Note: I'm so sorry for the very, very late update. But I was re-inspired and I hope this chapter suffices!

"Mom!" Emma's voice cracked as it rose through the trees. She had been running, trying to keep her eyes locked on Hook's back, but when a slight pain became uncomfortably present in her side, she figured she had ran far enough. What she hadn't thought about was everyone who was behind her. Mary Margret and David were nowhere to be found and neither were Gold or Regina. Her breathing was shallow, sweat already dripping down her back.

"Dad!" She yelled again, just as a hand grabbed hold of her shoulder. She jumped slightly before realizing it was only Hook and pushed his hand away.

"Perhaps you should be a little more quiet, love. There are ears everywhere." He motioned with his hook. Ignoring him she started back the way they came.

"We need to find my parents." She said, before he could ask where she was going. When she didn't hear him following, she looked toward him her patience growing thin. He was now leaning against a large tree trunk, eyeing his own distorted reflection in his hook.

"And lessen the time we have alone?" He pouted, a flicker of playfulness in his eyes. With that, Emma rolled her own and took a deep breath. She was about to speak when the sound of footsteps suddenly became very loud. Hook shot up and she backed toward him trying to figure out which way they were coming from. She was about to push him forward and start running again when the fabric of her mother's shirt came into view, along with her beautifully black hair and worried expression.

"Emma!" She called in relief, rushing toward her daughters side. "I thought we lost you." She shook her head, straightening out the blonde hair with her hands as if to make sure she was really okay.

"I thought I lost you." Emma said with a small smile.

"I don't want to cut this little reunion short, but we should probably get on with our little rescue mission." Hook arched an eyebrow.

"Any ideas?" Regina crossed her arms over her chest, looking around to make sure no one else was nearby.

"I think we should split up. We'll cover more ground that way."

"Are you crazy?" Charming asked, stepping closer to Hook, his hand on his gun.

"Perhaps, but I'm also pretty sure that each of us knows how to handle ourselves in dire situations. As I've heard, the two of you make a quite exceptional team." He pointed at both Charming and Snow. "No one really likes you two..." He turned toward Rumple and Regina. "And well, Swan has witnessed for herself what a great team we make, and I suppose I can give her a second chance and hope that she doesn't betray me again..." He ran his good hand through his hair.

"If you think I'm going to trust you alone with my daughter, you're -"

"David." Emma said, gently resting her hand on his arm. "He's got a point. Although I think it be better if one of you went with Regina and Gold, and one with us. You guys don't know the land after all."

Both Charming and Snow gave each other concerned looks and then nodded in agreement.

"Okay. But I'm coming with you." Charming said, walking closer to Hook. "And if you try anything, mate. I will shoot you."

"I thought we weren't mates." Hook flashed a crooked smile.

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At first, all Neal was aware of was the darkness. It engulfed him. But as minutes, or hours or perhaps even days passed, a small light began to grow. But with light came the awareness of pain. A large groan fell through his lips as he opened his eyes. At first all he could make out was the sky, but as his eyes focused he saw a young women walking toward him. She rested a hand against his cheek and wiped his forehead with a cloth. She was speaking, but he couldn't make sense of her words for a moment.

"How are you feeling?" She asked again, her voice soft and gentle. Neal licked his lips, his mouth utterly dry.

"Like shit." He muttered. The lady smiled, and placed down the cloth, before helping him to sit upright. That's when he got a lovely reminder of the bullet wound in his side. He gasped between gritted teeth and brought his hand protectively to his body.

"I know it hurts." She said, as she put a few things into a wooden bowl and stood up. "But you're awake. Which means you're getting better." Her smile seemed unable to falter as she carried the bowl to a small shelf and started putting some things away. Neal took this chance to look around. He was sitting on several pillows, in a quaint little home. Everything was made of wood save for a few things that were rock. He looked out the window - which had only curtains and no glass - and saw the tops of trees. This meant he was off ground, in what land, he didn't know.

"Where am I?" He asked. The woman pushed a piece of blonde hair from her eyes and tucked it behind one of her ears.

She sat next to him with a cup in her hands "I think you should have some water before you ask any questions." She offered him the cup and he took it, leaning his head back a little and finishing the drink within seconds. His mouth felt instant relief as the liquid went down his throat and for the first time since he woke up, he smiled a little.

"What's your name?" The woman asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes in a way that was almost familiar to him.

"So you get to ask questions and not me?" He arched an eyebrow as he put the cup down beside him. Her smile grew.

"Alright. A name for a name then." She titled her head and offered her hand. "I'm Wendy. Wendy Darling."