But like, are they really setting us up for Emma and Neal?
No. And not just because of actor availability or because of another ship. The show told us that Neal has moved on to the Land of Shiny and Fluffy Clouds so unless they are setting up Emma dying and going to be with Neal in the Land of Shiny and Fluffy Clouds, then there is no set up to be had.
Unless he isn’t really moved on and this is all Hades making him tell her not to come. Don’t you find it weird that he’s able to contact Emma after he supposedly moved on and tells her exactly what Cora tells Regina?
Another theory is that it is about Emma and Hook getting another significant attribute that belongs to another couple.