Author's Note: So apparently my muse is back, but temperamental. Here's a VERY short little piece that takes place at the end of 5x08 based on the quote above. I'd love prompts to get back in my groove. Hope you like it :)
"Killian, no. You can't do this!" Emma pleads
"And why the bloody hell not?" He demands, leering, "I'm not your dirty little secret, Swan. Soon all of Storybrooke will know the truth about you." Killian steps around Emma and stalks out the door, after Zelena.
"No! Killian! Don't do this! Please!" Emma calls after him, but it's too late.
By the time the squid ink wears off, Zelena and Hook are long gone, as well as all of the dream catchers. Little did they know, she had them right where she wanted them. After all, she had left that particular one out for a reason. Emma smirks, waiting for the chaos of the returned memories to ensue.
-/-
Okay, so maybe this wasn't her original plan, but what's so bad about a little improvisation? Emma tried rationalizing, clinging to the ring around her neck. At least the darkness will be vanquished for good. Once again, Emma Swan decides to sacrifice herself to save the ones she loves from the darkness. There's no going back now.
Meanwhile, Regina, having had a wide variety of dream catchers appear before her, was returning everyone's memories from Camelot. Killian quickly ditched the witch, and doubled back to Emma's (their) house.
He came to spy on her, to see what the "Dark Swan" was up to, but all he sees when he steps up to the window is a shadow, pacing. His breath catches when she steps into the light, the tears in her eyes, on her cheek practically glow in the moonlight. Her hair is free of the intricate updo, falling gently around her face. But the glint of the ring, his ring, pressed against her lips, is what breaks him.
He vows then and there to do everything in his power to save the woman he loves, even if it means that he'll be the one to be cut down by Excalibur. His first stop, Rumpelstiltskin.