I posted my mirror theory in another thread, but I tried to keep it as non-shippy and fact related as possible. However, in the safety of our Swanfire haven, I’ll expound a bit on my theory/wish. Short story, there are mirrors everywhere in this season so far, and some notable ones are when they are there in the background (in Regina’s office and in Granny’s). My own headcanon right now (most likely debunked tonight but just in case it’s not) is that Zelena imprisoned Neal in a mirror just before he was able to save Rumple and the next curse was cast. He is able to travel between them, and watch over Emma and the rest of her family, but unable to comunicate. He can occasionally escape, just as Ozma could in return to Oz, but not for long and he can’t reveal his true identity. How heartbreaking would it be to see him watching Emma ask for him, but not able to tell her he’s ok? It also would be a parallel to Charming being trapped in the mirror in Season 1. I know I’ll most likely be very wrong indeed, because I almost always am, but right now, I’m going to enjoy my little theory.
Edit: And I just thought to myself, what if this is the price of some sort of magic he tried to use to get to them?
Keeper of the Cheshire Cat’s smile, Baelfire’s sword, Snow’s backpack, Robin Hood’s bow, Ariel’s purse, Ariel’s smile, Henry’s heart, Belle’s shoe collection