When Your Walls Come Crashing Down

Chapter 11 - Liberation

A/N: Hey everyone! Reminder that I don't own anything except the plot of this story. Also, we're nearing the end! That being said, should I write another chapter fic or a oneshot next? If you have any requests on stories, feel free to ask!

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In an instant, David's arms wrapped around Emma securely. She could barely breathe from how tight he gripped her, but she didn't mind. She felt something wet drip onto her, and realized he was crying.

David stared into Emma's eyes for a moment before giving her a small smile and an ever-so-gentle kiss on the forehead, careful to watch out for her open wounds. Drawing his cutlass out, he cut the ropes securing Emma in place, and she let out a chuckle, cautiously flexing out her hands.

Now that Emma's hands were free, she threw her arms around her father, pulling him for a proper hug. She couldn't believe it. She was really being rescued.

Finally, Emma let go. Her brain began to process everything. Where were the others?

She gives her father a questioning look, awaiting an answer, before realizing she didn't actually ask the question aloud.

Clearing her throat, she speaks. "Where are the others?"

"At the camp. They went to pick up Henry while we still have Pan... well..." he trails off, gesturing to the demon boy's limp body.

Emma simply nods, while David goes back to cutting the rest of her restraints. Soon enough, Emma is fully free.

David simply slings Emma's arm over his shoulder, supporting her weight as they both trudge out of the cave. She knows he's just trying to be helpful, but she can't help but feel a bit annoyed, as though he's taking away her independence.

Once they've made it through the clearing outside the cave, David stops for a moment, turning to look at his daughter.

"I missed you."

At that, Emma feels her eyes begin to water. As much as she hates to admit it, she missed them all too.

"I missed you too, Dad."

Her father's eyes light up, and a huge grin overtakes his face. Clearly, he appreciates the name.

"Alright," he begins. "The rest of them are supposed to meet us about half a mile east. Do you think you can make it there?"

Emma nods enthusiastically. She doesn't care how awful she feels. She just wants to - no, needs to - get to her mom, her son, Hook.

David gives Emma a look that clearly states, "Are you sure?", but ultimately gives in, knowing his daughter's tendency to be quite stubborn, a trait Emma has been told by both parents has been passed down from the other.

And with that, they set off again.