A/N: OK a few things to note about this chapter. It is not the final chapter but we are going to battle so this is it! I also want to note and don't judge – I listened to Ke$ha –Blow while I was writing the fight scenes. It's time to get Henry!

I hope you enjoy this chapter and it turns out as you've all been expecting. I love writing this AU and I know there will be at least one more chapter. (Possibly an adventure sequel) Please let me know what you think in reviews, comments, send me asks, etc. I really want to know what you thought about this story. What was your favorite part? What didn't you like? Let me know! Mostly I wanted to thank you for reading this. You all made my day with views, reviews and notes. Thank you for taking your time to read my story.

34.

They reached their island shortly after the sun rose. She was dressed for battle looking out the window at their beautiful paradise. She couldn't wait for Henry to see it. It was like no place they'd ever been. She could imagine seeing the giant grin grow on his face when he saw the waves crashing on the beach, the bright colored birds and the huge pluming flowers. He'd probably mirror her own reaction when she first saw it.

So much has changed since she last kissed his little head. From the first time she looked at his tiny face scrunching as she held him in her arms she was hooked. He held all the love she had in his tiny heart. She'd held that part of her heart at bay because it was too painful to think about all this time but it wouldn't be long now before he was with her again and they would be free.

He was her protector even at his young age. He never witnessed the horrors but she could tell he knew something was wrong. She felt tears prick in her eyes as she thought of seeing his big brown eyes and crooked smile looking back up at her. He was always so hopeful and chose to see the good in all things. That was one of the reasons she knew he would make a wonderful King someday. She brushed away her tears and straightened her clothing. She couldn't fall apart now, not when they were so close.

Killian was on deck making preparations with the crew while she packed some things below. He would also be asking the guards to bring Neal above deck for a meal before they left. She hoped he would make good on his promise and if not she would subdue him, showing no mercy. She would never underestimate him again.

She left a letter for her parents on the desk and sealed it. She didn't want to think negatively of the plan but they had to know that she loved them if things didn't go well. After so much time lost she needed them to know that she forgave them and would carry their love in her heart wherever she might end up.

She packed her own satchel for this trip including all of the wards she created for Henry along with a few other special items she might need. She was a mixture of confidence and nerves but she was as ready as she was going to get. She prepared to close her mind to intrusion. Once they left the wards of the ship she didn't want anyone to creep in and reveal her plan or anticipate her actions.

She and Killian made a pact, no retreat no surrender. She would not give up especially if it meant he would do the same. She would never be able to live with herself if he sacrificed himself for her or her son. The depth of her love for him was staggering. She never knew she could feel this way about someone. It could take her breath away in an instant if she tried to think of the whole so she had to let it in a little at a time.

She closed her eyes and captured the way his eyes sparkled in her mind's eye. He could see into her soul and she needed to remember them if she were to get lost in the magic. She knew he could bring her back from the brink as he had before during her battle with Regina. She fingered the sapphire that hung around her neck. She would always have this close to her heart reminding her that he is with her.

She knew she would have to go deep into her soul to fight the Dark One and that would mean giving herself over to it. The thought of being lost scared her but fact that Henry would be safe outweighed her fears.

She was just about ready when Killian walked in. He smiled when he saw her just as he did the day before. "Love, you look amazing. How are you feeling?" She drank him in from head to toe. His beautiful glittering blue eyes were happy and shining, mesmerizing her as they did the first day she met him. "I'm doing much better now that you are here." She patted her bag and smiled. "I think you are still missing one more thing Love."

She cocked her head to the side and raised her eyebrow. He lifted the leather that was lying over his arm and brought it over to her. "I had Smee procure this for you last night and I hope you like it."

He helped her into the beautiful long and intricately designed leather coat that was a very feminine version of his own. He hoped the extra layer of protection would help in some way. She straightened her arms and quickly went to look in the mirror.

"Killian, this is amazing. So much better than anything I could have imagined." He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her placing his chin on her shoulder as they looked at their reflection staring back at them."We are quite the pair aren't we Love." She leaned up and kissed him softly on his cheek as she leaned back into him."We are. This is perfect. Thank you."

"I saw it in Nairobi's shop the other day and I thought it was a handsome piece but I didn't know that it was something you would be interested in. When I saw you yesterday and I knew I needed to get it for you."

She turned in his arms and hugged him tight. "I love it. I don't think anyone can deny that I'm part of your crew now Captain." He sighed."Love, you are the most important part of my crew. I don't believe I could exist without you anymore. You are the anchor that helps keep me from floating adrift, the wheel that steers me towards something, and the sails that uplift me."

She looked into his adoring eyes. Her heart was fluttering in her chest with pride. "That is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever said to me. You really make me feel like I matter."

He shook his head."Love, of course you matter. You always have, you just needed to realize it. Your son is going to look at you with such pride when he sees you." She closed her eyes and placed her hand over his heart."Please, I can't talk about Henry yet. I'm so close to breaking down already and I haven't even seen my boy yet."

He picked up her hand and kissed the back."Say the word and we shall go." She leaned up and kissed him with all the emotions she was holding back. Just once more she thought, once more before battle. She melted into him and let all the sensations overwhelm her, his soft lips, warm hands over her body, and love pouring from his heart.

He pulled back both of them breathless."Love, keep kissing me like that and we will never make it to battle. She laughed."I just needed you to know that I love you with everything in me." He hugged her tight."I know Love, and I you." She nodded."Ok, I'm ready."

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

They arrived on deck and all hands stopped in their tracks when they appeared. Neal stopped eating mid-bite with his hand to his mouth; she quirked an eyebrow at his reaction and continued forward arm in arm with her dearest Love.

She looked up to see Killian's look of pride across his face towards her but also a small flash of jealousy. "Back to work you filthy bilge rats!" He called as the continued towards their prisoner. She loved the swish of the coat behind her, she felt so confident and she could see why Killian loved to wear his.

"Well, I see you've taken to the part." He said rather snidely.

She refused to acknowledge his insult." Neal, we need to leave while we can. Are you sure you want to help?"

"Yes, I promised and I mean to keep it. I know I've done you wrong in the past Emma but I will make good." He tossed the scrap of bread into the bowl containing the rest of his stew and swiped his hands together.

Killian looked towards his first mate and gave him the order. "Smee, give the man his belongings."

"Aye Aye Captain." Smee as he scurried towards the galley.

Neal walked over towards them and she felt uneasy as he approached. She squeezed Killian's arm a bit tighter in her own and he laid his hand over her arm to comfort her. "Don't try anything funny. I'll give you back your sword because we don't know what we are walking into. Even you don't know what the Dark One could have planned."

"Look, I got it. I'll do my part. I'll try to talk sense into him if it's possible." Smee handed him his belongings and he looked at her nodding when he was ready.

She pulled the compass out of her satchel and grabbed Killian's hand. She didn't want to lose her nerve and it was now or never. Killian nodded at Smee and then looked to Emma smiling. She took a deep breath. "OK, brace yourselves."

She closed her eyes and let her magic tune into the rhythm of the compass that was set to find Henry no matter where he was. She felt the magic prickling on her skin and overwhelming her as she and her two companions traveled through the spaces in between.

They made it with a less than perfect landing but they made it. When she opened her eyes she recognized the bland grey castle walls that were her confined prison for those years during her marriage. She looked around and noticed Neal cautiously looking about as well.

She looked up to Killian. "This was my home." He nodded. She turned back to look to Neal. "Hey should have been right here. The compass doesn't lie." Neal went to say something and he suddenly disappeared with a look of surprise on his face and they were surrounded by six guards.

Killian had her pushed behind his back and had his sword drawn before she knew what was happening. She drew her own sword and got into position. She looked up to him raised eyebrow and they exchanged smiles as the guards approached. She was ready to fight, perhaps not this way but this would certainly be a way to get rid of some of the nervous tension.

Three guards fast approached and she managed to dispatch the first guard rather quickly with a hard blow of the sword. He was down without his sword as the other two were approaching with their swords higher now that they witnessed what she was capable of doing.

She waved her sword in front of her and got into her strong stance. They approached and she worked hard to fend both of them off at the same time ducking under their sword and kicking one of the guards away so she could fight fairly with one.

Killian was also doing rather well with his guards. She so wished she could just watch him fight. His form and technique could only be described as brilliant.

He easily dispatched the men who were likely sent to stall them and turned to help Emma. He didn't expect to see her fluid like movements as she took on two guards at once. She took his breath away with her grace and precision. She knocked the guards down with one great strike and then turned back to face him.

One of the guards she knocked down got up and was approaching behind her, he stepped forward pushing her to the side so she was not hit and took down the guard.

She smiled and pulled him in for a quick kiss. "That was fun Darling." He laughed."You are quite the swordsman Love and I must remember that." She smiled." You're not so bad yourself." She pulled the compass from her bag."He must have moved him when we got here. The compass says we go this way." She took his hand and guided him through the castle corridors towards the main hall where their bed chambers were.

"Henry!" she called as she moved quickly. "Henry, Are you here!" Then she heard it, the faint call of his voice."Mom?" She felt her heart jump."Yes, Henry, it's me! Are you alright?" She moved faster and the compass needle pulled stronger in the direction of Henry's room. She got to his door and she called."Henry!"

"Don't touch it Mom. Grandpa did something and it can't be opened. If you touch it you could die." She looked to Killian. "Stand back ok?" He nodded in encouragement moving behind her. She held out her hands to sense the spell on the door. It was certainly dark magic that was the root of this. She closed her eyes and summoned her magic forward and it prickled hotly against her skin.

"Stand back Henry!" she called. "OK, be careful Mom." He called back. His little voice was tugging at the strings in her heart. She closed her eyes and remembered his tiny fingers wrapping around her own for the first time. She felt the warmth bubbling inside of her and with all the love she could hold within her heart she summoned her magic.

She felt the warm glowing light creeping over her skin and pooling in her palms. She remembered the ward that she used on the ship to add one and she would use the inverse to retract this dark one. She pushed her magic from her palms over the door and felt the pull and push of darkness against her own light magic. She fought hard against it and won inch by inch as her love conquered the darkness that was imprisoning her son until it was gone.

She moved forward, turned the handle and pushed open the door. A mop of brown hair came rushing towards her and jumped into her arms. "Mom!" She closed her arms around him and pressed her cheek into his head. She had him and she would never let him go again. "Henry." She whispered."I've missed you." He hugged her tight before pulling back to look at her. She had tears in her eyes and she was overwhelmed with what to say.

"I never thought I would see you again. I can't believe you're here. You're a pirate! You can do magic!" She laughed at his excitement and nodded."Yes, there is much to tell you but we have to get out of here. Before we go further, Henry I want you to meet someone."

She waved Killian to come over. "Henry, this is Killian Jones. He is someone very important to me, to us. He can be trusted. If anything happens to me please go with him. Do you understand?" He nodded and held out his hand."Nice to meet you." Killian extended his hand and gripped it for a shake."Pleasure to meet you lad, now what's say we get on with this adventure? There will be plenty of time for pleasantries later when we are out of this infernal place." Henry's eyes lit up at the word adventure. She laughed at the sight of her little boy smiling again.

Emma reached into her satchel and pulled out the wards she created for Henry. She wanted him protected from dark magic and curses at all cost just as she did for her other loved ones. She placed the necklace over his head."There, that should help." He fingered the piece of coral in his hands. "This is so cool Mom." She nodded. "It's from a special island I'm going to take you to. Don't take it off whatever you do. It will protect you from dark magic." He smiled."Ok."

She took Henry's hand and tried to move them out of the castle. They were held where they stood. She led them back towards the great hall. She was about to try to take them out again when she was abruptly brought to a stop by none other than the Dark One himself. Her eyes went wide when she saw the short green scale covered man with the crooked teeth and scraggly hair. His look seemed to match his reputation as that of a monster.

"Ah ah ah, not so fast Dearie! I'll not be letting you take my grandson and rightful heir anywhere. He stays right here with me."

"If you think I'm letting you keep my son you're wrong. He's going home with me."

"You think I'm going to let my grandson be raised on a pirate ship by a pirate's whore? I'll do no such thing. If you know what's good for you, you'll leave this place and be dead as you were or I can see to that myself!" he growled.

Henry clung to her and she covered him inside of her coat. She felt the fuel rising in her stomach. Killian's hand was on her shoulder for strength and she looked down to see Henry's big brown eyes staring back at her with fear. Fear of losing her again. She tried to move them but her magic wouldn't let them leave. "I'm not going anywhere Henry. Stay with Killian, please. I won't leave you again. I promise." He nodded and took Killian's hand. "Love, please be careful. Let me help you if you need it." She nodded wide eyes."Please just take care of Henry." Killian held the boy close and moved them slowly away from Emma.

"I won't let you take him Dark One. You are a false King and Henry deserves the right to be a True King. He's all that's decent and good. He's nothing like you."

"You're going to have to fight me then Dearie if that's the way you feel. He's my blood too! Perhaps you need more incentive to leave him then?"

She shook her head and looked to Killian and Henry. Henry huddled closer to Killian and she gave her attention back to the Dark One."What do you mean?" He paced slowly back and forth in front of her like a lion."Since you are so inclined to fight, perhaps we should have an audience?" He waved his hand and her parents and Regina were suddenly present in front of them.

"No, leave them out of this!" she called. He giggled."Seems only fitting that the last of the pests who could potentially thwart my plans be witness to your demise, if only to shut them up." She looked at the worry on her parent's faces and the indifference on Regina's.

Her parents were by Killian and Henry's side in an instant. "Emma, are you alright?" asked Charming. "Stay back." She called. Henry was wrapped in his grandmother's arms and she was crying. It was the first time she'd seen him in years and sadly under these circumstances. Her father stood with Killian and she could tell he was briefing him on what was happening.

Regina stood scowling in the corner where she'd landed. She could feel the hatred coming from her towards Rumple. "Regina, nice to see you getting along so well with the Charming's; Aging Mother-in-law suits you." She tried to rush at them but was subdued back and held in place by his dark magic. "You bastard!" she screamed.

"Now Now Dearie, No one crosses the Dark One!" he growled.

"Where is Neal?" asked Emma.

"My boy doesn't need to be involved in your silly fight. He has no reason to be here. He'll have his son and that's all that matters."

"He knows the truth. He knows the truth about you. I gave him back his heart." She felt the bile rise up in her throat. There was no way that she was leaving her son here with these men and certainly no way she was going to let the Dark One hurt her family. Neal had let her down once again even after his promise to help, through decision or not he was not here.

"No matter, I can easily have that removed again if it suits me. He just needs his son and he will be happy, just like me." he laughed.

She turned to her family and smiled. She held up her hands and placed a barrier ward in front of them. If they had to witness this fight she didn't want anyone trying to jump in and getting hurt. Killian threw himself up against it."No!" She closed her eyes and turned back to face her opponent.

She dug deep into her heart to find the lightest, best moments of her life and let them flood into her forcing her magic to take over so that she could prepare herself. She could hear the Dark One prattling about before her tapping his foot and waiting but her eyes were seeing red as the white light took over her.

She could sense his dark magic in the air and his presence in the room. She could also feel the warmth of her family behind her and the coldness of Regina's on set gaze towards the Dark One. The magic burned against her fingertips ready for her command.

"So, Dearie you think you can meet a couple of seeing eye dogs on a pirate island and learn enough magic to beat the Dark One?" he laughed. "I'm no evil queen so don't just expect me to roll over and take it." He said as he stared at Regina who still seemed to be stuck in her position. She was gritting her teeth and squeezing her fists as she watched.

Emma let the magic take over her body. She held up her hands as if she were going to get into a physical altercation with the man and he just watched her, taunting her with his menacing presence. He waved his hand in the air and a force of wind came at her pushing her back and down to the ground. She heard the audible gasp behind her and felt the wind rush out of her lungs.

She shook her head and pushed to her feet. He could have that one, keep laughing she thought. She selected the charm in her mind and waved her own hand at his unsuspecting chin slapping him with a white hot flickering flame that slow approached until he was unable to wave it away. She quirked an eyebrow and smiled.

He turned back to her gritting his teeth. "Two can play at that game Dearie." He waved his hand in front of him and this time she was prepared – with speed she waved her arm back and forth to dodge the flowing balls of magic that he tossed in her direction, at the same time she fired back with her own whirling sticks of light. He was soon defending himself as much as she was.

Clearly he underestimated her and she would keep that advantage going as she circled him and continued aiming faster and faster until he jumped to the air. He had to move out of the way of her attack. She pulled back and waited for him to descend. She looked to see Regina smiling."Not so easy is it Dark One." She cackled.

That seemed to fuel his fire because showering sparks of green were falling from above and she had to move – she waved her arms in a circle around herself creating a glowing red umbrella. It was acting as a shield, protecting her from the poisonous sparks falling down around her. The carpet was falling thin and burning as the sparks landed.

She twisted her hand just a bit and the umbrella twirled around in the air blowing the sparks back up towards him. He had to dodge his own attack by the time she was done. She'd also added a bit of incentive to the mix of sparks by turning them white hot and forcing them to go faster.

The man was laughing and running sideways around the walls in the room forcing winds to kick up. He certainly was a scary imp of a man. She could hardly believe this was the same man who she'd feared from afar just by the menacing look, little did she know this was underneath.

She decided to fight the fire with water. She flipped the umbrella over and twirled her finger in the air filling it with water forcing it into a rushing whirlpool. The tiny swirl soon became a cyclone and sucked in his direction pulling the Dark One from the wall and forcing him into the center of the rushing water.

He laughed as though this was child's play but while he was surrounded by her good light magic in the pool of rushing water his magic was diminished. Regina was unlocked from her hold and suddenly Neal reappeared once more. She twirled her finger faster realizing what she'd done and looked over to see her family smiling.

"Henry!" called Neal. Emma looked to Neal and paused for a moment realizing what was happening. It must have been his voice but when the Dark One heard the call from his son he stopped waiting and exploded the cyclone of water. He came flying out and everyone was pushed back by the force of the winds.

She sat back against the wall as she tried to recover from the forced blow, now covered in the healing waters that she'd created. She pushed up quickly and prepared for the backlash. Instead she witnessed Neal seeing his father as the Dark One for the first time.

His eyes were wide in fear and he stumbled back along the floor, walking on his hands and feet to scramble away from him. The Dark One approached him slowly. "Papa, is that you?" asked Neal. "Boy, you've nothing to fear. I'm still your Papa." He grimaced at the man."No, you're a liar and you killed my mother!" He shouted.

The Dark One looked to Emma and gave her a look that could have killed her. She'd revealed him to his son, the one person who didn't want to believe it was true. She'd revealed his Dark Secret. "This is your doing Dearie!" He yelled raising his finger towards her with intention. She held up her hands to defend herself for what may come.

He was waving his arm in the air ready to take aim when she watched as Neal and Regina both approached the Dark One at the same time coming fast. Her eyes went wide when she saw the dagger in Regina's hand and Neal reaching out to stop his father from throwing the curse at her.

The three bodies collided together. Regina plunging the dagger through The Dark One's back and into his son's chest simultaneously. She felt the scream leave her body as she fell to the ground. A blast threw her back against the far wall behind her at their impact. She felt the pain rush through her body from the blow but forced herself to get up and move away.

There was swirling black smoke rising in the center of the room where the three who wronged her were standing. She slowly climbed to her feet and limped over to where her family was safely tucked behind the barrier she'd created and forced herself through it.

Killian grabbed her and pulled her into his arms."Thank Gods Emma." He held her and she felt the small arms of her boy wrap around her from the other side. Her mother and father were awestruck as they watched the magical explosions happening on the other side of the barrier.

She closed her eyes and felt the tears pooling in both relief and sadness. She knew what was happening and she didn't know how to tell her boy. His father had tried to save her and in doing so became part of Regina's revenge. She leaned back to look up at Killian's face, his expression soothing her soul and the blue in his eyes bringing her back from the brink. He kissed her softly."Love, it will be alright." She nodded.

The magic inside of her was retreating, her cells were becoming her own once again and she was starting to see clearly. She gently rubbed her hand up and down her little boys back to soothe him. She found her voice again."It's alright Henry; everything is going to be alright now." She hoped.

When the magical smoke began to dissipate there was just one form standing there now; one form of the three, Regina. She'd been restored to her former glory, as the young evil queen she was when Emma first met her. She actually looked even younger if it was possible. Her cackling laugh was heard as the rest of the smoke diminished from the room.

There was no sign of Neal or The Dark One. Regina stood there holding the dagger ,which now had her name on it, looking at them with a smirk on her face which quickly became a wide grin."Regina, Are you alright?" asked Snow. "Fear Not Charming's. I have what I want. Your kindness has saved you this day and you have one chance to leave my presence. Our feud is over."

She was looking directly at Emma. She understood what she was saying and they needed to get out of the castle now. She motioned for her parents to come over and join them. She closed her eyes and imagined their island once again letting her magic take them away.

She felt the breeze in her hair and on her face before she opened her eyes. She knew they'd done it. They'd escaped with her son at a great cost to him. She'd help Henry understand and let the past be buried.

She opened her eyes to the loud cheers from the crew behind them. She looked up to see Killian's beautiful adoring eyes, Henry's look of wonder and her parents smiling proud faces. "We did it." She whispered. She felt exhilaration, relief, happiness and sadness inside.

"We did it Love." She glanced in the direction of her parents and squeezed Killian's hand signaling him to aid her. He smiled and nodded. She knew he'd understand that she needed to talk to her son. "Your Highnesses let me take you aboard the ship for a celebratory drink." Her mother looked at Emma, smiled and grabbed her father's hand following Killian towards the ship. She could hear the protest from her father but he caught on soon enough.

She took Henry's hand. He was so caught up in looking around the island he didn't seem to know what was happening. "Come with me." She said smiling. She walked them over to the log where she sat after she first accepted her magic and they sat together. There was a soft breeze blowing from the water keeping the temperature slightly cooler than their previous visit.

"What is this place?" he asked. "This is our special island Henry. We can come here anytime we want." He scratched his head slightly."We can? You mean I don't have to stay in the castle or on the grounds anymore? We don't have to wait for special holiday time anymore? We can just go whenever we want?" he said with overexcited joy.

She laughed."Well, you still have to complete your school work and you will still become king one day so you do have duties to the family, but Yes you are free my boy, we are free." He hugged her tight. She could feel his little heartbeat pressed against her as she peppered kisses on his little brown mop of hair.

"Wait, but how? How can you do magic? What about the pirates?" She had tears of joy in her eyes. "Well, I have a story to tell you about that. Once Upon a time there was a princess who was cursed. She lost her magic until the day her true love found her. Her true love was a pirate Captain who rescued her. He helped her find a way to use her magic and see the special light inside of her. She fought the Evil Queen to keep her magic so she could save her family. Today the princess fought The Dark One and saved her son. I hope what comes next is we live happily ever after."

"You're the princess? You were cursed and Killian Jones, he's the pirate captain right?" She nodded."He's a good man Henry. I think you'll like him." She pressed a kiss to his head. "I'm so happy you're here Mom. I missed you. I never thought I would see you again." He hugged her tight. "I missed you too. I will never let you go again. I will always protect you and I will always be here for you whenever you need me."

He looked up into her eyes. The sad look gave her fair warning about the question that was coming. "What about my father?" She held his hand and gave him a slight smile."Henry, he tried to save me. In the end that cost him his life but he would have done it for you over and over to save you. He loved you and he wanted you to be safe. "He nodded and leaned against her.

She wrapped her arm around him and they watched the waves crashing on the beach. She gave him all the time he needed to ask her questions about her journey, to tell her about what he did while she was gone, her magic, the pirates, the ship, her parents, and what was coming next.

By the time they got up from the log they were both sore from sitting for so long. She decided it was time to take him aboard the ship, introduce him to the crew, get him something to eat and give him a tour of where he would stay while he was on board.

They had plenty of time to talk about everything and anything he wanted. They were free now and the adventure was just beginning.