Emma stirred in her sheets her mind lost in a dream, the events of the hour before a distant memory in such a deep slumber. Her mind miles away lost in a memory, the cool winter breeze even felt real on the crisp winters day. Walking out to the school courtyard with Elsa who was slurping her frozen beverage. A volleyball came flying into view blocking the on ray of sunshine and hitting Elsa in the back of her head. Coming up to the pair fast was Mulan but as she approached everything got darker and faded away to black. There was an annoying persistent beeping and Emma couldn't figure out what could be, until she heard her mother's voice. Emma opened her eyes finding herself in her bedroom her parents standing over her sharing concerned looks. Awake again all the horror Emma just experienced rushed to the forefront of her mind. Breathing heavy as she woke sweet visible on her forehead, Emma quickly sat up her eyes open wide with horror.

"Happy birthday" Mary Margaret and David said in unison.

Once again buddy jumped up onto the bed reaching to lick Emma's face, but she pushed him away. Emma looked over to them her expression not what they expected, Emma thoughts still in a much darker place. The soft morning sun coming through the window and the looks on her parents faces was lightening her mood slightly. However, her heart would not stop racing because as real as this all felt so was the memory of holding Killian's ashes in her hand.

"Is something wrong" David asked seeing the despair in Emma's eyes.

"Nothing, just a bad dream" Emma said forcing a smile.

For a moment Emma tried to convince herself what she said was true, it was just a dream but there was no way she could shake off the dreed. The absence of Killian was all she could feel, and every part of Emma's body and soul was screaming. Mary Margaret sat down on the side of the bed putting her arm around Emma's shoulder. As soon as Emma felt her touch her focus came back and she remembered the mission at hand. To turn back time, to save a life and she sat up straight eyes forward. David came closer holding in his hands the Storybook gently he placed it on Emma's lap. His face focused as he tried to read Emma expression, trying to understand what had frightened her like this. Placing her hand gently on the cover Emma tried to breath in and out slowly calming herself. Together they flicked through the pages once more, but Emma was distracted. Trying to spot the person that had taken Killians life in the pages of the Storybook. The conversation had gone flat without her even noticing and David awkwardly coughed signalling something to Mary Margaret. A wash of realisation came across her face and she nodded. Holding a cupcake in front of Emma a single blue star candle lit and a big wide smile on her face.

"Make a wish" Mary Margaret said.

This time Emma knew exactly what to ask for and she closed her eyes blowing out the candle wishing desperately. The flame went out and Emma opened her eyes waiting for him to arrive. There was nothing but silence only for a second and they were all quietly waiting. Emma was hoping to hear the sound of Killian, knocking at the door. There was nothing just an eerie silence as the smoke from the candle drifted upward.

"Killian" Emma said frantic.

David and Mary Margaret both shared bemused looks but Emma didn't even notice leaping down the steps towards the front door. Emma was panicked the image of Killian vanishing to dust was playing over in her mind. Her hands shaking so much it made it difficult to open the door, Emma held her breath as she eventually swung the front door open. Standing there looking more beautiful than ever in his leather jacket and jeans. Killian frowned surprised that the door opened before he even struck his fist to it. His expression quickly changed, and he smiled looking at Emma. Who jumped up, wrapping her arms around Killian and holding him tight and resting her head on his shoulder.

"Hey birthday girl, what's wrong?" Killian asked feeling Emma's heart race.

"Nothing, everything's fine now" Emma replied.

Emma let go realising they now had an audience and stepped back from Killian, but still held his hand tight. David and Mary Margaret looked concerned coming over to the booth of them. Emma lifted Killians hand glancing at the watch on his wrist it was already ten minutes past eleven and she only had to keep him alive for another fifty. A hopefulness swelled up in Emma and she gave them a reassuring smile, ready to face the day.

"Before you to run off maybe you want to get changed" David said almost laughing as Emma was still in her pyjamas and halfway out the door.

"Off course, just stay here" Emma said looking at Killian.

"Wasn't planning on going anywhere love" Killian replied with a bemused giggle.

Emma ran back upstairs planning in her head while she quickly brushed her teeth and slipped on the same old jeans and tank top. It was already beginning to feel like DeJa'Vu and Emma promised herself she would not let all the events repeat themselves. Grabbing an extra something from her father's bag before heading back over to Killian and her parents. Luckily, they didn't notice her side tour caught up in a serious conversation. Emma practically had to cough to announce herself when she walked up to them.

"Emma before you go, we got you something" David said beaming handing her the same colourful bag as the hour previously.

"Thanks, I love it" Emma replied

"You know what it is" Mary Margaret said disappointed.

"I mean, I'm gonna love it" Emma quickly reiterated.

Emma quickly took out the crepe paper and put on her new red leather jacket and it felt just as good as it did before. Once Emma had her armour on, she was ready to head out with Killian for breakfast. Waving goodbye quickly they headed down to Killians car and just like before he drove up to the spot on the hill overlooking the school. The sandwich was as good as Emma remembered but she couldn't take more than a bite. Her stomach it knots as the time got closer and closer to Killians demise. Emma was begging to doubt her plan, which was flimsy at best. One thing was clear to her she would sooner die herself then lose Killian again.

"You ok" Killian asked curious.

"Fine" Emma replied squeezing his hand.

"Just usually more talkative" Killian teased.

"Well maybe I wanted to hear what you had to say" Emma said

"I did have something, I was going to share" Killian replied.

Emma gave him a reassuring look to continue wanting to hear it again more appreciative then ever of their love story. Emma looked at Killian longingly as he smiled a little confused but started anyway.

"I used to sit here every day" Killian started "It was like.."

"Groundhog Day" Emma said finishing his sentence with a giggle.

"Exactly" Killian said "Then I saw you, reluctantly making your way up the steps into the school, this overwhelming feeling washed over me" Killian continued reaching for Emma's hand " I knew everything was going to be ok"

"You waited for me to come home" Emma said looking up at Killian.

Killian leaned in smiling he placed his hand on Emma's check and they shared a passionate kiss. Once again Killian let go first realising, they were running late. This time Emma heart started to race as the anxiety heightened. No longer excited as to where Killian was mysteriously leading her to, dreading their destination. Emma was beginning to doubt this maybe just tell Killian and they could stay here and be safe. Something inside couldn't let it go, needing to know who it was that took Killians life. A new kind of anger burning her up inside, hateful. If Emma was honest part of her wanted vengeance not justice. Emma sat stiff in the passenger seat as Killian drove through the countryside, and they approached the mansion once more. It looked as beautiful as before with the leaves falling gracefully over the hillside. Now Emma was visibly shaken as this horrible nightmare played out just like before. Killian parked in exact same spot but paused before getting out, looking over to Emma certain now that something was wrong.

"Emma?" Killian said looking over to her his jaw clenched.

Without using many words, she knew exactly what he was trying to say. Tell me what's going on, Killians expression stated. It was conveyed all in his eyes and they precise way he raised his eyebrows. Killians tone concerned but frustrated knowing Emma was going through something and had chosen not to share this with him. Emma wasn't concerned in this moment, if Killian was disappointed in her, just that he was safe. Giving her loving boyfriend an apologetic look, leaning in Emma swiftly took the handcuffs from her back pocket. Carefully placing them they're after taking them from her father's bag earlier. Snapping one cuff to Killians wrist and the other to the door handle quickly.

"I'm Sorry" Emma said "It's not safe, stay here" Emma instructed.

"What, no" Killian said desperate as what Emma was doing sunk in.

The expression on his face was so broken as Emma got out of the car and walked away. Looking ahead trying to focus on the fact she was saving Killians life. Trying not to think about how Killian may never forgive her for betraying his trust and putting herself into danger. All Emma knew for sure was that this feeling right now, was nothing compared to holding his ashes in her hands.

"Swan" Killian bellowed.

Emma was already practically out of earshot though and was more focused on retracing her steps. It was difficult given that last time she made her way up here, she was blindfolded. Off course when she could once again see all that was in front of her where the autumn leaves covering the cobblestone path. The trees draped over providing cover from the light for their attacker. Frustrated Emma grunted as she was still unable to recall their face. As soon as Killian was taken a new type of power raged within Emma and she was keeping it inside until now. Walking around on the right side of the building instead of the left, Emma hoped to sneak up on whoever it was. Strike first and no life will be lost at the hands of the mysterious Killer. There was a crunching of leaves in front of Emma but impossible to make out who it was in this darkened alcove. It was enough for Emma more than ready to release the anger burning her up inside as the minutes brought her closer to noon.

"Arggh" Emma yelled ready to strike.

Raising her arms up a beam of light emerged it was almost as bright as the sun. Very hot the glow was burning against her skin. As fast as the burning light lite up the shaded area it was gone. Illuminated this little cove Emma could see the figure clearly now and realised it was none other than her best friend. Putting her hands down quickly relieved to see Elsa standing before her holding a box of rattling glass bottles.

"That's Knew" Emma said to herself looking down at her palms in awe.

"Emma what was that?" Elsa said squinting at the bright light.

"Elsa, what are you doing here?" Emma replied confused.

"Me" Elsa said surprised and frustrated "What about you, and where's Killian?"

"Killian, how did you know?" Emma asked confused.

"Ughh it's nothing come on" Elsa said slightly annoyed but still smiling.

Taking Emma's hand and leading her back out to the front of the building. However, Emma planted her feet not able to move she couldn't leave it like this. The anger inside her reaching explosive levels the constant setbacks and attacks on her family becoming too much. Emma understood it for the first time. That nothing else mattered only the fight ahead and all else would fall away. Her hands began to burn as the light within her flickered.

"No Elsa I have to go back there, and I need you to go" Emma said sternly her heart racing.

"What Emma, you're scaring me" Elsa said her stance changing ready to strike.

"I know, I'm sorry, there's something I need to do, I can't let anyone else" Emma started to say but stuttered not able to get the words out.

"Just trust me" Emma finally said.

"Ok" Elsa said with a smile "That's what best friends are for" Elsa finished letting go of Emma's hand.

Emma smiled nodding at Elsa as she stepped away from here walking further into the back of the house. Determination swelled up in her as she walked off alone into the darkness to face the beast.

"Emma, Happy birthday" Elsa said smiling.

Nodding Emma began to walk away towards the shade of the tress the darkness was familiar. Emma looked back once more just as she did another flicker of green flew past her hitting Elsa in the centre of her chest. Elsa fell back turning pale within seconds her skin began to crack cascading off into little flakes. Floating slowly to the ground and she faded to dust before even having the chance to scream, just like Killian. Emma ran over and slid down to the ground beside were Elsa stood moments ago, Emma's her face turning white in shook this could happen twice.

"No, no no no" Emma said "I'm sorry, I'll fix it Elsa, I can fix it"

Looking up Emma tried to get a better view at who it was doing this she raised her hands once more ready to fight. As she did Regina came out the same back door hearing the commotion made from Emma's yelling.

"You" Regina said her voice trembling.

Emma lunged forward trying her best to get a good look at who it was in the shadows. It was too late just as the assailants cheekbones came into view a purple cloud surrounded Emma once more and they were in the street again. Emma was still not used to this from of travel but tried to shake of the nausea and got to her feet quickly. Knowing what to do next looking up at the clock tower as she ran knowing she was almost out of time as the clock ticked over. Never had Emma imagined she would find herself wishing for time to stop once more in the town of Storybroke.

"Emma wait, where are you going?" Regina yelled as Emma ran off.

Bursting in with more ferocity then ever into the pawn shop having now seen two of her loved ones perish in front of her Emma was beyond distraught. Incapable of thinking clearly or slowing down for a breath.

"Back again" Mr Gold said.

Emma looked up surprised for a moment but of course the Dark One knew what she was up to. You couldn't use magic that powerful without him sensing it. By the way he stood it didn't seem that he cared enough to stop Emma assuming she'd make the right choice.

"I must warn you" Mr Gold said.

"I know what I'm doing" Emma grunted frustrated once again just trying to hold the pieces of herself together.

"This device doesn't work like your magic that power comes from love, with this item there is give and take that's the only way it works" Mr Gold explained tense.

"What does it take?" Emma asked.

"Isn't it obvious" Mr Gold with a smirk.

"It is taking moments from my past an hour at a time" Emma responded as a sad realisation came over her and her mouth gapped open.

"It can't just take an hour where I'm asleep or a bad memory" Emma asked.

"Bad or good those moments are important make up who you are, you must know by now how much a person's life can be shaped in an hour, if the time your given is precious then the time this device takes must be" Mr Gold finished.

Emma sad realisation apparent on her face as she weighed the costs of her choices. There was no turning back no repercussion could be worse than losing Elsa or Killian. These people came into her life when she needed it most gave her hope again. Giving her something to celebrate on her birthday and Emma would not leave them behind. They deserved so much more than that and Emma was going to make sure they got it.

"Yeah, it is" Emma realised grabbing the device and flipping once more as soon as the first drop of sand feel the world became clouded. Regina burst into the Pawn shop again mouthing something intelligible before the world faded to white.

Notes: back to weekly updates! thanks for keeping up with this story reviews are greatly appreciated.