A/N: Emma's accepted her magic and the threat is greater than she thought. Plans need to be made but first things first, she needs to get everyone home. Thank you for all of your reviews, comments, and questions. I answered some Anon questions in my fic blog for folks who inquired about why I didn't include Emma's brother in my fic. Check it out if you are interested. I will have a new chapter soon. Sorry this one took a bit to get out. Thank you for your time Lovely readers. It means a lot to me that you are hanging in with me on this story.
Ch. 25
The sky was clear over base camp. Cooler heads prevailed and it was decided that they would remain on the island for at least the evening and decide in the morning what to do next. The crew built up tents for her parents and Regina to stay in. Emma could still feel the burn of magic prickling on her skin. The surge that pushed her to the ground when she accepted it was hefty and all encompassing. She felt as though if she flicked her finger she could blow up a tree but at the same time she could pick up a tiny grain of sand and command it to float in the air. It was exhilarating to feel the power. She'd felt like she was nothing for so long. She'd felt weak and helpless to all that happened around her. She'd been surviving.
Not anymore. She felt powerful and even without her magic. The love of her family and Killian gave her power. Their love made her heart soar and gave her strength. It felt good to be around her parents again. She'd been denied to see them for so long that she felt perhaps her old life was only a dream. It was a good feeling to know it wasn't and embrace them.
Killian had the crew make them a tent at base camp as well. She would have to think fondly of their cove and he vowed to bring her back under better circumstances. She'd been sitting alone on a log of driftwood watching everything unfold around her. The sound of the fire pit crackled in front of her. Killian was talking to her parents and no doubt filling them in on the course they would take with his ship.
Regina was sleeping in her tent. She'd been certain that the magic Regina lost took its toll on her older frail form. She had no doubt she was already sleeping.
She felt sad for Regina. The empty life of seeking revenge on her family had finally taken its toll on her. If only someone would have helped Regina see a better path, a way towards healing, and given her a new hope. She knew her mother would keep her promise to take care of Regina. She was family even if it wasn't through blood ties. In Regina's weakened state she could do no harm to anyone.
Her parents even seemed a bit withered. She knew that all of Regina's tactics over the years caused them to age as well. She took some solace in the fact that her parents truly felt that their threat was over when Regina took her magic. They must have been happy to stop running and just live. She only remembered happiness with her parents as a child. She grew into a feisty and warm spirited girl who wanted to be free. She never felt sad, scared or worried about the threat they escaped. In her mind she'd forgiven them for everything already.
She wanted to be angry for the years of torture but her father was tricked by Regina. He had no idea that she'd magically coerced his decision to choose Neal as her husband and made the political match. She couldn't blame her father at all. The look on his face when he knew what her life was like was torture enough for any man who truly loved his daughter.
She couldn't be angry with her mother. She'd always been there for her growing up. She put up with her wild ways, her tomboy-like play, and her sneaking out of the castle to go on adventures. She never forced her to be the princess she didn't want to be. She let her have the freedoms to be who she was and she would always cherish those memories.
Fate was funny. Her life went down a track that it was likely never supposed to go but it still found a way to wind itself back to where her life should be. She found her True Love, she has a wonderful son, and she has the love of her parents. At that moment the pain she endured was worth it. She was stronger for it.
If she'd had all of this power before she could have taken it for granted. She may not have become the person she is today. She wouldn't abuse this gift. This was something amazing and beautiful. She could help a lot of others if she could realize its true capabilities. Fate was funny but perhaps in her case it made its course perfect for her.
"Love, are you tired?" asked Killian.
"What, oh yes." She said coming out of her trance.
"You've been rather quiet here on your own. You seemed to be contemplating something and I didn't want to disturb you." He said.
He sat next to her and she leaned into his side. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders holding her close and pressed a soft kiss on the top of her head.
"You could never disturb me. I always want you and your good opinion." She said.
"It's nice to hear you say that. It's been quite a day." He said.
"Yes, very eventful. At least I don't have to worry about accepting my magic any longer." She said with a little chuckle.
"There's that and the Evil Queen is no longer chasing your family." He said.
"That's true as well but there is an even larger plot that I was unaware of." She said wistfully.
"Love, I think after a night's rest you'll be able to think about this clearly. We'll figure it out together. I'll not let any harm come to you or your family." He said.
"I know you won't. Thank you for taking such good care of me and them. I'm sorry I've been in a trance." She said.
"Love; if they belong to you they belong to me. You needn't worry about thanking me. I'm your humble servant." He said.
She leaned up and held his face in her hands. The flickering flame of the fire pit in front of them danced in his eyes and the breeze from the water was blowing his hair. He was mesmerizing her again. The smile on his face perked up his eyes and she could see the love behind them.
"I'm lucky to have you. I'd gladly give up all of this just to be with you. You're my family now too. I love you Killian." She said.
"My heart is your heart. Always My Love." He said.
He kissed her tenderly savoring the feel of her soft lips. She could feel the emotion in his kiss. She let herself fall into it and enjoy him. She could feel the tension leaving her as his tongue caressed her own. She leaned back satisfied and smiling when she realized they were sitting in the open. Her parents had gone to bed but there were still crew men about drinking near one of the open fire pits.
She stood and held out her hand to him and pulled him up from the log. He huffed out a breath at the ache in his arm as she pulled.
"Let's get you to bed Captain." She said smiling.
"Aye. This way. I had the men put our tent over there. I wanted some privacy." He said.
Their tent was out of the way of the others but not off of base camp. Her parents were near Regina so that his crew could safely guard them. They were to alert him if anything were to happen.
They entered the tent and she found their things from the cove had been brought to them. She searched in Killian's satchel to find the coral and her book. She had the healing stone she'd used on Regina in her pocket. She placed it in the satchel with her other things.
Killian pulled off his boots and put them near the door of the tent. He groaned in pain from his shoulder and various other places on his body.
He was still feeling guarded about their location too. While it is certainly remote there was still the threat of strangers. He watched Emma as she carefully went about looking through her things. She had a sad smile on her face and he could feel that she was nervous.
He walked up behind her and hugged her close putting his chin on her shoulder overlooking what she was doing.
"Are you alright Love?" he asked.
"Yes, just thinking. You see this spell. I think it might help us get home tomorrow." She said.
"You mean use magic to go home instead of sail?" he said.
"It would be easier to do it that way. I can't see spending multiple days on the ship with my parents and Regina. Can you?" She said.
He raised his eyebrows at the thought. He'd only spent an hour with Regina and had enough of her let alone days.
"Perhaps we can talk to Regina about it tomorrow." He said.
"That's a good idea. I'm sure she would prefer to be comfortable." Said Emma.
"Speaking of comfort let me help you out of this dress." He said.
She pulled her hair forward to expose the laces for him. He carefully pulled them out and loosened her dress. She felt relief immediately and held up her arms so he could pull it over her head. She felt so much better in her under dress. She let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank you." She said.
"My pleasure." He said smiling.
He went to take off his coat and winced.
"You're in pain. Let me help you." She said.
She stood in front of him and slid her hands under the sleeves of his jacket and pushed it off putting it to the side for him. She saw him wince again as she touched his left shoulder. She smoothed her hand over it applying a small amount of pressure.
"It's sore." He said wincing again as she rubbed.
She nodded.
She unbuttoned his vest and pushed that off as well. That left him in just a flowing shirt and his pants.
"Lie down." She said.
He did as she requested. His arm was throbbing from the force of the Queen's rage. He didn't want to burden her with his pain. She'd been through so much that she didn't need his pain on her list of things to worry about.
She knelt next to him and caressed his forehead as she looked into his eyes.
"Darling why didn't you tell me you were injured." She said.
He smiled at her and closed his eyes, letting out a sigh.
She nodded in understanding.
"You are so considerate of my feelings but I am going to take care of you. Just relax." She said.
She laid her hands on his shoulder; she felt the magic prickle on her skin and down to her fingers. She used the technique Nairobi taught her and massaged his aching shoulder with healing thoughts and warm hands. He sighed in relief at the gentle pressure.
"Ah, that's amazing Love. It feels so good. Please keep going." He said.
"I don't care what is happening to me. I will always make time for you and your needs. You've done so much for me. It's such a small thing I can do for you. This gift, my magic can heal. I won't let you walk around in pain. "she said as she continued to massage him.
He took her hand in his own and pulled it to his lips pressing a small kiss.
"Any other injuries I should be aware of?" she asked.
"My back is a bit sore as well." He said.
"Why don't you roll over." she said.
He sat up and she tugged his shirt over his head. He winced again as he raised his arms. He rolled to his stomach and lay comfortably on the pillow. She rubbed her hands together to warm them and sparked her magic to her fingertips. He had a purple and blue bruise that began to show on his back. She pressed a soft kiss there. She probably could have slipped the necklace around his neck but she loved touching him and she wanted to do this for him personally. She'd remind him about that later.
"Darling this looks like it hurts." She said.
"Aye." He groaned.
She began to massage his tight tense muscles. She wasn't the only person affected by the day's events. He'd been carrying the burden of her problems since she met him. He'd done it without being asked and he'd done so much for her. He did it without promise and he did it because he loved her.
"Oh, Love that feels, ooh so good." He breathed out.
"I'm glad you like it. I want to make you feel good." She said.
She pressed circles into his muscles focusing her magic to her finger tips. They felt warm and tingly. As she rubbed she thought about how much she loved him. His body was beautiful and she loved being able to make him feel good. He kept moaning in pleasure as she worked out each knot and kink.
"I don't know what you are doing Love but I feel like I'm floating on a cloud." He said.
"A little magical massage." She said.
"It's bloody amazing." He said.
She got to the bruised area and carefully rubbed softly focusing her warm and loving thoughts.
He winced when she first touched it.
"This could have been worse. I wish you'd told me." She said.
"mmmm "he murmured as she massaged.
The bruising began to disappear as she pressed into the muscle.
He was feeling so good that even the twinge of pain wouldn't force him to move. He was going to have to remember magical massage on his list of the most amazing experiences of his life.
She rubbed her hands gently along his lower back.
He moaned in pleasure again.
"Shh. I don't know if others can hear us but my parents are out there. They might think we are doing something else." She said laughing.
He sat up slowly, turned to face her and stretched. He felt so good, like a new man. She was kneeling in front of him and smiling. She had circles under her eyes and she looked tired.
He pulled her onto his lap and held her against him.
"Love, you should get some rest. You've had a long day." He said as he caressed her hair softly.
"I know but are you ok? I can do more, I'd like to do more for you." she said.
"More than ok, if our circumstance were different I would take you right now and please you as many times over as possible in a night." He said.
"I want you so much too." She said pouting.
He laid her on the pillows and lay behind her holding her in his arms. He pressed soft kisses along her neck and shoulders.
"Rest my Love. I promise I'll take care of you soon." He said.
"We'll come back, to our cove?" she asked.
"Of course Love." he whispered in her ear.
She nestled her body against his and found a comfortable position. At that moment she felt everything come crashing. She was tired, she needed to sleep. She closed her eyes and let his warm arms hold her. She relaxed into him and let sleep take her.
It was only minutes and his beautiful princess was snoozing against him. He had to admit that it was a relief to have the business with the Evil Queen behind them but he knew what dealing with the Dark One meant. He was sorry she was going to have to go through this ordeal but he would be there with her every step of the way.
He breathed in her scent and let her warm body bring him to sleep. They were only partially through their adventure and perhaps the worst was yet to come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E&K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma woke up with the sun brightly shining through the slit in their tent. She could hear Killian outside talking to his crew. He was certainly an early riser or maybe she was more tired than she realized and slept late. She quickly put on her light cotton dress and brushed her hair.
She knew what happened was real but it still felt like she was in a dream. She needed to talk to Regina about what she read in the Blumier. If she could magically transport them all back to the castle that would be best. She wasn't prepared to live on the Jolly with her parents, Regina, and a crew of pirates for several days.
She picked up the magical text again and read over the spells on transport. She accepted her magic and now she needed to embrace her power. She needed to get confidence that she could do it. She didn't have years of practice like others did. She needed to start small. She would work her way up to transporting people she loved.
She picked up an apple from the table. She decided to send her pirate a little gift. She held it in her hands and closed her eyes. She concentrated on the apple feeling its weight in her hand. She thought of Killian and his hand, the rings that adorned it and the feel of his touch. She pushed with her mind suggesting the new location of the apple. She felt her magic prickle on her skin and warm her finger tips, then she felt the loss of the weight.
She blinked her eyes open and listened to hear if her experiment worked. The tent began to rustle and Killian appeared holding the apple. He had a huge grin on his face.
"Love, care to explain?" he asked.
"Good Morning Darling. I was just trying something." She said grinning from ear to ear.
He placed the apple back on the table and pulled her into his arms letting out a breath as she squeezed him tight.
He pulled back a little to look into her eyes.
"Good Morning Love. Did you sleep well?" he asked.
"I did but I missed you when I woke up." She said pouting.
She took a moment to look him over. He looked well rested and his eyes were sparkling blue. His soft pillowy lips were distracting her thoughts from her task.
"I wanted to let you sleep. You were rustling all night and I thought perhaps you could use the rest." He said.
"I'm sorry, did I keep you awake?" she asked coming out of her gaze.
"No Love." he laughed.
He kissed her softly and she sucked his bottom lip into her mouth.
"Mmmm someone's feisty this morning. Not that I'm complaining." He said.
"I miss you." She said brushing her lips against his.
"I miss you too." He said rubbing his hand over her curves.
"Don't tempt me Darling. I won't let you leave the tent." She said.
"Very feisty." He said grinning.
She huffed out some air and loosened her grip on him.
"I'm glad you got the apple." She said smiling.
"Ah, your little experiment. What was that about?" he asked.
"I was thinking more about transporting us with magic. I wanted to try it with something small and inconsequential before I tried to transport a person." She said.
"I was with the crew when it appeared." He said.
"Oh, I hope it wasn't an intrusion." She said.
"No, actually I was explaining to them about your magic. It'd been a mystery to all but Smee so you can imagine they were quite surprised to see what happened yesterday." He said.
"Oh, right. I'd forgotten that they didn't know. I imagine that was quite a shock." She said.
"They were relieved when you defeated her, until you showed your magic they thought all hope was lost. That lot had been saying their prayers to the Gods above so you can imagine that they see you as their savior. I believe you've won their allegiance if you didn't have it before." He said.
She squeezed him tighter again. She felt warm in his arms and she didn't want to let him go.
"That's a relief. Now I don't have to hide it from them. It would have been hard to live aboard the Jolly and hide this part of me." She said.
He looked down into her beautiful green eyes that were shining under the bits of sunlight that were piecing the tent. He pushed up her chin, leaned forward and captured her lips into a searing kiss. He didn't let up until she was breathless.
"What was that for? Not that I would complain." she said smiling.
"I was just relieved to hear you still planned to live on the old girl with me." He said.
She caressed his cheek.
"Where you go I go Darling." She said smiling.
He pulled her close.
"I love you Emma." He said.
"I love you too." She said.
"You know you can't hide in here forever. Your parents are surveying the island and Regina is still resting in her tent but we must get them home." Said Killian.
She buried her face in his chest and grumbled.
"I know. I'm going to come out. I just wanted to test my theory first." She said.
"Ah, just the theory?" he said.
She moved from his embrace and picked up the book as she shuffled her feet nervously back and forth.
"Not entirely. You're right. I need to speak to Regina and face my parents." She said.
He walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist. She leaned back into him.
"You've been doing amazing Love. Your parents love you and Regina is powerless. I'll be with you." He said.
She put the book down and turned in his arms. She looked up to see his blue eyes mesmerizing her again. They were a deep blue color.
"Thank you. That means a lot to me. Best to get this over with" she said.
"Alright Love. Lead the way." He said.
She took a deep breath, leaned up, kissed him softly on the cheek and pulled him forward towards the tent opening.
There were men roaming about the base camp and some were in the water. Her parents were nowhere to be seen. Regina's tent was being guarded by two men. The sun was burning high and she had to squint to see as she held her hand over her eyes.
"Ready Captain?" she said smiling.
"Aye." He said.
Killian gave her hand a little squeeze and they moved forward towards Regina's tent. The men standing guard stood at attention for their Captain.
"Good day." Said Emma.
"Good day milady." Said the men in unison.
"Any stir from the Queen?" he asked.
"No Cap'n she ain't moved." Said Paul.
"Go fetch some water and return to guard the tent." Said Killian.
"Aye Aye, Capn." Said Paul.
Emma entered the tent pulling Killian along with her. She wouldn't let go of the grip she had on his hand.
Regina was seated in a chair and wrapped in a blanket. She looked frail and wrinkled under the light of the sun.
"Ah, so you've finally come to gloat." croaked Regina.
Emma shook her head and held her mouth in a tight line.
"May we sit?" she asked.
Regina waved her hand to the chairs next to her.
They sat together. Emma gave Killian a sad look. He nodded to encourage her.
"Regina, I was hoping that I might get your help." She said.
"My help, My help? You're all powerful." Asked Regina sarcastically.
Emma let out a breath and stood.
"Regina, I'd like to use magic to take us all back to the Enchanted Forrest. I was hoping you could help me with the spell." Said Emma.
Regina sat up and looked at Emma. Her face was set in a scowl.
"I suppose it would be better than sailing on that bucket you call a ship." Said Regina.
Emma looked at Killian who was holding his tongue and smiled sweetly at him.
"I would prefer to take you all home in comfort if it's possible." Said Emma.
"Why, why would your parents want me there? After all I've done." said Regina.
"I believe you will be happy with them. Where else would you go?" she asked.
Regina looked down and a tear fell against her cheek.
"I don't have a home in this realm; I supposed I don't really have a home in any realm without magic." She said.
Emma took hold of her cool bony hand.
"You will be in comfort at the palace. I can assure you that my parents will care for you. You are family. Perhaps if someone would have cared for you long ago we wouldn't be sitting her now, like this." She said.
Regina shook her head.
"There was no help for me. I was blinded by revenge. I could see nothing more." She said.
"I don't believe that." Said Emma.
"You should, I tried to kill you, I stole your magic, I took your husband's love for you." She said sternly.
Emma took a step back letting go of Regina's hand.
"What?" she asked.
Killian stood behind her and touched her shoulder.
"Yes, he was my little insurance policy against the Dark One." She said.
"I don't believe you." She said.
"You didn't notice a sudden change in him?" she asked.
Emma shook her head. She couldn't have been that cruel.
"He owed it to me. I helped him recover memories that his father stole from him as a young boy. He was on a dark path and without those memories he would never have married you and fulfilled my promise to the Dark One. I needed him to do that so I could keep my magic. When he was a boy I made a deal with him. I told him I would collect when I was ready. After you had the new heir that the Dark One wanted my end of the deal was fulfilled. I came to claim what I was owed, 1/3 of his love. In good faith I restored the magic his father put over him but that set him back on his dark path. He also lost any feeling he had for you." she said darkly with a smile on her face.
Emma turned to face Killian a tear streaking down her cheek. She placed her face into his chest.
"You are an evil, cruel woman. How could you do that to her? She did nothing to you." Said Killian.
"She stole my magic!" she shouted.
Emma turned around to face her.
"It was never yours to be stolen." Said Emma sternly.
"I suppose you are right." She said sadly.
Regina leaned over and pulled a vial from her pocket. It held a single pink glowing strand inside. She handed it to Emma.
"What is this?" she asked.
"This is the piece of your husband's heart that I took. You can restore it to him but he will still not be the man you once knew. He was living a lie. Who you know him as is who he is." She said.
Emma took the vial in her visibly shaking hand. She moved to put it into her pocket and she felt Killian's hand over hers helping her. She relaxed at his touch.
"Is there anything else I need to know?" asked Emma.
"The Dark One wants your son. He needs your son. Without him he cannot legitimize his throne. He wants to be all powerful." Said Regina.
"What chance do I have against him." She asked.
"I'm not sure. I saw your power last night and I've never seen anything like it." She said.
"Would you help me?" asked Emma.
Regina closed her eyes and huffed. She pulled her blanket up higher towards her chin.
"The least you can do is help her after everything you've done." Said Killian.
He was frustrated at what he'd just heard and terrified of what was to come. He would protect Emma with his life if necessary. He hoped it wouldn't come to that. She'd already been through enough.
"Fine, I'll help you. First let's get out of this filthy tent and off this god forsaken island." Said Regina.
Killian ushered Emma from the tent and looked into her eyes.
"Are you alright my Love?" he asked.
"I'm I'm just disgusted and angry." She said.
He pulled her close and held her.
"I'm so sorry Love. Knowing she was at the root of all the evil that fell upon you makes me angry as well. " said Killian.
"You heard her Killian. It was all for revenge. I shall never let that take over my life, my heart, and my soul. As awful as she was I need to forgive her because if I don't, I will grow bitter and I never want to be like her." Said Emma.
"You're brave. kiss You're kind. kiss You're loving. kiss You're warm. kiss You're nothing like her." He said as he applied small kisses to her head.
She looked up at him with a shy smile.
"Thank you Killian. It warms my heart to hear you say those lovely things about me." she said.
"Tis all true My Love." said Killian.
He held her close and smoothed his hand down her back to soothe her.
"Emma, is everything alright?" asked David.
She looked up to see her parents walking towards them. She wiped her tears from her eyes.
"Yes I'm alright. Regina has agreed to guide me so that I can magically transport us back to the castle." said Emma.
"That's good news." Said Snow.
"Aye, it will make things much easier on all of you." Said Killian.
Regina emerged from the tent. Snow held her hand to her mouth to hold back the gasp at the sight of her.
"You act as if you've never seen an old woman before." Said Regina.
"How are you feeling Regina?" asked Snow.
The concern her mother shone on this woman astounded her. She addressed her with such grace even after all that happened.
"How do you think I'm feeling. Look at me! Can we get on with this please before I burn to a crisp?" hissed Regina.
"Tell me what to do." Said Emma.
"Put us on that bucket your pirate calls a ship." Said Regina.
Killian rolled his eyes and Emma grabbed his hand giving it a tender squeeze.
"Alright but how?"asked Emma.
"Before I let you do anything with me we need to see what you can do. How about you pack up this rag tag camp?" said Regina.
"The whole camp?" asked Emma.
"That's right Princess. Let's see if you can do it. Focus on the task and pull from your magic and make it do the work." Said Regina.
"Alright, make it do the work." Said Emma.
"You can do it Love." said Killian.
Emma looked to her right and saw her parents watching her. They were embracing each other and had a look of concern on their faces. Emma gulped hard. Killian reached down and held her hand. She felt herself immediately relax.
She surveyed the base camp. She focused on the tent next to them first. She squeezed Killian's hand and looked to him and smiled. He was looking at her with such adoration and his kohl rimmed eyes were glittering under the sun. She felt her magic prickling on her skin and warmth run down to her finger tips.
She closed her eyes and imagined the tent closing and packing up. She opened her eyes to see it do just that. She smiled and clapped her hands.
"I did it." Said Emma.
"Emma, that's amazing." Said Snow.
"Can you please just get this over with? I want to leave this hot sandy pit." Said Regina rolling her eyes.
Emma took a deep breath. She just wanted to strangle the woman.
She surveyed the camp once more and counted the tents. She closed her eyes, grabbed Killian's hand and waved her arm over the camp from one end to the other focusing all of her energy into what she hoped would happen. She felt the magic tingle against her hands and Killian chuckled next to her as their hands warmed together.
She heard the sound of the tents collapsing and folding. She opened her eyes to catch the tail end of them closing.
"Love, you did it." Said Killian.
"I did." She said smiling.
She leaned up and kissed him lightly.
"Ok, now put it on the floating bucket or do you plan to have a party each time you do a simple task?"asked Regina.
Emma had it with Regina's nasty attitude. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and envisioned all of the baggage moving to the ship. She wanted to include the Evil Queen in that transport but she held back. She held her arms out wide to her sides and waved them closed over the camp.
The camp items disappeared leaving just them on the beach.
"Yeah, you did it. Now the crew." Said Regina sarcastically.
"The crew?" asked Snow.
"You think I'm going to let her test this with me?" asked Regina.
"Killian, I can't risk their lives." Said Emma.
"Love, you're bloody amazing." Said Killian.
"Honey, send me." said Charming.
"Both of us." Said Snow.
Regina rolled her eyes.
"Mom, Dad are you sure?" asked Emma.
"Yes, I trust you. We trust you." Said David.
She hugged them both.
"I promise you'll be fine." She said.
They nodded.
Killian held her hand.
"You can do this Love. Focus on the Jolly." Said Killian.
Emma nodded and squeezed his hand. She closed her eyes, envisioned her parents on the Jolly, up on the deck. She waved her hand in front of her over her parents and they disappeared.
She opened her eyes and quickly looked out to the Jolly and saw them waving from the deck. She felt relieved. She also noticed the crew swimming out to the Jolly and some of them in row boats.
"I guess some of them don't quite have faith in me yet." She said biting her lip.
"Filthy bilge rats. It's just self preservation. Don't let them shake your confidence Love." Said Killian.
"Ok, that means it's just us." Said Emma.
"Finally. Get me out of here." Said Regina.
Emma held Killian's hand and held Regina's hand. She envisioned them next to her parents, aboard the Jolly Roger. She felt Killian's lips press against the back of her hand and he gave it a squeeze.
"Let's go Love." Said Killian.
She felt her magic prickled down to her fingertips and then she felt the wind rush in her hair. She opened her eyes and they were standing on the Jolly Roger.
"We did it." She said hugging Killian.
"You did it Love. You're brilliant." He said.
"Don't celebrate yet, we still need to get back to the castle." Said Regina.
"The whole ship?" she asked.
Regina gave her a look that was hiding a sarcastic comment.
"Why Not, let's do this." Said Killian.
She looked over board and the rest of the crew was settling aboard. When everyone was safely accounted for by Mr. Smee they gave her the signal.
Emma closed her eyes. She focused on the Jolly Roger and imagined the harbor at the base of the castle. She dug deep and thought about the special moment when Killian told her he loved her. She felt her magic rush forward and coat her skin. She felt all the love she had for him swell in her heart. She waved her hands in the air and pushed them out hard.
She felt Killian's hand on her shoulder and her hair blow back. When she opened her eyes they were exactly where she wanted them to be. It was a familiar setting that she hadn't seen in a very long time.
She jumped up and down. She was so excited that she'd done it. She'd moved an entire ship, crew, and her family from an island to her family castle.
She turned around and looked at Killian who was grinning from ear to ear. She smiled and he bent down to kiss her softly.
"You did it" he whispered against her lips.
He felt her smile. She was bloody brilliant.
"Ok, we are getting warmer. Think you can get us inside this time?" Said Regina huffing.
"Emma, how about the throne room?" asked Snow.
Emma nodded.
"Crew, you are to remain on the ship. There is still a bounty on Mr. Smee. Captain's Orders!" commanded Killian.
The sound of the crew's recognition came out in unison.
She smiled at her handsome Captain. She closed her eyes and thought about the throne room. She'd been there many days of in her lifetime. She'd sat there for hours on end as her parents conducted their business.
She thought about the circular mosaic tile on the floor in front of the thrones. She used to walk around in circles and count the squares. She felt her magic prickling again. Killian grabbed hold of her hand and the prickling intensified, warm energy passing between them. She envisioned her Mother, Father, Regina, Killian and herself in the throne room.
She felt her hair blow back and her feet settle down on the hard tile floor. She opened her eyes to the familiar room. She looked over and counted to make sure they were all there.
The castle servants were rushing into the room to see what the noise was. They'd been on high alert since the King and Queen were taken.
"Your Highness. Glad to see you've returned safely." Gulped the guard.
"It's alright. We are all safe." Said David.
"Alright, can someone find me a chair please? Enough with this reunion already!"shouted Regina.
David called one of the footmen over to help Regina to a seat. Snow gave instructions to the lady's maids to get a room setup for Regina while the men helped her to a chair. They were take her up immediately when the room was ready.
She stood with her parents as they watched the men take care of the woman who practically ruined their lives. She believed her mother was a saint for taking care of her after all of this.
"Mom, Dad, is something wrong?" asked Emma.
"No, Honey. We never did get to thank you for saving us from Regina, from this mess, for everything." Said David.
"I'm so proud of you." Said Snow.
She looked at her mother's face. She had a soft expression and she noticed that she was a little older but very beautiful.
"I'm so relieved that you are alright. Both of you." Said Emma hugging them.
She pulled back and stood next to Killian.
"Will you stay?"asked Snow.
Emma looked over to Killian. He was standing there looking up at the lofty chandelier and the ornate ceiling.
"I need to come up with a plan to get Henry." Said Emma.
"Let me help." Said David.
"It's going to be dangerous." Said Emma.
"I don't care. He's my grandson and you're my daughter. I won't let you fight alone." He said.
"She won't be alone. I'll be with her." Said Killian.
Snow had tears in her eyes.
"Mom, it's alright. It's going to be alright." She said.
"I love seeing you like this. So strong and confident. I'm so proud of the woman you've become. I was so worried about you. I know you seemed lost. It's nice to have my fiery Princess back." Said Snow.
Emma hugged her.
"Thank you Mom." She said softly into her shoulder.
"Please let us help Emma. We need to make this right." Said Snow.
Emma looked to Killian who was smiling at her.
"Alright, we'll stay if that is alright with you." She said.
"Of course." Said Snow.
She knew she spoke for him but she had faith he would be fine with her decision.
"That's great. I'll make sure your room is ready too." Said Snow.
"I'm going to help the men take Regina upstairs. I'm not sure I want her alone with them just yet." Said David.
"See you for dinner?" asked Snow.
Emma nodded.
Her parents left the room arm in arm. She hadn't seen them that happy in quite awhile.
"You alright?" she asked.
"Aye. You're bloody brilliant Love. This place is beautiful. This is where you grew up?" he asked.
"Yes, I spent many days in here." Said Emma.
"Are you ok staying here with me at the castle?" asked Emma.
"Of course Love. Where you go I go." He said smiling.
She put her arms around his neck and leaned forward to kiss him. He pulled her close and held her tight. He took in her delicious scent and felt relieved that they were safe for the moment.
"We'll need to inform the crew." He said.
"Can you handle another quick trip?" she asked grinning.
"Of Course Love." he said kissing the tip of her nose.
She grabbed his hands, closed her eyes and said, "Hold on."
She opened her eyes and he was laughing as they stood on the deck of the Jolly. He wouldn't admit it but he was relieved to be home. He'd never been inside the throne room of a castle and that would take some getting used to.
"Capn yer back." Said Smee.
"Aye, we'll be staying in port. The ship is stocked and I recommend that you remain on board. If you choose to leave the ship it will be at your own risk. We may have to leave at a moment's notice. Is that understood?" he asked.
"Aye Aye Capn." They all shouted in unison.
Emma was walking below to the Captain's Quarters. He stepped quickly to catch up to her as she descended below. He watched her as she rummaged through her trunk looking for something. She pulled out her tiara. His gaze softened as he looked at her. She looked up towards him with her lip between her teeth. He stepped forward and took the tiara from her. She stood in front of him and he placed it on top of her head.
"Princess, you look beautiful." He said smiling.
She let out a breath.
"Thank you Darling. Are you sure you are ok staying in the castle with me?" she asked.
"Of course Love. I think your parents will feel better knowing you are there." He said.
She nodded.
"It just doesn't feel like home to me anymore. It's familiar but just not home. I feel more at home here in this room with you." She said.
He took her hand in his and kissed it.
"Love, it will take some time to get used to this. You've come a long way since you were last here. You've also gone through quite an ordeal. If you don't feel comfortable staying I'm sure your parents will understand." He said.
She pressed her cheek to his chest and he wrapped his arms around her.
"As long as you're with me I'll be alright." She said.
He kissed her on top of her head.
"Always." He said.
She closed her eyes and they were back at the castle when she opened them.