Emma was breathing heavily as she ran down the pier through the dark the moonlight her only guide, desperately trying to get closer to the ship but it still seemed so far away. Her only hope was saving him but someone was chasing her trying to stop her before she made it the Jolly Roger. The shadow was getting closer, a hand grabbed her shoulder. Emma spun around ready to fight. She could not let him stop her, nothing was going to stop from saving Killian, and this was all her fault after all.

"You" Emma gasped frowning at him. Emma felt a surge of power her anger, stress and fear taking over and bursting out of her.

BANG the table rattled some of the trinkets falling off to the cabin floor. Emma jumped up with a fright. "Not again." she thought.

What had she done? Her heart racing for a moment there, she was unsure where she was, expecting to see the roof of Mary Margret's apartment but it was the Jolly Roger. She had fallen asleep on the couch. It was 6am.

"Crap" Emma muttered to herself out loud, thinking over all that happened yesterday. Everywhere she went things had fallen apart. No sooner had Emma started to feel, for the first time in her life, that she may have found a home and it was crumbling down around her. She thought about what Killian said yesterday, about everything being the same every day until she came and things changed. He thought this was a good thing but was it really that she made everyone's life harder and Peter was gone.

"Killian" Emma said looking around then she spotted him.

Emma got up walking over to Killian who was asleep on the chair. He looked peaceful. It was refreshing to see him like that, he always looked angry or sad. He fell asleep waiting for Emma to wake and that's when she felt it, or realised what it was, that uncontrollable feeling of bliss. However Emma's mind was racing past that feeling, her armor protecting her from it and her dream came front and centre. It was troubling her she had had it before ever hearing of Storybrooke. How is that possible? And killian was now a part of it. Did she insert himself self-consciously or was it always him? Whatever it was it felt all too real and whatever it was hurting Killian. Emma was sure it was somehow her fault and there was a simple solution. Emma had to do what was best for him, even if that meant leaving because that's what you do when you love someone. Emma grabbed a piece of parchment and a pen but nothing felt like enough of an explanation. She found the words anyway and, leaving the note on the table, Emma quietly snuck off without waking Killian.

Regina woke up early this morning. She had much more time than usual to get ready for the day but that was because she had something special planned. She was baking this morning, one of her favourite treats, the apple turnover but it wasn't for her. She took a deep breath as she placed it in a container but she had one big problem; how was she going to get Emma to eat it?

"So, this is it? Your big plan?" Jefferson frowned.

"Yes," Regina shrugged.

"It didn't work the first time, what makes you think this will be different?"

"There no magic in this land, no true love, no one to wake the sleeping princess," Regina grinned.

"Ok, you got what you needed, now you promised me something."

"About that, without magic I also can't take your memories"

"WHAT!"

"Come on, you can't be surprised. This is your fault, really."

"You're going to regret this, your MAJESTY."

With that Jefferson stormed off out of Regina's house. She had screwed him over for the last time, he had to do something drastic.

Emma walked back to Mary Margret's apartment. She figured if the sheriff found what they needed at Regina's house then she would be cleared of all the charges by sun up and free to live her life without having to worry about Emma or getting her hopes up of some fairytale ending with Prince Charming. Emma's face crumpled, remembering Mary Margret's face yesterday when David told her that he didn't believe in her. How could Emma be so fast to let a stranger in her life? One who, for all she knew, was the one who abandoned her. Emma was feeling particularly glum as she stood in the empty apartment. It looked just as it did when she left for school yesterday morning only Mary Margret wasn't there.

Yesterday Morning

Emma sipped her hot cocoa, not because it was too hot to gulp down like she usually would but because, when she finished she would be on her way to school and she was dreading it today. Not only would she have to see the principal, but she felt something horrible was about to happen.

"You've been nursing that for a while," Mary Margret said, coming out of the bathroom.

"I have?"

"I drank mine and had a shower and you're still drinking yours."

"Alright, you got me. I'm stalling."

Mary Margret smiled and shook her head. Usually she would just rush Emma off, making sure she wasn't late, but today was different. After another incident with Emma yesterday with the earthquake in the mines, she was feeling a bit worried. Emma seemed to keep getting into trouble. It wasn't always her fault, however Mary Margret was starting to stress every time Emma was out of site.

"It's ok. After yesterday you must be tired" Mary Margret sat down beside Emma

"Yeah, well it must have been tiring for you too. Are there earthquakes often in Storybrooke?"

Mary Margret put her arm around Emma, smiling.

"No, it was strange. I was just worried about you. Speaking of worry, David already called twice this morning to check up on you before you where up."

"Just me?" Emma smirked, looking at a blushing Mary Margret "Maybe you guys are true love?" Emma giggled

"What?"

"Oh you know. Killian and his thing with the story book,"

"Yeah, right." Mary Margret was thoughtful trying to play it down but Emma could tell, she couldn't believe it. They were falling in love.

"I'm going to find out what Regina was doing down there yesterday. I know it has something to do with the conveniently discovered remains of Katherine, just as we find more about David's past."

"Yeah, it is strange and she found his school records connecting them. I didn't tell you this before but it was Regina trying to get you out of the Tillman's, well out of this town, before I took you in."

"Seriously? What's wrong with that woman? Is that why she fired you?" Emma was so angry. She stood up. Why was this woman trying to ruin her life? Going after her father and foster mother? Why was she running her out of town? The only explanation was Killian's theory about her being the evil queen.

"Hey, it's ok. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out. She won't keep pushing the people in this town around. We're going to clear David's name and everything will be fine." Mary Margret stood up, trying to reassure her. She picked up her school bag and put it over Emma's shoulder,

"I hope so," Emma said glumly.

"See, hope. That's a good start, but so is being on time for school. Come on, I'll drive you." They both made their way out the door smiling.

However, that hope got them nowhere. Peter was gone. Mary Margret was behind bars. David had let them down and everyone was worse off with Emma around. Maybe that is why Regina was so set on driving her out of town. Well, at least she was getting what she wanted. Emma took a deep breath. She had to leave all of it behind. It shouldn't be hard, after all it's not the first time she's left a potential home behind or family. So, with no more thoughts in the past or a future here Emma quickly went upstairs and packed whatever would fit in her bag. She shoved it all in and swung the bag over her shoulder. Her hands lingered on the knot Killian had tied when he fixed her bag the day they met, but Emma shrugged off that feeling of missing someone. Making her way down stairs, not looking back, she knew there would be no bus to get out of town.

Emma headed towards the door but before she pulled it open she heard a knock. Had Killian already woken up and come to stop her from leaving? Emma opened the door to find her principle smiling and holding a container out with an apple turnover inside.

"Mrs. Mills?" Emma frowned wondering what she was doing here.

"Emma, how are you? I heard about what happened with Mary Margret and I brought you some food in case you needed anything."

"Thanks?" Emma was very confused.

Regina looked down at the teenage girl's bag, packed full with her clothes and obviously ready to run.

"You're not leaving, are you?"

"What? I.." Emma didn't know what to say but what did she care if Regina knew what she was doing? "Yeah, why do you care?"

Emma walk past the woman and out of the apartment shutting the door behind her. She didn't want to let Regina in.

"Well, I thought Mary Margret was being released. I thought you'd be welcoming her home, not running away."

"She got cleared? But then why are you here?"

"What do you mean?"

"Look cut the crap. I know it was you, leaving the evidence, setting up Mary Margaret"

"I don't know why you think I would do that but Emma it wasn't me. Jenny already confessed."

"Who's Jenny?" Emma frowned.

"You've meet her. I believe your friend hit her with a shovel."

"The blind woman? You had her confess for what you did."

"I didn't do anything, Miss Swan. I don't know why you keep insinuating I did." Regina was getting frustrated now. She put the container in Emma's hands or more like shoved it.

"Whatever. I'm just glad Mary Margaret's going to be okay." Emma walked off down the street leaving Regina on the stairs. It didn't go exactly as planned but she got the job done.

Mary Margaret hadn't slept all night. Her stomach was in knots, wondering if everything was going to be ok. Would she get out of her? Was Emma was ok? Could she ever forgive David? All of these things running through her head on a loop all night, but she was finally able to go home. Someone else confessed. The relief was enough to have her jumping for joy if she had the energy for it.

"Sorry, it took so long to sort this out, but you're free to go now." Said the sheriff.

"It's ok, Graham. You were just doing your job."

"I know, but…" Graham looked at her sympathetically. Mary Margaret just smiled at him. Everything was going to be ok eventually she reminded herself, then David entered the station looking guilty.

"Mary Margaret." He paused, looking at her. His doubt washed away, his heart racing. "I'm sorry I was wrong."

"David, not now." Mary Margret walk out of the station. Once she was out the front she realised she didn't have her car. She just wanted to go home.

"I thought my new deputy could give you a ride. I have to go find our Jefferson. He was spotted early this morning on Main Street."

"I'll meet you there straight after." David said. He was still very concerned about Jefferson roaming around.

"After what?" Mary Margaret asked.

"I'm the new deputy." They made their way over to the car and climbed in to the front seats.

"Of course you are." Mary Margaret shook her head.

"Come on, I'll take you to your car."

"My car.. My car's at home."

"Apparently not. Emma was seen driving it yesterday."

"What?"

"Yeah, I was surprised too. I thought Emma didn't have a license." David said through gritted teeth. He shouldn't have let her go yesterday. He didn't even know where she was now.

"She doesn't." Mary Margret went from relieved to stressed in an instant. She was only gone for twelve hours, what else was going on? David took a deep breath. He was worried, Emma wasn't answering her phone and they left off on pretty bad terms yesterday. Where was she? Mary Margaret picked up her phone and dialed Emma's number.

"Don't bother. Her phone is dead or something."

"What? Did she go home last night?"

"I think so…"

"David!"

"She was with Killian. I'm sure she's fine." Mary Margret took a deep breath and they sat in silence. David didn't know what to say and Mary Margret didn't want to talk to him. She would have preferred to walk to her car. The ten minutes it took to get to Mary Margret's car felt much longer than that, the pair rode in silence. David wanted to say something, however he couldn't quite find the words to get Mary Margret to forgive him. When David pulled behind the car Mary Margret got straight out, shutting the door behind her but David couldn't let her go without saying something.

"Mary Margret, I'm sorry."

"I know." she looked away, trying not to cry. How could she have been so wrong about him? "David you didn't have faith in me. I don't know what to say to that." Shrugging, Mary Margret opened the door to get out of the car.

"There was so much evidence."

"That's because I was being framed, you should have trusted me David." He came closer to comfort her but Mary Margret shrunk away from his approach. "I've got to go see Emma before she leaves to school." She climbed into her car without another word and drove off.

Mary Margret drove around the corner, passing Regina's house. She saw her out the front. She flagging Mary Margaret down. Mary Margaret slowed, rolling down her window.

"Principal Mills, what's the problem?"

"No problem. I was just checking in. So, you picked up your car."

"Yeah, everything worked out."

"Yeah, well at least Emma won't be borrowing it and breaking into my house anymore."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, I thought you knew. She is leaving town"

"When was this?"

"About half an hour ago. Maybe it's for the best. Some people are just not meant to be parents."

Mary Margret drove off, not bothering to say goodbye to Regina, who stood by the curve smirking.

It was just after 8am now and Killian finally gave in to the waking world after he had been sleeping uncomfortably in an old wooden chair for the last eight hours. His body ached, the arm he was resting on tingling as he yawned and stretched looking up, expecting to see Emma but she was gone. Killian frowned looking around the room and that's when he saw it. The note Emma had written sat right next to the sextant his brother had given him. Killian picked it up, not expecting good news. His heart sunk as he read the words Emma scribbled onto the page.

Killian,

I have to go.

I know you won't understand but I'm giving you your best chance.

Not a day will go by that I won't think of you.

Emma.

"Swan, you didn't." He called her immediately, hoping to catch her before she left town because he knew he wouldn't be able to follow her. The curse would never be broken and he would be forever trapped, never able to find her. The phone went straight to voicemail. Emma's phone was dead so he simply left a message before he ran off down to the docks to his car. He jumped in starting the car immediately and speeding away stop her.

Emma made her way past the school. She couldn't help but look again at the people headed in. They didn't seem as happy as they were on her first day. Peter's death had rocked the whole school. He had had a lot friends. Everyone looked pretty glum, walking through the gates. That's when Emma saw Elsa with Mulan standing by the entrance. They must be waiting for her and Killian to show up. Neither of them where answering their phones. Emma's had died hours ago. Elsa saw her and started walking over.

"I'm going to talk to Emma."

"Ok but if you're going to a felony, let me know." Mulan replied sarcastically.

"No more shenanigans. I swear."

"Oh, there can be shenanigans. I just want to be there for them." She smiled.

"I promise you'll be by my side next time I get involved in any illegal activity."

"That's what I thought." Mulan smiled, watching Elsa walk across the street to Emma.

Elsa approached frowning. She saw the bag packed with stuff and knew straight away what was happening.

"So, you're leaving huh?"

"Elsa I…"

"Just don't. Emma, you think I don't know how it feels to want to run away from my problems and let everything go? I do but that's just not the solution."

"It's complicated."

"Well, explain it." Elsa was getting frustrated, they were quiet for moment.

"I'll call you when I…"

"When you what? Put enough distance between you and this town to make it all seem small?"

"I'm sorry."

"I know, but what about David and Mary Margret?" Elsa's voice was cracking. "Killian?"

Emma took a deep breath, closing her eyes and trying not to picture them all. They won't miss her. They'll move on with their lives, she said to herself. That's how it always was, her whole life, people move on.

"Did you say goodbye to them?"

"I left Killian a note and I..I know that there's nothing I could say to Mary Margret or David. They wouldn't understand. You do."

"I've ran before. I understand it. I just wish you weren't going."

They had been talking for a while and class was about to start. Mulan came over to tell them it was time to go.

"Guys, come on. You can fight later. Let's go."

"Emma's not coming to class."

"What?" Mulan noticed her overflow bag "Oh!"

"I'll miss you guys." Emma went to go, then Elsa wrapped her arms around her, holding tight.

"You're really into hugs."

"Shut up." Elsa said, letting her go.

Emma took a deep breath, walking away. She wasn't sure how she would get out of town. Maybe just walk, hitch hike. She would eventually get far enough away to not look back.

Emma cut through the park as she made her way out of town. She walked past the bench where her and Killian usually met. For some reason, some part of her wanted him to be there waiting for her with that smug smile on his face. Emma heard footsteps behind her getting closer louder until someone was standing right behind her. Emma felt a hook on her shoulder. She spun around.

"Emma, I found you." Killian sighed with relief.

"Killian I.."

"You can't leave, Swan." Killian started to say but his eyes went to the container Emma was holding. He frowned. "What's that?"

"It's just something Regina gave me for whatever reason."

"Don't eat that, and don't go please." Killian was looking worried.

"Wasn't really planning on eating it. Knowing the principal she probably spat in it." Emma was confused. She was expecting yelling for running off and leaving a note, not enquiries into whether or not she will eat an apple turnover.

"Killian, I'm sorry but I have to do what's best for everyone."

"Is running what's best for everyone or is it what's best for you?"

"Ugh" Emma didn't know what to say. Maybe he was right.

"You have to bring back the happy endings, save your family."

"What family?" Emma exclaimed, almost crying. This was much harder then she thought it would be. "Killian, this isn't my home and I'm not a savior. There is no curse."

"Emma, I can prove the curse is real." Killian grabbed the container opening it. He took a huge bite of the apple turnover and then a deep breath and nothing happened. Emma raised her eyebrows stairing at him, her arms folded.

"See it's nothing.." Emma started to say.

"Bloody hell!" Killian mumbled, seconds before he fell to the ground.

"KILLIAN!" Emma yelled as she knelt down beside him, trying to get him up but he was unconscious and completely unresponsive. Emma ran her hands through his hair, tears streaming down her cheeks. She looked over at the apple turnover. What did Regina do? Was she trying to poison her?

"KILLIAN!" Emma yelled again, her hands on his chest trying to shake him awake.

notes: this chapter was originally supposed to be longer but its been a busy week hope you like reviews always really appreciated :))

next chapter: Emma desperately tries to wake Killian with help from Mr Gold meanwhile Elsa finally finds the clue that can lead her to Anna