Killian stirred with a strangled moan. Liam's eyes darted from the book on his lap to his brother.

"Killian?" Liam asked tentatively, his heart in his throat.

"Aye," he said in a moan.

"How are you feeling? Do you want anything? Water, perhaps?"

"Water," Killian croaked as he slowly sat up, hissing when he accidentally put weight on his wrist. He quickly bent his elbow, keeping his sore limb from touching anything as he settled on the bed.

Liam quickly handed Killian the canteen after uncorking it. Thankfully, he took a couple of large swigs from it. "How's the pain?"

"Manageable, more so than I thought it'd be. What the bloody hell did she give me?"

"I haven't the foggiest idea." Killian did look better than Liam thought he would, but he was still pale and his speech was a little sluggish from what Liam guessed was fatigue.

"Where're Emma and Tink?" Killian asked, his eyes darting around the small house.

"What's the last thing you remember?"

"Just before Tink did, well, you know." Killian moved his left arm slightly, not without a grimace. "Everything else is a blur…"

Liam studied Killian. "Emma must have left sometime when Tink and I were tending to you. Tink thinks it's because of this book and I can see why."

"What's it say?"

"Talks about curses, and the lass thought that those who are in the presence of someone who's been cursed will bring them misfortune. But, if she had just read the next page… it's a misconstrued idea," Liam said with a sigh.

Killian's brows were furrowed. "And in this weather?" he said with a huff, clearly worried looking out the small window above the bed. They saw the trees swaying in the strong wind as an icy rain pelted the window.

"You on good terms with her now, brother?"

"Better. If I were her and it was you cursed for years, I'd probably have gone through with it."

Liam paused for a moment in disbelief before daring to ask,"Even after everything I did?"

Killian looked Liam in the eyes, his brows close together; he looked hurt and it felt like a punch to Liam's gut. "I just wish you told me. I thought I could trust you."

Liam took in a sharp breath. The words stung, of course, but what did he expect? "I promise, I won't lie to you again."

Killian gave him a sad smile before looking back down to his hand as he played with the cap of the canteen. Liam knew he had a lot to make up for; it would take some time to earn back his brother's trust.

"I think we should continue working with Emma to get out of here. So long as Emma is done hiding things." Liam changed the subject in hope to get some life back into Killian.

Killian turned back towards Liam. "Aye, you really think so?" He looked as if he was testing Liam.

"It would be wise to have someone who is familiar with Misthaven accompany us. Besides, helping the lost princess return home and break a curse? They will probably hand us positions in the navy."

Killian looked a bit surprised by his brother's lack of tact, but Liam intended to keep his promise. A smile slowly formed on Killian's lips. "I was thinking the same."

/-/

Emma was freezing even with all of her feathers. The weather took an even nastier turn with an icy rain falling from the clouds. Water was easily seeping through the cracks in the dead tree she was using for shelter. Emma wanted to find somewhere else, but with this wind, she'd likely be blown away again.

She was just so tired. The emotional stress had caught up with her and her lack of sleep.

Yet sleep would not come easy. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Killian. She hoped he was doing alright. Emma couldn't imagine the pain he must have been in and there was nothing she could do to help.

Well, sitting in this tree—away from everyone—was her way of helping. So she thought.

"Emma!" Tink's voice cried out above the wind.

Emma froze.

"Emma! Where are you! You're being ridiculous," Tink moaned.

She didn't move. Please go away, please! Then Emma heard something bounding through the bushes.

"There you are! Good job, John," Tink said as she patted the dog, his head in the stump as Tink bent down next to him. "Please come back with me?"

"No."

"Will you at least tell me why?" Tink knelt down and sat on her feet, waiting. Emma finally looked up to her.

"It's all my fault, Tink," Emma whispered around the lump in her throat.

"Did you chop off the man's hand?" Tink asked, snarkily, but not unkindly.

"No, but I might as well have…I'm bad luck."

"Emma, you know that this forest is bad luck. That book you were reading, I saw what you read. But you didn't see the part that said you curse doesn't bring misfortune to others. There are curses like that of course, but—"

"Fine, maybe I might not be cursed—in that way—but I still lied to Killian and Liam, and almost traded them so I could turn back into a human."

Tink hesitated for a moment. "Okay, that wasn't a great plan, but you could make it up to them now."

"Is it really worth it? Would I actually do anything to help?" Emma looked away from Tink in defeat.

Tink was quiet for a moment. "Graham's death wasn't your fault, you know."

Emma squeezed her eyes shut and sighed. "If I hadn't tried to escape—"

"You would both still be stuck there and your family cursed. You're one step closer to being reunited with them. And I think if you ask Killian and Liam, the three of you could get out of here. Hell, I'll join in and the four of us can go against the Dark One!"

Emma mulled over Tink's words. That did actually sound like a decent plan.

"Come on. Let's get out of this storm, yeah?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! Emma, trust me. It's going to be alright. And it's okay to ask for help sometimes," Tink finished softly.

"How is Killian?"

"The fun bit with the dagger went well, so the bleeding stopped." Emma shivered at the thought. "He's going to be fine," Tink added gently, sensing that her snark was not helping lighten the mood.

Emma rose and walked back out into the storm. The journey back to the house took longer than Emma thought it would. It was nearly dusk by the time they reached the house. The storm had let up—of course when they were back—but it was still windy and cloudy with patches of white on the ground from the icy rain.

Once inside, Emma felt the warmth from the fire and was immediately glad that Tink had come for her. Both brothers were asleep, although as soon as they came in Liam stirred. He looked around the room with half-lidded eyes.

Liam smiled a small thing once his eyes landed on Emma. "Oh good, you're back. I didn't fancy the idea of finding someone else to take us to Misthaven."

"You still want to travel together?" Emma asked in disbelief.

"You've a better idea of getting out of this forest? Of course, without trading in the two of us. Besides, the way I see it, you owe us."

"Maybe we could figure something out."

"Put in a good word for us?"

"I think I can do that." Emma felt like a weight was lifted from her shoulders, only for a brief moment, until her eyes found Killian. He may not have been as pale as he was before, but his still form on the bed made Emma's stomach clench. "How is he?"

"He was awake before. Tink, what was that potion you gave him?"

Tink stilled as she took off her cloak, her arms pausing, holding the cloak. She looked over towards Liam, eyes wide. "He was lucid, wasn't he?" she asked, panicked.

"Aye, very much so."

Tink let out a sigh of relief. "Good, I brewed it myself with the herbs from the garden. I'll make some more so you have some on your journey."

The rest of the evening was somewhat relaxed. Tink brewed more of the blue potion and Liam attempted to help her. Although she seemed to be getting frustrated with his hovering.

Killian finally woke up as the other three had started eating dinner. His face was twisted in pain.

"Potion wear off?" Tink asked quickly bringing him over another bottle.

"Aye," he said through gritted teeth.

Tink handed him the potion, Liam followed her with his full canteen. As soon as Killian finished with the potion he was reaching for the canteen, chugging down the water.

"Thank you," he breathed. Emma had trouble making him out with Tink and Liam in the way from her spot near the fire.

"Do you want some food?" Liam asked softly.

"Just a little."

Liam handed him a roll. Killian picked at it as they continued eating. He didn't notice her as he ate, keeping his heavy-lidded eyes trained on the ceiling. He may not have known Emma had even left. Conversation was kept light; everyone was too tired to talk much.

Killian fell asleep quickly after taking the potion with only a few bites of bread eaten. Tink gave Liam a spare pillow and blanket so he could sleep on the floor.

Emma made herself comfortable on the chair near the bed. Although she was tired, she couldn't sleep, too worried about Killian. His breathing was still shallow, but the sweat that had made his face glisten was gone. She watched over him, occasionally nodding off.

Some time past midnight, Killian stirred once again. As soon as he turned his head, his eyes landed on Emma, a smile broke across his face.

"Emma?"

"Hey, how are you feeling?"

"Fine, so long as I keep drinking whatever the hell Tink's been brewing," he said with a smile. His face grew serious before he asked, "Are you alright, lass?"

"I'm fine."

"If that were true, you wouldn't have run off earlier." Emma didn't meet his eyes. "If you're still blaming yourself, lass, you are giving yourself entirely too much credit."

Emma chuckled. "What, have you forgiven me that easily?"

"On one condition," he said with a crooked smile.

"And what's that?"

"Take us to Misthaven."

Emma was shocked, to say the least. She never would have expected them to want her help or companionship. She studied his eyes and he was serious. "Your brother mentioned something about that…"

"Brilliant; what's the verdict?"

"Only if you promise to not give up on the navy."

"Emma, I don't think—"

"No one will care. If you are a good sailor and good swordsman, that's all that matters."

"Clearly, I'm not a good swordsman."

"We can work on that."

Killian raised a brow and sighed. "Right, and even if I do manage to improve my skills, how do you know they wouldn't care? When's the last time you sat in on affairs like that?"

"Well… never. I was too young before I was… well, you know. But I think the fact that the captain of the guard is a werewolf says a lot on our kingdom's prejudices."

"The captain of the guard is a werewolf?" Killian asked, his jaw almost reaching his chest.

"Yep, also my aunt. And some of my mom's biggest supporters and confidants are dwarves. One-handed naval officer… not that strange."

Killian smiled and he had a gleam in his eyes; he looked hopeful. Emma was pleased with herself—she actually managed to give Killian some hope. But then his smile dropped and so did her stomach.

"How long have you been trapped in these woods?"

Oh… he was thinking of her? "Five years… you know about the Evil Queen?" Killian gave a slight nod. "She kidnapped me when I was thirteen. I've been her errand girl and servant until this happened." Though slave was the better word, but something told her that Killian had it worse in that respect.

"And then she cursed your family and kingdom?" he asked with a dark tone colouring his voice.

"I think she did that right after she took me…"

"Emma, I—"

"I just want everything to be alright. I miss human food." Emma deflected. She couldn't talk about her family anymore with her guilt sitting heavy on her shoulders. She did enough sharing tonight.

Killian took a moment to catch up, but he understood she needed the subject change. "What's the first thing you are going to eat when you turn back?"

"Don't you mean if?"

"No, no I don't." He had a lopsided grin on his face and Emma felt more confident from his reassurance.

Emma snorted, but grew quiet considering his question. "Honestly, I really miss cake. My father always made fun of my sweet tooth."

"Hmm, I haven't the pleasure."

"What? You've never had cake?"

"Not much cake for servant boys, I'm afraid. Did manage to swipe the occasional biscuit, however."

"Alright, I'm going to make sure you get to try some."

"I'm holding you too it, love. I'll be waiting with bated breath." Killian started to shift in the bed, looking uncomfortable.

"You know, you don't really speak like a sailor."

Killian smiled with a raised brow and tired eyes. "Fancy my vocabulary, Your Highness?"

"Seriously?" Emma laughed.

"Lots of books borrowed during our time on that ship." Killian answered before he shut his eyes with a gasp of pain.

"Killian! Are you alright?"

"The blue potion," Killian gritted through his teeth.

Emma wasn't sure if he should have more now but she really didn't want to see him in pain. Emma quickly glided to the table and grabbed the bottle that was half full. Back on the chair next to Killian's bed she stretched out her neck to place the bottle in his hand. Killian quickly popped of the cork, and downed the potion in two gulps.

"Thank you," Killian sighed with his eyes shut tight, his head flat against the pillow, and panting. Emma was surprised no one woke up.

"Water?"

"Please," he breathed.

Emma bent her neck down and picked up the canteen by its strap from the floor with her beak and placed it on the bed. She watched Killian open the canteen with his teeth. It was a struggle, but it was more than she could do in her state. He laid on the bed with a blanket up to his waist. His billowy white shirt was rolled up on each arm, blood stains on both sleeves, but the left was the worst. At some point when she was gone they must have taken off his vest and boots.

Once done drinking, Killian leaned his head back down. Some colour returned to his face as he took measured breaths.

"Thank you," Killian whispered.

"You should try finishing that bread," Emma said with a nod of her head towards the nibbled roll resting on his stomach.

"I mean it, Emma. If you hadn't brought me here, I'd likely have died." He turned his head to look her in the eyes. Emma gave him a slight nod before he started to nod off once again. The pain and potion had tired him out.

/-/

The next morning was spent lazily. Emma surprisingly slept past sunrise. While her guilt about the whole situation still lingered, she felt lighter than she had the day before knowing that they were all going to work together.

Tink, having been the first to wake, teased Liam about how he slept like the dead. He really did, and Emma was amused to find out that Killian would always tease him about it.

Tink made extra potions for Killian, so whenever they did leave, they would be well stocked. She changed Killian's bandages while he was still asleep, so he wouldn't have to deal with that pain. He slept a good while after Emma had woken, but when he did wake up, Tink had offered washing his clothes including his shirt that still sported blood stains. He declined with a nervous look that Emma didn't quite understand. But then again, he was vulnerable enough with the shirt on.

Some time past noon, they started to plan for their escape. And even with Tink's collection of books, none of them could figure out the Dark One's name. There were so many tales and theories surrounding the creation of this beast, some contradicting others that the four of them were at a standstill.

"These woods have been cursed for decades. According to this book, the darkness that lives in this woods preys on those who are the most cowardly and desperate. It takes over them, and then the woods has the power to keep the lost people at it's mercy," Tink informed them.

"Is the demon defeated with just his name?" Liam asked.

"Yes, and no?"

"Which is it?"

"The text is in riddles," Tink said with a frustrated sigh. "It says if you know his name you have power over him so you are free to leave. But it also suggests that he will be defeated, leaving the entire forest free of his influence."

"But we've no clue on his name?" Killian asked with a raised brow from his bed where he was sitting up with his arm in a sling, nursing the canteen of water.

"No, which leaves us to having to challenge him as the only option."

"Brilliant," Killian breathed deeply as his mouth became a thin line, Emma studied him from her spot on the foot of his bed. She could only imagine what was going through his mind after what happened.

"What if I challenge him and the three of you come in for an ambush," Liam suggested as he sat up straighter on the chair he had been occupying.

"I think that might be our best chance," Tink agreed. Emma felt useless. She couldn't do anything to help this fight.

Emma listened in and out on their conversations taking mental notes of the plan. Listing the things she wouldn't be able to do. As for now, it sounded like she and Killian would be a distraction after the "ambush".

Killian's stomach growled, leaving them all snickering until they realised how late it had gotten. Tink rose quickly declaring it time to get dinner ready.

"So, Killian, huh?" Tink asked when it was just the two of them by the fire, making stew. Liam and Killian by the bed lost in their own conversation.

"What?" Emma asked suspiciously watching Tink's sly face.

"I heard you two last night."

Emma grew incredibly self conscious.

"You like him…"

"What? We're friends," Emma stammered. "Of course I like him."

"I mean I think you have feelings for him," Tink said with a roll of her eyes."

Emma would have blushed if she could with the way this conversation went. "Tink, even if I did, I really can't think about that right now; there is too much going on. I just need to worry about my family."

"Alright, alright," Tink conceded with a smile.

Maybe Emma did have feelings for him, but that was not something she was ready to admit even to herself. It wouldn't lead anywhere. She was a swan, after all.

/-/

Killian sat up for the second time in over a day, with a spell book on his lap, and his arm in a sling. His head had spun at first, but it had gradually lessened. He had to regain some strength. Tink was speaking to Emma in hushed tones as she made them dinner in the large pot over the fire. They had made their plans and tomorrow or the next day— depending on Killian's state— they would be going after the Dark One. What was he to do?

Every time he would so much as look at his arm, really look at it; he felt sick. His hand was gone. Nothing would be as simple as it was before. How long would it take for him to adjust? How did it look? His stomach churned at the thought. He didn't want Liam to go through something like this, too.

It suddenly made sense why so many people were stuck in this forest and missing pieces of themselves. The carriage driver was missing his leg and the woman with the eye patch. Everyone trapped in this forest no longer believed that they could get out because they all faced the Dark One. The forest taunted them, too—he couldn't completely remember his dream, other than a glimpse of Liam and a blonde chasing away the darkness. But he had awoken with a strange sense of dread he knew only would have been worse had they not interfered. He had hope.

However, that didn't keep Killian from not being happy with the plan. He really didn't want Liam going up against the Dark One. What if something terrible happened to him too, or worse? They truly would never leave this forest. Trapped here, broken with missing pieces just like everyone else. It was a wonder how Emma still believed she could get out of this forest after so much time spent here.

Emma hopped up onto the chair next to the bed after she walked away from Tink bringing Killian from his musings, not realising when Liam had left his side.

"How's the book?"

"Riveting, truly." He took a hand and raked it down his face. "I don't know how you read this stuff," he said with an exasperated breath.

"You get used to it," She said studying him. Killian continued to look at the book as his anxieties from the day still festered under his skin. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he replied with a down turn of his lips and a slight shake of his head, trying to play it off, but he knew it didn't fool her.

"Here's the thing; I'm pretty good at telling when someone's lying to me, and even if I wasn't: that was pretty bad. Want to try again?"

Killian regarded her with a raised brow. Emma just tilted her head in response, waiting for him to open up. "Just nervous is all. Especially, when I am essentially canon fodder and can't help my brother."

"If anyone is canon fodder, it's me. I'm a swan—I can't do much of anything," Emma said awkwardly, not used to the term.

"You've already saved our hides a number of times. You may be a swan, but underneath all that you are quite a brilliant princess."

"It's just a title; it won't get me anything here."

"No royal diplomatic skills to put into practice to ensure our escape?"

"Yeah, let's have a ball. Royals love to be wooed; maybe the same goes for the Dark One." Emma rolled her eyes.

Killian chuckled at her exasperated tone. "Have you endured many?"

"To be fair, they weren't that bad. I have some fond memories running around with one of my best friends and her sister. At least until we got caught. And then we had to behave ourselves. Dancing was fun though. I would stand on my father's feet sometimes as he led."

"Remind me not to dance with you, then. I've already lost the hand; best not take any chances with me feet." Killian smiled with a raised brow.

"Hey! I got better!"

"Mhm," he smiled, amused by her defensiveness. "You're going to have to prove it to me." He levelled her with a look he hoped was more flirtatious than serious with the sudden and very real desire he felt to dance with her. He wanted to know what she looked like; in his mind, it was like dancing with a ghost with features he couldn't make out.

"Fine. First ball we have once this is all over, you're on." Her words thrilled him. He may not be able to picture it now but, one day it would happen.

"I'll hold you to it."

"After my father of course."

"But of course. I'll give you all the time you need to warm up—I'm not taking any chances."

"Do you even know how to dance?" Emma scoffed.

"I know how to dance around the deck of a swaying ship; I'm sure I could figure out how to waltz quickly enough."

"I guess we will just have to see about that."

Tink cleared her throat, shifting his attention from Emma to the ex-fairy and Liam. Killian felt the beginnings of a blush on his checks.

"Are you two ready for dinner?" Tink asked with a smile that suggested she knew something.

"Aye," Killian said quickly. Emma jumped off from the chair, and suggested that Liam take it. He did, bringing over two bowls, handing one to Killian as he took the empty seat. After shutting the book, Killian took the bowl and placed it on top. He was ready to use his left hand until he remembered himself, and he felt the colour drain from his face. For a moment he forgot. For a moment he was ready to hold the bowl close to him, but he couldn't. His handless arm was useless in the sling.

"Brother, you alright?" Liam asked, worried.

"Aye, just a lightheaded for a moment," he brushed off, staring at the soup.

"Eat up; it will help. It's a miracle you don't have a fever."

Killian looked to Liam and he hoped his unease didn't show on his face

"Not a miracle, just my potion expertise," Tink interjected with a proud smile from her spot perched on the table near the fire. Killian was thankful for the interruption.

"Aye, thank you, lass," Liam said with a small smile.

Tink beamed back at them both.

They finished their dinner musing over some of their colourful tales from the forest. Tink was greatly amused by Liam's almost-marriage. Emma would add her own points of view to some of their tales as well as sharing her own.

It turned out to be a surprisingly pleasant evening, when Killian was able to forget, that is.

/-/

Liam sat outside in the frigid air, staring at the night sky. The clouds that lingered from yesterday's storm had finally vanished. Sitting at the right angle he could see a good deal of stars between the trees that were missing most of their leaves. The stars helped calmed his nerves. Tomorrow they would go off to face the Dark One. Killian had reassured them all that he would be strong enough.

The stubborn git showed them all by getting out of bed after dinner. Liam was happy to see his brother finally walking around, but the sway in his steps had him worried. It took him a minute to get his bearings and he did do better, but he tired so quickly. Liam hoped that after a full night's rest he would be ready, at least he didn't have too big of a role to play tomorrow.

Tink came out from the house and took a seat next to him.

"What brings you out here?" Liam asked, craning his neck to look at her.

"Killian's clothes." She gestured to the jacket and vest hanging from a line that ran from the closest tree to the house. Liam could see, even in the starlight, that the jacket and vest were still stained. "And I wanted to check on you. How are you holding up?"

"I'm not the one you have to worry about."

"Killian is asleep and Emma is watching over him, so you're next on the list."

"You don't have to do this, you know."

"You're Emma's friends. And Emma's friends are my friends."

Liam let out a huff of a laugh.

"What's so funny?"

Liam played with the hem of his sleeve before responding. "I wanted to blame Emma for all of this but I truly can't."

"Why?" Tink asked gently. "I know what happened with the Blind Witch, but was that really what drove him to challenge the Dark One? I mean I know they like each other, but—"

"No, but I do think that played a slight role." Liam did not feel like reliving his greatest failure, but Tink kept pushing. And maybe she did deserve to know after all she had done for them.

Tink stared at him with a raised brow.

"I'm the reason he was upset. I had lied to him and finally came clean. Emma pushed me to do it."

"You want to be mad at Emma because she told you to tell the truth?"

"I know how it sounds and I don't want to feel that way."

"It's okay, I get it. But Killian is old enough to make his own decisions. Let's also not forget that it was the Dark One wielding the sword."

"Aye," Liam sighed.

"We'll get the bastard tomorrow. As a united front. He's the one to blame."

"What are your plans when you get out of here?"

"Actually, I'm not leaving."

"Really?"

"I actually came into these woods on purpose." Liam shifted his body so his shoulder was leaning against the house, giving her his full attention. "You know I was a fairy…"

"What happened? If you don't mind me asking, that is."

"I actually tried to help Regina against my superior's wishes… and she screwed me over, of course." Tink shrugged it off, but Liam knew it still hurt.

"I'm sorry."

"I came here to try to help people with out my magic and actually make a difference. Help those who needed it. So, I'm going to help you all escape but then I'm staying. Too many people have been terrorised by these dark woods and are still."

"That's very noble of you."

"Noble, or self-serving?"

"Do you expect to be welcomed back as a fairy?"

"No, but I do hope that one day maybe…"

"You are very compassionate, Tink, and you aren't boasting about your good deeds. I think it's noble," Liam said with a smile.

Tink smiled back as she leaned back against the house. "Thank you, Liam." She stayed a moment before getting back up to collect Killian's clothes.

"Don't stay out too long," Tink said with a smile before disappearing back into the house.

Liam sighed staring up at the trees once more. He didn't have the best feeling about facing the Dark One, but he hoped it was only his nerves. A chill ran through him, and he quickly rose from the ground and went back into the cottage, unaware of the pair of eyes that watched from the cover of the bushes.


A/N: Thanks for reading and reviews; always means a lot! I hoped you liked this chapter! I'm very excited for the next one :) Thanks again to Spartanguard for betaing!