AN: I am soooooo sorry it has taken me so long to update this story. I know some people get frustrated when authors don't update regularly. I thank everyone who is reading, following and adding this story to their favorites. It really means a lot to me. Thank you. So anyway, here is the new chapter. I am not sure how I feel about it. I do hope you guys enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I still do not own Once or its characters

CHPT 11

Engulfed in shimmering gold smoke, Rumplestiltskin, also known as Mr. Gold or The Dark One, materialized on the Storybrooke harbor. Cora had told him the location of Hook's ship and she was right. Even though he could not see the vessel, Gold could feel the magic on his skin. This was definitely the right place. With a snap of his fingers, Mr. Gold removed the cloaking spell revealing his prize. He took a moment to admire the large pirate ship. It was a fine vessel. Once he killed Hook, Gold would keep the ship and sail around the world with his love, Belle, by his side.

As Gold appeared on the main deck of the ship, he heard a familiar and hated voice. He turned around to see his enemy standing before him. Captain Hook was decked out in the usual black leathers with a smug arrogant grin on his face.

"I have been expecting you" said Hook.

"Here I am"

"Indeed" Hook responded "How is your girlfriend these days? Is she still having trouble with her memory?"

"She is non of your concern" replied Gold "This ship will make a lovely addition to my collection"

"You will have this ship over my dead body"

"That's the plan"

"Let us settle this feud once and for all" the pirate suggested a battle to the death. No magic allowed "just a good old fashion duel" said Hook.

"I do not need magic to kill you"

"Funny. That's not how I remember it" Hook said mocking the Gold's past.

At the mention of his cowardice, Gold finally gave in to the rage boiling in his veins and drew a long sword from his cane. He advanced on the pirate with brutal force, causing him to retreat backward, with only his hook to defend himself. Over the years the Captain perfected using the steel weapon connected to his arm and was able to quickly block each jab and swing of Gold's sword.

The two scoundrels moved swiftly around the ship, both fighting for vengeance of lost loves. With each punch, jab and swing of the sword and hook, they vowed to end each others lives. Hook managed to gain the upper hand on Gold and with a quick step to the side, the pirate stabbed his enemy under the rib cage. Gold was stunned. He dropped his weapon and looked down at the wound; blood was seeping through his white button up shirt.

"Why can't I heal?" asked the sorcerer as he tried using his magic to patch up his injury.

"It seems that I have a trick up my sleeve old man" Hook said "a very rare and potent poison is now working it's way through your system. Soon you will be weakened and your organs will shut down and you will die"

Gold's eyes widen with fear. He wasn't ready to die. Not with out saying goodbye to Belle. Already beginning to feel weak, Gold fell to his knees, clutching at the wound in his side.

"Painful isn't it" said Hook "You deserve it after all you have done. You ruined people's lives and now you will finally pay for your crimes"

Before Gold could respond to the pirate, a swirl of blue smoke brought Cora to the main deck of the ship, to stand next to Hook.

"Good job captain" Cora complemented her villainous friend.

"Thank you love"

"What's going on" asked Gold. He was staring up into Cora's cold haunted eyes and his heart sank. "You betrayed me"

"Of course I did" Cora said "And now I will kill you and become the most powerful witch that ever existed."

The dagger instantly appeared in the palm of Cora's hands. She read the inscription carved into the blade "Rumplestiltskin." Gold's body went ridged. He was now under the control of the evil sorceress. A single tear slid down Gold's cheek, for Belle. Cora lifted the dagger to stab the Dark One through his heart "Goodbye, old friend and thank you for your sacrifice"

In a split second, Hook was on the lying on the floor of the main deck, with an arrow sticking out of his shoulder. The dagger had vanished from Cora's hands just before it reached Gold's chest. "NO!" screamed the witch. Cora looked up to see Snow White, with her bow at the ready. Emma and Regina were standing beside her.

"Regina" spat Cora "Give me back the dagger and I will spare your life"

"That's not going to happen, mother" said Regina "I cannot allow you to become the Dark One"

"You are no match for me"

"No I am not but we are" said Regina. Snow let loose another arrow, aimed for Cora's face. The witch deflected it easily but the arrow was only a distraction. Emma and Regina sent a forceful pulse of energy strait into Cora's chest. The witch's body was flung overboard, landing her somewhere in the middle of the ocean.

"Holy Shit" Emma exclaimed.

"Is she dead?" Snow asked.

"I don't know" said Regina.

"Well, I don't want to wait around to find out" said Snow "Let's get out of here"

The threesome approached Mr. Gold, who was now lying on his back, shirt covered in blood. Regina instinctively leaned down to try to heal the wound.

"It's useless. I already tried" Gold croaked "I have been poisoned"

"I'm sorry" said Regina. She wasn't sure why she said it. She hated Gold and on more than one occasion wished the man was dead.

"Come on Regina" said Emma "We need to go"

"We are taking him with us" Regina stated and before anyone could argue, they vanished from the ship in a swirl of purple smoke, transporting them back to the mayoral mansion.