A/N: Hi Everyone! Long time, no see, right? I recently started college again and I am bogged down by homework! Plus, writer's block is not my friend. Nevertheless, it's here! Afterwards, I would love to hear what you think! Reviews and/or PM's help me make this story better for you guys! Don't forget to favorite and/or follow this story if you haven't already! Here we go—Chapter 11!
Disclaimer: If I owned anything from OUAT, I wouldn't have to go to Anatomy class
Chapter 11
The hairs of chestnut on the pirate's head stand up as a gust of wind sails through the land of Camelot. Like a fog that vanishes from the sea, magic lifts Killian Jones' curse. No longer does he hear the dreadful and exasperating voices that plague his soul. No longer does he feel the poisonous breath and presence of the demon. When his orbs of sapphire flutter open, he finds himself encased in his lover's arms.
The sound of fireworks exploding rumble in the distance while Killian remains entangled in Emma's lips. The clouds of darkness continue to relinquish their hold as the pirate clutches the Savior more tightly, unwilling to let go. If this is some kind of torturous dream, he doesn't ever want to wake up.
"Killian," Emma whispers. But the Dark One doesn't hear her as he plunges deeper and fights the pain that threatens to destroy his fantasy. "Killian, if you squeeze me any tighter, you're going to suffocate me."
Instantly, the pirate hears his love and releases her, slowly opening his eyes. When they meet the stars he sees her emerald eyes gazing into his. To his joy, his angel rescues him from the pit of despair. His only hand caresses her cheek to touch her and know that she is real.
"Is it really you?"
The softness of her skin, the silky strands of honey curled around her countenance, and the insane color of her eyes draw Killian from the darkness to the light. When he sacrificed himself, Killian wondered if he would ever see Emma again. But she brings the man behind the beast back because she never lost her faith.
"It's me. I'm here," she replies, enveloping Killian in her arms. She feels the cold steel of his hook clasp her shoulder blade as she reverberates her words.
Pain buries itself in his features. Though the darkness seems to have weaken its grasp over Killian, Emma fears it will not last. Any second, he could slip back into its trap in the chasms of his mind. But for this moment, Killian is hers.
"You found me."
"Of course I did," Emma answers, her grin growing.
"I thought I was never going to see you again."
"And I was never going to let that happen."
The melody of the night echoes through the forest as the lovers finally lessen their hold. Their joyful reunion remains short-lived. When Killian draws back from Emma, he finally notices her wound.
"You're hurt."
The Savior's hand lands on her chest. Against her soft skin, a gluey substance flows. When she lifts her fingers up, blood smears their crevices.
"It's nothing," she immediately responds, seeing the guilt on Killian's face rooting through.
"No!" he shouts, shaking his head. "I hurt you."
"Killian, I'm fine," she reassures him. "It's just a flesh wound."
The moments before he awoke flash in his mind. The sword on her chest, blood dripping, and the terror scarred on Emma's features, haunt the pirate. He promised himself to love and protect his precious Swan, but his darkness nearly ended her life.
"I—I could've killed you."
"Killian—"
"No!" he responds, distancing himself from his precious Swan. "I'm supposed to protect you. You trusted me and I failed you."
"Killian, that was the darkness within you," the Savior explains. "The only reason I gave you the sword was because I knew you wouldn't kill me."
"And what happens next time, Emma?! What happens when the darkness overpowers me and I can't save you?"
"That's not going to happen—"
"Swan, you don't know that!" he shouts, rising from the crumpled flowers. "Just stay back!"
"Please calm down—"
"I don't want to hurt you!"
The pirate lengthens the space between them as guilt substitutes his anger and hatred. The demon is nowhere in sight, but darkness lurks in the shadows. One by one, the torturous voices begin to creep back into his mind. Each one reminding him that he will always be a villain.
Not a moment passes by before Emma perceives the dread sculpted on the pirate's features. He trembles and crowds his arms in the opposition direction, cowering. The fear that devours him resembles her own when she battled the Snow Queen. Like Killian did for her, all Emma wants is to hold him close and reassure him that he is not alone and she is not afraid.
But as she steps closer, Killian flinches, alienating himself from her warmth and love. Now fully aware of what his capabilitieswith darkness in his heart, the pirate remains terrified that he will hurt her. Just as she goes to comfort him, Emma's internal alarms go off. The wind howls as she detects the sound of twigs snapping. It must be a patrol or search party, making the Savior realize they will not be alone for much longer.
"We have to get out of here."
The sound of horse hooves trampling through the forest and flickers of torches held by soldiers slip into the captain's view. In moments, the Knights of Camelot will stumble upon the sleeping guards and discover the Dark One's whereabouts. As they draw closer, Emma reacts by mounting her horse and hurrying over to the Dark One.
"Killian, let's go!"
His sapphires concentrate on the stain of blood on her outstretched hand. Tremors soar through his body, unable to tear his eyes away from the pain he inflicted on her. Though there is trust and forgiveness in her countenance, the pirate barely summons the strength to take the lifeline.
"Killian, look at me, not my hand," the Savior whispers harshly against the growing voices. "I'm okay. We're going to be okay. Trust me."
The window of opportunity closes. Though the company of knights march closer, Emma refuses to leave Killian. Her devotion to him feels humbling. Though he cannot quell his guilt, the pirate will not cannot lose his Swan again.
"Come with me," she pleads.
Taking her hand, Killian climbs up behind Emma. Without hesitation, she charges the steed forward. Just as the glow of fire breaks through the tree line, they disappear into the dense forest. Though they are together again, the darkness searches for a new way to tear them apart.
The doors of the emergency room slide open as the mayor's heels click down the hallway. Regina's head aches and her tear-stained cheeks shine through the piles of foundation she painted on them. Since her conversation with the Merrymen's leader the night before, she spent most of her time tossing and turning in her bed. She exhausts herself as she tries to determine any other possible alternative to what she is about to do. Those Robin is willing, Regina can't bear to watch him lose his child forever.
Maleficent's constant nagging and phone calls only weighed her down more. When they left the hospital, she chose to venture out and find another way to Camelot, while Regina returned to her vault. But her persistent demands for an update cause the mayor to ignore Maleficent for the time being.
Desperate to stay awake and compose coherent thoughts, Regina drops by the coffee bar and helps herself to a generous amount of the complimentary drink. Her decision to give Zelena her freedom wavers when she glances down the hallway to see Robin already standing at the nurse's station, holding a piece of paper in his hand. The opaque liquid streams into styrofoam as Regina recognizes the parchment is a sonogram, recalling the one that Mary Margaret showed her once when she was pregnant with Neal.
From where she stands, his stoic features exude confidence to everyone that passes by him. But knowing him so well, Regina detects his shaking fingers unable to conceal the inner anguish that hides beneath the surface. As the energizing liquid slips down her throat, her past regret tastes worse than any cup of black coffee ever could.
"Ready, Regina?"
The queen rotates to find Mary Margaret removing a cream-colored scarf from her neckline. Though she manages a reassuring smile, her somber mood looks evident.
"Nope," Regina answers, shaking her head and staring down the hallway at Robin. "I can't believe it's come to this."
"Do you think Zelena will keep her word?"
The queen proceeds to take a deep breath. "As long as we keep ours."
If this conversation took place two years ago, Regina knows that her balls of fire would've destroyed Mary Margaret in an instant. Between them, they shared an ocean's length of resentment and anger. But that all changed when Emma broke the curse and gently reminded them of the power of forgiveness. Now with their past behind them, an uncertain future sails straight towards them.
When Mary Margaret enfolds her hand around Regina's, they summon the courage to amble down the hallway towards the thief. As they approach, Robin stuffs the parchment in his pocket and greets the former royals with a grim smile. He seems to be purposely concealing the sonogram, but Regina doesn't say anything, preferring not to add to his pain. It is the first time she notices that he brings his wood-carved bow and sharpest arrows. Though likely a precaution, Regina has no doubt that if Zelena bluffs and the slippers stay hidden, one of those arrows will be meant for her.
"Good morning, Robin," Mary Margaret says.
"Morning," he huffs, barely keeping it together. The weight of the situation crushes the thief's shoulder. By doing this, they may help Emma get Hook back, but Robin loses so much more.
Turning his attention towards Regina, the thief asks, "Is everyone in place?"
"Yes," the mayor nods. "We have David and Henry on speed dial. They'll let us know when they have the shoes in their possession."
Satisfied with her answer, Robin marches toward the stairway that leads to the psychiatric ward and beckons for Regina to follow. In moments, everything changes. With their ticket to Camelot, and Zelena getting everything she ever wanted, the Queen's heart aches. By taking her child away, not only will Zelena destroy Robin's life, but Regina's as well as she forces the couple to pick up the broken pieces of her aftermath.
With the hum of the buttons beneath her fingers granting her entry, Regina leads the group down the stairwell into the all too familiar ward. The dreary, pallid walls and scuffed floors reflect their inner agony. It is the last place any of them want to be.
"Good morning, Madam Mayor," the nurse welcomes.
"I need Zelena's key," Regina responds, not wishing to indulge in petty banter and delay the inevitable.
The nurse seems caught off guard, but obediently hands over what she demands. Marching down the hallway, Regina unlocks the cell door and enters what she feels is the seventh circle of hell.
Inside, Zelena perches on her bench and picks at her breakfast. "Gina!" she greets, a faux smile spreading across her features. "I know you think I like the color green more than anything, but I was really hoping for some of Granny's pancakes, instead of whatever poison this is."
"It's called scrambled egg whites and kale," Regina replies. "It's locally grown and very healthy."
"It's called rubbish," Zelena pouts, just as Robin and Snow make their way into the crowded cell. "Well if it isn't the whole gang of misfits! I'm starting to think that I really should find more objects of your interest. Otherwise, I'll never get any visitors."
"Enough with the games, Sis."
"Zelena," Robin interjects. "I know we've had our differences, but please, I am asking you, don't do this to our child."
"My child," she seethes, correcting him. "And I'm not doing anything. I'm getting my freedom and the baby's. If you think that being raised by heroes to eat scrambled egg whites and live up to a higher standard is a life that's desirable, you're sadly mistaken."
"Our child deserves its best chance!" barks Robin. "A good life, knowing it is loved."
"And it will! My little munchkin will have its mother to provide for its every need."
"That's not what I'm saying," Robin replies, anger boiling behind his voice.
Zelena tips her chin up as her eyes narrow. "Oh I know what you meant, darling. But if you want the shoes, you're going to have to take this cuff off of me. You can keep the child if you just leave me in this cell. But from what I hear, then that would leave poor little Emma to face the big, bad, Dark One all alone."
With Robin's stunned silence, the grin on Zelena's cheeks grows wider. Triumphantly, she sticks out her hand and motions for her half-sister to remove the cuff. One move and Regina decides the fate of Robin's child.
"Regina there has to be another way," Snow whispers, shaking her head.
Unfortunately, their quiet conversation catches the Wicked Witch's ear. "There isn't!" she replies. "Unless you've got a magic bean of course. Oh that's right! None of you have one!"
"I wouldn't be so sure."
Immediately, Regina's gaze shoots towards the doorway to find Maleficent standing there. Her lips stay pursed as a scowl paints her features. Between her fingers, the former Queen of darkness holds a precious magic bean.
"Well Regina, it's so nice to see you're alive and well," she remarks, sarcasm in her tone. "I was so worried when you didn't return any of my phone calls."
The group remains frozen from shock. Even Zelena cannot believe her eyes. When Maleficent motions for Regina to meet with her outside in the hallway, the former Evil Queen doesn't hesitate.
"This better not be some sick joke," Regina states, closing the door to give them some privacy.
"Oh, the bean is real," Maleficent answers.
"You had it this whole time?!"
"No, actually, your pirate did."
Regina's dark irises widen at the realization. "What do you mean?"
"Well while you were nowhere to be seen last night, I had a nice long chat with your son, Henry," Maleficent explains. "He told me all about how Hook traded his ship for a magic bean to bring Miss Swan back to Storybrooke. I bargained that he had another one. I searched through the pirate ship, and found I was right, which you would've known if you would ever bother to answer your phone."
"But why would he never tell us?"
"Maybe he was saving it for a rainy day."
"Well its storming like hell, so perfect timing, I guess."
Regina's eyes never leave the bean. She pinches herself to insure that this isn't a dream. It's impossible to imagine how something so tiny could be so precious. But in moments, her eyes glare up at her old friend, knowing that with such a powerful sorceress, there is always more than what meets the eye.
"What do you want?"
"For what?" Maleficent questions, slightly taken aback. "The bean? Nothing."
"With you there always seems to be a catch."
"What I want is to see my daughter again. She has grown up never feeling loved or accepted by anyone, and no child should ever have to feel like that. I won't lose my daughter, your son can't lose his mom, and I think—Robin's child shouldn't have to grow up without him."
Maleficent presses the their ticket to Camelot into the Mayor's hands. A small smile sprouts on Regina's features. Perhaps her ally does have a softened heart. After all Regina did to her, Maleficent's gift means more to her than she will ever know.
"Ow! Geez!" Emma shouts as the rough cloth cleanses her wound. "I didn't think that would hurt so bad."
When she meets Killian's gaze, his mixed emotions of pain and concern rise to the surface. "I could use magic to heal it," he mumbles, dipping the cloth in a cup with their last amount of water.
"No," she responds, groaning. "You can't use dark magic. Besides, you're almost done."
The brief exchange of words is the first either speak since they left the Sorcerer's tree. Being the only hiding place she knows and with an impending storm approaching, the Savior and her Captain take shelter in the Apprentice's house. The flare of fire from Emma's candle is the only light within the house's walls. As its beams dance across the ceiling, the flame illuminates the pirate's cold features.
How did they get here? It seems like only hours ago Emma celebrated their victory at Granny's and fussed over the jukebox. Now, she hides in enemy territory, with the only person she trusts barely saying a word.
From the pirate's wilting features, Emma doesn't have to guess what he thinks about. Once again, Killian locks himself in the chasms of his mind and chains himself to his regret. Though he wants to isolate himself from the outside world, the Savior refuses to let him be alone.
"Killian," she finally whispers, snaking her fingers into his own. "Talk to me."
Dressing her wound, the pirate stares at it, unable to meet her gaze. Goodness, heroism, and light radiate just from her gentle tone. She is an example of everything Killian strives for, but what the darkness reminds him he will never be.
"Whatever it is, whatever you've done, just know that I've already forgiven you."
"Oh Swan," he chokes, failing to contain his grief. "If only you knew."
"Then tell me."
He wants to reject her advances, her pleas for answer, but cannot. More than anyone, Emma is the first person in hundreds of years that detects the pain he buries beneath his tough exterior. Even if he tries, she discovers the truth one way or another.
"How long was I out? How long was I under the darkness' control?"
"About four days, since you left Storybrooke."
"Then that's how long I've been killing," the pirate admits.
"Who?" Emma asks, keeping her voice monotone in order to hide her shock.
"Innocents! Even children! All the villages I passed, I burned their homes and crushed their hearts like a monstrous villain."
As to whether the screams she heard in her dream and episodes were real, the Savior finally gets her answer. No longer does hate seethe in the Dark One's words or emotions. Before her stands a broken man who only wishes to forget.
"Killian, that wasn't you," Emma says, trying to console him.
"But it was, Swan!" he shouts as he rises from his seat and dismisses her comforting touch. "It was by my hand they suffered and died! I was so focused on getting my revenge and finding my happy ending, I forever ruined theirs."
"The darkness lied to you."
"But I let it!"
"To save me!" Emma cries, standing up before calming herself down. "You did it to save everyone. If you hadn't sacrifice yourself, who knows what the darkness would've done to Storybrooke. You are a hero."
Her words make Killian's chest tighten. Emma always sees the best in him, and he usually believes her. But after his crimes, letting the darkness use him to destroy the surrounding kingdom, to call himself a hero only brings enormous pain.
"And what happens if I go back under?" he asks her. "What happens when I give in to darkness?"
Despite his best intentions, fear etches his face. He loves her, his Swan, more than anything. He can't lose her. Though the darkness retreats defeated in this battle, it refuses to lose the war. His heart can't bear to imagine what he might do to his Swan or other innocent people when he returns to the darkness' influence.
"You won't," Emma reassures him, wrapping her hands around both hand and hook. "I'm here. I'll help you, Lily will help you. You're not alone."
Unable to believe her words, Killian's irises lock onto hers. "Emma, you don't understand. There is a demon on my shoulders. A thirst for revenge continuously surges through my veins. Hundreds of voices tempt and beg me to give in, wanting nothing more than to crush my soul until I can't breathe. I'm trying, I'm trying so hard, but I—I can't hold the darkness off forever."
The darkness finds its newest and perhaps deadliest weapon. Emma watches it use Killian's guilt to drag her pirate back into the shadows. The Dark One may be awake and able to remember who she is, but his fight remains far from over. She waited for this moment since the darkness' vortex disappeared from the streets of Storybrooke. She may have him back, but Killian is not the same.
"Killian," she whispers, as the thunder roars. "When you bought that house for us in Storybrooke, do you wanna know my first thought was?"
"What?"
"I was terrified, because I felt like it was a big step. But then I realized why you did it. You see a future for us. And despite what has happened, I still see that future."
"Do you really think we can go back to some perfect, white picket fence life?" the pirate questions, anguish clouding his vision.
Even through the hurt, pain, and regret that they both endure, Emma's belief does not waver. "It won't be some perfect picket fence life. It may not always be happy." she replies, with a faint smile blooming. "But I can promise you it will be full of love and—it'll be ours. So help me fight for it."
At her words, the pirate's lip quivers. In her hold, his hand trembles. Barely able to mutter the words, Killian whispers to her.
"Emma, I'm scared."
A single tear escapes the lid of her emeralds as she clings to his neck for dear life. She holds it together. Her emotions always remain intact for her family, for Regina, and for Henry as much possible. She tries to exude confidence and hope that victory regards them with favor. Even in his darkest hour, her darkest hour, full of uncertainty she tries to hold it all together for Killian, but can no longer. In the pirate's embrace, her dams break and her walls crumble. Letting her emotions out, she whispers into Killian's ear and finally confesses her secret.
"I'm scared too."
She wants to take away his fear and his pain. The growing threat looms just outside the door, but in this moment, with his heart beating against her own, they are together. Closing her eyes, tears silently flow down the Savior's face.
Moments pass by, but neither of them move. All they want is each other as hopelessness swirls around them. Part of Emma wonders if their nightmare will ever come to the end. Just as she feels her broken heart can take no more, a thread of light blooms. Like a lighthouse that pierces through the storm, Emma hears Killian's voice say something she aims to never forget.
"Emma, listen to me. I want you be certain that no matter what happens to me, I will never stop fighting for us. I find my way back to you. All you have to do is trust me."
Unlike previous times, for Emma there is no hesitation, no fear in responding to Killian's words. Even in the uncertainty, her pirate never fails her. But just as she is about to form the words of belief on her lips, she no longer feels his warm breath on her shoulder or his hand stroking her back. In fact, she no longer feels him at all. When she opens her eyes, she stands surrounded only by silence and loneliness.
Because Killian Jones vanishes into thin air.
A/N: Cliffhanger! I really do love Captain Swan, I promise. Chapter 11 is complete! I would love to hear your thoughts about it. Also, I'd love to know, who is your favorite pairing on the show (CaptainSwan, Rumbelle, OutlawQueen, etc)? I think it's pretty obvious which one I LOVE, but I would love to know which one is the most popular. I am super busy right now, but I will do my best to update when I can. Next chapter we find out what happened to Killian and get to see some more of Lily. You're not going to want to miss it! So don't forget to favorite and/or follow this story to be alerted when this story updates.
Until next time,
C.M. Singer:)