Authors Note: Hi it's been four years but I decided to finally finish this. I hope you enjoy and please ignore me tinkering a bit with the flying monkey mechanics.

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Chaos. The world was chaos. All around Killian his fellow monkeys flew, diving to attack the humans, dwarves, and fairies that were storming the castle. Screams and shouts reached him even from his place on top of the tower as those below prepared for the attack from above. All he could do was watch. Zelena had bid him to stay by her side and he was powerless to disobey. With her magic wrapped firmly around him he was merely her grotesque puppet.

"Don't worry, my pretty, they are no match for us," Zelena said.

Killian wasn't worried, he was filled with hope. It had been months since he had become one of the Witch's flying minions but he still remembered Emma's promise that she would find him and defeat Zelena. Surely this was their salvation from the Wicked Witch. He searched for blonde hair below.

There was a flash of bright light and several monkeys dropped to the ground, stunned. Killian cried out in triumph as he finally spotted Emma.

"Silence!"

Killian's mouth snapped shut but he still felt the triumph bubbling inside him.

"That spell is one of Glinda's. The Savior has had training." Venom dripped from every word. Another flash of magic and more monkeys fell. Zelena growled and mounted her broom. "She may have some battle magic but she is no match for me."

Killian wished he could tell Zelena how wrong she was. That he too had made the mistake of underestimating Princess Emma and learned just how strong and capable she really was.

"Now you can make yourself useful. I will distract the Savior. When her attention is diverted you will capture her and bring her to the tower. Keep her occupied until I arrive."

Killian snarled his displeasure but could do nothing but obey. Zelena smiled sharp and dangerous before letting out a laugh as she flew away. As he spread his wings and sprang into the air dread settled over him. He watched as Zelena dove toward Emma. Killian could hear nothing with the air rushing about his ears. Magic, white and green, flashed. There was a cry of anguish. Zelena laughed and, his strings pulled, Killian fell into a dive. As the ground rushed toward him, he prayed Emma would knock him out and then finish Zelena.

When he got closer he saw that Emma was standing over a large, injured, werewolf. Tears were in her eyes as she screamed her rage at Zelena. The Princess didn't see him coming.

"Emma! Lookout!" Someone called, but it was too late. They collided, his legs wrapped around her torso, and he plucked her from the ground.

As he pulled up from the dive she thrashed in his grip. Terrified she would fall to the ground and not wanting to gouge her with his claws, he wrapped his arms around her.

She stilled.

"Killian?"

He shivered as her hand ran over his left arm caressing the place where a claw should be. His heart stuttered even as his wings beat steadily, taking them higher and higher. He wished he could fly them far away but he had his orders. He looped around the tower, slowing down for the landing. He unwrapped his legs and with the precision of practice settled them on the balcony. He folded his wings and released Emma.

She didn't run screaming or attack him. She merely turned around and stared into his blood red eyes as if she could see the real him underneath the fur and fangs.

"Killian it is you isn't it?"

He nodded.

She caught her breath and lifted her hand to his face. He flinched. How could she bear to touch him? Her hand fell away.

"I found you," she said, like it was the answer to a question. "I'm sorry I took so long. You remember the legend of the witch in the woods? Her name was Glinda. I found her and she helped me master my magic. You were right. It's just a tool. "

He gave a low cry wishing he could tell her how brilliant she was and warn her that Zelena was coming. Slowly he raised his hand to her but when he saw the disgusting paw he dropped it.

Emma pretended not to notice. "Glinda told me there was a prophecy. That my magic is special and that it's the only kind that can truly destroy the Wicked Witch. That's why Zelena didn't attack my kingdom, she was afraid of me. And now that I know how to use my magic I can defeat her and fix you."

As if summoned a swirl of green smoke appeared behind Emma. The Princess whirled to face the Wicked Witch.

"Hold her," Zelena said.

Killian obeyed.

Before Emma could understand what was happening Zelena grabbed Emma's wrist and slapped a leather cuff on it. Killian knew immediately what it was, he had seen the Wicked Witch use it on her enemies. His heart fell as Emma raised her hands as if to blast Zelena with magic. Nothing happened.

Zelena cackled.

"Release her, my pretty."

Killian let go of Emma and she stepped away. She stared in horror at her hands and then at him, betrayal on her face.

"What did you do?" Emma tried to pull off the bracelet.

"Just a little cursed jewelry. You can't take it off. Bit hard to defeat me with no magic."

"No."

Killian's heart broke at the whispered word.

"Oh yes, Savior. Don't tell me you actually believed all of Glinda's nonsense about prophecies? She had me convinced too, after all you did defeat Regina, but I've been watching you Princess and you are weak. Your power is nothing, nothing compared to me." Zelena's voice turned shrill.

"If it's nothing then take this bracelet off and face me."

"Oh I think not. First I have to go and kill all those peasants you brought with you." Zelena stepped to Killian. He wanted to rip her heart out but could do nothing but stand there. Zelena smiled as if she knew his inner thoughts. "My pet here will make sure you watch." She gave him an affectionate stroke on his head.

"Don't touch him." Emma snarled.

Zelena turned to Emma but continued to run her hands down to his neck. "Oh that's right you have a thing for my little broken toy. They say you stood up to the Dark One for him but I didn't believe it. Is he the reason you attacked the castle? Him? How could a one-handed pirate be worth this suicide mission?"

Killian snarled. Zelena truly didn't understand. Emma and her army hadn't come for him, they had come to destroy the Wicked Witch and even without Emma's magic they were going to fight to their death. Even now he could hear the battle down below.

"I said don't touch him," Emma snarled.

Green fire sparked in Zelena's hand. "You don't give the orders here."

Killian could feel the heat building beside him and then the green streaked toward Emma. Killian cried out as she dodged and landed on the floor. Fire grew again in Zelena's hand and Killian knew this time she wouldn't miss.

He couldn't let it happen. Not Emma. He strained against the magical control, wanting to grab Zelena, rip her limb from limb. The puppet strings didn't break but they stretched. As Zelena released the fire he threw his body in front of it.

Pain exploded in his chest, his scream mingled with Zelena's cry of outrage. He fell to the ground and through the agony he smelled burnt hair and flesh. The world became a muddle as he stared up at the ceiling. He heard Emma say his name and Zelena's cursed laugh.

Then Emma was hovering over him, tears in her eyes. He wanted to stroke her cheek and apologize for getting injured, for becoming Zelena's puppet, and all the misunderstandings of their past. But trapped in a monkey body all he could do was look at her.

"No, no, no, Killian." Emma pleaded. Her hand cupped his fur covered cheek and he closed his eyes. His memory conjured Emma when he first met her, a princess dressed as a bar wench. A woman that had captivated him completely and made him realize, for the first time since Milah, that he might be capable of loving again. He wished he hadn't been scared of those feelings, hadn't been so hurt by her initial lies, that he hadn't doubled down on his revenge and then betrayed her. So many things he would have done differently but at least he had done something right in the end. All things considered this wasn't a bad way to die.

Through the haze Killian felt Emma's breath on his lips and then a different heat filled his body. Bright white light was everywhere, Killian waited for everything to go black but instead the light receded. The room came back into focus. He felt strangely light, though the pain was still there, narrowing his ability to comprehend what was happening. Emma's face hovered over his, her eyes wide.

"Impossible!" Zelena screeched in the background. Emma's hand came to his face and this time he noticed the leather bracelet. If only he could remove it for her.

His body obeyed his thought and his hand came round her wrist. He gasped when he saw that it wasn't furry and clawed but a normal human hand. Killian couldn't fathom how he had been changed but it didn't matter he could free Emma now. He used his last ounce of strength to pull off the bracelet.

He saw Emma start to smile as his vision faded and blissful unconsciousness took him.

Killian awoke with a start, his hand going to his chest feeling for charred flesh but finding only smooth skin. Skin. He stared down in wonder, he was human again. Dressed in his usual black leather. The same clothes he had been wearing when he transformed. Even his hook had been restored, a comforting weight at the end of his left arm.

How?

The details were blurred and indistinct, the memory of pain wiping out any nuances after the fire hit him. Emma had been over him, smiling, there had been magic and… he reached but found nothing but a jumble of images and feelings.

The tower room was empty, no sign of Emma or Zelena, just smashed furniture testifying to a fight. A fight that he was sure Emma had won. Otherwise he would be dead.

Killian chuckled as the feeling of victory flooded him. Emma had defeated the Wicked Witch. But if she had won where was she now?

He got to his feet and staggered as he unconsciously tried to compensate for wings that were no longer there. He walked to the balcony and looked down. The courtyard was filled with the aftermath of the battle, the smoke of dying fires, wounded soldiers being tended, flashes of colors as fairies flew about, and cages filled with what looked like flying monkeys. Killian frowned. It was all over and they had apparently forgotten all about him.

He felt adrift, unsure of his bearings. What should he do now? He wanted to find Emma. Discover what had happened and see if she needed his help. A dreaded thought stole into his mind. What if she was injured? What if she was dying?

He spun from the balcony, determined to search the entire castle, to find her. He was halfway across the room when he noticed a dwarf in the doorway. It was the same one that had been his jailer in Emma's castle.

"You're awake," the dwarf said flatly as he shifted his blood stained axe.

"Aye. Where is Emma?"

The dwarf glared at him. "Princess Emma is in a council meeting, busy cleaning up the mess that you got us into. She doesn't have time for the likes of you, pirate."

The relief Killian felt at knowing Emma was safe warred with frustration at his jailer. Emma still didn't trust him.

"Am I a prisoner?" Killian asked.

"If you want to run away to your ship I would be happy to see the back of you but no stealing on your way out."

Killian furrowed his brow. Back to his ship? Did Emma expect him to return to his ship? Perhaps he should be thinking about his crew or ransacking the castle but all he wanted was to see Emma. The need overshadowed everything else.

"Out of my way dwarf," Killian commanded as he walked to the door.

"I knew it," the dwarf said as Killian passed. But he wasn't interested in what the dwarf thought he knew and continued to the stairs with long strides. He knew where the council room was.

Killian ignored the huffs and stamping of the dwarf as he followed him through the castle. On the way to the council room they passed the ballroom and Killian paused to look inside. Weary warriors were eating at long tables, sleeping in the corners, or chatting in low voices. It looked nothing like the glittering jewel of excess that Killian remembered. It seemed so long ago that the castle had belonged to Prince Walsh and Killian had come to steal the slippers. How shocked and angry he had been to discover the bar wench he couldn't get out of his mind was a princess and engaged. He smiled remembering how even then he had thrown over his plans just for the chance to speak with her and had been willing to give up his own schemes when he realized Emma needed help. Of course she had pushed him away, kissed him, and left him unconscious in the garden but looking back he no longer blamed her. He only blamed himself for his later actions. Could Emma see past their history? He shook his head and continued on.

They were steps away from the council room when the dwarf realized where they were going.

"Hey nobody invited you to the council." The dwarf picked up his speed to get in front of Killian.

Killian shot him a deadly smile. "An oversight I am sure."

He increased his pace but Killian beat him to the door and pushed through with as much swagger as he could manage.

All eyes at the table turned to him but he was only interested in Emma. Surprise and relief flashed over her face and then she frowned and looked away. Before Killian could begin to understand her reaction and his own rushing heartbeat the King spoke.

"Your presence was not requested, pirate."

Killian turned to the King and gave him a patronizing smile. "And yet here I am."

The Queen laid a hand on her husband's arm. "We are happy to see you recovered, Captain. Please join us. Your personal knowledge of the Wicked Witch and her domain may prove helpful."

Killian gave a half-bow and grinned his victory as he made his way to an empty seat. His eyes flicked to Emma but she seemed to be focused on a piece of paper in her hands.

Those at the table were vaguely familiar to him, dirty, tired versions of the people he had met at the last council meeting he had attended. Given that immediately after that meeting he had escaped the castle he couldn't really fault them for their cold, dismissive manner.

"As I was saying." Emma put down the paper. "Prince Walsh has not been found in the castle. I think it's possible Zelena killed him when she took over his kingdom."

There is a murmur around the table. Did they truly care that the double dealing prince was gone? The man had plotted against Emma, he had tried to trick her into marriage. Surely he deserved his punishment?

"Well that's a problem." The older lady beside Killian grumbled.

Killian couldn't help but wonder if these council members were the same ones that had urged Emma to marry the prince in the first place. Perhaps they still wanted that? Killian shook his head.

"What pirate?" The King asked. "Do you know what happened to Prince Walsh?"

"Actually I do." All eyes turned to Killian. "The same thing that happened to all Zelena's enemies. He was turned into a flying monkey."

Though Killian had never communicated with the other monkeys he had spent enough time with Zelena and heard her use names on several occasions. She had taken particular delight in taunting Walsh and telling him that he was no longer her favorite.

"All of them into flying monkeys?" The Queen asked.

Killian shrugged. "It gave her an army and removed her enemies all at once. Zelena particularly liked the control the spell afforded her."

"How does the spell work exactly?" The Blue Fairy asked from her place to chairs down.

"I am no expert in magic. " Killian said.

"Any information will help. How did it affect you?"

"Well, obviously, there is a physical transformation but your mind remains intact. You still reason and feel as a person but you have no free will. Zelena's will is like a physical tether, you can't help but obey. She might command a monkey to kill his own family and they wouldn't be able to resist."

Killian met Emma's gaze and hoped she understood that he had been forced to capture her. That he would never wish to hurt her.

"That is horrible." The Queen reached for her husband's hand. "All those innocent people."

"Mother, we didn't kill any of them." Emma soothed.

"Only because you insisted we not harm them. If we hadn't listened to you…"

Killian wondered what conversations they had about the monkeys. Had Emma guessed the monkeys were innocent or had she been worried about him getting killed in the battle? Had Emma explained about his transformation or told them anything about their time together in the woods? He had thought often of that night. Of Emma's magic and her tending his wounds, of waking up with her body pressed to his and how he realized how much he had missed waking up with someone.

"It is a truly vile spell." The Blue Fairy said. "But Princess Emma has already cured the Captain so there is hope I can learn how she did it and reproduce it."

Attention shifted to Emma and Killian found himself leaning forward. How had she cured him? He couldn't remember anything but light and warmth.

Emma looked down at the table. "I don't think I can repeat what happened."

Killian frowned. Had Emma used some dangerous magic? All magic came with a price what would she have to pay on his behalf?

"Now Princess I know much of your magic is instinct but if you could even describe what happened I believe that it would be helpful."

Emma took a deep breath and her eyes flashed to Killian before jumping back to the fairy.

"Blue I have learned a lot in the last few months and I know more about magic than you think. So trust me, you can't recreate it.

"But if you–"

Emma cut her off. "You need to be looking at counter curses."

The Blue Fairy opened and then closed her mouth. She looked between Emma and Killian and seemed to come to some kind of realization and pressed her lips together.

"Oh. Emma." The Queen's exclamation drew Killian's attention. The Queen reached for Emma's hand. Emma's face was turning red even as her father's drained to white. Killian knew he had missed something but didn't know what.

"Emma, what did you do?" Killian's fear made the question came out more as an accusation.

Emma jumped to her feet and her chair rocked back. "I need some air." She rushed from the room with all eyes following her. She didn't look back. As the room erupted in murmurs Killian jumped to his feet and followed her. As far as he was concerned the meeting was over.

Emma wasn't in the hallway and Killian wondered if she had used magic to whisk herself away. With a sigh he began his search. Guessing that Emma would want to avoid people he headed for the gardens. His mind whirled as he tried to push down the worry that whatever Emma had done with her magic was dangerous. Could it be reversed? He would gladly go back to being a monkey if it would spare Emma. His anxiety mounted until he found her standing in the very spot she had dosed him with poppy powder so long ago.

Her eyes were closed and she seemed lost in thought. Now that he had found her all his questions fled. She looked tired and he wanted to take her in his arms and soothe her worries not interrogate her. He took a step on the gravel and her eyes flew open. She didn't seem pleased to see him.

"You recovered quickly. I thought you would be asleep for a day at least."

"And miss all this fun?" He attempted a smirk.

"You have a strange idea of fun."

Killian shrugged. "It's important to find the silver lining in life."

Emma snorted.

"Emma you gained control of your magic, you defeated the Wicked Witch, you saved me from spending my life as a simian. But you act as if you have lost." He met her eyes and took a step closer as he gathered his courage. "I am grateful for the rescue. Though I don't remember everything I know I wouldn't be here without you. But, Emma, if the magic came at a high cost to you…"

"The cost? Killian I…" Emma shook her head "There was no cost, I made no bargains nor dabbled in any dark magic. Though perhaps that would have been easier than this mess."

He frowned. "Then why–?"

"What do you want Killian?"

The question and the intensity in her voice caught him off guard. "I wanted to make sure you were alright."

"No. What do you want now that you are free?"

Killian cocked his head as he considered the question. He was free, freer than he had been for centuries. For so long revenge had been his cruel mistress, driving him to betray his own principles to strike at the Dark One. Until Emma had entered his life he hadn't realized how far he had sunk under its control. Emma had shown him the cost of his villainy and that there was much more to life if only he was brave enough to change. The dwarf had assumed he would run off to his ship and sail away. Given their history, perhaps Emma thought the same. But Killian had no intention of leaving unless it was what Emma wanted. Certainly she could never care for him the way he cared for her but would she accept him in her life?

He searched her eyes but knew the only way to get an answer was to ask.

"You once said that if I stopped living in the past I could be a part of something."

"I did and then you ran away."

"I was trying to help, but point taken." Killian took a deep breath. "This time I would like to stay and try to be a part of something. I know the King and others don't much care for me but I have some first rate qualities that could be of real use to your kingdom."

"You would give up buckling swash on the high seas? Be on the council and help with taxation and road building and treaties?" Emma seemed skeptical.

"Given my talents I hope you would give me more exciting duties but, yes. If you are amenable I would like to stay."

"And that's all you want a position in my kingdom?"

Her green eyes drew him closer and his heart beat wildly. He thought of the kiss they had shared in this spot, of all the kisses and almost kisses, of how she seemed to know the truth of him but hadn't turned away. He wanted so much more than a seat on her council.

He stepped closer summoning what little swagger he could.

"Oh, aye, a position in your kingdom and a position in your heart."

Emma's mouth opened in surprise. He chuckled as he bent his head and kissed her. It was a soft, teasing thing then Emma took control and transformed it into something much more passionate.

When they pulled apart they touched foreheads and smiled.

"What?" She asked.

"Hmmm… I am just waiting for you to run away or incapacitate me."

Emma laughed. "I guess it is my turn since you ran away last time."

"Being turned into a flying monkey is hardly running away, love."

She pulled back and reverently ran her fingers over his hairline and down his cheek. He smiled at her concern.

"I am sorry it took me so long. That she had you under her control for so long."

"Emma, you mastered your magic in mere months. It's a marvel you came as soon as you did. I am the one who is sorry."

"For what?"

"For betraying you and stealing the urn. For running off and getting injured by flying monkeys because I didn't trust you enough to share my plan."

"Killian without all that, without your encouragement and even your transformation, I never would have learned how to use my magic. I would have always been afraid of it. I should be thanking you."

Killian's heart swelled at the praise but he couldn't help but argue. "You saved me, Emma." He whispered and he was talking about much more than the events of the last day.

"You saved me too." She replied before kissing him again. This time it was soft and sweet and full of promise.

The kiss was interrupted by the loud clearing of a throat. Emma and Killian came apart. Killian let out a sigh and was composing a litany of curses for their intruder when he turned and realized it was Emma's parents.

The King looked like he would happily murder him while the Queen smiled blissfully. Emma pulled out of his embrace to face her parents. Killian kept his hand at her hip and it wasn't just to annoy the King.

"Mother, Father, Captain Jones has accepted the position of naval advisor."

Killian snickered at her words and the false dignity she gave them.

The King rolled his eyes. "Naval advisor? Really?"

"David, now is not the time." The Queen warned.

"Now is exactly the time. I will not have this pirate toying with our daughters affections."

"Your daughter is right here and can make her own decisions." Emma joined the argument.

"Emma," the king's voice softened, "I love you. But after Neal and Walsh you deserve someone better." He looked at Killian and frowned. "You deserve an equal partner that doesn't have ulterior motives. That won't abandon you or betray you."

Killian bristled even as he agreed with the King's assessment. Emma deserved all that and more. He hoped he could be the one to give it to her. He locked eyes with the King.

"Listen, your Majesty, whatever Emma and I become is up to her but I would never betray or abandon her. I am in this for the long haul." Killian pulled Emma closer.

"Honestly, David, you are being ridiculous."

"What? I am just looking out for our daughter. There is no proof the pirate and Zelena aren't working together to trick Emma into thinking he is her True Love."

Killian frowned in confusion. "True what?"

Nobody answered him. Emma had stepped away to confront her father.

"No proof? Are you kidding me? Dad, you weren't even there!" Emma's hands seemed to spark with pent up magic as she gestured to Killian. "I was powerless. Zelena was going to kill me and everyone else. Killian was able to break through her control long enough to throw himself in front of a fireball."

"That could have been faked, a trick to get you to believe him." The King grumbled.

"He was dying! I didn't kiss him to break his curse. I kissed him because I thought it would be the last time."

Killian remembered the moment, the pain and looking into her desperate face wishing it wasn't the end. She kissed him and it broke his curse. Realization dawned on him as Emma continued.

"When we kissed there was the flash and it felt just like you and Mom always said. Then he was human. I didn't imagine or suspect that he… It was real. I know it."

Killian knew more than most about the power of True Love's Kiss. It had become a particular obsession of Rumplestilskin's and so Killian had studied it. It was rare but could break any curse as true love was said to be the most powerful force in all the realms. Killian had been doubtful that such magic existed and had certainly thought it impossible he could share it with anyone after Milah's death. But he had fallen in love again, though he had denied it, and even more wondrous she loved him back. Killian didn't blame the King for being skeptical, Killian hardly believed it himself. His relationship with Emma had been unconventional to say the least but Killian would go through it all again if it led him to true love.

The King was struggling to answer his daughter's declaration as the Queen looked smug.

"Quite passionate, Emma." Killian murmured.

She turned to him and caught his wide grin.

"What?"

"You kissed a monkey." Killian knew he looked a fool with his smile but he couldn't help it. Emma rolled her eyes.

"A disgusting monster with fangs." He continued as he pulled her into his arms. "At least I know you don't love me for my looks."

"Can you be serious?" Emma said even as she returned his smile. Killian knew it was hardly the time with her parents looking on but he couldn't hold it in any longer.

"I'm your True Love." Killian tipped his head and bit his lip.

"Shut up."

"Make me."

And she did.

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