Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-6810329-20160911021344/@comment-25926288-20160914211220

Emma might have had no problems, but a deleted scene of 5B between Emma and Regina gives insight into why magic was wonky. Rumple and Emma let go of their guilt/regret/unfinished business or whatever bound them in that realm. For them both, it would likely been Neal.

Emma wasn't getting anywhere with Zelena's protection spell. She's got raw power, but not as much finesse and usually finesse wins (unless they are just that powerful).