A/N: In this chapter Emma will work on learning to control her magic. You know that her magic is tied to her emotions and it seems to creep up when she is in danger without her control. She will need to explore both good and bad memories. I want to warn you just in case you don't want to read that part. It is implied in this story what happened to her so you can advance through those paragraphs if you don't want a firsthand account.

It's important for her to face it so that she can fight the darkness later. I'm also going to try to keep a good balance so that our Lovely OTP is in all the chapters. You know I can't get enough of those two. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Tonight 4X09 is going to be the death of me I know it so I wanted to give you all some goodies to hold you over too.

Thank you for your reviews and I love hearing from you. Your enthusiasm for Killian and Emma makes me so happy and I'm glad you like my story.

Ch. 18

"Where's Emma?"asked Snow.

She could see the alarm on their faces when they entered the castle.

"She's alive and well. We were ambushed down by the waterfront. She had to make a quick getaway. Regina is back." Said Charming.

Snow looked at them all. Their faces confirmed what Charming said and she was filled with fear. "Did she see Emma? What if she finds her? We have to keep her safe." Said Snow.

She was pacing back and forth muttering to herself.

Charming grabbed her hand and pulled her back to reality and looked her in the eyes.

"Emma has her magic back." Said Charming.

Her mouth dropped open and she gasped.

"What? But I thought the only way for her to get her magic back was to kiss her True Love?" asked Snow.

"Well, that's the other part of the story. That's exactly what happened." Said Charming.

"Wait? What? But she was captured by pirates." Said Snow.

David nodded.

Snow gasped again.

"Are you saying our daughter's True Love is a Pirate?" asked Snow.

David nodded again.

Snow broke out in hysterical laughter. She jumped into Charming's arms and hugged him tight.

Ruby and August looked at her with perplexed looks on their face.

"You're happy about this?" asked Ruby.

Snow pulled back and she had tears in her eyes.

"Ruby, my little girl found her true love. The curse is broken. Why wouldn't I be happy? The heart wants what the heart wants. Look at Charming and I. He was a shepherd and I was a bandit when we met. If our daughter has found her True Love with this man he must be rather unique just as she is. There was never any man who was good enough for her. If we weren't forced to marry her to Neal I'm sure she would have run off at some point. All she wanted was adventure. It makes sense that her True Love is one of the most adventurous types out there." Said Snow.

"She's not very happy with us." Said Charming.

His face fell. She leaned up and touched his face.

"We did what we thought was right to protect her. I'm not sure how Neal is going to take this or if there is anything we can do. He thinks she is dead." Said Snow.

"There's more to this story and I think we need to sit down in private to discuss this." Said Charming.

"What? There's more to this. What else could there possibly be?" asked Snow.

"Snow, since we know you are ok we are going to leave. The Evil Queen tried to read our minds and she can't read Auggie's so he is going to try to find Emma and tell her what is happening. We don't want to risk sending another letter since someone was able to find us the last time. I'll be here if you need me." Said Ruby.

She hugged her friend. Snow looked very confused about what was happening.

"I appreciate you going. As soon as you can please let us know what's happening. I will not forget this." Said Charming.

"I will, don't worry. I think I know where they might have gone." Said August.

August needed to get the next ship back to Tortuga.

"Charming, what is going on?" asked Snow.

"Come on my dear. I have some things to tell you. Let's talk out on the terrace." Said Charming.

He knew that his wife was always full of hope and believed for a happy outcome. This was going to be a terrible shock for her. He only hoped he would be able to hold her back from rushing to Neal immediately. God help the man if he was ever in her presence again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After dining below in the Captain's quarters Emma went above deck with Killian. He spent the remainder of their journey to Tortuga teaching her about sailing, showing her around the ship, and introducing her to the members of the crew.

They looked at her a little differently since the fight earlier on deck. She walked with her head held high. She felt that maybe she earned a little respect from them today. She didn't hold much stock in that since it was her fault they were in trouble in the first place. If she didn't have to escape so quickly they could have plotted a more careful journey and perhaps go to another location. The positive for the crew was that they got quite the bounty from the other pirate ship so even though they were quickly back to Tortuga they had goods to barter and sell once again.

They arrived in Tortuga when evening fell. It wasn't the optimum time for them to be exploring the town but they didn't have time on their side. Regina had magic and she needed to learn how to control hers. She dressed in the most modest gown that she had and went to meet Killian back on deck.

"Love, you look beautiful. Are you ready?" he asked.

She nodded.

"The men are going to travel with us until we get to Nairobi's. They will act as a barrier for you so that you won't be seen." Said Killian.

She looked around at them. They were all nodding. Mr. Smee was ringing his hat in his hands again. She suspected he did that when he was nervous and probably a little embarrassed that she stepped in on his behalf earlier.

"Thank you all. It means so much to me that you are willing to do this for me." She said.

"Love, let's go before Nairobi closes her doors for the evening." Said Killian.

The band traveled into Tortuga and it was just as it had been earlier that day. Still the same dirty little town, men scattered about, the scent of baked bread still lingered in the air, and the loud booming voices echoed around them.

The men casually stopped to let her go into Nairobi's shop and Killian followed behind her. They continued on to do their business as usual.

Nairobi and Greta were both in the front of the store smiling.

"We knew you'd be back, Princess." Said Nairobi.

"I hoped to return, just not quite as soon." Said Emma.

"We've run into some trouble. I'm hoping you might be able to help Emma as we discussed. "said Killian.

Nairobi nodded. Then she closed her eyes and shook her head as if she were reading the air.

"The Evil Queen, so it was dark magic as we suspected." Said Nairobi.

"I've got to learn how to put up those shields you were talking about." Said Emma.

She could feel the blush on her cheeks.

"Aye milady we'd be happy to teach ye." Said Greta.

"So, she's going to come for ye then. We best hurry to teach you." Said Nairobi.

Emma nodded.

"She took my magic because she couldn't kill me. My heart was protected by my magic even after she cast the curse on me. I can't let her hurt my family. I need to learn how to control my magic so I can fight her. It was my parent's fear that had me trapped in misery in the first place. I want to be free of that fear. I want them to be free of fear. No one should live that way." Said Emma.

Killian put his arm across Emma's shoulders and gave her a little squeeze.

"Do you see that Greta?" asked Nairobi.

"Aye, I do. Just as you said. They glow when they are together brighter than anything I've ever seen." Said Greta.

Emma smiled and looked up to see Killian grinning as well.

"We have work to do milady. Captain would you please remain to assist us since it seems that her magic seems to be more focused while you are present." Said Nairobi.

"Aye, I'll be staying with Emma. I won't leave her." Said Killian.

The women came around from behind the counter and lead them to their back room. It was also full of trinkets and had colorful tapestries hanging on the wall. There was a pungent scent from incense burning and a brightly colored circle rug in the center of the room. Colorful throw pillows were tossed around the circle for them to sit upon.

The women each chose a pillow and sat on the floor folding their legs in front of them.

"Sit down." Said Greta.

The each chose a pillow and sat down with the women forming a circle.

"When do ye feel yer magic is with ye?" asked Nairobi.

"I've felt it when I'm scared or worried. It feels like prickles all over my skin." Said Emma.

"Is that when ye feel you can't control it?" asked Greta.

"I have to breathe to hold it from blasting out of my hands." Said Emma.

"Ye were able to assist me in the healing charms by thinking about happy thoughts. Let's focus on that first." Said Nairobi

"Ok, what should I do." Said Emma.

She looked over to Killian and he smiled.

"You can do this Love. I'm here." Said Killian.

She nodded.

"I want ye to hold the Captain's hand and then close yer eyes." Said Nairobi

Emma did what she was told. His hand was warm and she felt herself relax immediately.

"Should I close my eyes as well?" asked Killian.

"No, Captain, ye just need to be still." Said Greta.

"OK, I want you to think about something pleasing to ye. Something that makes ye happy." Said Nairobi.

Emma took a breath and focused on the feeling she had when she first saw her father at the cottage today. She was so happy to see him. It had been so long since they had a happy reunion.

"I've placed a candle in the circle. I want ye to focus yer thoughts on the flame and bring it to life. When ye open yer eyes I want you to say the word light." Said Nairobi.

Emma felt the magic begin to prickle on her skin. She felt the warmth rushing to her palm.

"Open your eyes." Said Nairobi.

"Light." Said Emma.

The flame sparked and came to life on the candle. Emma smiled and Killian squeezed her hand.

"Brilliant Love." said Killian.

"I did it." Said Emma.

"How did it feel?" asked Greta.

"I felt ok, I didn't have any pain, and I didn't feel out of control. I focused on the object and felt the magic reach out and ignite the candle." Said Emma.

"Perfect milady, let's keep going." Said Nairobi.

They focused on small tasks at first having Emma continue to light the candles, levitating small objects, blasting objects from a ledge, and finally moving objects from one space in the room to another. She handled each challenge with ease and had a lot of fun doing it.

She felt so excited to be able to do something special. She was doing it and she was learning. It felt good. Killian was in awe of her. He kept praising her and making her feel like the most special person he'd ever met. Her heart was swelling with feelings for him. No one ever made her feel so good.

They decided to take a little break from the training. The women needed to close up the shop. They left them alone in the back room. Killian stood and held his hand out to her so that he could pull her to her feet and they could stretch their legs.

She jumped up into his arms and pressed her lips to his. She caught him by surprise but he quickly responded by wrapping his arms around her and deepening the kiss. He pulled back to see her smiling.

"I'm not complaining but what was that for Love?" he asked grinning.

"You're so good to me. I can't help myself. I just want to make you feel good too. Thank you Killian. " She said smilling.

Her arms were wrapped around his waist and he was holding her against his chest.

"It's easy to be good to you Love. I'm not sure how anyone couldn't be good to you." Said Killian.

He kissed her on top of her head. Her heart was soaring.

"I never knew it could be like this. Killian I was so lonely. If we'd never met my life would have been a dull existence. I might have survived but I don't know what it would have been like." She said.

"Aye, I thought surviving is what everyone did but with you, all I want to do is live. You're worth living every minute for Love." he said.

They waited together holding each other in a warm embrace and kissing until the women returned.

"Look at them Greta, they can't keep their hands off of each other. Do you remember when we were like that?" asked Nairobi.

Greta hugged her.

"Aye, their like newlyweds." Said Greta.

"So, are ye ready for more?" asked Nairobi.

"Yes, Let's keep going. " said Emma.

"This next round is not going to be pleasant. We know that ye can do things when the feeling is good but when danger come of ye is scared, that's when we need ye to be in control." Said Nairobi.

"Nairobi is right, ye is powerful Princess. Ye must learn to accept this and take control." Said Greta.

Emma nodded. They sat back down in the circle. Killian held her hand like before and she felt calm.

"Don't worry Princess, we are here for ye. It might get a little dark for ye but don't forget that ye are not alone." Said Nairobi.

"Emma, I'm here for you." Said Killian.

She looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity and gave his hand a little squeeze.

"Ok I need ye to close yer eyes again. I need ye to focus on something that scares ye, that pains ye, that makes ye wish ye were somewhere else." Said Nairobi.

Killian felt Emma tense up. He rubbed her hand with his thumb.

"OK, I understand." Said Emma.

She reached into her mind and thought about the first time that Neal came home and the darkness took hold of him.

Henry was four months old. He was sleeping peacefully in his crib. The nurse maids were giving her a much needed night's rest. Neal had been away on business for the last 2 months. Before that he'd had business dealings all around the realm that kept him from seeing them. She'd managed to take care of a newborn with the help of the nurse maids but felt the loss of her husband immediately.

She'd heard a clatter and someone mumbling curses in the hallway outside of their room. She climbed out of bed and grabbed the candlestick on the dresser as a weapon. She immediately felt a pit in her stomach when she thought of her newborn and an intruder in the castle. He pushed open the door and she was ready to whack him over the head when she saw his familiar face. She felt relief at first but then when he leaned on her to stand she smelled alcohol and cheap perfume.

She tried to move away from him but he pulled her back. He was sloppy drunk. She protested his advances but he wouldn't stop pulling her towards him. She told him he should go sleep in another room and he got angry. He yelled that his wife should not tell him what to do. He grabbed her arm and yanked her towards him. He tried to kiss her but she was repelled by him and tried to get away again. He pushed her towards the bed and she fell back hitting her head against the bed frame. He watched her laughing as she clung to the bedspread and tried to stand. She stood on wobbly legs and held her hands in front of her. She begged him to go to another room and sleep off his alcohol. He walked towards her and fell himself. He rolled over and was getting sick. She climbed over him and snuck out of the room while he was occupied. She fell to the floor and crawled down to one of the open rooms. She pulled herself up and locked the door. She crawled over and then climbed into the bed. She huddled to the center of the bed and pulled the blanket over her head. She squeezed it tight to hide herself until morning when she heard the nurse maids looking for her. That was the first time she pretended that nothing happened.

She could feel the tears falling down her face. The magic was crawling all over her skin and prickling her. Her hands were hot and she could feel Killian tense up next to her.

"Princess, I can see the magic is surrounding ye. The pain is taking over ye. Push it away, ye must push it away. Ye must think of something happy. Push back the pain and remember ye is in control now. The pain is gone its from the past. Its not here." Said Nairobi.

Emma nodded and took a breath. She could taste her tears. She felt the magic and it was overwhelming her. She took another breath and she felt Killian's thumb rubbing over her hand.

"I can't, I can't make it stop." Said Emma.

She could feel the sweat beading on her brow.

"Emma, I'm here, I'm right here Love. You can do this." said Killian.

His voice immediately soothed her. She felt her body start to relax. Then she remembered the first time he kissed her, touched her, held her and comforted her. She squeezed his hand and the magic started to recede back and the prickling stopped.

"Open yer eyes Princess. Light the candle." Said Nairobi.

Emma opened her eyes. They were still filled with tears and she lit the candle.

Killian looked around the circle and noticed that all of the women had tears in their eyes.

She looked up and saw him staring at her. He brushed away her tears.

"Love, you did it." Said Killian.

"Ye did good Princess. I know that was a terrible memory for ye." Said Nairobi.

Emma looked over towards the women. Their unshed tears let her know that they could read her thoughts and saw her memory. She looked down and felt ashamed.

"Ye have nothing to feel embarrassed about with us milady." Said Greta.

"No, milady ye is a brave woman to have lived through something like that." Said Nairobi.

Killian felt a pit in his stomach. She clearly just relived something awful. He pulled her onto his lap and held her. She was still shaking. He kissed her on top of her head.

"Are you ok Love?" he asked.

She nodded and then leaned into his chest to breathe him in. She closed her eyes and began to calm down. His scent was intoxicating and his warmth made her feel safe.

"I think we've had enough excitement for one day." Said Killian.

He held her close. He wanted her to feel that he was there for her. She didn't need to be afraid.

"Yer right Captain. The Princess needs to rest. Go. We will see ye in the morning." said Nairobi.

Emma climbed from his lap and he stood. He pulled her to her feet. She looked to the women who were smiling at her. She still felt a little exposed.

"Ye have amazing power milady. If ye can control it ye never have to be afraid again." Said Greta.

"That man will never hurt ye again." Said Nairobi.

Emma smiled at them sweetly.

"Thank you for your help. I won't forget this." Said Emma.

She reached out and hugged them both.

"We'll see you tomorrow." Said Killian.

Emma curled into his side and wrapped her arm around his waist. He put his arm around her shoulders. He wanted her to feel safe. He could tell she was feeling vulnerable. Much like she was when she first came to the ship.

When they got to the front of the shop, three of Killian's men were standing outside waiting. He nodded and they flanked them on all sides. The walk back to the Jolly Roger was uneventful.

Killian dismissed the men and turned his attention back to her. Emma smiled at them and they each nodded as they left without saying a word. They climbed aboard the Jolly and it was quiet and calm on board the ship. There were light waves lapping against the side but any movement was very unnoticeable.

She walked around the deck taking in the night air while Killian checked with the crew members on board to make sure there were no issues while they were gone. He came back with an all clear from the men. Those crewmen on board would keep watch and alert them if anything went wrong.

He came up behind her as she was looking out over the water and put his arms around her. She nestled into his back.

"Come along Princess, let's get you into bed. You've had quite the adventure today." Said Killian.

She leaned back and kissed him.

"Yes, let's get to bed Captain." She said.

When they entered the Captain's Quarters she closed her eyes and swished her hand. The candles on the table lit the room. She looked up to see Killian standing in front of her smiling.

"Love, you're brilliant." He said.

"I am so lucky to have you. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you." She said.

She leaned up and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"Turn around Love. Let me help you out of this dress." he said.

She did as he asked. He opened the laces on her dress lifted it over her head. She felt her body relax having been relieved of the extra weight. She was down to her under dress and it was light and flowing around her body. She turned around to face him and cupped his face with her hands. The candlelight made his eyes glitter.

"You are amazing. Kiss You are lovely. Kiss You are sweet. Kiss You are handsome. Kiss" She said each time pressing her lips to his.

He scooped her up in his arms and placed her on the bed. He pulled off each of her shoes and then her stockings. She laid back and her hair fanned out on the pillow. The combination of the candlelight and the moonlight made her look luminescent.

She rolled to her side to watch him as he continued to undress. He tossed his boots to the side and then pulled off his shirt. She loved to watch him move. She couldn't wait for that beautiful body to be next to her. She loved being held in his strong arms and feeling his hands on her body. She loved the feeling his hard chiseled chest against her and pressing her into the bed. She also loved to listen to his beating heart. It had a way of lulling her to sleep. He made her feel safe and after reliving that moment tonight she needed him.

It felt like she was back there again, in that dark place. She felt like that scared little girl who was helpless, hurt, and alone. She never wanted to feel like that again. She would fight for these moments, this life, and never force herself to just survive again. She knew it was important to remember that because she could face worse before this fight was over. She knew she could do it but having Killian by her side made her even more confident.

He saw her watching him and smiled. He still couldn't believe he had this angel in his bed. He walked over to her and she sat up. She tilted her head to the side and smiled. She held up her arms and wiggled her hands as a signal for him to remove her dress.

"Are you sure Love? You aren't too tired." He asked as he caressed her cheek.

"Killian, I need to feel close to you. I want to feel the warmth of your body against my skin." She said as she reached up to cover his hand with her own.

He smiled back at her. He knew she went through something awful tonight. He didn't have the gift of sight like the other women who were there but he could tell how effected she was by reliving it. Her eyes held sadness behind them. He wanted to take that pain away that she endured. He needed to make her feel safe and loved. He helped her remove her remaining clothes and took off his as well.

He didn't want to say it to her but he wanted her as much as she seemed to want him. He didn't want to be greedy with her but her desired fueled him forward.

He lay next to her and pulled her close so they were facing each other. He kissed the tip of her nose and she smiled. Their bodies matched up in length and she pushed her leg between his and wrapped her arm around him so she could pull herself into him.

She squeezed him so tight he let out a breath. He smoothed down her hair and kissed her forehead.

"Unf, It's ok Love. You're safe. I promise I'll take care of you." He whispered.

She looked up into his eyes. She would never get over how they sparkled in the perfect blend of candle and moonlight. She only had to look at him and she felt calm. She could feel when they connected.

"I know. I've never felt safer in my life than when I'm with you; especially wrapped in your arms. " She said.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yes, it was just hard to go back to that place again. It was hard to remember how alone, hurt, and frightened I was. I'll never go back there again." She said.

"Love, The woman I see is strong, confident, and beautiful." he said.

"It means the world to me that you see me like that. You give me the courage to be my bravest self. You make me remember the woman I was before I was lost, the woman that men feared to meet. The woman with fire behind her eyes and a passion for adventure that was unquenchable." Said Emma.

He saw something change in her eyes when she looked up at him. He saw the fire. He saw the glimmer come back. He leaned forward and kissed her soft pink lips. She ran her tongue across his bottom lip beckoning him to deepen the kiss. He responded in kind softly running his tongue against hers. He didn't want to rush this with her. He wanted her to feel loved, worshipped, and adored. He smoothed his hand over her soft curves massaging her along the way.

"You're beautiful Love." he said as he kissed down her body.

She laughed when he kissed the sensitive places on her side. He paid extra attention in those places because he loved to hear her laugh.

He was driving her made with want. He was kissing every inch of her except where she wanted him most. She loved the feel of his tongue and lips against her skin but when he got close to her core she couldn't wait anymore. She surprised him when she pushed him over. He laughed and lay back against the pillows. She smiled and then she climbed over him, straddled him and ran her wetness over him to coat his length.

He tried to protest but she pushed him back. She sat on top of him with her hair hanging down over her in a cascade around her shoulders.

"Let me make you feel good." She purred.

He pushed her hair back so that he could see her body. She leaned down and kissed him gently. He sat up and cupped her breast with one hand and then latched on to her other with his mouth. She leaned back so that her warmth lined up against him and pressed forward. He pulled her forward onto him so he could fill her. She moaned in pleasure and pushed back sliding over him.

He leaned back with a groan. She slid back and forth over him slowly massaging him harder. She felt so good. She was warm and tight against him. She pressed her hands on his chest so she could move faster.

He bucked his hips in time with her. They were in sync and she purred in pleasure as he pushed into her deeper each time he thrust forward.

"Love, That feels so good. Just like that."

"Gods you make me feel so good Killian. Oh, right there, keep moving."

He touched her where they were joined rubbing his thumb in circles over her aching nub and she was soon leaning back with his name crying from her lips. He grabbed her hips and continued to push into her chasing his own release as he felt her walls fluttering around him. She collapsed forward against his chest. Her breath was ragged. She leaned up and kissed him passionately before she rolled to his side and slumped against him.

"I'll never get enough of you Love." he said breathlessly.

"Good." She said.

He put his arms around her and she nestled in close. He grabbed the blanket to pull it over them. He watched her as she fell asleep before he let sleep take him. Tomorrow was going to be a long day and they both needed rest to face it if it was going to be anything like today.