As I watched everyone trudge on, I noticed Regina and Emma finally showing some signs of a couple. Sort of. Emma would brush her fingers against Regina's hand as her arms swung a bit. Regina would give a glare every time, but Emma would just smile back. Neal was chatting with Tink as she lead on. They seemed to be reminiscing in memories and talking of other things. I looked over to Aurora and noticed her hands were clenched together against her chest. I gave a pitiful smile toward her grasping her hand away my fingers weaving into hers gently. Her eyes glanced over toward me lovingly. "Yes?" She asked her lips curling into a smile. "I can't hold your hand?" I asked a bit teasingly, but deep within me it felt like the last time I'll be able to touch her. Then it dawned on me. I won't ever see her again... I nervously glanced behind me seeing Hook's countenance struggle with anxiety and guilt. His eyes and mine collided with such intense emotion of fear, I had to look away.

We had made it to Skull Rock in less time than I had thought because the island flashed before my eyes. Tink turned around telling us the plan, "I'll be able to distract the boys, but it's a get in get out plan." Tink emphasized the 'get out' plan. We all nodded intently, but Hook added in, "I'll need about two people to help me with the Jolly Rodger." I looked at Hook wondering why, but he gave me a gesture for Aurora and I immediately understood what the plan was. "I'll stay behind," Neal began saying looking around for the second. "And you, dear." Hook pointed out Aurora who was attached to my side like glue. Everyone, all at once, looked at her like one big wave. Everyone, but me. I felt the cold sweat trickle down my back as the guilt began to seep in. "Me? Why?!" Aurora interjected on Hook's opinion to keep her behind with him. "No! Mulan! Tell him no!" Aurora shook my arm wanting me to answer, but I kept silent. "Mulan...? Do you think I should stay back...?" She asked looking into my eyes confused. "Stay back..."

I whispered out afraid. "We'll be over here..." Emma began saying pushing people away from Aurora and I. Emma knew some sort of disagreement were to happen, and she knew the both of us wouldn't want to let others hear it. Aurora patiently waited for everyone to follow Emma before she addressed my answer. "Mulan...am I not strong enough for you?" I jolted my eyes appalled at her comment. Not strong enough?! You're plenty strong! Stronger than me it seems... "Aurora, you are the strongest woman I have ever met. It's not about brute strength or how well you can swing a sword..." I choked out not wanting tears to fall. "I want you to be safe. I'd rather be the one to be beat again and again for you." Aurora cupped my face tears beginning to fall from her eyes. "I want to be with you..." I gave a pitiful smile wanting to stay strong, her deep blue eyes gleaming with love. And I was standing here unable to even compensate. "And I need you to be safe..." I muttered looking deep into her eyes. Aurora closed her eyes and placed her forehead against mine, "I'll be waiting for you." Aurora calmly whispered out so certain I was to come back. I rushed my body into her kissing her harshly. I felt our teeth clash a bit as my feverish kiss engulfed out bodies. I finally parted feeling my soul not wanting to move away from hers. Hook quickly took Aurora aside as we both watched each other move away. until I didn't see her anymore. Regina looked at me absurdly and asked, "Are you okay?" I sucked in the air I lost from Aurora's departure and nodded crazily, "I'm fine." Regina eyed me, but before she could say anymore Emma and Tink motioned for us to go.