"I'm sure she's fine, Hook." Emma expressed as they sat back into the plastic chairs, Nadri had been seen almost immediately by the doctor, seemingly concerned after she had been initially triaged. "Nimue is coming to town, she convinced the others to follow her, for Nadri."

"So we get to listen to this women's nonsense at home?" Killian shot, rolling his eyes as he leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. "There's something going on. Nimue was acting strange."

"They lost people." Emma told him. "Did you not see that?"

"Of course I did. Regina is going to have her hands full trying to stop the elves and everyone else tearing eachother's throats out."

"We can't treat them like pariahs. If I remember you came to this town as an outcast with a grudge."

"My grudge was just." Killian reminded her, sitting up." Nadri can't play the peacekeeper, they need to get over it." Emma pulled her bag over her lap and revealed the storybook in her bag that Henry had been fine lining recently. Killian narrowed his eyebrows when she pulled it out and passed it to him. "Hardly appropriate, Swan." Killian grumbled back and Emma shoved the book into his hands.

"Educate yourself, Hook. I don't think they will get over it and I don't think Nadri will stop being a peacekeeper. You wanted to know her more. What if there's something in this book that could give you a clue to why she's here right now?" Emma shrugged, a friendly and concerned smile on her face as she watched the pirate look down at the book, debating.

"Has the lad read this?" Killian questioned, concerned for Henry's innocence for he may have read the pages. Emma shook her head firmly and Killian sighed, leaning back as his hook caught the front cover and opened it. He began to push the pages over, searching for Nadri's story.

'The Lonely Dragon' The page was titled, Killian's hand resting on the golden lettering that had been etched into the page. He swallowed, anticipation flooding him as he went down to the corner of the page and flipped it over to begin reading it.

'Once Upon A Time, The King of Asari ruled harshly over lands that he razed and ruined. A war between men, elves, dwarves and dragons became fire throughout the lands. The King made sure that the dragons continued on and kept a dragon egg secretly hidden in the Lonely Mountain of Asari. This dragon was born into guarding the treasures and jewels of the King, a slave to only his bidding. This dragon's name was Nadri. Nadri was an intimidating beast, feared by all who ventured into her mountain to be met with dragon fire, dying by vicious injuries of being dragged through the mounds of coins that the dragon protected.

Nadri's throne became gold, bones and ash.

A brave adventurer called Nathaniel came wandering into Nadri's mountain with a plan to free Nadri from her chains and kill the King to give the city back to the elves it was taken from. For this, Nadri would have her eternal freedom and would have peace along the Asari lands without threat. Nathaniel would hand the city back into the elves hands and hope to be knighted.

Nadri and Nathaniel travelled into the forests of Asari, long lost ruins that were once the great halls of fahliil. They met the princess, Nimue of the Vale, and Nathaniel proposed to join forces to take back the Kingdom. War was brewing and Nadri felt sorry for the elven people, promising them that they would never fear being hunted again and pledged her allegiance to the elves.

Nadri evaded the King for as long as possible before they went into battle. Many elven lives were lost in the battlefield while Nadri and Nathaniel took the castle, even if it meant burning through innocents of the village to get there. They broke into the castle and Nathaniel gave the King a chance to surrender. The King refused and Nadri engulfed him in dragon fire, nothing but a skeleton left in the throne with the crown on top.

Nathaniel took the crown and turned to Nadri, laughing with mania. He had betrayed the elves and Nadri, having made sure that that she cased in obsidian cuffs and was hidden away in the castle undergrounds. Nathaniel called upon Rumpelstiltskin, wanting more power as he slowly became infected with the sickness that plagued the King's crown. Nathaniel made a deal, for Nadri to become weak and feeble in return for a single stone full of her power and made an offering to the Dark One.

Nathaniel's deal was granted and Nadri was cursed into a human body; a body that had been cursed to carry no kin, a body that would know only fear, a body that could no longer be intimidating and her power only to be willed by those who held her contract. From this day on, Nadri became a victim to Nathaniel's torture. She was beaten, tortured with mind-poisoning magic and raped.

She was nothing but a slave.

The lonely dragon was no more, instead a lonely woman.

Nathaniel became crazed with power, burning villages and cities to the ground. The elves were taken one by one, either captured or killed in excruciating ways while Nadri sat in her cell, helpless. Nathaniel slayed all of the dragons that remained, Nadri plagued with their agonising screams every night. When he was no longer satisfied with Nadri's power, he took the King's sword and plunged it into her chest, digging out her heart to make sure that Nadri would never be able to gain her power again.

There was a price to this magic and Nathaniel's price was greed.

Nathaniel died from the result of this curse and Asari was left in an unknown fate.'

By the time that Killian had finished reading, he had lines of tears running down his cheeks. He closed the book with his free hand, giving it to Emma roughly and he covered his mouth, trying to stifle the sob that was ready to overpower him. He couldn't believe what he had read and what she had gone through. Her life was devastating – hardly a life at all – she had been kept away like a caged animal to be abused, to be preyed upon. And the crocodile had a helping hand in all of that.

He felt the urge to be sick, full of disgust of the things that happened towards her.

"You managed to read this, without feeling sick to your stomach?" Killian put his head in his hand, taking a deep breath. "Everything that's happened afterwards and she's been through of all this before?!" Killian felt awful, like he should have pushed her more into opening up towards him. "If I didn't want to kill the crocodile before I-" He balled his fist up until his knuckles turned white.

He felt an insane rage where he could gut the Dark One as soon as he clapped eyes on him again, he wanted to make him suffer for granting the contract. He couldn't imagine her fear, he couldn't imagine how scared she was all of those nights that she was locked away in a tiny, cold cell.

"I think if Nadri wanted to she would have already, Hook. This is what I meant, for all the betrayal that's happened in her life she is trying to make sure that doesn't happen again. Making sure her friends are safe, that matters to her. As difficult as Nimue seems to be, Nadri won't leave her in the cold after what happened." Killian wiped the tears from his stubbled cheek, sighing. "That is why Nimue came."

"I can see why they tarnish us with the same brush." Killian looked over at the book in Emma's lap, a simmering hatred towards the story that was inside. "Their hatred is deep seeded…" Killian trailed off and his eyes flickered to Emma's hand that was shaking with tremors. He lifted his head up, looking back at Emma who hadn't realised he'd noticed. "Your hand, Swan…"

"Oh." Emma shook her hand out. "It's just a cramp."

"We're going to be stuck here for a while, you might as well be honest with me, love."

The new head of the hospital approached Killian as he sat in the plastic chair in the waiting room, arms crossed over his chest snoring gently, as he waited for any news to come from what was going on next with Nadri. They had brought her to Storybrooke General after leaving the forest, it was past midnight now and Killian hadn't heard a single thing. Emma had been supplying him with coffee throughout the night as they sat together patiently.

Killian had managed to bring his anger down, still glancing over at the book that had now been hidden back in Emma's bag like it was daring him to look again and stoke his anger up like a fire. Emma's troubles also weighed on Killian heavily, she confided in him about her conversation with Hyde and the trouble she had been going through with her magic and hands. His best friend was starting to go through the wars too and he was beginning to feel like his head was becoming overloaded with information.

"Killian." Doctor Bradwell approached the pirate. Emma nudged Killian's arms, shaking him, and he woke up suddenly. He sat up from the slouching position in his chair and rubbed his face to wake himself up.

"Is everything okay, mate?" Killian leaned forward in the chair, still rubbing his face.

"May we chat in private, Killian?" Emma exchanged a weary glance with Killian and the pirate got up from the chair, leaving Emma's side and walking with the doctor so they were by themselves away from prying eyes and that they could discuss Nadri in private. "Your wife, Nadri, are you aware of any other…dizzy spells? Has she expressed any concerns for anything out of the ordinary?" Killian was stumped suddenly, noticing that she had been referred to as his wife. He hastily shook his head, unknowing to anything that Bradwell had listed off that might have been a cause for concern recently.

"She has been the same as she always had been. Tell me it's not something serious, doc?" Killian rested his hand on his chin, feeling his heart pounding against his chest the more he waited for an answer from Bradwell. The doctor looked down at the folder he had in his hands, raising an eyebrow before closing it quickly and looking back up to the pirate with a forced smile.

"Lack of iron, her blood sugar is quite low. However, there is something else but I have recommended to Nadri that it would be best to speak to you privately. I have given her some vitamins that she needs to take every day. She's on the first floor." Bradwell explained to Killian and the pirate thanked him, expressing his gratitude and brushed past so he could head to the elevator promptly.

He went on, journeying through the hospital so he could get to her room. He rubbed his hands together nervously in the elevator as he headed up to her floor, he just wanted to hold her, to see her face and make sure she was okay.

Killian found her room, knocking quietly and he slowly opened it. He popped his head around to see Nadri sitting on the edge of the bed, looking up with a smile that was just as nervous as Killian himself. She was still wearing the same outfit as before, her hand had been plastered over from the cannula that had to be inserted to give her fluids to try and stop her from having another fainting episode.

"Hey, love. How are you feeling?" Killian approached her, coming to kneel down in front of Nadri and he took her hands, kissing them. She looked like she just wanted to curl up in bed, tired and weary. "The new doctor said you can go soon." His voice was easy-going, still thinking about everything that he had read in her book.

"I just want to go home, Killian. I'm fine." Nadri told him unconvincingly and the pirate frowned, unsure why she felt the need to lie.

"What's going on, darling? You fainted today and I know when you're holding the truth from me. The doctor said that you're low on vitamins?" Killian continued to look up at her from his place on the floor, scanning her face as she desperately tried to avoid his eyes, seeing the tears brimming.

Killian began to feel a sense of dread in the pit of his stomach. Was there something going on? Did they find something else?

"You're scaring me now, please answer me-"

"I'm..." Nadri croaked in the tiniest whisper, almost as if it pained her to let it leave her lips. "I'm carrying your child." Killian began to digest her words, feeling like the whole world stood still as he carefully got up.

Nadri's words still running through his mind repeating what she had said. He kept searching but he couldn't find the words, it was like he was frozen. Killian turned his back down to Nadri as she tried to force the tears back, only for her to splutter through sobs.

"The…the doctor said that's why I fainted, I am 6 weeks pregnant." Nadri played with her fingers, her bottom lip trembling at Killian's stunned silence. "I-I don't…I didn't mean-"

"We're having a baby?" Killian repeated finally, letting Nadri finally let the breath out that she had been holding with anxiety. A smile began to form on his lips, looking back at Nadri as it grew wider. "I can't believe it…"

Nadri's face of upset stayed the same, horrified with tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Why are you happy about this raaviir?" Nadri whispered, croaking.

"How could I not be? We're having a baby, Nadri. I'm going to be a father." Killian told her as if it was the most obvious thing in the world to her. "I can be something that my father never was. I won't give my child to the sea, I can give them a life…"

Nadri's heart broke at seeing Killian so elated, so excited with the news. It shook her to her core at the thought of even having children. She didn't know what it would be like having a children of the human kind, children terrified her. They were delicate and fragile, they were fearful and new to the world. Nadri couldn't protect herself from the cruelties of the realm, what makes anyone think that she could protect a child?

"Killian." Nadri stopped him gently, the pirate looking down at her with a wide smile and twinkling eyes. "This body is broken and destroyed. It's not capable of carrying anything precious like this. We can't have this child." Killian rushed to her side, sitting on the uncomfortable hospital bed and taking her hand, squeezing it in his while she silently cried.

"You are the furthest thing from broken. Your curse is broken, Nadri. We don't have to worry about that anymore."

"We?! I am carrying this child and expecting it to be brought into this world without harm, raaviir. Me." Nadri reiterated. "Do you see what happens every day? Hyde walked into Storybrooke and brought an entire realm of joor with him, Killian! What if they were here to battle? I have no power, I cannot protect myself and I cannot protect our child." Nadri sobbed heavily, the tears sparkling against her purple eyes. "It doesn't matter if my curse is broken, Killy. Our child would always be in danger."

"I will protect you, I will always protect both of you." Killian kissed her hand, holding it to his lips. He felt his emotions come back in tidal waves again, feeling like he had been on a wild rollercoaster ride in the last hour. "I will lay down my life before I let harm come to you and our baby, I promise you that, love." Tears stung in his eyes, feeling as if he was begging Nadri just to listen to his words. She continued crying next to him, every whimper pulling at his heartstrings and he wanted to do anything that he could so she didn't feel this constant fear.

"I am scared Ruveyzun…" Nadri blubbered, leaning into his embrace. Killian wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a tight, comforting hug. "I don't think I could forgive myself if something happened. I would destroy this world…I just wouldn't survive it." Her head went into her hands, sobbing heavily, breaking Killian's heart. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, pulling her into his chest and kissing the top of her hair.

"I know darling, I'm here. You are strong and our child will have that strength. They'll be able to do anything." Killian yearned into her hair, rocking her slightly as she cried. "I'll be there. I'll swear it for eternity." Nadri pulled her head out of Killian's chest, leaving behind a trail of wet tears against his shirt and she stared up at him. Her bright eyes were puffy, her bottom lip still trembling.

Killian rested his hand against her cheek, caressing her so gently as if she would break under his touch. He took in the moment, everything that he had read in Nadri's story he could see in her face. Killian could see her pain and agony underneath and all he wanted was to add happiness to her life.

He came down to gradually capture her lips in a kiss, feeling the wet, salty tears that had run down her face and down to her lips. Nadri kissed him back and pulled her head away, giving Killian a crumbled smile.

"Can we go home now?"

Nadri's hand was clasped with Killian's as they approached the reception of the hospital, Bradwell signing off the papers to allow Nadri to leave. She was latched onto his arm, not wanting him to leave her side even for a moment. They approached the foyer and met Emma who was still waiting patiently and she gave a friendly, relieved smile when she saw Nadri.

They had agreed that they would keep everything quiet between them for now, Nadri still paralysed with fear whilst Killian was bursting with excitement and just wanted to scream it from the rooftops.

"Is everything alright? You scared us pretty bad there." Emma got up from her chair, grabbing her bag and her coffee as they continued to walk over to her. Nadri glanced up at Killian, who couldn't seem to contain his beam of excitement. His smile was a wide grin and Emma noticed Nadri nudge him at being so overly happy. "Okay, I'm missing something here."

"I told Nadri that Nimue has agreed to come to Granny's tomorrow with the others." Emma frowned as Killian changed the subject, the three of them heading towards the exit of the hospital.

"Hweal can be outspoken, I apologise if she said anything untoward." Nadri commented to Emma, Killian opening the door for her.

"Well she's definitely a character that's for sure…Is everything alright?"

"Not enough sugar, I fainted." Nadri answered cryptically, not believing her own words that came out of her mouth and Emma raised an eyebrow.

"You? Not enough sugar? You could live in that ice cream shop if you could. I'm jealous you don't put on weight." They stopped outside, Nadri pulling her coat close as the sudden rush of the evening breeze.

There was a moment of awkward silence, Emma still eyeing the couple suspiciously as they stood close together with waiting expressions.

"Well…I'm going to get home. We'll be at the diner for the morning, okay?" Emma began stepped away towards the carpark of the hospital, seeing the bright yellow bug waiting for her. Killian couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief when Emma walked away, feeling like his face was aching from not being able to smile. Nadri shook her head in teasing disappointment and they continued on towards the docks, dropping her hand and wrapping his arm comfortably around her shoulders instead.

Nadri was silent as they walked back, digesting the information that been given to her by her doctor. It felt like her brain had been completely overloaded, due dates, midwife appointments – things that she had no idea what they were. Killian was close to clueless too, they were too used to their old realms ways of dealing with children which were you hoped and prayed that you would go into labour and not die in childbirth.

"We have to tell someone, darling." Killian told her, finally breaking the silence.

"What makes you think that it a pruzah zaak?"

"Because neither of us have a bloody clue." Killian chuckled honestly, leaning down to peck his partner's temple. "Maybe we should tell Emma. The woman's not stupid."

"You made it very obvious, Killy."

"Hey, I'm happy, love. I'm over the moon. I could shout it right here and now."

"Ruveyzun." She scolded, frowning. "It's still early."

"I'm not going to!" Killian defended humorously. "Let's give it a few days, hm? And we'll tell someone."

"One person?"

"Sure, we'll tell one person."