."

"So that's it then, is it?" Killian's voice cracked with pain. "After all we've been through? After everything we've both sacrificed to be together? All the odds we've fought against?"

Emma nodded insistently, squeezing her eyes shut to block out new tears.

"... and the children?" He choked out.

"I'll take care of them." She whispered back.

Killian ran his hand through his hair and let out a shaky sob. Suddenly, he moved forward and seized her in his arms, pouring his love and pain into a burning kiss. She felt herself start to melt against him, kissing him back, and she tensed, pushing him firmly away.

"Please, just go." She ducked inside the door and closed it, the last image of Killian's grief-stricken face burning into the furthest reaches of her mind. She turned and leaned against the door and slid down to the floor. Heaving sobs flowed from her body as the reality of what she'd just done settled over her. Henry came slowly down the stairs and walked to where his mother sat crying into her hands. He sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her.

"I know why you did it." He said quietly.

Emma cried harder. They sat together for a moment and Henry helped his mother to her feet and walked her upstairs to her bed.

Killian tossed his head back, downing another glass of rum. He didn't even feel the burn in his chest anymore. He just felt...numb.

"Barkeep." He tapped the counter again and held up two fingers for another double.

"We'll be closing here soon." The bartender passed him another drink and he put a bill on the counter, nodding in acknowledgment.

He downed the drink and stood unsteadily, finding his way to the door and out into the street. He walked alone in the dark, stumbling occasionally, and suddenly found himself at the docks.

Killian smirked as he staggered to the ship and onto the deck. He opened the door to the captain's quarters and started rummaging through the chest inside, pulling free a large bottle of rum. He chuckled and pulled the cork free with his teeth, spitting it aside. Taking a long pull from the bottle, he made his way back on deck. He leaned over the side of the ship and thought seriously about jumping headlong into the harbor.

"Not today." He mumbled and walked away from the edge. He made his way around the deck and spied his cutlass leaning against the mast. He took another full swig from the bottle and clunked it onto the deck, almost losing his balance, then picked up the sword.

The sword made a swishing sound as he swung it in front of him. His anger bubbled to the surface and he crashed the sword against the mast of the ship. He continued to hack and slash until the cutlass became firmly lodged in the wood.

A siren sounded twice and flashing lights flooded over the ship as Killian struggled to pull the weapon free.

"Hold it right there!" David's voice called out, stepping on board, gun drawn. He lowered it at the sight of Killian struggling at the mast. "Hook?"

Killian swung around at his moniker and grinned.

"David! Mate! Come for a drink?" Killian careened to where he had set the bottle previously and waggled it at his father-in-law.

"What the hell are you doing out here? Are you...drunk?" David holstered his weapon and moved towards Killian.

"Pssh. I've had more rum than this and made off with half of Midas's kingdom, mate." He slurred and leaned on David's shoulder.

"Why aren't you at home? Emma is going to be worried sick." David pushed Killian upright.

"I seriously doubt that." He murmured darkly. "Your lovely daughter has banished me from our home for reasons unbeknownst to me." He swung his arms open and smirked.

"She kicked you out?" David was shocked.

"Aye, that she did. Rum?" He held out the bottle again.

"No, and I don't think you need anymore either." David made a move to take it from him but Killian moved back more quickly than David moved forward. He took a large swig from the bottle and sauntered away from David.

"You'll have to be quicker than that, mate." Killian waved his finger lazily in the air, bringing the bottle to his lips again. David managed to snatch it away before he could pour anymore down his throat.

"Touché." Killian laughed. "My rum back, if you please." He motioned for the bottle.

"No way. Come on, come home with me." David reached for Killian's arm.

"No offense, mate, but you're not really my type." Killian looked at him with a grin.

"Seriously, you need to sleep this off. You can do it in comfort on my couch."

"I'll tell you what I need is my wife to let me come home." Killian's face fell.

"I know. We can deal with this tomorrow. You're in no position to do anything tonight. Let's head in." David clapped a hand on his shoulder.

Killian nodded and walked with David to the cruiser.

Emma opened her swollen eyes as light poured through the window. She had slept hugging Killian's pillow to her. It was too early for her alarm but she had a pressing need for the bathroom so she got up and went. She dressed in leggings and a sweater and made her way down the stairs. Henry already sat at the counter finishing up his homework and eating a poptart. She kissed her son on the head and he looked up and smiled at her.

"Morning, mom. You okay?" He asked.

Emma nodded and gave an unconvincing smile, starting the coffee pot.

"You're a horrible liar, you know." Henry said pointedly and a horn honked outside.

"That's your ride, kid. Have a good day at school." She kissed his hair as he gathered up his papers.

"Bye." He smiled and headed out.

She filled her coffee cup and walked to the refrigerator. A loud knock sounded at the front door.

She sighed and out her cup down.

Pounding kept coming at the door.

"I'm coming, I'm coming." Emma muttered and opened the door. Snow stopped herself mid-knock.

"Why is there a hungover pirate asleep on my couch?" Snow asked, bustling with concern and annoyance.

"Good morning, mom." Emma left the door open and walked back to the counter where she had abandoned her coffee mug. "Coffee?" She offered as Snow marched inside, shutting the door soundly behind her.

"Emma."

"What." She stirred sugar into her mug, avoiding eye contact.

"What do you mean, what?" Snow took the mug from her daughter's hands and set it on the counter. "Why is Killian not here?"

"Because. I don't want him here." Emma turned away from her mother and picked the mug back up, bringing it to her lips and taking a sip and walking to her table.

"Why? What happened?" Snow sat opposite Emma.

"I just had a realization and I knew I couldn't have him near me."

"What kind of realization causes you to send your true love away? Emma," Snow clasped one of Emma's hands. "whatever you're facing, Killian should be by your side."

"He can't be. It's for his own good." Emma replied softly.

"What is going on?" Snow insisted.

"I'm just protecting the people I love."

"By breaking his heart?" Snow looked earnestly at her.

"If that's what it takes. I can't be stopped from what I have to do, no matter what."

"What do you think you have to do?"

"I'm the Savior. I save people. It's what I do. Pan's Shadow is coming. I'm the only one that can stop it and I can't let Killian stop me." A tear slipped down Emma's cheek.

"Oh, Emma." Snow said softly and moved to sit next to her. "Love only makes us stronger. Killian only wants what's best for his family."

"No, he wants what he thinks is best. It's not the same." Emma stared ahead and absent-mindedly put her hand on her stomach.

"You have to face this sometime." Snow's hand covered her daughter's. "I have to go in to the school today. I just wanted to check on you." She squeezed her daughter's hand and stood. Emma nodded and sniffed.

"I'm fine." She said staunchly and bid her mother farewell.

Killian's head was pounding as he opened his eyes to the too bright and unfamiliar room. He groaned and sat up, the room swaying slightly.

"He lives." David said warmly from the kitchen table. Neal played happily with his cheerios in the high chair next to him.

"Aye, barely." Killian muttered.

"There's breakfast and coffee if you want."

Killian removed his flask from his pocket and raised it towards David in mock salutation. "All set, mate, thanks." He took a sip and made a face.

"Really." David said, standing and walking to him and taking the flask out of his hand.

"Bloody hell, mate. Give a man a break." Killian sighed.

"I'm confiscating this. Don't make me follow you around all day to sober you up."

"How like you Emma is." His gut panged as he said her name.

"Speaking of which." David sat down on the couch next to Killian.

"What's there to say?" Killian smirked. "She's left me."

"So you go get her back." David responded matter-of-factly.

"It's not that simple, mate." Killian grimaced.

"It is, though. You promised eternity to her, you can't give up on that because she's stubborn. She's throwing her walls back up. You broke them down before, you just have to do it again." David clapped his hand on Killian's shoulder.

"So I'm just supposed to be alright with her bloody sacrificing herself and possibly our children to save us from The Shadow, am I?" Killian ran a hand through his shaggy hair.

"What are you talking about?" David looked at him as he stood up.

"Emma is convinced she has to fight The Shadow on her own because she's the Savior. Light against dark and all that." Killian stood as well, making his way to the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee.

"There's always another way, Emma knows that." David went back to the table and picked up his son from the high chair, setting him on the ground to toddle around.

"Aye, that's what I said. And here I am for it." Killian took a drink from his mug.

"She's not thinking clearly." David leaned against the island in the kitchen.

"I'm well aware."

"She can't do this."

"Aware of that as well, mate." Killian raised his eyebrows at him and walked around the counter. "You can't stop her once she's made her mind up to something, though."

"There's got to be something we can do."

"All I know is I'll never stop fighting for her, for us." Killian put his leather jacket on and downed the rest of his coffee.

"Where are you going?"

"Emma wants to fight darkness with light. I'm going to get me some ammunition." Killian said briskly, heading towards the door.

Today was the first day towards getting back home.