Third part of the TRIPLE FEATURE!

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-FantasyWriterFoSho

Summary of the Previous Chapter: After a small skirmish, the Snow Queen sacrifices herself to end the curse, leaving them to worry now about Gold's plans.

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Chapter Twenty-Two: Let The Countdown Begin!

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"Killian?!" Emma cried, turning her body towards the crouched man beside her. Leaning in closer, she grabbed at his hunched shoulders. "Killian?!"

Groaning, he tilted his body back, his hand clutching at his chest. Lifting his head to look at her, his face was red with unbearable pain while his eyes were bulging out. "R-r-rumple," he gasped. Unable to say anything else, he just closed his eyes, his body trembling.

Laying her hand atop of his, Emma didn't know what to do. Her mind was a blank but she couldn't accept that. She wouldn't be able to handle it if he dies and that concept was rapidly becoming a reality.

"Regina," Belle then said, her eyes wide. Since being in her office, she had been thinking about what she could possibly use to combat with potent feats of magic and though she didn't know if it was actually available, she had to try. "Can you take me to the shop? I need to find something important..."

I have to stop him, she thought fervently. I have to stop him from murdering Killian and...since I don't have his real dagger, I have to improvise...

"What is it?" Regina asked curiously, her attention pulled from a writhing Killian.

"It's called the Gauntlet," she answered. "It's a powerful relic that can be used to our advantage. Rumple told me recently that it had been misplaced but since he's lied to me about the dagger, he's probably lied to me about losing that as well. If I find it or anything else, I'll contact you guys."

"Sounds like a plan," Regina responded, already waving a hand in the air, she summoned a cloud to take them all back into town before making a separate one for Belle.

Reappearing on a sidewalk, nobody enjoyed the normalcy Storybrooke had returned to.

They had too much to worry about.

As the pain subsided, Killian inhaled deeply and sat up in Emma's arms, which had begun wrapping around his neck in order to pull him into a hug. Head now lying against her cheek, he breathed in her scent before pressing a small kiss beside her ear.

"You're going to be fine," she declared, holding him tighter. "I won't let anything happen to you."

Her phone suddenly rang inside of her pocket. Pulling away from Killian, but still holding onto him, she reached for it, her brows scrunched together until she read the caller ID. Answering it, she put it to an ear, her eyes wide. "Mom?"

Mary Margaret spoke so quickly that Emma could barely understand her, but when it was repeated, a glimmer of happiness shone on her face. "David's awake and he's feeling much better," she told an observing Killian, who then shared her expression. She listened to what else her mom had to say then relayed it to a now listening group. "...He remembers everything and told her about the curse that the..." she stopped, refraining from saying the Snow Queen after what had happened to her.

She'll just have to update her family on the full story the next they see one another.

"I know that you want all of the details," Emma said, after Mary Margaret told them that her and the kids were fine, despite the Shattered Glass spell. "But it'll have to wait until we solve another problem...Gold."

"We should get out of the street, love," Killian said, nervous at the possibility of being out in the open.

"Um," Emma began, looking around. "The diner," she said, both to Killian and to her mom, who asked her where she was—she wanted the details now. "I'll see you guys there."

Hanging up, she glanced at the time.

6:59PM.

Once again, we're in a race to the finish, she thought putting her phone back into her pocket then looking up at the others. "Mom, dad, the baby and Henry are going to meet us at Granny's. We should start heading over."

She was just about to help Killian up when Robin and Kristoff walked over and volunteered their services, each lending a shoulder for him to lean on all the way to the diner, which was practically empty when they entered—on account of the spell. Gathering around the nearest booth, the two made Killian take a seat before spreading out; Robin standing between him and Regina while Kristoff moved to stand beside Anna and Elsa.

Killian adjusted himself on the cushioned seat, the pain finally subsiding, but that did little to quell his real agony.

Finally registering that someone wasn't with them, Emma looked up at Regina, who was deep in thought. "Where did Belle say she was going? I didn't hear what she was planning earlier..."

Regina met her gaze and folded her arms. "She's looking for an item that may help us defeat her husband. It's called the Gauntlet and I hope she finds it."

"Is that all she said?"

Seeing Emma's anxiousness, Regina tried to calm her down. "For the moment, yes. Don't worry. Everything will be fine."

Looking down, Emma nodded her head. It's not that she didn't believe in Belle's abilities, she was just feeling uneasy and helpless. Nerves bubbling, she glanced over at Killian, who was now staring at the floor, absentmindedly touching his chest.

I won't lose you.

Stepping away from the group, Emma tugged out her cell phone again and called Belle. When she picked up, she immediately asked her what her plan was. She needed to hear it from her.

Hearing the tone of voice, Belle quickly informed her of everything. She told her that one time when Henry was over, he accidentally knocked over a pile of various papers and artifacts, which revealed the Gauntlet that was long thought destroyed. She told her husband, who subsequently "misplaced" it and now, she's tearing the place apart for any clues of its whereabouts.

If she does find it, the object will help them locate the real dagger.

"I'm having trouble multitasking at the moment though," she said breathlessly, her efforts evident in her voice. "I'll call either you or Regina a little bit later."

"If Regina went over to help you," Emma suggested. "Do you think she'll be able to assist you magically?"

"No," Regina interrupted, making Emma jump and turn to look at her. Curious, when she saw her on the phone, she had quietly moved closer in order to hear the conversation. "I don't think I'll be able to summon a powerful relic. We would legitimately have to search for it."

Emma then frowned. "Sorry, Belle."

"It figures," she replied before saying goodbye and hanging up.

"I know that you're feeling frantic right now," Regina said with an understanding smile. "But you need to calm down."

"I don't know if that's possible at the moment," she answered, truthfully. "I'm just turning into an emotional wreck."

"Love has a tendency to do that."

Emma nodded, recalling their earlier conversation, but then her face fell. "About what happened in the forest with the ribbons and the Snow Queen—"

"No, please don't apologize again," Regina interrupted with a raised hand. "I knew what you were doing the entire time and it was quite effective."

"I still feel horrible about it though..."

Regina looked at her for a moment. "I really have forgiven you, you know. So, don't worry about me being 'pissed' because I'm more mad at myself than you anyway."

Emma tilted her head. "You shouldn't be."

"Yeah, well," Regina began before stopping. "...I am." Looking down before turning away, she called over her shoulder. "I think I will go help Belle. Two pairs of eyes are better than one."

Raising her hand, she then vanished in a thick cloud of smoke.

Feeling more uneasy than before, Emma shook her head. Catching a glimpse of a sullen Robin, she first went over to him to apologize for what she had said, which he accepted with a knowing smile, before sitting down across from Killian, who gave her a wink.

When Henry, David and Mary Margaret, who was carrying the sleepy Neal, finally arrived, everybody had been in deep reflection. Upon seeing them, Emma immediately popped up and hugged her family, particularly her dad, who held her tightly. When she pulled away, she then gathered them into another booth, telling them everything; from beginning to end.

David, who sat next to his daughter, blinked in surprise at the news. That's why Hook had been acting weird around me in the forest, he thought, remembering how he had treated him. The minute Emma had finished her long tale, he got up and slowly made his way over to Killian, who had been doing his best to remain calm.

"Hey," David said, standing next to the table. "I would like to apologize for how I've been treating you. You have done nothing but try to help our family but I couldn't let go of my past prejudices." He sighed but continued to look him in the eyes. "I behaved badly," he said, clearing his throat. "But you have to understand that she's my daughter and—"

"You just had to make it more complicated," Killian interrupted but with a sheepish smile. Partially wincing, he fiddled with his hook. "A simple 'thank you' would have sufficed, mate."

Raising his hands, David admitted he was right with a chuckle. "True, but it comes automatically; however..." he took a deep breath and moved forward to pat him on his shoulder. "Thank you...Killian."

The other man's eyes widened. "You're welcome."

David than gave him a quick smile then returned to the other booth, which Emma stepped out of, so he could sit across from his wife, son and a quiet Henry.

"That went well," Emma said with a soft smile, moving to stand beside him.

Killian nodded then gave her a grin. "It was awkward but...it's a start."

With the same expression on her face, she then leaned a hip against the table, her thoughts twirling.

In the absence of Regina and Belle, the rest soon began to throw around some other ideas of what they could do to defeat Gold, but every single one of them were shot down, either through omitted facts or forgotten points.

When no phone call came but the time continued to tick by, Emma pulled out her cell and fingered its shape, increasingly considering to bother the two women until they gave her some news. Sitting in the far back, tired of hearing their attempts at a plan, she leaned her head against the booth wall. Her throat was dry and her stomach was somersaulting when the three recent numbers flashed into mind like a beacon:

7:51PM.

"Love?"

Slowly looking at a nearby Killian, she just stared at him.

She couldn't even pretend to smile.

"Can I speak to you in the backroom, Swan?" he asked, stretching his hand out to escort her.

Shaking, Emma placed her hand into his and allowed him to help her up before leading her to where he had indicated. "I know what you're doing," she whispered to his back. "You're trying to prepare me for the worst, but I—"

"Emma," he interrupted, stopping them when they were halfway inside. Swallowing hard, he faced her again, his accepting eyes finding her frightened ones. Stroking her hand with his fingers, Killian pulled her to him. "I don't want to leave you without saying goodbye—"

"I'm not giving up and you shouldn't either," she said forcefully, pulling her hand from his and taking a step back. She was too emotional for this talk. She couldn't fathom it and it bothered her that he was just accepting his "fate".

"We may have to, love," he replied gently, his eyes sweeping over her paling features. His soul ripped at the thought of never seeing her again, but she had to know how he felt. He couldn't die without her knowing that meeting and loving her had saved him. "I don't want to leave you, but I..." his voice faltered, his body revolting at the notion of them parting ways. "But I need you to—"

Emma then shook her head. "Stop it! We have time. We'll figure this out," her gaze begging him to understand. Her body was trembling and when he saw this, Killian immediately began to close the distance between them. Trying to breathe, she continued. "Regina a-and Belle will call and everything will be o-okay."

Grabbing her left arm, Killian brought himself closer to her and leaned his forehead against her clammy one. "Breathe, Swan," he whispered hoarsely. Wrapping his other arm around her waist, he gently pulled her against him, her soft body molding into his.

Memorizing the feel of her, he trailed the tip of his nose down hers, making her lips part. "I need you to listen to me, love," he began, his lungs squeezing when he felt her hands trailing up his arms. "I want to apologize to you for all that I've done. You have to know that I would never willingly hurt you. I—"

Lifting her head up, she silenced him with an earth shattering kiss. Gripping at his jacket's collar, she deepened it briefly before slowly pulling away, their chests heaving. Closing her eyes, she pressed her lips against his cheek, his neck and his shoulder before hugging him tightly, unwilling to let him go.

I love you, she thought heartbrokenly, still physically unable to tell him. This might be the last time you see him and you still can't say it?

"That was..." he began, returning her hug with one of his own, kissing the crook of her neck.

"A one time thing," she finished with a sad smile, her body still shaking.

Killian gave her a light laugh. "Afraid not, love."

Nodding her head, she closed her eyes and tried to control her breathing. "Do you know what I wish?"

"What?"

"I wish I could go back in time and kick Gold's ass prior to him walking in on us at the station," she said, a nervous giggle bursting from her lips. "That or I could use that Star Wars Force chokehold on him. That shit really hurt at the Harbor…"

Killian raised his brow. "Is that another cinematic reference, love?"

"Oh yes," she sniffed.

He opened his mouth to respond but then stopped when he felt an exploding pain in his chest. Grunting at the intense vise-like grip, Killian struggled to remain standing but the agony coursed through his limbs in waves and buckled his knees.

"Killian?!" Emma cried out when they fell to the ground, her body sinking down alongside him.

Fighting to maintain control, he pushed himself away from her and grabbed at his chest. A helpless feeling began to claw at his churning insides. Wheezing, he gasped out when another wave crashed into him. Moving back to Emma, he brought his head close to hers and forced himself to say it, to push out the truth.

"I...love...you…" he rasped, leaning in to stare deep into her hazel eyes before he once again shoved himself away from her.

Inhaling deeply, a disturbing calm suddenly stilled his body. Smoothly climbing to his feet, he gracefully turned around and walked past her, heading straight for the door that led back to the diner; without looking at her.

"Killian?" she questioned, unnerved by his demeanor. Running forward, she grabbed at one of his arms, but was surprised when he suddenly swiped their connection away.

"Leave him be, Ms. Swan," he said though the tone wasn't his own. "He has some things he needs to accomplish before his...deadline..."

Horrified, but not persuaded to stop, she grabbed at Killian's body again and tugged him to her. "You can't have him!" she shrieked, her fingers desperately tearing at his black leather. "Killian," she said, trying to reach the man she loved. "I know you hear me! You can fight this!"

"No," was the response, the difference of persona scaring her to the core. "He can't."

"Gold, you don't have to do this! You can change for real!" Tears poured down her cheeks. "Don't take him from me!"

Then, in a cloud of red smoke, Killian disappeared, Emma's body snapping back a bit at the unexpected surprise. Suddenly alone in the backroom, she felt like a part of her had been forcibly removed, but instead of crying, she sprinted down the hall.

"I'm going to kill him," she growled darkly, wiping at her eyes. "I'm going to—'

"Emma!"

Almost colliding with a breathless Mary Margaret, she was just about to tell her what happened but her mom's voice overrode hers and what she had to say, sent sharp shivers down her spine.

"Emma! Henry just disappeared! Gold took him!"

"Why would he do that?!"

"We don't know!"

Horrified, Emma shoved her hand into her pocket. She was about to call Regina, when her name popped up on the screen. Immediately answering it, she was then floored by even more information.

"Belle was just taken by Gold and we still don't have the gauntlet..."

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