Dead Reckoning

Chapter Thirty-Two

Meanwhile, at Granny's…

After he left the hospital, having spent some time with Emma, Killian, and his stepfather's older brother and uncle, Henry walked into the diner where most everyone who had joined in the fight earlier that evening had gathered together. When he entered inside, he immediately went to the booth in the corner by the front window that sat the largest amount of people, where his grandparents were sitting, along with Regina, her doppelganger, Robin, Tiger Lily, and Zelena. Violet and her father Sir Morgan were sitting in the booth nearest to them with Archie, Marco, and August, while all seven dwarfs sat at the bar as six of them asked Grumpy of Neverland and what the island was like.

"Henry… how's Hook?" David quietly asked as the teenager sat down across from him and Snow. "How are you and your mother doing?"

"Killian's… slowly recovering, but he hasn't woken up yet, which is making Mom very worried," he answered despondently. "Me too. But the striations are completely gone now, his hair is black again, and his body's mostly filled out again. You can't see his bones sticking out so much anymore, except for a little bit in his face and his shoulders. I couldn't stay any longer. I can't stand seeing him so frail. It's not Hook."

Snow laid her hand don over her grandson's and then she replied, "No, you're right. It isn't like Killian to look so weak and helpless like that. But he's going to be fine. Otherwise, we would have lost him already. Killian is a survivor. He promised Emma he would always be by her side and he's kept that promise."

The Princess looked around the room at everyone quietly talking amongst themselves as she continued, "Today's been tough for everyone, but we're all still here and we're stronger than we were before because we fought against the evils that came here together. Every time we fight those wanting to hurt us, so long as it's together, we grow stronger."

"Henry, I'm afraid I've got to go," Violet then stated quietly as she and her father stood up, while the Knight draped her coat around her shoulders. "My father and me, we have a lot to talk about tonight. But I hope you and I can get together some time tomorrow? I'm so sorry about Hook. I hope he'll be okay soon."

"He will be," Henry responded and quickly stood up as she was about to leave, while Morgan reached out to shake David's hand in gratitude, for making sure he was able to come home to his daughter. "Before you go, Violet… I just wanted to tell you that no matter where you and your father go, you and I will still find some way of keeping in touch. I mean, here we have technology. So, we can talk on the phone, we can Skype on the computers, write through emails… We can even write letters if that's how you prefer it. I understand now more than I did before why you and your father would prefer to live…"

Before the boy could finish, Sir Morgan cut him off as he interrupted, "We won't be going anywhere just yet. Perhaps someday after Violet graduates. We might travel and see what else this Land Without Magic has to offer us. We may even return to Connecticut someday. Or maybe it will be just me. But for now, we prefer to stay here amongst our family. That's what I've learned today, seeing how everyone has joined together to fight for those we love. I was blind before, until I was finally given a reason to see it for myself. Everyone here is one big family. After Violet's mother died, I never thought we could be whole again. So, thank you. All of you."

Henry leaned in and kissed the sixteen year old girl, then whispered, "Good night."

"I guess it's time we should all say good night then," David said while he watched as several others within the diner began to leave along with the Knight and his daughter, until he turned to Regina, or mainly her other self and their friend's own doppelganger from the Wish Realm. "Wait, will you and Robin both be staying here with us for awhile?"

"As much fun as it was joining together to fight against a God and a youth stealing brute from Neverland both seeking revenge, I'm going to have to say it's time Robin and I should be getting back home ourselves," the Queen answered as she turned her head to look into her fiancé's eyes. "We have a lot to do before…"

Regina understand why she stopped herself and immediately spoke up with sincerity saying, "I told you before it's all right to talk about. You both have a lot to do before your wedding. And you're right, you do. Again, I'm really happy for you. For you both."

Snow looked between the Queen and the archer as she exclaimed excitedly, "You two are getting married?! That's so amazing! Congratulations! Please… tell me that we're invited to come?"

"Of course you are," Regina's other self replied. "You all are our family too. We just don't fit into this world so easily as the rest of you do. And it's all right. Robin and I are happy in the Enchanted Forest."

"We wouldn't have found each other were it not for all of you," Robin added honestly. "I want to thank you. And Regina… I thought you should know that I had a moment with the Sheriff shortly after the fight earlier. He stood to fight with us and it allowed me to see for myself that he has changed for the better, just like you said. I apologized to him and now I want to apologize to you as well, for what I almost did to him that day and for being angry with you for stopping me from killing him. I also want to say thank you, for stopping me."

The Queen of Storybrooke smiled and then responded, "You're welcome. How about we head outside and I'll open up a portal with the wand again so you can get back."

As the doppelgangers walked out, Regina turned back to Henry, Snow, and David, then she stated, "I'll come by the hospital in the morning to see how Hook's doing. I assume you all will be there?"

"Of course," Charming answered while he took baby Neal from his wife's arms as they all began to walk out of the diner together before heading home. "We'll see you then."

"I'm coming with you, Mom," Henry quickly said as he hugged his grandparents, then rushed to catch up with his adopted mother, the former Evil Queen, and the archer from another realm.

The next morning…

Emma sat in the chair at her husband's bedside all night despite her parents' encouragement to go home so she could get some rest, even though they knew she would refuse to leave Killian's side. Henry had finally left not too long after everyone else had, as did Liam until the older Jones returned some time later to wait with the Savior with the hope that Killian would awaken soon. Finally, Killian did awaken feeling confused and disoriented. And when he slowly opened his eyes, the milky white discoloration that blinded him had vanished, leaving only his beautiful blue irises as he looked towards the sound of his true love's voice while she quietly uttered his name.

She smiled as he did when their eyes met, then she whispered, "There you are."

He let out a small laugh out of relief, then weakly replied, "I can… see you… again. You are a… a sight to be… behold, Swan."

"Not right now I'm not," she responded, gently rubbing her husband's arm up and down while she took his hand in her own, then reached up to wipe away the tears that began to fall again over her already tear-stained cheeks. "I must look terrible, but I haven't slept and my makeup is smudged. Not to mention I've been crying, so…"

"You al… always look beautiful to… to me," Killian answered sweetly and then finally saw Liam when he turned his head upon hearing someone else within the room. "Liam… You're still… here."

The older Jones sat down in the other chair across from Emma and laid his own hands over Killian's other arm where no hand connected to its end, then he replied, "Of course I'm still here. Where else would I be when my little brother needs me? At least now that I can be here with you. You had me really scared for you, brother. Emma too, not to mention everyone else who live in this beautiful town of yours. I understand now why it is you didn't wish to let go of your life here. Everyone loves you. This is the life you deserve."

The younger brother turned his eyes back to his wife again while he responded, "I hope so. What hap… happened to Bad… Bishop? And Hades' son? Did you stop them?"

"We did," the Savior answered steadfastly. "Bishop has been imprisoned, down in one of the cells here beneath the hospital where he'll remain. He's still a brute, but he's an old brute nearly fifty years old and he's not happy about it. And Zagreus and his army from the Underworld have all been trapped inside Pandora's Box thanks to Gold, who really stepped up and fought beside us all to help you yesterday."

"He's also restored the Jolly Roger," Liam continued. "After he gave me the box to bring back down with me into the Underworld so that we can return the souls to where they truly belong. I will then hand it over to Zeus, who can decide what to do with Hades' son. I've already thanked Mr. Gold for the both of us."

Killian looked up at the ceiling with regret, then replied quietly, "I ought to do… the same. I was wrong… to shut him down when… when he came to make… amends."

It was then that Gold and Belle entered the room as he knocked on the door and responded, "Actually, you weren't wrong. I was. Forgive our intrusion, but Belle and me, we wished to stop by to make sure you were well, since we heard of how close your wife came to losing you last night. Before you say anything… Captain, I realize now that a simple apology or any kind of gift such as your hand or even the Jolly Roger is enough to show you how sorry I am for all the years I've tormented you for. And not just that, but for allowing you to die in vain as well. I realize that all you need is to see that I've changed and not just over a matter of weeks or even months. You've become a good man ever since Emma's come into your life, even when I've made being so incredibly difficult. And it's taken years for me to see it. Time is what you need from me, to prove to you and to everyone else here I wish to become the man I should have been ever since I met Belle. So that's what I will give you. Your ship back is simply a gesture of goodwill."

"Thank you, Go… Gold," the pirate Captain answered sincerely. "Perhaps… someday you and… you and I might be able to… become friends… after all. I hope so."

"As do I," the Dark One replied honestly.

Two nights later…

Emma and Killian walked hand in hand along the beach with Liam, David, Snow, Tiger Lily, and Henry to say goodbye to the older Jones brother, whose time had come for him to return to the Underworld. Killian was not yet fully healed, but he was much more his old self than he'd been since his first attack by the enemy from his past.

As Liam waved his hand out over the ocean to reveal the Jewel of the Realm once again as he had done before, Killian released Emma's hand and quickly reached out to lay it on his brother's shoulder, then spoke despondently saying, "Thank you, brother. For coming here and risking your life… or rather your afterlife I suppose, to save me. I hoped you were in a better place after I watched you move on down in the Underworld. I'm glad you're finally happy again."

The older Jones laid his own hand over his brother's, then responded, "I am. And I owe my happiness to you, Killian. Were it not for you, I would never have been able to forgive myself for all I did to you when I was still alive, or for what I did to my men. By the way, I will see what I can do about finding our father down there like you asked me to. I'll let him know you've become the man you truly wanted to be, and I'll let him know that our younger brother Liam has too found peace aboard the Nautilus with Captain Nemo. I am so proud of you for all you've accomplished. I meant what I said down there. You've become a true hero in a way I never could. But I'm trying to get there."

"You're a hero to me," the younger brother answered sincerely.

"And to me," Emma added. "To all of us. Thank you, Liam."

Liam took Emma's hand to kiss the top of it and bowed to her, then turned to David as he reached out to shake his, as well as Snow's, Henry's, then the Indian Fairy's as well. He looked out towards his own ship and started towards it until he suddenly turned back to Killian again and pulled his brother into his arms to embrace him, while Killian embraced him back.

Everyone finally watched as Liam returned to his ship until the Jewel of the Realm vanished before their eyes, then Killian turned to Tiger Lily as he stated, "I owe you gratitude as well. For coming all the way here from Neverland for me. I understand I'm alive now a lot thanks to what you did. So, thank you."

She smiled as she replied, "You took a moment to help free me from the Lost Boys that night before you followed your Savior back through her portal and showed me you aren't that same selfish pirate I thought you were a long time ago, Hook. I heard you were in trouble and I felt it was only right that I help you in return. Besides, your family got me off that island. I knew I wouldn't survive much longer if I stayed. Ever since I lost my people in Neverland because of Pan, it's been lonely."

"Well, you won't be lonely here," Snow responded happily as she wrapped her arm around her husband while continuing to hold their son in her other arm. "You are more than welcome here."

"I appreciate that, truly," the Indian Princess answered and then looked out upon the oceans. "However, Blue restored my wings and now it's my duty to go out into the many worlds out there in order to find my charges and be their Fairy Godmother again. Even though I failed the Black Fairy, I've finally made peace with my mistakes because I was able to help Killian return home to his Savior, and helped her to be able to win the final battle in the little way that I could. I do hope to one day see you all again."

David reached out to take her hand as he replied, "You'll always be welcome here. Thank you, Tiger Lily. For saving my life and our friends' lives as well back in Neverland. And here too."

Killian pulled her into a hug as he spoke again saying, "Aye. Thank you, Tiger Lily. I just wish there was something more I could give to repay you."

"There's no need, Captain," she responded sincerely and then transformed herself back into her fairy form, the first time doing so since she gave up her wings so long ago. "You already have. Stay well. Goodbye."

"I really like her," Snow stated as they watched the fairy fly away, then she and her husband turned back to their daughter and son-in-law.

Henry saw the looks given between them and quickly uttered, "I'm going to meet with Violet. I'll see you guys later!"

As the teenager ran off, David reached out to gently pat Killian's arm and said, "We'll leave the two of you alone as well. But we'll see you in a little while at our home for dinner?"

"Yes of course," Emma answered as she wrapped her arms around Killian again. "We would like to spend some time alone to talk, now that all of the visitors are gone and things are about as back to normal as they'll ever be. But we'll be there. Love you."

"We love you both too," Snow replied, then together she and David walked away with their son.

Emma finally turned back to her husband without pulling away from him as he looked down into her eyes as well, then she whispered, "I love you, Killian. I don't know if you heard any of what I said to you while you were in the hospital, but…"

Killian cut her off as he responded, "I heard you singing. Your song inside of you and ours. And I'm proud I've won your heart. I knew I would."

"You did hear me," she exclaimed, gently tracing her fingers along the side of his face.

"Aye," her husband spoke again, then kissed her as she kissed him. "I would hear you speaking to me no matter the circumstances. That's true love. And I do love you. As I always will."

Emma leaned forward to kiss him again while her mind wandered back to the moment she knew she truly loved him too as she saw herself with Killian inside Gold's cabin within the woods, as she looked over at the pirate she had grown fond of in confusion while he stepped forward with his back to her and asked nervously, "Hook, what's wrong? You gave Ursula everything she wanted."

He turned his head to the side, but didn't completely turn around to face her until part way through as he answered broodingly, "But I almost didn't, love. I was so desperate to figure out what the Crocodile was up to, I almost became the man I used to be. You have no idea how easy it is to fall back into the darkness."

"Whatever mistakes you made with Ursula, you fixed," she replied as she moved close to him and looked into his eyes and he into hers.

"Aye, but it's a stark reminder of something," he continued, his fear becoming darker the more he spoke as he continued to look at her.

Still confused as to what he was trying to say, she simply asked, "What?"

He responded despondently, "With all this talk of authors and the book, we've never discussed one fact... I was a villain."

"But you're not anymore," the Savior alleviated his fear as she finally understood what had him so worried.

"Neither is Regina, but she still lost her happy ending," he continued as she lowered her head trying to let his words sink in. "If we're to believe the rules of the book, then it's only a matter of time before I lose mine."

Upon his last words, she looked up at him in surprise as she asked again, "Wait, if you're afraid of losing your happy ending, that means you found it. What is it?"

Killian looked into her eyes again with sadness as he questioned her softly, "Don't you know, Emma? It's you."

The Savior couldn't help, but stare at the man standing before her in shock over his fearful confession and undeniable proclamation of love. While she had already come to care for him so deeply before this moment, Emma realized then that she truly did love him back as he loved her long before now, even if she didn't have the courage to admit the truth of her feelings to him just yet.

She slowly moved in closer to him while he stood in place, not wanting to push her into anything she might not be comfortable with, then lowered her eyes to his lips as she longed to kiss him. Their foreheads met as Emma and Killian both closed their eyes, then fell into a kiss that was tender and deep as a single tear fell down her cheek.

When her thoughts returned to the present, she was still kissing the man who was her husband. Emma finally pulled back and looked up into his eyes again, but this time she didn't say a word while she continued to caress his cheek. Nor did he say a word to her. They only continued to hold one another close, trying not to think about how close they had once again become to losing all they've fought so hard for. Instead, they silently looked out over the ocean as the sun slowly set on the horizon, then together they walked back towards town where Emma parked her yellow bug outside of the harbor. As they were about to pull away from the curb and drive towards the Charmings' home now outside of town, Killian leaned over to kiss Emma once more and she happily kissed him again in return.

The End