Rating: T

Spoilers: 4x08-9

Summary: Killian has finished collecting magic for the hat and goes to Gold to face his fate. Gold has told him that it is his last day and at sunset he will have to kill Emma using his hook. Henry had figured out that Killian is missing his Heart and started Operation Codfish. They know he has his heart, Henry found Emma's phone, Cure has been found but if not administered with one hour effects are permanent. Belle is with Anna in a dolls house in the shop and Emma all but told Killian she knows what is happening and has a plan.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my love for the show.

AN: Having problems with my laptop so sorry for any errors but it is 2:30am here and I really wanted to give you all something for Christmas or the Holidays, which ever suits you. xxx

Emma made it back to the station with time to bid the rest of her family farewell, she had come so far from being the foster child with no family. Looking around the room Emma could see David and Mary-Margret lost in moment, reassuring each other and using the time they had left with Neal. Seeing Emma they gestured for her to joint them. Walking over to them, breaking out in a slight jog, she passed Regina and Elsa working on the potion. So close to sunset, she hoped they would have it finished by now, it would be a lot harder to complete with everyone acting out their worse thoughts and feelings.

'Regina, what are you still doing here? I thought you said you would have this done, we're cutting it awful close don't you think.' Emma tried to keep calm in her voice, breaking and turning from the hold of her parents, to face to ex-mayor. There was less than 15 minutes to sundown.

'Almost done Miss Swan. You'll have to finish the rest of it yourself. I can't risk staying longer.' Turning to look both Elsa and Emma square in the eye, pulling them to the equipment ,ensuring she had full concentration from them both. 'When this turns clear,' motioning to the heating globe behind, 'add 3 drops of this,' putting a small red vial into Emma's hand, closing tight and wrapping her fingers around it firmly, 'and get it into the sky... Save our son.' A single tear fell from Regina's face. 'Should we meet, don't judge me too harshly.' Disappearing on sight in a cloud of smoke.

'I don't know what's gonna happen. I don't know how long it's gonna last.' Fearful words spilled out as Emma saw her parents leaving Neal on the desk and walking towards to cells, ready to be locked in.

'No, Emma.' Mary-Margaret spoke, taking her daughter in her arms once again. 'You're gonna fix this thing, and then you're gonna come back and save us. We believe in you.' Speaking through her tears as she walked back into her cell.

'We will always find you and you will always find us. You can do this.' David's brave prince like exterior failed him as the emotion of the moment took over and he barged from the cell and pulled Emma into a tight hung, his hand pressed firmly to the back of her head cupping it. 'We love you.' Whispering into her ear, voice soft and breaking, before pulling back and holding strong. Giving her brother to Elsa, who was waling at the loss of his mother, Emma locked in her parents and made a final choice. She knew that would be mad about her not telling what was going on with Killian and Gold, but she had to, they would understand. She had to have a back up if this didn't go to plan.

'Mom, Dad.' Looking down at the floor, taking a deep breath.

'Emma. What...what's wrong?' David sensing her distress, placed his arms through the bars to try and reach her. Elsa went back to the potion to try and give Emma some space in this family moment.

'You mean other than a spell that is going to turn every one against me and Elsa and a Dairy Queen with a death wish.' Unable to keep the sarcasm from her voice, she always got on edge before a battle, wanting it all to start instead of flustering around. 'Sorry right. Can I trust you, because there is no going back after this.' Emma made sure Elsa was listening too as this would concern her just as much as the rest. They all nodded, no doubt in their minds. They had just stated their belief in her and other than the ice cave, Elsa had become a trusted friend. 'You have to let me say it all. No interruptions.' Casting her eyes back to her mother.

'Gold has Killian's heart. I think it was taken the night at the manor. He's not been the same since, nothing about him is right.' She started to pace the floor by the cells, refusing to look at anyone in the eye. 'Henry found out and told me it was missing, so we started Operation Codfish. We located it in Gold shop but couldn't get to it. I think he his trying to use this shattered sight spell for it's power and to hide the fact that he is going to try and cut himself from his dagger and it all has to do with this hat that collect powers.' Emma vomited up the words giving no one chance to interrupt. Not that they would have, they were too shocked to move, only Elsa did, rocking Neal now he was in his travel seat. 'I read in this book,' pointing at the one on the nearest desk that she had brought from the loft, 'in it, it talks about this hat and how it can break the strongest bonds during an act of great evil, like this spell. I think he has been getting Killian to help him do it. None of you have really noticed that he has been missing a lot over the last few days but we did. Hell, Gold could even get rid of us both while the spell is happening and blame that. I mean he has always wanted to get at Killian and I am the strongest source of light magic now that I have control.' Emma's voice didn't sound confident about her own abilities but she seemed to fool the room. 'That has to have him scared.' Again everyone look back in shock. Emma needed her family to believe her this time. When everyone thought she had lost it about Tamara, it hurt. No one but Henry believed her and she was right about it all. She needed them, needed them to just help.

'Where did you get this book?' Elsa reach out cutting through the conversation as she reached out to the book. It snapped closed of its own accord, hissing out in disgust. Emma was shocked, the book had never done that with her, not even with Henry, but there was no time to waste. Emma had kept the fact that Henry had given her the book along with a few other details from the group, they didn't need need to know that, at least not yet.

'Not important right now.' Snapping back at the woman, but stopped to give her an apologizing smile.

'When the spell is cast, I will find Gold and I will get Killian's heart back. Gold won't expect anyone to know that he is up to something. 'Cries of no's and reasons as to why she should not be doing this rang throughout the room. 'I have no time to argue. Please just trust that I know what I am doing.' Taking David's out reached hands and looking into her mothers eyes, conveying that this was not up for further discussion. The leader she was born to be shining out. 'When this is all over and you both come around, use this.' Emma pulled a spare locator potion from her pocket and un-clipped her Sheriff's badge. 'Come find me.'

'Seems you are more like your mother everyday Emma. Snow was always very good at the rousing speeches and not taking no for an answer.' Nodding over at his wife, taking Emma out reach hand and pulled them both back in for one last hung together. This is what a family was. No matter what they may face or now long they would part a part, Emma knew they they would always find each other, no body would be left behind or forgotten.

Pulling back and drying her eyes, Emma removed her phone as it buzzed in her back pocket. Seeing Killian name on the caller ID worried her. She had left his phone out of reach so that when the spell lifted and she had his heart, she could find him. More importantly Emma had put an enchantment on the cuffs so he could not get out of them by lock picking or using his hook.

'Killian?'

'Swan.' His voice sounded mechanical. Killian was not to one talking. 'Swan...Emma you have to meet me by the clock tower.' She could hear the hurt in his voice as he tried to fight the words. 'Its important. Trust me.'

'Killian, Killian.' The line went dead. Redial. No answer, phone no longer is service area. Emma turned to Elsa, speaking quickly. 'Elsa take care of my brother, I will make sure that he is in a safe place, protected but watch him, I have to go. Once the potion is done, remember three drops.' Passing the vial to the ice princess. 'Meet me by the clock tower and we can finish this. Sorry but I have to go.'

'It's ok Emma. Go.' Elsa replied, she had become quite fond of the Captain during her time here.

Emma picked up Neal in the carrier and put him in her office and placed every protection spell she could muster on the room. It came easy, just thinking about what she was trying to do and who it was for. She would protect her brother, that was her job as a big sister. Taking her red leather jacket and donning it like a suit of Armour, she left the station, leaving the car behind choosing to run down the street to him. All to hell with her planning, she could do this, she was going to find her man and take back what Gold had stolen.

'Go get him Swan.'

She had a plan. There was hope, eyes still staring at the spot he had last seen her, his siren. Looking down at his shackles and proceeded to test them out. Having been a pirate for sometime he was quite used to being locked in irons. After trying his usual methods of breaking free and a few other that were less sophisticated, it seemed that Emma's magic had indeed improved and was somehow used to make this things impossible to escape from. It would take a good amount of time to get out of these, if at all. He wondered why she had these and how long? Fifthly thoughts flooded his mind, lost in the endless possibilities these could bring. No. He needed to get through this first. Maybe this was part of her plan. With him locked here, he would not be able to get to the tower and perform the sickest and evilest act anyone could do, to destroy the one they loved. A task the dark one had done himself, though Milah was lost to the Croc by then. That strong feeling of hope surged through his system again, lingering longer this time, refusing to be pushed aside.

He could still smell her scent encompassing him, even in this strong sea breeze. The heat from their kiss, their unspoken promise to each other, warming him from the inside out. She was fighting for him, not hiding or running, but fighting. He had yet to see his lass fail and with his life on the line, it was in no better hands. The soul stirring giggle of the Crocodile behind him caught his attention. Fear. Dread. Focusing on the feeling Emma left him with, gripping to this lifeline, he turned to the Imp. He would not give up his Swan, he just didn't know how to keep this from his master.

'Lost in your finial happy memory pirate.' Standing in the middle of the deck feet apart, cane out between in feet, next to a black bag dropped by his side.

'Yes Crocodile.' Refusing to lie, lies could end badly. 'Can't a dying man be one with his wishful thoughts before the end.' Killian held himself proud. His heart would be beating madly in his chest if it were there, yet his face and posture held firm. The Croc pick up the phone Emma had agreed to leave and pushed it in to his hand.

'I will not be part of your sick fantasy.' He would be damned if he was going to make this easy, throwing it down on the pier.

'Let's bring Miss Swan in to play shall we.' The evil glint in his eyes, he released Killian from the cuffs and drawing the heart from his bag he spoke to the heart. Killian tried to fight it but without Emma there it was almost impossible. Picking up the phone off the ground, fighting his body for control. Pressing the Emma button he raised the phone to his lips and waited for the sound he craved yet wished would not come.

'Killian?' The sweet sound of her voice gave him strength. Trust her.

'Swan.' The Crocodile spoke for him. It felt repulsive, like burning ash coating his mouth, infecting every word. 'Swan...' Still trying to fight his words. 'Emma you have to meet me by the clock tower. Its important Trust me.' Bad form. Playing on the trust they had for each other. Hanging up, he gave it back to the Imp as ordered.

'Now our dear Miss Swan will be rushing to your side and I get the last piece to my puzzle.' Placing the heart back in his bag. 'Don't start without me.' He waved his wrist and Killian was on the empty street in front of the clock tower, unable to move his feet as the sun began it's slow descent past the horizon.

Killian started to panic. All the years as Captain had made him well trained for stressful situations but all that failed him, left him defenseless. At the thought of Emma, flashes of his bloody hook filled his head. He could feel it penetrating the soft skin above her heart, her life force seeping into the floor, eyes losing their green life, falling to her feet, unable to put words together and tell him that she didn't blame him. All My Fault. The order, the one he would fight to the bitter end, given from the Crocodile rang in his ears, unable to hide from it in his mind, battling with his head, refusing to give up on Emma.

'Give her one last kiss under the clock tower and sink your Hook into her heart.'

Then he saw her, his vision, his savior, his Swan, running down the street, hair flashing in the deep hues of the sunset. She looked like a Goddess charging into war, an angel sent to on high to guide him to redemption, confidence oozing her very being. No matter how much time he had, he would never be worthy enough to touch her, let alone love her. The chanting voice grew louder with every step she took to him, filling his body, moving it for him, overriding his own orders.

'Give her one last kiss under the clock tower and sink your Hook into her heart.'

'Killian! How, how are you here?' She fell in to his arms, catching her breath. Without waiting, she answered her own question. 'Crocodile.' If it were any other time, Killian would have found Emma's use his moniker for his hated foe quite endearing.

Her scent stronger than ever, latching on to that he focusing on her presence, her heat, her touch. Pulling away from her slightly, keeping his hand clasped in hers, the now constant drumming orders were screaming in his mind. The conflict driving him to the point of insanity. He had to trust her, the look in her eyes pleading him to do so. Turning his head, seeing his hand shake as she tried to calm it with her own, he could see the last light of the sun fall below, clouds above shimmered as they released their shards of evil, the ribbon falling limply from Emma's wrist to the ground, having completed it's task.

'Give her one last kiss under the clock tower and sink your Hook into her heart.'

'It won't work on me Emma.' His eyes moving from the sky to looking her in the eye, drawing strength from her. She placed a hand to his chest where his heart should be. The feel of her hand against his skin helped with his internal battle.

'It was always yours Swan. I...I...Emma I'm sorry.' His face tight with pain, brimming with tears he pulled her into him and she spoke just before pressed a firm closed kiss to her lips.

'I know'

It felt like death. His kisses with her should have been fun, passionate, consuming, doting, everything this kiss was not, never like this. Marking her as his next target in the Crocodile's game. The faint shouts and screams of the town echoing his own internal struggle. Unwilling to take to kiss further, tainting the others they had shared, Killian made to pull away. Emma fought against his coldness and push for more. Finally letting his hesitance go, he began to match her, he could never really say no to her, like even like this. The moment he engaged, the power, the strength he felt of before returned. Flowing with it, trusting her, he heard the voice begin to quieten. His free will growing. Hope powering through.

Sharply he pulled back and raised his hook, arm shaking ready to strike. The Crocodile voice speaking to his heart, loud and clear as day. Gold had come back too soon, Killian need more time to beat this, speaking now he couldn't fight it. Slashing his hook down, his world turned to slow motion, his mind screaming loud, unwilling to stop fighting for her, even in this dying hour.

'Killian don't.' Her voice was quiet but firm, a command of her own and stood her ground, defiant till the end,

.

'Your Hook into her heart.'

.

'Your Hook into her heart.'

.

'Hook into her heart.'

.

'Hook'

.

He stopped, hook hovering still above his head He hesitated. He bloody well hesitated, body frozen in position as the war waged under his calm exterior, his chest rising and falling, quick and shallow. So lost in the struggle he failed to see Emma move closer, placing her hand up to his chest again, he could feel the overwhelming loving rushing through him. Love yes love, he could feel the love. Unable to feel his own he drew on her's, her love for her family, wearing it like amour against his reptilian foe. This light was pure, untainted, true, more than anything he had ever felt. Killian was ready to finish this.

'Do it'

'No'

'Do it NOW'

'No'

'I command you to kill EMMA SWAN!'

'Never!' Emma heard Killian shout last words out loud stumbling backwards, hook falling limply at his side. Bright clear green eyes blinking back at him in awe, his sight and head becoming clearer, like seeing a world of grey burst into colour. She had done it, he didn't know what it was or how but she had save him from himself and her life in the process

'Emma.'

'Killian.' There lips match in frantic embrace. All other thoughts forgotten, it was just him and her, no spell, no heroes and villains, just them. Her kiss felt like coming home after months at sea. Still unable to feel his own love, Killian embraced hers. He smiled against her soft yet cracked lips, Emma's joy was overpowering, he could almost get drunk off it. So engaged with each other, Killian failed to hear as his former Master joined them in the street, a mixture of anger and confusion lilting his voice.

'Well isn't this interesting.'

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

Next chapter should be out before the new year. I am aiming to get two or even three out but it depends on my hands.

AN: I wanted to reply to a guest review but it wouldn't let me so Ashleighxx Thank you so muchxx

Reviews feed my muse, don't let him go hungry. ;P