storybrooke

David, Killian, Robin, and Grant pull up in the truck to the camp site, where they find the royal tent they're looking for.

" That's Arthur's tent. I'll go in first. You three stand guard", David says as he cocks his gun.

" And if our dishonest king should put up a fight?", Robin asks.

" We'll make him wish he hadn't", Grant says.

" Aye", Killian says as he draws his sword.

" David!Good to see you, my friend. Come, sit, join us", Arthur says as he walks into the tent.

" Why don't you explain why you lied to me? Why you tried to burn the Crimson Crown", David says.

" So you found me out...".

" Yeah, I found out... friend".

" Now, that part was real".

" Ah, it doesn't matter. Not anymore. But I want answers. See... there was a message in there from Merlin. It said there was only one person who could destroy the Dark One, named Nimue. You tell me who that is".

But, instead of complying, Arthur flips the table, using his sword to cut open the back of the tent for his escape.

" He's getting away!", David shouts, which causes Killian to run after the fleeing king.

Alas, Arthur trips over a log, and in turn, trips Killian. He stands up with his sword in hand and points it at Killian before he has time to grab his.

" Look at that. You brought a hook to a sword fight".

" Actually, I brought a sword, but I've just seemed to misplace it".

" Shame. It's always the simple mistakes that get us killed".

But before Arthur can slash him with the sword, Scarlett appears in thin air with Excalibur in hand to block his attack and shove him back.

" Excalibur. It's whole", Arthur gasps.

" Yes, it is. I did the one thing you never could. This sword doesn't control anyone now", She says, then blasts him away with her magic.

" I suppose I should say thank you", Killian remarks.

" You don't need to say anything. Just don't do that again", Scarlett says.

" I should apologize for what I said that day aboard my ship".

" For when you refused to accept me or when you said you did not love me?".

" It's a bit more complicated than that".

" Doesn't matter. I'm the Dark One".

" You're more than the Dark One. You're still you. You saved me, that was Scarlett".

" What do you want from me?".

" I wanna help you. And I need your help to do it. Who is Nimue and how can she defeat the darkness?".

" Nimue doesn't matter anymore. This will all be over tomorrow".

" What will be over? And why do you need that damned sword? Ah, all this power, and you don't even have the courage to answer one simple bloody question. Why do you need Excalibur? I know you're still in there, Scarlett. And I know that despite everything, you always have your reasons!".

" You're right, I do! You wanna know why I'm doing all of this?!... I'm doing it for you... and our children".

Those words seep into Killian's mind as she disappears in a plume of black smoke, wondering what the devil she's talking about.

----

" Crocodile, we need to talk", Killian says as he walks into the pawn shop.

" Didn't you hear? I'm not that man anymore. Belle, you can, uh...".

" Yeah, sorry. Thought you might be the girls", Belle says as she puts down the crossbow.

" It's a good thing I'm not. Crossbow wouldn't do you much good".

" Well,  best we could manage. I did have some squid ink set aside for a rainy day, but unfortunately, they found it".

" Dark Ones are clever like that, clever enough to make everyone believe that they've really changed. I need to know what's going on inside my wife's head now. She said she's doing all of this because of me... and our kids".

" This isn't about what you did. It's about what she did".

" You're sure of that?".

" I've seen the look on her face. The look on my daughter's face that I know all too well-- regret. I became the Dark One to save my son. Committed countless sins along the way, convinced myself I would atone for them all once I'd found him. But things never work out the way you think they will. If you want to know what Scarlett is after, find out what she's atoning for".

" And how do I do that?I've been looking all over for her. She doesn't want to be found".

" Then you have to give her a reason to find you".

With that, Killian walks out of the pawn shop, set on finding his wife.  He shouts her names as he walks through the streets of Storybrooke, ending up on top of the clock tower. Her name leaves his lips one last time before he jumps off. Killian lands safely on the ground in a plume of  black smoke, due to his wife's magic.

" You were sure I'd save you?", Scarlett asks.

" Well, I'm either optimistic or desperate or both. I need to know what happened between us in Camelot. Just tell me", Killian says.

" It's not that easy".

" It can be. Whatever you did, whatever you are trying to atone for, I already forgive you".

" I don't need forgiveness".

" Then come clean. I assure you, you've done no worse than I. I was a pirate for hundreds of years".

" Killian... you and I both know that I've done way worse things than you".

" You see this? Belonged to a man named Barnaby. Called me One Hand Jones. I killed him in front of his wife, took his ring. This on-- Edgar. Fine sailor. I caught him drinking the Captain's wine. I drowned him. Every ring is a sad story".

" Why are you telling me something I already know? I've heard these stories eons ago".

" I used to wear things rings as trophies. But all that changed when I met you. Now... they're a reminder. That all sins can be forgiven when someone loves you. And I was absolutely wrong before. Scarlett Jones... I love you. No matter what you've done. Because I'll travel the 7 seas for you".

" Just to show my love for you. So, you're saying that you want to know the truth... no matter how awful?".

" I do".

With that, she brings them to the house.

" Come... follow me", Scarlett says as she leads him up the stairs, " This is the nursery... for our little girl. I already know you're going to spoil her rotten. She'll have you wrapped around her little finger".

Killian looks around the pink room, his heart filling up with joy.

" And this... is for our little boy. On the off chance that he'll fall in love with the sea like you".

He steps into a light blue and white nursery, and his heart skips a beat.

" Do you like it?".

" Scar... I love it", Killian says with a smile on his face, " But it's time you told me the truth".

" Almost there. Almost".

Scarlett steps forward to bring her lips to his, the two sharing a passionate kiss, before Killian steps back, feeling a little dizzy, then collapsing in her arms.

" I'm so sorry", Scarlett whispers as she holds her husband's limp body, tears forming in her eyes.

camelot

As Scarlett walks into Granny's diner, ember in hand, she runs into Henry and Granny.

" Did you do it?", Henry asks, " Did you find the spark of--".

" Prometheus? Yes. Now we can use it to fix Excalibur", Scarlett says.

" Finally some good news. I made you a protein shake. For the little ones".

" Thank you, Granny", Scarlett says as Emma walks in, " Looks like someone has a spring in their step".

" Oh, its... nothing. Do you have the Spark?".

" Sure do. Where's the sword?".

" I don't know. No one's come back with it", Henry says.

" Really? They should have been back hours ago. Have you seen Merlin?", Scarlett asks.

" I thought he was with you", Emma says.

" He was, but then he vanished. Something's wrong".

" I don't think we're safe here anymore. Granny, let's close up shop".

" One step ahead of you. Henry, lock the front. I got the back", Granny says.

She goes to toss Henry the key, but they're frozen by purple magic.

" They'll be fine. Once we're done", Merlin says from the back, " I'm sorry for all the theatrics. It's not usually my style, but... I had to follow orders".

" Who's orders?", Emma asks.

" Arthur's. My wayward pupil has done something I did not foresee. He's tethered me to Excalibur. Arthur has ordered me to reforge Excalibur into a whole sword, which means I will need your dagger and the Promethean flame".

" No", Scarlett says.

" Then he will order me to kill your family, and, as much as I hate it, I will obey him".

" Arthur has my family?", Emma asks.

" Killian? My mother?", Scarlett asks.

" Yes, because of me. I'm so sorry. He wants to make a trade in the heart of the Caldonian forest in one hour-- their lives for the dagger and the flame".

" There's not enough time. It isn't even a flame yet", Emma says.

" I've seen the strength in you girls. When you're ready to light the spark, it will burn and Arthur will have what he wants. The sword will be whole once again".

" So, we're just supposed to give up without a fight?", Scarlett asks.

" Acceptance is a form of strength. I know the darkness lives in you both, but I beg you, please, do not not seek vengeance. Do not make the same mistake as Nimue".

Scarlett and Emma wind up in the forest where their family is being held captive with a plan in mind.

" We brought the dagger and the flame, but you don't get it until you free our family", Emma states.

" No. You will hand it over now or I unleash Merlin", Arthur says.

" You're forgetting I have the power to kill him", Scarlett says with a smirk.

" But I know you won't".

" I don't want to fight you", Merlin says.

" No, but I do. So, now that mommy's got her magic back...tell us, Dark Ones. What are you gonna do?", Zelena asks.

" Be careful with your actions. She's pregnant", Killian says as he struggles against the chains.

" Is that so?", Arthur asks, his expression softened, " I'll be doing us all a favor by making sure that demon child is never born".

" I wouldn't say that if I were you", Scarlett snarls, her anger rising by the second.

" So, Dark Ones, who should I execute first? Your boyfriend or your husband".

" You can have the flame", Emma says as she hands it to the witch.

" Zelena, make sure that's real", Arthur says as Zelena opens the box which confines her to the nearest tree.

" Now you want to give us our family?", Emma asks.

" Or keep fighting", Scarlett says.

" Merlin!", Arthur shouts.

" Give him the flame, please. This is a battle you cannot win", Merlin says.

" Bring it", Scarlett smirks.

Merlin blasts his magic towards them, but Emma and Scarlett but up their defenses and blast him back.

" I wish you could beat me... but I've played this game for too long".

Emma shoves Scarlett out of the way so the magic blast will hit her and keep Scarlett and the babies safe.

" Merlin... kill the mother of the product of great darkness".

And so, Merlin uses his magic to make a tree root wrap around the neck of Regina, which Robin is rather opposed to.

" M-Merlin, you can fight this. You are the greatest sorcerer that has ever lived. If you can't resist the darkness, then no one can. If you don't, I'll have to kill you... which I really don't want to do", Scarlett says.

Merlin musters up enough control to resist the push of Arthur and retract his magic on Regina.

" I said kill her! By the sword, I command you! Kill her!", Arthur says.

" I can't hold him off much longer".

Luckily, Killian gets free of his restrains and knocks down the king. He steps on Arthur's hand before he can get the sword. And, of course, Arthur's cowardly actions lead him to Zelena, and she poofs them out of there.

" Darling... are you alright?", Killian asks as he helps his wife up.

" I'm fine. Oh! You're hurt", Scarlett says, noticing the cut on his neck.

" This thing? Well, I've had worse cuts. Itching my nose with the wrong hand".

" Hold still", She says, using her magic to heal him.

" Thank you. Didn't even sting. Look at that. There's a sword", He says as she picks up Excalibur.

" Killian, we did it. Now all I have to do is light the spark and we can get the darkness out", Scarlett says, knowingly lying to her husband.

" Well then lets do it and go home", Killian says then embraces his wife.

storybrooke

It pains Scarlett to be doing this. It really does. To separate a mother from her child. But she does not have a choice. She must do what's best for her children.

" Look who's glowing. Congrats", Scarlett says as she transports to the delivery room then blasts Whale against a wall.

" I will not let you take this baby", Robin says as he draws his sword.

" Not without a fight", Regina says.

" Oops", Scarlett says, the baby now in her hands as she transports out of the room and down to the cellar.

She coddles the child, shushing her back to sleep as her husband wakes.

" What the bloody hell are you doing?", He asks.

" What needs to be done", Scarlett responds as she bounces the baby.

" Th-This is insane. You need to give the child back right now", Killian says as he stands up in his shackles.

" I can't!... Y-You don't understand. This is what's best for us. Trust me".

" Frankly, it's a little hard when you kidnapped a child!".

" Do you think I wanted to?! Do you think I asked for any of this?! No... but I'm doing what's best for us whether you like it or not", Scarlett says, then walks back up the stairs of Emma's house,  "Take the baby. You are to make sure no harm comes to her".

" It's not exactly like I can say no", Emma says as she takes Zelena's daughter in her arms.

Scarlett then paces the floor, nervous about the repercussions of her actions.

She knows what's best for her children.

It's the right thing to do for them.

But at what cost?

She has no choice.

Some would argue that she does.

But she knows that she does not.

Zelena manages to sneak into the house and down to the cellar. She makes a deal with Hook. He removes her bracelet, she helps him escape. Zelena roams the house in search of her daughter until she finds the dark swan.

Zelena freezes Emma before taking her daughter back into her arm.

" I don't need saving", Scarlett says as she opens the door the the house, " You're gonna have to trust me".

" Trust you? You kidnapped a baby", Regina says.

" My cousin. This is my only choice... and soon you'll see... you'll all see", Scarlett says, then using Excalibur to create a shield around the house.

She walks back inside to find her husband snooping around, in search for the squid ink.

" Ello, luv", She says, mimicking his accent.

Killian eyes the bottle, and quickly moves to grab it, open it, and throw it onto Scarlett, which makes her drop the sword and freeze in her place.

" I'm sorry, love. You've left me no choice. Your mother was right. You are a villain now, and now you're gonna tell me exactly what happened in Camelot that made you this way", Killian says.

" How are you going to make me do that?", Scarlett asks.

" I've got some ideas. I see you found the squid ink, Captain", Zelena says as she walks in.

" The baby...", Scarlett says,

" Safe with Robin... no thanks to you. And you are so lucky you're pregnant, because otherwise I would have made you suffer in the worse of ways".

" Why are you here?", Killian asks.

" I thought about how you said you couldn't run until you got some answers. And I realized I couldn't run either-- not without making the Dark One pay".

" Whatever you think you're doing", Scarlett says as she sees the gardening tool behind her back.

Zelena shoves it into Killian's chest... but he's unaffected by it.

" I bet you didn't see that coming, did you? Of course that's nothing compared to the surprise that you're feeling right now. You're saying to yourself, I just got stabbed in the chest. Why didn't it hurt more? Why am I not dead?".

" What the hell is happening? Answer me, witch!", Killian shouts.

" Well, you could take my word, or you could return your memories that the Dark One stole. See for yourself. I found this outside", Zelena says as she holds up a dreamcatcher.

" Don't trust her. I can explain everything, Killian", Scarlett pleads.

" Do it", He says to Zelena.

And so, his memories of Camelot come flooding back, one memory in particular standing out from the rest:

camelot

" Are you ready?", Merlin asks.

" She is", Emma says as she nudges Scarlett forward.

" Then it's time to destroy the darkness once and for all".

Scarlett clears her throat, knowing she's not going to do what Merlin said. She ignites the flame, raising it upwards before closing her hands around it, allowing it to form into a floating ball. She brings the dagger and the sword to the flame... that it until Killian collapses from the cut on his neck.

" When did that happen?", Regina asks as Scarlett dives down to her husband.

" It was Excalibur. B-But it was just a small cut, I healed it", Scarlett says.

" I'm afraid it only seemed that way. Excalibur was forged to cut immortal ties. A wound from it cannot be healed", Merlin says.

" There has to be something we can do", Henry says.

" Even Scarlett's power isn't strong enough, nor is my own", Merlin says.

" Killian, you have to hold on. I-I can't lose you", Scarlett says in a state of panic.

" It's alright. Scar, it's alright", Killian says.

" No, no, no, don't leave me. I need you... your children need you", She says as she puts his hand on her stomach.

" You will be... such a great mother that you won't need me. Reunite the blades, so I can see them before I go", He says.

" No!", Scarlett says.

" No?", Regina asks.

" I'm not going to lose him... not after everything we've been through. We can't be separated... ever. There's a way to save him... and I'm not going to let anyone stop me", Scarlett says, then transports them to the field of pink flowers.

" Scarlett...", Killian whispers.

" You're going to be okay", Scarlett says.

" No, please. You have to let me go".

" After everything we've been through... I have a feeling this is not going to be our final goodbye".

" We've been separated countless times... but we always reunite".

" I've stood by your side, helped you cheat death... now it's my turn to do it one last time".

" Scarlett... Hope Jones... I love you".

" I-I love you too".

" And I'll travel the seven seas for you...".

" Just to show me love for you... JUST TO SHOW MY LOVE FOR YOU!".

Scarlett's sobs echo through the forest, the flowers around her dying due to her magic outburst. She grabs a hold of Excalibur, using it to undo Merlin's tether.

" Scarlett... ", Emma says, appearing directly next to her.

" I am so so sorry... but I have to do this. I can't lose him, I-I can't lose my husband, Emma", Scarlett cries and she tether's Killian's life the the partial blade of Excalibur.

As Killian's body disappears, Scarlett and Emma transform into their Dark One appearance.

" I-I know this isn't what you want... but this is what I need. I need you to understand that I don't want to hurt anyone... I just want to do right for my children... and this is the only way how", Scarlett says, then cups her hands around Emma's face.

Scarlett's eyes turn black as night as she casts the darkest, most powerful mind control spell there is into Emma's mind so she'll help Scarlett fulfill the prophecy.

And just like that, Killian appears in the Dark One vault.

" I'm so sorry, Killian. But I didn't have a choice", Scarlett says, the memory over.

" No, no, no. There has to be some other explanation", Killian says.

" Aww. Are you finding the truth hard to swallow? Here. Have a look at the sword", Zelena says as she makes Killian's name appear next to Scarlett's, " A glamour spell. It was there the whole time right under your nose, and you didn't even see it. I suppose we should start calling you the Dark Couple now? The Dark Jones'? Whatever you fancy".

" So, that's why you saved my life twice tonight. I was never in any danger, you just wanted to keep me from the truth", Killian says.

" I wanted to fix it... I-I was going to take on your Dark One powers. Everything I've done since we got back to Storybrooke was to try to save you, Killian".

" This is saving? How could you do this to me?".

" I am so sorry".

" So much for our happily ever after".

" Killian... you can't be serious".

" As soon as our children are born... I don't want anything to do with you".

" Now, tell me, are you ready to learn what else happened in Camelot?", Zelena asks as she walks up with the dreamcatcher.

" Aye", Killian responds, " But first we have to take care of her".