Disclaimer: Reluctantly I have to admit that I don't own these characters. They are property of others far luckier than myself.

Another long chapter on the horizon, but I just couldn't break it up.

You all were kinda light on the responses for the last chapter. I hope you all are still enjoying this.

Killian woke in the middle of the night to an empty bed. He spotted Emma wrapped up in a blanket on a chair by the bay window. There was a serene smile on her face that warmed his heart.

"My apologies for the slumber," he knelt before her. He felt a shy blush crimson his cheek. He was as giddy as he was as a young man when he first experience attraction with the opposite sex. There were times that he felt awkward in her presence rather than the suave pirate captain that he'd become. Quite frankly, she made him nervous in nearly all situations, but he enjoyed it.

"No apologies needed," she touched his cheek lightly seeing the boyishness in his features, "Certainly not after that earlier display."

"Does that mean you enjoyed our interlude?" he brought her hand to his lips and kissed the inside of her palm, his tongue tracing the lines as he went. Shivers went down her spine.

"Very much," she confirmed with a slight blush creeping towards her cheek. She was thankful that it was dark so he couldn't see the color of her cheeks. "You?"

Killian inhaled sharply, "Very, very much."

"Think you'd be up to a repeat performance a bit later?"

"I believe I can be persuaded," his lips began to roam up her arm, over her shoulder and towards her neck before he found her lips. His confidence began to return with each swipe of his lips against her skin.

Their kiss was powerful, almost brutal with their need for each other. Killian lifted her off the chair. Emma's entire body wrapped around him as he claimed her seat. Using his body for leverage, she rose up to accept him. They had playful smiles on their face as they drove towards their second climax.

Killian woke at first light, a frustrating habit he picked up while attending the naval academy. He didn't have anywhere to be at the moment. Emma was on her stomach as she slept soundly at his side. He brushed several strands of hair away so he could take in the peaceful look on her face. She had a mischievous smile on her face.

"Why are you awake?" she groaned while his hand ran slowly along her spine pushing the bed sheet down as he went.

"Good question," he chuckled as she curled in against him.

They both moaned happily at the feel of bare flesh against bare flesh.

"Does the good question have an answer?" her lips brushed against his neck, paying close attention to his reaction on her quest to learn his sensitive spots.

"Nothing comes to mind," he shook his head slightly.

"I'll just have to wear you out all over again," she pinned him beneath her.

"I fully encourage your actions," he laughed.

Emma felt giddy when she and Killian made their way towards her parents' loft so she could change clothes before they went to grab breakfast.

"Good morning," Mary Margaret greeted Emma. Neal added a happy squeal.

"Good morning, Baby Brother," Emma nuzzled into his neck, "Morning, Mom."

Mary Margaret released a gasp as she saw the total bliss in her daughter's eyes. It didn't take much imagination to guess the cause, especially with the sinful grin on Killian's face.

"Coffee is ready," Mary Margaret recovered slightly.

"We're headed to Granny's, so I'll get some there. I just need a quick shower and a change of clothes," Emma replied. She turned towards Killian, "Will you behave while I'm gone?"

"Provided the incentive is right," he grinned as she pressed her lips to his.

"I'll be down soon," she vowed as she climbed the stairs.

"Good night, Captain?" Mary Margaret inquired while she swayed with Neal in her arms.

"Very pleasant," Killian nodded.

"I hope my husband's remarks didn't cause you too much distress," she added.

Killian had forgotten all about David's questions until the moment Mary Margaret had resurrected the memory of them. "No distress," Killian shook his head.

"I insisted that he apologize the next time he sees you, so you let me know if he doesn't," Mary Margaret replied, "I'll set him straight."

"As you wish," Killian bowed his head.

"Coffee while you wait?" Mary Margaret inquired as Neal reached for the shiny hook at the end of Killian's arm. She had to readjust her grip on her son as he was squirming almost out of control.

He shook his head from side to side as Mary Margaret readjusted her grip a second time. "Need a hand?"

"He's not usually this squirmy," Mary Margaret readjusted a third time, "He seems to be reaching for you. Do you mind?"

He shook his head again as she handed Neal off. Proving that he'd adapted to almost every scenario, Killian took Neal with ease. Neal's hands gripped his hook tight, pulling it towards his mouth. Mary Margaret gasped as it went into his mouth.

"Neal, that's just rude," Mary Margaret scolded the infant.

"Not the first time he's done it," Killian replied, "And it's fine."

"Are you sure?" Mary Margaret flushed in embarrassment.

Killian nodded as he bounced Neal a bit as he played a game of tug of war with his hook, always mindful of the danger it could pose.

Mary Margaret watched with fascination. Killian was talking animatedly with Neal. The little boy laughed the entire time.

"Hey, Little Brother, hands off my man," Emma called out to Neal as she came down the stairs.

Neal found her words even funnier and laughed harder.

"Time to go back to Mama," Emma lifted Neal out of Killian's arms and into Mary Margaret's.

"Wave goodbye to your sister, Neal," Mary Margaret encouraged him.

Neal waved as instructed, but it was most likely directed at Killian.

"Baby Neal really likes you," Emma noted as they walked towards Granny's, "Do you have this effect on all children or just the Charming children?"

Killian chuckled as they entered Granny's.

"Missed you two this morning at the training session," Granny poured each of them a cup of coffee when she came over to take their breakfast orders.

"Training," Emma groaned, "We completely forgot. Did we miss anything?"

"Only the dwarves trying to shoot themselves in the foot with arrows," Granny replied, "Someone gave them the idea that they should learn how to use the crossbows."

"Sorry we missed it," Emma bit her lip as they put in their orders.

"You'd better have a good reason to give your father," Granny stated, "He was none too pleased to see his daughter and her boyfriend absent."

As Granny turned to put in their order, Emma grasped Killian's hand, "He'd be pretty upset if he knew what we were up to last night too."

Killian's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"Our secret is safe with me," Emma gave him a flirtatious wink.

Killian brought her hands to his lips and kissed them softly.

"Hey, Mom," Henry came into the diner.

"Henry, what are you doing here?" Emma yanked her hands away from Killian abruptly and spun towards the boy.

"Having breakfast," Henry looked at her curiously.

"What about school?"

"Uh, it's Saturday," Henry pointed out, "Still don't have school on the weekends in this realm, remember."

"Oh, right. I've lost track of the days," Emma covered, "Did you want to join us for breakfast?"

"Yeah," Henry slid onto the stool next to his mother, "How was your night?"

Killian choked on his coffee as Emma fumbled for an age appropriate reply.

"We, uh, had dinner on the docks, and then went for a walk," Emma replied, "Did you have a good night at Regina's?"

"Yeah, I packed a few things that I want to bring to our new place," Henry nodded, "Mom, we still need to go back to New York. I have some stuff there that I really want."

"I know," Emma ruffled his hair, "And once this danger passes, we'll go."

"Hopefully before they give away all of our stuff," he grumbled.

"Don't worry about that, Kid," Emma laughed, "I've been paying our rent. They can't give our stuff away."

"Good," Henry sighed in relief.

"Sheriff, Sheriff," Sneezy came running into the diner.

"What's wrong?" Emma asked immediately. The dwarf looked frazzled.

"Bashful sees something from his lookout," Sneezy replied in between sneezes.

"Of course he does," Emma groaned. She was simply too happy for something to not come take it away, "Henry, go to Regina's and keep yourself locked in her vault until someone comes to get you. You remember the password, right?"

Henry nodded as he went running towards Regina's while Emma and Killian followed Sneezy to the lookout. Killian snatched the looking glass from Bashful and took a look. "It's a pirate's ship alright," Killian noted the red flag.

"Sound the alarms," Emma told the two dwarves, "Get the traps ready."

The dwarves ran off. Emma and Killian traded looks.

"Ready, Swan?" he asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be," she replied.

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. "Be safe, Love."

"You too," she caressed his cheek before they took off.

The town was fully prepared for battle by the time Emma and Killian took their places. Most were in their hiding places, ready to strike when called upon.

"Keep off the docks as much as you can," Emma reminded her father as the dwarves ran past her after setting their traps.

They could see boats being launched from the pirate ship.

"He's going to try to hit us hard and fast," Killian watched with a trained eye. "He's hoping for a quick surrender."

"Is he in for a surprise," Regina joined them, shocking everyone that she would be so upfront in joining the fight.

The first wave of boats hit the shore. The traps took out the leaders of the pack quickly, but the ruse was quickly unearthed and the seasoned sailors began to navigate around them. Swords were drawn and the battle commenced.

Killian, Emma and David mowed through them with ease, searching for the man calling the shots. It didn't take long. An order was called out and the invading sailors laid down their swords.

The trio looked around in confusion. Heavy boots pounded the docks. The captain of the invading pirate ship came strutting down the docks, stepping over several of his wounded men, giving them little acknowledgement. A few steps behind him was the caped sorcerer that Will had mentioned.

No one knew what to expect when they finally met the latest evil to threaten their town, but Edward Teach was nothing like they thought. He dressed for the times, in dark washed jeans, a black, tight fitting, cotton shirt and a leather vest. He was young, very young, almost too young, but he was clearly the man in charge. As Emma looked to Teach's crew, there was a fear in their eyes that Emma recognized. He was a cruel leader that struck fear in the hearts of those that served him.

"The legendary Captain Hook, we meet at last."

"Captain Teach, I presume. We've heard you've been looking high and low for me," Killian stepped towards him. Emma felt panic with each step Killian took, even with the confidence showing in him. "Should I be flattered by the attention?"

"Hardly," Teach snorted, "I'm here to settle a score."

"Forgive me," Killian looked to him in confusion, "Have we met before?"

"Haven't had the pleasure," Teach snorted.

"Then this score to be settled," Killian prompted him as he waved his hook flamboyantly about, "I'd like to know what wrong I've caused…you know, so I can do it again."

Teach's temper met a boiling point as he pulled his sword and swung it violently towards Killian. Killian didn't flinch as he used his hook to catch it before it hit the mark, his head.

"I've wronged many a sailors in my time," Killian added, "You'll need to be more specific."

"You killed my father. Is that specific enough for you?"

"Blackbeard?" Killian inquired, "He's your father?"

"How kind of you to remember," Teach snorted.

"You've sailed through all the realms looking for the man you believe killed your father, but you've been misinformed," Killian replied, "I've fought Blackbeard on many occasions, and yes, I've wounded him, but last I saw him, he was alive and well…well, alive at least."

"He's dead now," Teach swung again.

"Blackbeard had many enemies," Killian responded calmly, neatly avoiding Teach's assault.

Emma didn't know how Killian was keeping his composure. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it might beat out of her chest, but he looked to be the picture of calm as he confronted the man that wanted him dead.

"You were his greatest enemy," Teach stated.

"I was a small fish when it came to Blackbeard's enemies," Killian replied, "His own crew could have turned on him. He wasn't exactly a leader that inspired much loyalty."

Antagonizing Teach didn't seem like the best course of action to Emma and David, but Killian was undeterred.

"I challenge you," Teach hissed, "I challenge you in a fight to the death."

"So it's a duel you want," Killian concluded.

"I want you dead," Teach growled.

"You'll have your chance," Killian responded.

"Two hours," Teach responded before retreating to the boat that would take him to his ship. His sailors followed along, at least the ones that were able.

"Triage the injured," David called out. Several of the citizens emerged from their hiding spots and went to the injured. There were minor injuries to a few townspeople, nothing more than a few cuts and bruises, but several of Teach's crew were heavily bleeding. Nurses and doctors arrived quickly to treat them.

"What happens in two hours?" Emma followed Killian to his ship so he could gather his thoughts and sharpen his blade.

"We duel," Killian responded simply.

"Is this how things always work?" Emma felt the bottom of her stomach drop out.

"Between pirates with a code," Killian nodded.

"He doesn't appear to be someone with much of a code," Emma stated.

"Perhaps not," Killian conceded, "But it's his choice."

"But you didn't do what he said you did," Emma rationalized, "You shouldn't have to do this."

"It never much matters what I did. In his eyes, I have wronged him. The only way to restore his honor is to avenge his father's death," Killian made his way to his quarters.

"Why the two hour wait?" she asked.

"It gives the participants a chance to get their affairs in order," he retrieved a box and handed it to Emma.

"What's this?" her fingers closed in on the box, tracing the unique symbol branded into the top.

"In there is the deed to the Swan and a few other trinkets that I have collected," Killian replied, "If anything should happen, I want you to have them."

"What!" Emma tried to hand the box back, her eyes wide in horror, "No, I don't want it, any of it."

"If something happens," Killian touched her cheek, "I want my ship in the hands of someone who knows how much she means to me."

"I couldn't," Emma felt tears sting her eyes, "I don't even know how to sail it."

"Henry will show you," he pressed his lips to hers, "Please take it, Love."

"Okay," she nodded finally, "But I'd rather have you."

"And you'll have me," he told her confidently, "There isn't a pirate that sails the seas of any realm that can match blades with me."

"I can't lose you too."

"You won't," he assured her. His arms wrapped around her and held her close for as long as he had left.

When the two hours were up, Killian was waiting on the docks when Captain Teach was rowed to shore. Emma was reluctant to release him from her grasp.

"No matter what happens, do not interfere," Killian whispered softly in her ear, "This fight is between me and Teach."

Emma nodded.

"Remember that you have the home field advantage," David spoke up, "Use it."

"Never fear, Mate," Killian nodded.

"Use that hook of yours for all its worth," Emma added with one final kiss.

"Aye," he replied, "I love you, Swan."

"I love you, too."

Emma couldn't watch what would transpire. She was afraid that she would say or do something in the wrong moment that would distract him, and distractions could be catastrophic.

"Emma, is everything alright?" Mary Margaret rushed to her daughter when she entered the loft, "Is it David…Killian?"

Emma was a mess of tears as her mother hugged her.

"Killian was challenged to a duel," Emma managed to get out.

"Is he hurt?" Mary Margaret attempted to comfort her daughter.

"I couldn't watch," Emma sniffled. Mary Margaret handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes.

"Oh, Sweetheart," Emma offered her a shoulder to cry on, "I'm sure Killian will be fine. He's made his living doing such things."

"Killian and I made love last night for the first time, and now this," Emma confessed, "I feel like I curse all the men I care about. First I lose Graham, then Walsh, then Neal…"

"You are not a curse," Mary Margaret insisted, "You are most definitely are a gift to us all."

"I'm just conditioned to expect the worst to happen," Emma continued to sniffle into her tissue.

It was a long wait. Emma alternated between pacing the floor to wringing her hands together. More than once she went to the door with the intention of finding out what was taking so long, but fear always kept her in the loft.

"What is taking so long?" Emma rang her hands together. "It's been over an hour. Duels don't last that long, do they?"

"Usually not," Mary Margaret conceded.

Emma swallowed hard. She was sure her worst fears were being realized. Her phone rang suddenly. She nearly hit the ceiling as a result. It was her father. She handed the phone to her mother as she couldn't answer it.

The conversation was brief.

"The duel is over," Mary Margaret stated, "Killian is alive, but he's hurt. They're at the hospital."

Emma didn't wait for her mother. She immediately took off.

"Where is he?" Emma asked as she rushed into the hospital. David was the first person she saw.

"Doc and Whale are in with him," David held her by the shoulders when she tried to advance past him.

"How bad is it?" she went white as a ghost as she caught the blood on her father's shirt. Her father hadn't been injured during the earlier fighting so it had to have been Killian's blood. It looked almost like he had washed his shirt in it.

"It's not all that bad when compared with his opponent. He has several deep gashes. He's lost a lot of blood. Doc believes he'll pull through, but he'll need time to recover," David explained.

Mary Margaret rushed in with Neal on her hip. She began with the same question.

"He's a hell of a fighter," David told his wife quietly as Emma had resumed her pacing, albeit in a new setting completely oblivious to what was going on around her, "I'm lucky our fight was only to disarm. I'd have been decapitated within a few minutes. I get now why he has the reputation he does."

"So Teach is..." Mary Margaret asked.

"Dead," David confirmed, "His crew seems rather relieved. They'll be giving him a proper burial at sea and then return for their new orders."

"I don't follow," Mary Margaret looked to him in confusion.

"In a duel, the winner of the fight takes control of the ship if the captain hasn't already designated it to another. Killian turned over the Swan to Emma, but Teach made no such arrangements. Killian is now their captain," David explained.

"His ship can jump realms," Mary Margaret stated, "It could take us back to our kingdom. We could go home, all of us."

"Killian won't be fit to travel for quite some time," David replied.

Doc came into the waiting room and intercepted Emma's pacing.

"Is he alright?"

"He's alive," Doc stated, "He'll need time to mend, but he'll be back to his rapscallion ways in a month or so."

"How bad is it?" Emma refused to believe he was out of the woods as Doc was stating.

"He's lucky. The cuts he sustained hit no vital arteries. No vital organs were damaged. Aside from the blood loss there is no cause for concern. He's in need of a transfusion, which we are in the process of doing right now. When that is completed, I'll bring you to him."

Emma nodded as the words sunk in. She wouldn't allow herself to fully believe what Doc was telling her until she could see Killian herself, but the color began to return to her face.

Henry and Regina came running into the hospital after the mayor retrieved him from her vault.

"Is Killian alright?" Henry asked. David was quick to put his grandson at ease. Henry immediately went to his mother and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Hey, Kid," Emma managed a brief smile, "Guess we'll be going on a trip to New York soon."

"When Killian is able to come with us," Henry amended.

Emma nodded as she ran her fingers through his hair, more so to comfort herself than her son.

Another half hour passed before Doc returned to collect Emma. On the short walk to Killian's room, he prepared her for the sight.

Emma gasped when she pushed open the door and stepped in. He looked horrible. His entire face was covered with bruises. There were wires attached to various monitors. His eyes were closed. His breathing was deep. He was asleep.

"Where's his hook?" Emma asked softly as he spotted his wrapped left arm.

"On that table," Doc motioned towards where the harness and brace lay, "If you or he needs anything, use the nurses' call button."

Emma nodded as she went to the table once she was alone, her finger traced the cold steel. There was a slight smell of disinfectant. She sniffed a bit more. It had recently been cleaned, most likely to remove Teach's blood she realized after a few moments.

She hadn't heard her mother ask the question or her father's response, but she knew Captain Teach was dead. It didn't bother her in the slightest that the man she loved was responsible, even though she told herself it should. She'd always known what he was capable of.

"Swan," the word came softly from Killian's lips. Emma turned around to see if he'd said it in his sleep, but one look at the slivered blue of his eyes told her he was awake. "Here to handcuff me to the bed like last time?"

"Tempting," she smirked briefly as she took a seat at the edge of his bed and grasped his hand. He winced slightly as the movement of the bed caused him pain. "You look like hell, Captain."

"Better than the other guy," he stated made an attempt as humor. He winced in pain though when the chuckle caused him greater discomfort. "Though he got off rather easy. Damn that hurts."

Emma felt her emotions bubble to the surface. Several tears spilled down her cheeks.

"I'll be as good as new soon," he gave her hand a squeeze.

Emma nodded as she drew a shaky breath. "Get some rest. I'll be right here when you wake."

"Never a doubt in my mind," his eyes flittered closed. "I love you, Swan."

"Love you too, Killian."

More tears trailed down Emma's cheeks as the relief coursed through her body. She wasn't a curse after all.

"Granny sent over some food," Mary Margaret stepped slowly into Killian's room. Emma hadn't moved from his bed since she first sat down, that felt like several hours ago.

"I'm not hungry," Emma shook off the offer.

"You need to keep up your strength," Mary Margaret touched her shoulder. "Have you been able to speak to him yet?"

"Briefly," Emma nodded, "He's in a lot of pain."

"Looks like it," Mary Margaret took in his appearance. He'd taken a heavy beating. After Emma had left the waiting room and Regina had taken Henry to get coffee, David had confessed that though Killian was a heck of a fighter, he'd been the underdog most of the duel. Teach's rage gave him the advantage. It wasn't until the sword ran through his opponent that David even thought Killian could win the fight. He'd been rehearsing how he'd break the news to Emma. When Teach fell dead, David ran to Killian's side to assess the wounds. He was in the hospital in the blink of an eye. "Eat, I'll stay with him."

"I don't want to leave his side," Emma bent down to kiss Killian's hand. She didn't dare raise his hand to her lips for fear of causing him additional pain.

"I'll bring the food to you then," Mary Margaret was sympathetic to Emma's plight. She'd react the same way if David had been the one to end in the hospital.

Killian released a long groan of pain once they were alone.

"Trying to be the tough guy, are we?" Emma nudged him softly.

"Nothing tough about me at the moment," he winced.

"Do you want the doctors to give you something for the pain?" she reached for the call button.

"Rum will be fine," he replied.

"Sorry, no rum in the hospital," she shook her head, "But the doctors can give you medication for the pain. Just as effective as rum."

"Not bloody likely," he frowned, "But I'll give it a try."

Emma mashed down the call button and in ran a nurse with the pre-prescribed pain medication. Killian was floating on cloud nine before the nurse left the room, saying nonsensical things that had both Emma and the nurse giggling.

Mary Margaret returned with Emma's meal.

"Brought me lunch, how thoughtful," Killian looked towards Mary Margaret, "How about feeding me, Love?"

"Not on your life," Emma snorted as she forked her first bite, "No solid foods for you yet, Captain."

"How are you feeling, Captain Jones?" Mary Margaret asked.

"Like I'm flying through the clouds," Killian responded with awe filling his voice.

"The nurse just came in to give him some pain medication," Emma informed her mother, "He's not feeling much of anything at the moment."

"Not true," he snorted, "I'd feel your lips against mine."

"We'll test that theory later," Emma shook her head in amusement.

"I look forward to it," he raised a suggestive brow.

"He seems in good spirits," Mary Margaret noted.

"I'm more so now that you're here, your majesty," he replied.

"Good to know his charming personality is still intact," Mary Margaret responded as Emma tossed him a scolding glance. "We're going to take Neal home. Am I to assume you'll be spending the night here?"

"Yes," Emma nodded.

"I'll send your father back with some clothes a bit later," Mary Margaret replied.

Emma nodded as she forked in a bit of her meal. It didn't taste like much, but it was surely better than the alternative hospital food.

"Behave, Captain," Mary Margaret cautioned Killian as she hugged her daughter and then left.

The full effect of Killian's medication hit him, and he began sawing logs.

TBC…