A/N: Hello my lovely readers. We have come to the final chapter of this story. I wanted to thank you all for your comments, reviews, notes, favorites and follows over these past months. I know this is a long story and the fact that you all stuck with me was amazing and I am grateful.

I love this AU and I am hoping to write some adventures for them since now they are free so please keep an eye out for something in the near future.

35.

He had the crew setup a celebration so that when Henry boarded the Jolly Roger for the first time it would be something he would never forget. The feat of stepping on a pirate ship alone for a small boy would likely be enough for him to remember but today was an odd day and the boy just lost his father. He wanted him to feel comfortable and happy if he could do that for him.

He knew Emma endured quite a bit of pain during the fight even though she was trying to hide it. He couldn't remember breathing the entire time she'd been out there alone fighting against the Dark One. All he could feel was desperation to be out there by her side. As scared as he was he wouldn't deny she was marvelous. She held her own with such strength and endurance. It was both terrifying and fantastic at the same time.

When the final blast hit her and she went down he did all but claw through that barrier to get to her. If it weren't for her father holding him back he would have lost it. She'd promised to let him help her but she'd shut him out. When she came crawling towards them he was only too happy to pull her through and into his arms.

He was so scared he'd never get to hold her again. She was everything to him and he wasn't sure how he'd be able to live without her anymore. He may have changed her and helped her become stronger but she'd also changed him. She'd forever changed his heart and would repay her for that as long as he lived if she allowed him to. He planned to show her just how much she changed him now that they were free.

Suddenly remembering his guests, he looked in the direction of her father and nodded to him as he caught his eye. He was happily getting a tour of the ship himself; a pirate ship is a marvel to a boy at any age it seemed. Her mother was speaking to several members of his crew and they seemed to be captivated by whatever she was telling them.

He looked out on the shore and saw his love seated with her boy. They were quite the picture and he didn't envy her for the conversation that she'd have with him about his father. She was a sweet and loving mother who would be both parents to Henry if he needed. He could only love her more for that and would love the opportunity to aid her in that task. He'd always wanted a family of his own but never thought it would be possible.

He smiled at the thought of having a son or daughter with her. They never spoke a word about a future. He sensed she was afraid to since they had such a dark cloud hanging over them. He felt an overwhelming sense of possibility flood his heart at the wondrous thought of their future together. He was brought back to the present by her mother's voice."Killian?"

He turned to see her smiling face. "Yes Majesty?" She looked over his shoulder to see what he was staring at."Everything alright?" He took a breath."Yes, so it seems. I've just been keeping an eye on them." He felt her hand on his arm."No I mean, are you alright? I think we both know Emma can take care of herself after what we witnessed today."

He smiled."That she can. I suppose I'm doing alright now that she is safe here with her son."

"About that, Thank you for everything you did for our family. If it weren't for you we wouldn't have our daughter and grandson back in our lives, not to mention the threat of the Evil Queen would still be lingering over us."

He shook his head and smiled."Majesty you know it was your daughter." She shook her head to argue. "No, it was you. If it weren't for your love and support of her she would never have had the courage to take those steps. You helped her, guided her and found what she needed to gain strength and find her power. We are in your debt for that and always will be."

He smiled."Your majesty there is no debt to repay. I plan to love your daughter for the rest of my days if she'll have me. I know it is not what you wished for her and I'm just a lowly pirate but she has my heart and I will do anything for her. I hope you can give us your blessing. I would not want to cause further distress to your family."

She leaned forward and hugged him."You have my blessing; just help her be the free butterfly she's always been. Don't let her become complacent, she's meant for great things beyond the castle walls. I've always known that and it was my darkest day to see her leave us for duty."

"That she is and you'll see no complaint from me. I shall happily be her companion wherever she may wish to go."

"Good and I hope that you will come and visit with us too. I know we aren't the place of great adventure but we will always be home for you both if you wish it."

He smiled at the thought of having a place to call home. Perhaps one day it would be where they lived once the desire for adventure were quenched but he didn't see that anytime soon. Now that she was finally free of the shackles of her previous life he was sure Emma would want to see the world. "I'm certain Emma will want to visit with you often. We will never be too far away." The queen smiled sweetly."I certainly hope so."

He watched her go to join her husband and continued to keep an eye out for his Love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Henry, Are you ready to see the ship?" He looked up at her with big brown eyes and smiled."Yes!" She laughed. "Ok, I'm going to take us on the ship with my magic so don't be afraid." He smiled."I think I'm going to like this new you." She held his hand and whispered."Close your eyes."

She felt the magic take over and they were transported to the ship. They arrived on deck to a round of cheers from the crew. She looked over and saw Killian standing to the side with a thoughtful expression on his face. They still hadn't had a chance to talk since the fight and she didn't know if he would be upset with her for how she handled things.

She didn't surrender but she didn't let him help either. She couldn't feel sad for that because once she was under the control of her magic she felt unpredictable. She had to have him safe because if anything happened to him she would have been undone.

"Grandpa! Grandma! We are on a real pirate ship!" The men laughed around him and Snow was by their side quickly. "Is everything alright?" asked the thoughtful queen.

Emma placed her hand on her mother's shoulder."Yes, we are perfectly alright. I'm so glad you are here with us. Do I need to get you back immediately?"

The queen looked over to her husband who was still looking at the sails and talking to the crew."No, I think we should let your father have a little fun." Henry looked a little too eager."Go ahead with Grandpa." He was mid-run when he turned back."Thanks Mom."

"Emma, Maybe we could all just go back tomorrow? This place is beautiful." Emma looked over the horizon."It is isn't it? I love it here. Killian tells me that there are wondrous places to see but I can't imagine anything more beautiful."

Snow smiled at her daughter's wistful expression as she watched her looking at her dear love." Emma, all I've ever wanted for you was to find your true happiness. It makes my heart swell to see the amazing woman you've become. I've really missed you in my life."

Emma felt the tears pricking in her eyes. She pulled her mother into her arms and hugged her tight."I've missed you too. I will visit with you often. I'm hoping that Henry can stay with you during his lessons and schooling since it's important that he continue his course but I expect him to be with us every other free moment if he chooses." She nodded."Of course he can, I have a room ready for him and one for you as well; if you should ever like to come back."

She looked over to Killian. "You are all welcome. I have given him my blessing and asked that he take care of you." She looked into her mother's thoughtful eyes."You did?" She nodded."Of course Emma; He's your true love and I know he will do everything to make you happy. How could I ask for more?"

She hugged her tight again."Thank you. It means a lot to me that you understand." Her mother smiled."Emma, I love you and I always will no matter what." She looked over to Killian and smiled. "Go to him Emma, he's worried sick."

"He is?" She nodded."Of course he is. You're free, he just witnessed you go through extraordinary lengths to protect this family. He felt helpless." She shook her head."Would you please watch Henry for me?" Snow smiled."Look at him over there. I'd say he'll be alright for hours." She pat her mother's hand."Thank you."

She rushed to his side and he let out a breath he'd been holding. "Darling? Can we go below and talk?" He took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back."Of course Love." They walked arm and arm towards their quarters going below. They entered the room and he shut the door behind them. He was immediately pressed against the door as her lips captured his. He wrapped his arms around her and slowed down the kiss, brushing his lips tenderly against hers and drinking her in.

She sighed against his mouth."I love you so much. I'm so sorry I did that to you." He pressed his forehead against hers."I was so worried about you." She caressed the side of his face."Can you forgive me? I needed to know you were safe." He pressed a soft kiss to her fingertips. "There is nothing to forgive. You are free now, safe and you may choose to do anything you wish."

She saw the concern in his eyes. She leaned in and kissed him tenderly."I choose to be with you. I want you and I want this life with you. My feelings haven't changed. I just hope you will still have me."

"Still have you? As if I could get the scent of you from my skin or your name from the imprint in my heart. I love you Emma and I will always love you. It is my deepest desire to make you happy and I will do whatever you wish to make that happen."

She stroked his cheek to soothe him. She felt the tears pricking against her eyes."I'm happiest when I'm with you. It doesn't matter where we are or where we go, as long as I have you by my side." He kissed her softly. "Then I say we stay here for awhile and then we'll plot the course for our next adventure."

Her eyes sparkled like emeralds when she looked at him with that mischievous grin. "Sounds good to me Captain, I'm looking forward to it. "

They spent the rest of the day with their guests celebrating all of their freedom. When the night came she created a camp site on the beach. She held her little boy in her arms as he fell asleep, tired from the amazing day he'd had.

When she knew he was safely sleeping she joined Killian by the fireside outside of his tent. He laid a blanket on the beach and they looked up at the night sky charting a course for their next adventure.

Finally free, they could go or do whatever they chose. The possibilities were limitless.