A dance with the devil

Going under

Emma felt David's arm wrap gently around her shoulders as they stepped forward into the murky looking water. The silhouette of a lone swan could be seen far out on the water, the irony of which was painful. White smoke began to surround the swan as the bow of a dismal looking boat became visible. Muffled noises of disbelief were heard from the family that stood cautiously behind her. With a heavy soul Emma lifted her foot and began to wade out, her family following behind. The fear of the unknown loomed over them as one by one they hauled themselves up into the boat, a reluctant Mr Gold last to join them.
The boat rocked as they each made themselves as comfortable as possible. None of them knew exactly what this trip would entail and Emma's heart was filled with the dread of what was to come. But she knew it must be done. She could not say goodbye to one more person she loved. She'd already lost too much.
"Now what?", she asked.
Mr Gold answered, "Hold tight."
With one hand Emma clasped the ring around her neck and with the other she squeezed her father's. The boat shook as they fell through the depths to the underworld, darkness drowning out the looks of horror on their faces. Emma closed her eyes and braced herself for what was to come.
After what felt like an eternity the boat fell still. Emma cautiously opened her eyes, squinting to see what was around her. She shivered. The air was cold and a white mist seemed to surround them all. Looking up she could make out the rungs of a giant gate. A gate that seemed only to lead to eternal darkness. Regina sighed and turned to face Emma.
"Well. I guess we're here."