Killian stared at the end of the dock where his sister had just disappeared. He twisted his mother's ring around in his hand, thoughts circling. There were a variety of intentions that Imogen could have for giving him the items. They spanned from an innocent goodbye to a deceptive guilt tactic. He slumped down on to a nearby crate and opened the folded portrait. It had faded with the many years since they were children and slaves to time.

His family looked up at him smiling, unaware of how their lives would change just a few years after that. He focussed on the infant in his mothers arms. Eyes wide and an awkward smile from her teeth coming through, Imogen had been so innocent and susceptible. He could remember the days when she would follow him around the estate and beg him to let her join in his games. As a child she had adored him and he her.

That was why he left her with Pamela. Life on the run was no way for a four-year-old to grow up.

(Flashback)

Killian gently tapped Imogen on the shoulder, "wake up," he whispered.
Imogen stirred, her eyes still closed she sighed, "Killy?" She asked blinking her eyes rapidly.
"It's still dark. We should be sleeping!" Imogen had said in a deepened authority voice. The voice she used when she was telling him off.
"The sun will be up soon, sweet. Come on, up you get. We have to go for a walk." He pulled the blankets back and helped her sit up to put on a jacket and shoes.
Imogen just nodded and gripped him around the neck when he bent to lift her up. She yawned and settled her head into his chest. Her curls tickling his neck like their mothers had when she tucked him into bed each night.

Killian tiptoed quietly across to the door and pulled it open without jostling Imogen too much.
"Killian?" He heard the raspy croak of Pamela. "What are you doing, child?" Her voice was uncertain, as if she didn't want to hear the answer.
Killian turned slightly to face the woman, "Thank you for everything, Pamela. We won't forget you." He said before walking out the open door.

"Heavens son, you can't be leaving." Pamela walked after him.
"The soldiers are here, Madam. We are sure to get caught if we stay longer."He hurriedly explained.
"It's dangerous out there, child. Please, don't leave." Pamela begged.
"I have to! If they catch us, we will surely be dead. I heard them. They were looking for a boy and a girl. They are after us." Killians voice was full of desperation.
"What about Imogen?" She asked pointing a hand toward the sleeping figure in his arms.
"She needs me. I'm the only family she has." He gripped his sister closer to him. He was responsible for her.

"She needs to grow up, have a home, go to school. She needs a chance to live not run." Pamela said.
"Her best chance at life?" Killian asked, letting Pamela's words sink in. Imogen couldn't have a normal life on the run.
"Yes. If you have to go. I won't stop you. But you and your sister are welcome as long as you want to be here."
"They are looking for two children. A girl and a boy." Killian said, more to himself than anyone else. He understood what needed to be done. He had to leave Imogen with Pamela. They would both be safer separated. The soldiers weren't looking for a lone 4-year-old. Pamela could say it was her daughter. And he? He could run and find somewhere else to go. Imogen would be safe. She could live a normal life.

"You will look after her?" He asked, walking towards Pamela and placed the now stirring Imogen into the woman's arms.
"Of course. Like she is my own flesh and blood."
He pulled the portrait from his breast pocket and tucked it into her blanket.
"Don't let her forget about me." Killian begged, placing a kiss on her forehead.
"Killy?" Imogen squeaked, her blue eyes locked on his.
"I have to go, my sweet." he whispered, taking one of her tiny hands in his own.
"No! Not without me" she whined. "We do everything together."
"I'm sorry, love. Not this time. You be good for Pamela, ok? She will take good care of you." Killian blinked back the tears and forced a smile. "I love you, Imogen". He gave her hand a quick squeeze and let go, stepping backwards.
"Love you, Killy" Imogen said, smiling. Killian could only give her one more smile before turning away.

A smooth sinister voice broke Killian from his memories.

"It isn't polite to keep a woman waiting?" Cora stepped forward.

Killian placed the portrait and ring back into his pocket and plastered a sly grin on his face. "Oh, has the time passed already?" He faked innocence.
Cora gave him a look crossed between impatience and amusement before grabbing his arm. "No matter," she said, vanishing them in a cloud of purple smoke.

"I wish you would warn me before doing that," Killian growled. He blinked until his spinning vision ceased and he could see where they were. An alleyway in centre Storybrooke, "Couldn't we have just walked?" He asked, but Cora continued to ignore him.
He followed Cora to the end. The Queen of Hearts' peered across the road with a pair of binoculars into a diner. "Do you see her?" Cora passed him the binoculars.
Killian could see that the diner was packed with people. A boy perched in front of a box on the counter. The Prince and Snow White were behind him smiling. The Queen, or rather Regina, stood closest to him, her back facing the window. Regina moved slightly and Killian took a slight breath in as a blonde head became visible. Emma. He ignored the mixed emotions that came from seeing her. Killian quickly scanned the diner for his sister. Imogen stood next to Ruby, she smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. "Regina, yes. I see her"

Cora took the binoculars back and watched. Killian leaned against the building waiting for Cora to explain this act of voyeurism.
"Here we go," Cora said. The door of the diner opened and Regina exited. Killian moved next to Cora and watched.
The door opened the second time, "Regina! Wait!" Emma's voice rang across the street.
The two women stood close. They were talking, heatedly until Regina stormed off and Cora smiled.
"Not long now, Hook. Soon she will be ready," Cora said more to herself than he.