This chapter is a bit short, but there's only one more to go! I'm sorry this took so long to post; it took me a bit to mentally process the season finale! Thank you to everyone who is reading, especially Ana, Angels-Heart1, Lisa1972 and Alexandra Sarafolean for reviewing! I really love hearing from you all!

-KM-

Chapter 12

Every time Killian saw Emma over the next few days, she was in the middle of something that he saw no need to interrupt for idle conversation, such as magic lessons with Regina, so he merely caught her eye in greeting and continued on his way. Finally, he saw her sitting alone in a corner booth at Granny's picking at a mostly untouched lunch. He approached cautiously, uncertain if she wanted company. "Problem with the food, love?"

She shook her head. "Just not hungry."

"May I join you?" He inquired, not wanting to impose if she didn't wish it, as she seemed to be brooding about something.

She nodded, and to his surprise, she slid over in the booth, indicating he should sit next to her rather than on the other bench across the table. He slid his arm around her shoulders and she leaned into him, resting her head in the crook of his shoulder, closing her eyes. His hand stroked her hair, content to hold her as long as she would allow it. "Emma, are you okay?"

She nodded. "Just tired. Tired of practicing magic, tired of wondering where the hell the witch is and what she's up to, tired of missing Henry and hoping somehow he'll be okay. I wish this would just be over."

Suddenly, the entire building shuddered and the screams of the townsfolk and the screeches of flying monkeys echoed in from the outside. Emma and Killian both sprang to their feet. "I think you may just get your wish, love!"

They ran outside to see the sky dark with the witch's simian minions armed with swords, knives, and blow darts. Regina stood in the middle of the street trying to shield those she could while holding back the monkeys, though they'd never perfected the freezing spell and it only lasted a few moments. Emma joined her at her side, Regina cursing under her breath. "Ice isn't my element. I don't want to blast them with fire; they're our own people!" She looked over at Emma. "You haven't found your element yet. You try it!"

Emma murmured the ice spell and four of the monkeys froze in place. "Let's see if it lasts." Unfortunately, her actions caught the eye of several other members of the monkey army, and they quickly turned toward the new threat. She waved her hand to freeze the one approaching her with a sword, not seeing the one above her with the darts.

"Emma!" Killian screamed as he saw the dart hit her shoulder. He was at her side in an instant, catching her as she fell, tearing open her shirt at the shoulder only to see the blackness of a curse beginning to spread. He brushed her hair away from her face. "Emma! No! Stay with me, love!" He begged.

"Killian-" She reached her had up to caress his face, barely managing to get the words past her lips. "Love you."

"Emma! Please don't leave me." He pleaded, not just with her but with all the world, with the whole of magic. He felt her heart begin to slow under his hand, and in a moment of sheer desperation, he bent forward and lightly pressed his lips to hers. With a loud crack and a flash of light, his world went dark.

Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to review and give feedback. Your comments help make me a better writer! Please review if you are so inclined. Reading your comments totally makes my day! There's only one more chapter left, and it should be up in a few days. It's finished, and I'm just editing it. Thank you so much to everyone who stuck with me on this story!

-KM-