Emma couldn't help let a smile escape her lips looking up from her text book at Killian distracting her not a difficult task but he was exceptionally good at it, he squinted and huffed trying to get through his biology homework. Study hall was a good time to catch up on coursework somehow even though they'd only been back for a week Emma was falling behind and she certainly couldn't focus right now. Every time she looked up at him any simple mundane thing Killian did captivated her, well more than her homework did, right now he was frowning down at the worksheet with a pen in his mouth.
"You want some help"
"Fifteen years of high school still haven't figured out basics of biology"
"You'll get it, trust me"
"It's cute that you believe that, but if I haven't got it now I never will"
"Well from what I heard you weren't in class enough"
"I was more focused on the all consuming revenge" Killian said like it was a joke
"Killian, are you ok it's not good to just stuff down all your emotions and pretend they don't exist"
"Really Swan, maybe you should take your own advice"
"What's that supposed to mean"
The bell rung signalling the end of class everyone rushed to their feet Killian followed suit picking up his books and heading for the door.
"Saved by the bell" he smirked
"You're lucky" Emma rolled her eyes but if she was being honest she knew exactly what he was referring too.
Emma waited patiently by her locker for Elsa who had told her to meet her here. She was taking her sweet time the hall had almost cleared out everyone was outside enjoying the sun it hadn't been around much lately it was finally warming up the promise of summer not far down the road making Emma feel hopeful like everything would get better because the sky was clear and the sun shined brighter. Emma just wanted to enjoy the day but when Mulan appeared in front of her all of a sudden looking worried she reminded herself that believing the seasons can effect whether or not you're going to have a good day or bad was just a superstition.
"Come with me"
"What is it?"
"I just bumped into someone from Elsa's class I think she's in trouble"
"Lead the way"
"What's going on?"Killian asked as they walked past he started to follow
"Not really sure"
"I guess we'll find out" Ruby rolled her eyes she new things had been to quiet around here.
The hallway was empty the usual noise created by a corridor full of teenagers was completely clear it was sort of eerie or maybe it just felt that way because they all knew something was wrong the four of them walk through Mulan and Emma leading the way to Elsa. The door to room 5B was still open and looked dishevelled chairs knocked over this must be place Emma hesitantly walked inside quickly scanning the room for her friend. Elsa was sitting in the corner staring blankly ahead she hadn't even noticed her friends come in until Emma spoke.
"Elsa what" Emma was about to ask then she saw him Mr Hopper lying unconscious right in front of Elsa, behind his desk.
"I sorry I didn't mean too" Elsa cried backing away from them "He just went crazy yelling at me throwing things I thought, I thought he was going to hurt me I just reacted"
"It's ok you didn't do anything wrong"
"How do you know you didn't see it?"
"I know you"
"He's fine just knocked out" Killian said going over to check on him
"Elsa its ok you won't hurt us" Emma stepped closer holding out her hand to comfort her friend. Elsa breathed in standing out up trying to calm herself she came a bit closer.
"That's strange Mr Hopper usually so calm" Killian mused
"It was weird he just changed like someone flipped a switch"
"Well let's take him out of here because I can't stand that smell" Ruby grimaced
"What Smell?"
"You seriously can't smell that" Ruby walked over to Archie's desk holding her noise it was certainly potent that's for sure it was coming from the mug on his desk filled with a very strange looking purple tea. "Damm wolf senses" Ruby mumbled
"That doesn't look like any tea I ever seen" Mulan frowning at the strange gewy mess.
"What is this" Ruby held the cup up away from her nose to show everyone
"It might be what made Mr Hopper lose it"
"I think I know where can get some answers" Emma grabbed the cup making her way to the exit.
Ruby stayed behind with the still unconscious teacher waiting for the nurse not wanting to be around that smell any longer while the others followed Emma. They had no idea where they were going until they reached the library it was empty of course no one spends the free time couped up in here on a sunny day like this except for Mrs French.
"You think will find out who poisoned the cricket in here"
"No but we might find out what the poison is, have you noticed the books in here I wouldn't be surprised if we find one on potions"
"You might be on to something Swan"
"Emma don't you think we should you know call your father, or the sheriff" Elsa asked
"What, no we can handle this"
"Yeah what's a little poisoning your average day in Storybrooke High?" Mulan questioned frowning at Emma nonchalant attitude to this mess. They made their way through the doors of the library they hadn't visited in a while it felt good to walk through past the desks and bean bags once again they usually spent so much time here surprisingly Emma found herself having missed it.
"Oh guys I've been meaning to talk to you" Belle came running over smiling
"It's been a while"
"Since everything happened it's been, well you know you never guess what I found in here though"
Belle prompted them to follow her she rushed off ahead to the back of the library through some of the more obscure rows of books down the end where no one every went it was all old texts books no one needed anymore but there was something new something out of place.
"Actually we came to ask for your help we were wondering if you have any books on potions?"
Emma stopped gawking so did the rest of the group they walk through a doorway that had never been there before into a whole new section of the library with rows and rows of books, exactly like Elsa's Storybook.
"What the" Elsa mouthed
The room was huge the roof looking higher than the rest of the building but that couldn't be possible you'd see it from outside and somehow seemed endless and there wasn't just storybooks but other books as well big, old and random ornaments even weapons the whole room was out of place with the rest of the library with its custom oak bookshelves and wooden desks it hadn't ever been cleaned but there was not a speck of dust like they had found some untouched haven of knowledge.
"What is this place" Killian asked cautious
"I'm not sure I haven't had time to really look around I only noticed it a few days ago I think it opened when you broke the curse" Belle looked at Emma.
"It's like a secret library" Mulan looked ahead curious about some of the ornaments.
Everyone wondered around looking at the items for a moment but Elsa wanted to get down to business her hands still shaking after what happened with Archie, Emma held her hand trying to steady Elsa.
"Any books in here that can help us with this" Emma held up the cup to show Belle who grimaced at the sight of the sickly potion.
"I don't know as I said haven't had chance look around been busy I wanted to talk to you about Rumple as well actually"
"Who now" Emma was unfamiliar with the nickname
"Mr Gold, we sort of have a history I've been spending time with him over the last few weeks I think he really wants to help with the night demon I thought something in here might give us some answers too"
"A history with the dark one usually isn't anything good" Killian tensed wondering what the crocodile had done to her.
"It's complicated"
"I think I know this story, tale as old as time" Emma was surprised realising what was going on
"Sort of the movie versions very different"
"Seems all the stories we know are far from the truth" Mulan was fixated but something she noticed in the corner an old sword with her family's crest on it she hadn't seen it in so many years she could still pictured hanging on her father's wall back home or what was her home it felt like a lifetime ago.
"What about Mr Gold"
"I know you don't trust his word and to be honest I feel he is keeping something from me but when it comes to stopping the noctis we all need to work together with his knowledge we can do it"
The group was silent for a moment they had been trying to find any information on the creature truth was no one knew anything the search was getting nowhere and they needed help if they were going to save anyone.
"I just want to know if any of these can help us now" Elsa sat down feeling guilty wanting to focus on what she knew was more important right now.
"Elsa this wasn't your fault someone did this and where going to figure it out"
"Maybe that's why this place is here to help us with this kind of problem" Belle tried to be positive
A book slid out of the shelf onto the floor with a loud thud everyone turned to look Emma picked up the book and it forced itself open to a specific page about a village a story of how it came to be destroyed.
"That was weird" Emma said closing not seeing the connection to the current predicament but the book wouldn't stay closed opening again to the same page.
"Seems like that story needs to be read love"
"Let me see" Elsa asked, Emma brought the book over to the desk and they started to read
"Hey Mrs French do you know anything about this sword" Mulan asked
"No I think some of these things belonged to people this library how they made their way back to them, have you seen it before"
"It was my father's"
"Then you should return it to him" Belle smiled picking up the sword heavier then she assumed losing her balance handing it to Mulan when she held it was with confidence the feeling just like she remembered.
"Thank you" Mulan said holding that sword felt so surreal she had forgotten what it was like smiling she tied it around her waist every day she was feeling more and more like her old self.
"Are you going to wear that around school" Killian asked smirking
"I doubt anyone would find it weird, this morning I saw a guy wearing his cloak to class"
"Seriously" Killian raised his eyebrows
"I can't believe your mocking me, Captain Hook" Mulan retorted sarcastically
"Guys stop bickering and come over here I think we found something" Emma prompted she and Elsa had finished reading the passage in the book.
"We weren't bickering "Mulan protested
"At first I thought it was unrelated but the story is about a village they had serious problems with crime and they wanted to put a stop to it they drank this special tea, made everyone express their truth, as the book so elegantly words it they thought it would help resolve conflict look at the picture seem familiar"
They all huddled around the book next to a small paragraph was a beautiful illustration of a family drinking tea around a table they seemed so happy the tea was an all too familiar colour of purple just like what they found in Archie's cup.
"So it's like a potion to get people to express their feeling" Mulan questioned
"It was created from this group of witch doctors who believed you find peace through anger" Emma added
"How'd that work out for them?" Killian asked not expecting it to end well
Elsa flipped the page over to see the end of the story it wasn't a pretty sight an entire village up in flames bodies everywhere, even children lying on the ground. Everyone was quiet for a moment letting it sink in it still didn't make sense why would someone want to do this to Archie. The tea brought the people of the village into an uncontrollable rage unable to see clearly enough to stop them from hurting others or themselves even going as far as to not even feel pain they were in before their injuries took their lives.
"This Storybooks very different from mine" Elsa cringed looking away
"They tore each other apart what will happen to Mr Hopper"
"Does it say anything about a cure?"
"Yes thankfully the family pictured earlier, the mother wanted to save her children she hadn't drunk the tea sensing its bad side effects so she created an herbal remedy and saved her family but they weren't lucky enough to save everyone"
"Great let's make Mr Hopper some tea, problem solved" Emma smiled
"Uh we don't even know who poisoned him I doubt he made the drink for himself" Mulan was feeling cautious why did they always have to be the ones getting into trouble she mused.
"We can find out" Emma added determined to find a simple fix to their current predicament.
"Wouldn't it be better if we told someone, got some help?" Killian tried to reason with her
"We can handle this, right" Emma asked looking at Belle who wasn't paying much attention looking at the ingredients for the herbal tea remedy.
"Yeah we can" Elsa agreed not seeing any danger in tackling this themselves.
"I know where I can get these ingredients won't take long" Belle finally looked up she just hoped Rumple would want to help.
"And I have no classes right now I'll stay here and help" Elsa added, it seemed all bases where covered as if on cue the bell rung they needed to head back to their afternoon classes.
"Come on Swan you don't want to be late for gym"
"Don't remind me" Emma rolled her eyes the only thing good about gym was it was one of the few classes she had with Killian
"You sure you won't need our help" Emma asked before leaving.
"We'll be fine just get to class you don't want to be getting in trouble again"
"Ok meet here after then"
Elsa nodded but she was preoccupied reading over the story once more still caught up on how this all happened worrying about what she did Elsa just wanted to keep it together her usual anxiety was becoming overwhelming right now she couldn't handle all this responsibility much longer.
Emma was expecting to see everyone making their way to their lockers however there seemed to still be a large crowd outside being very vocal, she could her voice yelling over the noise warning everyone to head back to class.
"To your lockers, break it up" Mary Margret yelled out as the crowd dispersed
"Looks like we missed a good old fashioned school yard punch on" Killian said observing the crowd.
"Well it's nice to know some things that happen in this school are normal"
"Quick let's get to gym"
"Never though I hear you say that"
Emma rolled her eyes even if she had to wear those ugly grey shorts and a tank top that was terribly inefficient and hiding anybody's sweet stains at least she had Killian with her through all team picking, ball throwing and running this afternoon would include however there was a certain feeling in the air with everyone making their way through the halls it was quieter than usual like the calm before a storm.
"Emma" Mary Margret called out coming towards them
"Mary Margret your still her I thought you had the afternoon off"
"I was on my way out when the fight started"
"Well everything's calmed down now"
"I don't know something doesn't feel right a few students out there where a bit on edge today"
Killian felt like saying something but he could tell Emma didn't want to besides no one else had drunk the tea so they couldn't be infected it must just be a coincidence. If the whole school hulked out it would be a whole other issue.
"You need this you've been coming home exhausted every day just go have you romantic picnic with David" Emma mocked there overwhelming corny romance smiling
"OK, I'll see you for dinner" Mary Margret waved goodbye
"You don't think you should have told her what's going on"
"Like I said, I can take care of this"
"I know, but Emma it doesn't hurt to ask for help"
"So now where asking for help I didn't hear you speaking up just now when Mrs French mentioned that we should reconsider Mr Golds help"
"That's different"
"The point is everything's fine" Emma and Killian walked into the gym filled with their classmates their conversation pushed away once again for another time when they were alone.
An afternoon off it felt wrong like she should go back in make sure everything was done surely she forgot something she must have Mary Margret went through it all in her head like a checklist, all she could picture was ticks and she had her phone if they needed to contact her she realised smiling. Mary Margret made her way to the front gate feeling a sense of calm it was quickly stolen away when she overheard an argument. The first women's voice Mary Margret recognised immediately as Regina's the other took her a moment but it clicked when she mentioned Emma's name.
"You think I'm a foul that I'll believe this just because you handed me a file that's not proof" Regina snarled
"It isn't but you know it's true you just won't admit it, because it changes everything"
"You don't know me that well, stay away or you'll regret it"
"No problem" Emily smirked
Regina stormed off back to her car Mary Margret thought it would be clear to make her way out pretending she hadn't heard anything but she stepped right in the path of the social worker looking at her she couldn't keeping it in that's what Mary Margret would do keep her head down stay out of it but she was Snow White and Snow White had something to say.
"Mrs Blanchard"
"Afternoon, Emily was it"
"Yeah good thing I ran into you I need to talk"
"I have some questions for you myself, why are you still in town we told you Lily's not here"
"Maybe not, but Lily's isn't the only case I'm looking into"
"Something to do with Regina"
"I've been reassigned to Emma's case being in town and all I just needed to be clear on some things"
"Like what"
"You're the principle now that's a bigger workload and I understand only recently employed I'm not judging but the situation seems unstable"
"It was only for a short while I'm handling it fine"
"Also this man in your life is he living with you because you never mentioned that every resident of the house has to be registered"
"The situation has changed David is Emma's biological father we had DNA test done"
"Not according to my records and that's all that matters, look I'm just here to make sure Emma is being properly looked after"
They way she worded it looking down at Mary Margret that smug expression on her face it was enough for her to want to slap her, what was the women's problem barging in here judging them she seemed to be looking for a reason to see that Emma didn't have a home here.
"I'm her mother I know how to take care of Emma" Mary Margret doubted herself and Emily could hear it in her voice so she struck
"Don't you mean foster mother"
Mary Margret didn't know how to respond the truth was too complicated she just wished these people would leave town before they discovered the truth for themselves that would be a whole other problem. Trying to remind herself that and keep calm was a struggle for Mary Margret right now this woman was cold how she ever got into this business is a astounding but she'd better relax make a plan find some way to get this women to leave town.
"I can assure you Emma's just fine" Mary Margret walked off she'd had enough of this conversation and she certainly would be having a talk with Regina about whatever it is they were discussing.
"This is not fine" Emma backed away eyes wide
The gym had become a circus Emma had seen some school fights before but not at this level, not with friends hurting each other like this she could barely hear voice over the noise but that wasn't the worst of it chairs where been thrown fists where flying it wouldn't be long until someone was seriously hurt just like the people in the storybook.
"Whatever is infecting everyone it's spreading" Killian backed up to the exit
"You think"
"Why aren't we affected?"
"Were awesome" Emma laughed but this was time to be serious "it has to have something to do with how close they were to the first victim Mr Hopper it all spread from there?"
"Where all these people in classes in the first corridor this morning"
"Well half these guys were in the same class with Elsa, maybe it was only being in that corridor people where affected"
"It won't be long until where all infected though"
"We need that antidote now" Killian thought they had the right idea leaving he backed away further Emma behind him
"I've got an idea" without thinking it through Emma rushed over to the exit right where the fire extinguisher was and the fire alarm that would trigger the sprinklers it was the only thing she could think off.
"Swan wait"
It was too late she pulled the leaver down and a gush of water came pouring out of the sprinklers on the roof of the gym soaking everyone. For a moment it seemed like the plan didn't work everyone just carried on but eventually they at least made their way outside but the angry mob wouldn't be subdued for long and now they had a fire alarm ringing and they were both soaking wet.
"I can't believe that worked"
"Of course it did" Killian smiled he stepped over to her and she leaned back against the wall
"Let's get out of here" killian wanted to get out of the way before they drowned.
"You look good in the rain" Emma smirked looking at his grey sweats turning darking clinging to his chest she could make out the outline of his collar bone.
"I do" Killian smiled leaning in closer giving Emma a small peck on the lips just lingering there for a moment but there was no time for this and they broke apart quickly leaving the gym.
Killian and Emma made their way outside to find crowds of students leaving there classrooms to assemble outside standard procedure when someone pulls the fire alarm they spotted Mulan leaving study hall with a large group.
"Mulan, over here"
"Hey you guys ok, is there a fire or something?"
"No Emma pulled the fire alarm, everyone just lost in gym"
"Not surprising PE is the most hostile environment, did you find a way out of this mess I don't think we can hose down the whole school"
The halls quickly became empty the alarm stopped ringing thinking they would find peace in the silence instead there was yelling around the corner to distinct voices, two sisters.
"Elsa" Mulan called out running around to find her and Anna anger in their eyes they were about to tear into each other
"I sick of your lies, why you couldn't tell me the truth that we can't go home"
"I was trying to protect that's all I do that's all I've ever done, sacrifice for you"
"Protect me, you push me away I spent my whole life alone because of you"
"That's because you won't leave, can't you see I want to be free from you from all of it, I don't want to go back to Arendale I don't want to be a queen"
"Stop pretending like I'm the one who's holding you back, the only thing stopping you from letting go is yourself"
"Stop it you guys this isn't you" Mulan ran over standing in-between them.
Elsa and Anna hardly even noticed their friends until now but it didn't deter them one bit they were about to start throwing punches. Emma had to stop them stop everyone from hurting each other the only chance was if Elsa and Belle had finished with the cure before all hell broke loose.
"Mulan soon the whole school going to be like this we have to see if the finished the cure" Emma said it but she didn't want to leave but this was the only way to save Elsa from doing something she would never forgive herself for.
"It's ok go, I can take of them"
"Good luck" Killian hesitated one moment more before leaving
"Get out of the way Mulan" Elsa yelled
"I know you won't forgive yourself if you hurt Anna" Mulan said not even flinching as she stood between them she could feel the temperature drop there was no way she could stop Elsa and she didn't want to hurt her.
"You ruined my life" Anna yelled trying to push past Mulan to get to Elsa
"Seriously I ruined your life" Elsa surged forward
Mulan just reacted pulling the sword from her hilt it felt so natural swinging the weapon in front of her it deflecting the magic like a wave knocking Anna and Elsa very forcefully back into the wall just enough of a shove to knock them unconscious for now Mulan eyes went wide this sword was more then it seemed.
"Cool" Mulan smiled admiring it.
Frantically running through the halls back to the library Emma could hear her shoes squeaking the water soaked through to her socks she be lucky to make it without slipping over she almost did just when hey reached the door but Killian was right there behind her to steady her balance before she fell and Belle came bursting through the exit.
"Emma, Killian I have it we just need some water or something" Belle came running out of the library before they could even get there and tell her what happened.
"What happened, why did it infect so many?"
"I'm not sure maybe whoever did this adjusted the recipe making it spread through contact, after Elsa started to become hostile I realised what was happening kind of had to rush to get it done I hope it works" Belle held up a container full of green powder.
"Is that going to be enough for everyone?"
"It will have to be, more importantly how will we get everyone to drink it"
"We really didn't think this through" Emma was feeling overwhelmed now as everyone made their way back into the school it was getting worse they could hear glass breaking and yelling from every corner of the campus.
"I've got an idea" Belle looked up at the air vents if they could get the powder in there and turn it on it would spread around to everyone fast.
"That could work" Emma smiled the first sign of a plan that was viable
"I'll make sure the air is on, if you guys go up to the roof and pour this stuff into the system it should spread everywhere"
"We have to make sure no one leaves though" Killian eyes on the students losing their minds getting closer to the exits.
"Put this school on lockdown" Belle told Killian, he nodded and Belle ran off Emma turned to go when killian grabbed her sleeve.
"Be safe" Killian said before running off
"You too"
Emma was trying to go as fast as she could through the crowd but people where moving at random no concern for those around them or themselves for that matter. Everyone was either yelling running or hitting each other the most important thing was that she didn't drop any of the tea or all was lost.
"Emma"
David ran towards her threw the heard of students panic in his eyes he was all over the place he got to her relieved wrapping his arms around Emma he hadn't been able to sustain a heartbeat since he realised the fire alarm had been triggered at the school.
"You ok" he looked her over she seemed fine, but there was no time to explain.
"Yeah, I have to go" Emma kept running she found the stairwell shoving the door open she started running up the stairs.
"Emma wait, what's going on who pulled the fire alarm?"
"I did, it's a long story"
"What's happening to everyone?"
Emma finally got the top floor out of breath she scanned the roof for the air conditioning unit it was sitting right by the door she just needed to find an opening to the vents.
"Emma" David was getting impatient wanting to know what on Earth was going on
"It's ok everyone got infected with this sort of potion I just have to get the cure to them"
"That doesn't sound ok"
Emma could feel herself getting frustrated and it wasn't just that she couldn't seem to find and opening or David's continuous questions her anger was rising, she couldn't stop herself from saying it like she had no inhibitions'.
"Emma let help you"
"Would you just leave me alone for a minute, I trying to focus"
David was taken aback he was only trying to help, thankfully Emma found a small gap in the cover lucky that no one kept up maintenance on this thing. Emma poured the tea leaves and herds down the shaft and it flowed through the vents reaching every corner of the school as the students and teachers breathed it in their heart rates slowed and the adrenaline stopped pumping everything stopped. The door to the roof swung open Mary Margret came out confused and worried she arrived at the school not soon after she left hearing the alarm from down the street exactly what she didn't need today.
"What's going on, you guys ok?"
"Fine" Emma said standing up
"What were you thinking any time something like this happens you tell us" David was stern
"Why because now you're here, it's too late it's over, everything's fine now" Emma paused "you're too late"
Emma dropped the rest of the tea on the ground walking away there was something new in her she felt numb unable to focus she didn't know where she was going but she wanted to leave.
"What's going on David" Mary Margret asked confused
"I think she's infected like the others are downstairs"
"You mean the students trying to tear each other apart"
"Wait Emma we need to talk about this" David pleaded
Mary Margret nodded and the turned to Emma putting their hands up to try and get her to stop as calmly as they could manage. Looking into Emma's eyes was hard they were angry distant as she walked towards them.
"What is there to talk about it's done, you think you can just change everything overnight my entire life I've been alone I didn't have people call on every time things got bad"
"Emma we were giving you your best chance"
"You sent me away, I was all alone, how could you do that"
Emma was shaking her hands glowing it wasn't going to be long before her emotions ran wild and she hurt someone or herself.
"Placing you in that wardrobe that was the hardest moment of my life"
"Well my life's been hard ever since"
"Emma I'm sorry" was all Mary Margret could manage to say having Emma look at her with that much anger was heartbreaking.
"Just let me go"
"Never" David steeped closer holding his hands out "Emma we don't want you to get hurt"
"To late"
"We have to get her to inhale that powder, it's the cure" David's eyes glanced to the container on the ground.
"Ok" Mary Margret responded she was closer and tried to lunge for the container the sudden movement forward surprising Emma she flinched and a wave of white light bounded out sending Mar Margret flying a metre through the air landing on her back.
"No, I told you I need to be alone" Emma ran towards the exit
"You ok" David asked coming over to Mary Margret
"I'm fine, just get Emma the cure before someone gets really hurt"
David rushed over grabbing the container there wasn't much left he just put his hand in getting as much as could hopefully it would be enough to save her he ran forwards grabbed Emma's shoulder swinging her around she faced him her eyes bloodshot all the anger all the pain she'd held inside her whole life on the surface it broke David's heart she was almost unrecognisable he opened his hand let the dust fly it made its way into Emma's airways fast the adrenaline stopped pumping her heart rate slowed making Emma drowsy.
"It's going to be ok" David tried to steady Emma before she hit the ground.
"Did it work" Mary Margret asked running over to the other side of Emma
"I think so"
"She's barely conscious" Mary Margret noted as they held her up "Emma, Emma sweetie stay with us"
They where fuzzy as they looked down on her but she could see the love in their eyes, hear how worried they were from there strained voices trying to get her back it just made her feel guilty why did she hurt them. Shoving thoughs feeling aside to deal with at a later time Emma realised something if she was infected so was Killian and if he was outside making sure everyone one else was safe he wouldn't have been cured there was no time to waste. Emma sat up quickly to quickly her world started spinning but she had to stop him before he made a horrible mistake.
"Emma take it easy"
"Killian" Emma mumbled
"What" Mary Margret asked confused
"Killian if I was infected he was too, I have to get to him"
"It's ok we'll find him"
Emma made her way through the school still feeling disorientated her parents close behind but she felt a bit of relief her feelings out she didn't have to pretend anymore but with the drug out of her system her walls where back up and she could feel the distance between her and everyone else once more. Avoiding those feelings was easy though something she and become and expert at especially when she had something else to focus on and right now that was saving her boyfriend. Emma new exactly what Killians anger would be directed at she just hoped she could get to Mr Gold before Killian did.
"Where you going" Mary Margret asked
"The pawn shop"
"I'll drive" David lead the way to his cruiser illegally parked out front he was in a bit of a panicked rush when he heard the fire alarm.
Killian was picturing his smug expression as he marched fuelling his anger how could he let this happen after all these years the dark one would pay for what he did. Swinging a baseball bat around just to realise some of the energy that was building up Killian couldn't contain it he didn't even know where he got the bat it was similar to being drunk unfocused just feeling bits of memory getting lost in a haze. This kind of anger was dangerous it was the kind of anger that made Killian fearless mostly because the state that he was in right now, consequences where of no concern. Killian couldn't even see straight taking deep breaths he had no plan nothing had changed there was no way to kill the dark one but killian just wanted him to hurt like he was hurting if he could give rumple one once of pain he was feeling it would be enough.
"Dark one show yourself" Killian yelled barging into the shop already smashing things with his bat.
"I was wondering when you'd show up"
"Sorry it took me so long"
"Your infected, Belle came by earlier for some ingredients I'm sure I have some left"
"I don't need some herbal tea to calm down you've had this coming crocodile"
"What are you going to do pirate, I'm immortal"
"Maybe but you can still love that means you can hurt"
"I wouldn't be threatening me I'm the only chance you have at saving you brother"
"Stop lying" Killian bellowed coming closer so angry he couldn't think straight he just wanted to bash his head in he smashed a cabinet as he made his way closer.
"You know it's the truth, you're not really angry at me but yourself all this time your brother has been waiting for you to save him and you wasted all those years on revenge"
Killian starred ahead blankly it couldn't be true he said over and over more tricks Killian was shaking he looked up rumple was gone and Killian could see only himself in the reflection of a rusted old mirror he saw himself cold blooded killer letting that hate fuel him. Killian screamed out smashing the mirror to pieces shattering as the hit the floor.
"Killian" Emma yelled burst through the door almost tearing of the bell from its hinges "Killian" Emma said more softly now noticing him standing over by the broken mirror completely still.
"Be careful" Mary Margret called out as she stepped closer they'd only just caught up to her she gotten out of the car before it had even come to a complete stop.
Rumple came in through the back smirking he had a bowl in his hand. David stood out in front of his family wondering what the dark one was up to.
"Stay back" David warned
"No need for the defensive, I had the ingredients still in the shop I made some more this should bring the pirate back to his usual bruiting self"
"Thank you" Mary Margret stepped forward taking the bowl.
Emma was trying to get Killian's attention but he wouldn't turn around that when she saw the blood he'd cut his hand on the mirror it was spilling out onto the floor.
"Killian it's me" Emma pleaded for him to calm down, Killian could barely hear her through the haze his eyes bloodshot turning around with such strength and velocity he knocked her back.
"What are you doing here, I can take care of this"
"Emma step back he's dangerous" David reached out his hand
"No his not" Emma grabbed the bowl throwing the contents through the air onto Killian just hoping it would work that he would be back to his usual charming sometime bruiting self. It hit him dead on in the face Killian coughed stepping back really breathing it in and as the concoction made its way through his airways and bloodstream he could finally breath again he could see her only her, once again leading him to the place where he could find peace.
"Swan, next time try not to get so much in my eyes"
Emma smiled jumping up wrapping her arms around him as he tried to wipe his eyes, couching the tea may have been a cure but it tasted awful.
"Next time"
"You never know"
"Now that you've vandalized my store for a second time are you ready to listen to me" Mr Gold said already getting bored with the scene playing out on front of him.
They stood there silently it was time to put anger aside they had experienced enough of it today and even if they didn't trust him they could hear Rumple out. Much like Emma Killian felt a sense of relief having the truth out there even it was just for him to see what his real fears where.
"Ok then what do you have to say" Killian stepped forward finally ready for some answers.
"The first thing you should know is whoever was behind poisoning everyone in the school today wants the Noctis to succeed in taking its victims"
"Why would they be connected" Emma asked frowning the two incidents seeming unrelated to her.
"You got to ask yourself Mrs Swan how did your friend Lily know the creature was coming how did she know any of it unless someone told her and I think that same person or persons was the one who started this mess today"
"Why should we listen to a word you say for all we know it was you"
"You see the creature feeds off darkness the anger that was displayed today would have been a buffet for the noctis"
"You telling us someone in this town is trying to make that thing stronger" David couldn't believe it.
Everyone was shocked they thought it was just a monster soulless thing but someone was behind this they had to find them sort this mess out.
"Do you have any idea who"
"No but I do know how important it is we stop it, I've known of this creature for hundreds of years seen it destroy entire towns"
"You're saying this thing will take us all"
"We can stop it" Rumple announced like it would be a walk in the park
"I know it won't be that easy you want something" Killian frowned
"The creature has been hunting me for a long time but it can't take me, the darkness is tethered to me, to the dagger the only way for the creature to consume that darkness is if it's released and if the darkness is consumed by the noctis it will become unstoppable"
"Then we'll have to make sure the darkness stays tethered to you"
"The problem is the darkness won't be tethered to me much longer, I'm dying and I need you're help to save me, to save all of us"
Notes: Ok a tiny bit late couldnt post yesterday hope you lie this one please tell me what you think and yes if the dark one dying might mean someone else will take on the mantle soon but who? any guesses
Next chapter: In full research mode with the new library and new information the team finally get close to stopping the nocits and when Regina goes missing her secrets a reveled.