First Meeting

The Kansas native ran after her furry friend trying to catch him quickly so they could get home. She didn't understand why he was running or barking like crazy but he was. “Toto! Toto!” She called after the small dog trying to keep up with him. Still he ran from her as if his little mind was on a mission. As she ran towards a clearing she could hear soft voices. From the sounds of Toto’s bark he had stopped to bark at whomever was there. As she walked slowly through the trees she heard a strange voice. It caused her heart to skip a beat and her body to pause for a moment to listen.

“Don’t worry I think I know who this little guy is.” She didn't know who this woman was but her voice sounded familiar in an odd way. “Toto,” Ruby called to the small dog.

Slowly Dorothy stepped from the tree line, “I wouldn't do that if I were you.” She paused for a moment when she noticed who Toto was barking at. “Toto only barks for one reason, when he has sniffed out a witch. So who is it, who’s the witch?”

Red stepping forward to try and calm the situation even though she felt a little uneasy about it. “He’s not barking because I’m a witch.” She answered. Still feeling uncomfortable about telling this stranger who she was. She looked to Mulan trying to figure out if it was safe or not.

Mulan urged her on, “Ruby it’s OK, you can tell her.”

Knowing someone was there for her just in case Ruby explained, “I’m, I’m part wolf...but there’s nothing to be scared of. See,” with that she bent down to pet the grey dog. Toto ran past the stranger in red and into the wilderness. Dorothy’s plea to stop came up short when the dog ran for it.

“Why did you do that!? Toto! Toto!” Dorothy ran after her dog trying to catch the small beast.

“Well let us help you,” Ruby called after her.

Dorothy stopped and quickly turned towards them, “You've done enough.”

“You’re going the wrong way,” Red called out to the woman.

Dorothy paused again and looked at the stranger with disbelief, “Now you’re an expert on OZ?”

With a small smile she put her nose to the air as she replied, “No, but I can tell you he’s headed north west,” She sniffed again, “Straight into the wind,” another sniff, “Through a juniper field, into a valley of pines.” She looked at Dorothy with a small smirk, “Come on.” Dorothy wearily followed the two women.

The trio went through the wooded area until they finally found the dog. He was tired and resting in a field on a patch of green grass. When they laid eyes on him Dorothy ran to catch her friend. Dorothy picked up the tired dog and looked to Ruby, “Thanks.” Holding tight to the small dog she closed her eyes. Slowly she could feel her worry fade and memories of her Aunt come to her. As she let out a sigh she looked to the other two, “You can stay with me while you are here if you would like.” Dorothy’s voice was matter of fact about the offer and nothing more.

Ruby looked at the small dog and it's owner feeling something stir inside of her, “Thank you.” Mulan looked at Ruby with a curious glance but did not question it. The two followed Dorothy through the wooded area to a small cottage. Dorothy walked inside and set Toto on her bed, spending a few minutes to pet him and calm her beating heart. She locked the door so the dog couldn't escape again before going back outside to her waiting guests.

When she was a few steps out of the door she informed them, “I will get some firewood. I don’t have much room but you are welcome to stay by the fire.” The serious woman turned and walked into the woods to find food for the fire.

Mulan looked at Ruby, “What are we doing?”

“I think we need to stay here for a day or so. We have been searching for so long and the witch lied to us when she said I would find my pack here.” Ruby’s heart sank at the thought of never finding her pack.

Mulan nodded, “Don’t worry about your pack. We will find them, just don’t give up.”

Ruby looked to Mulan, “I keep hoping we will. Thing is my hope is fading.”

Mulan laid out some thin blankets and started sharpening her sword, “Then we should stay here and take a break from it all. If we do our spirits will be reseted along with our bodies.” Ruby nodded and went to setting up her own sleeping area.

Dorothy walked to the fire pit and started adding wood to the small fire. “Tomorrow I have a few friends I need to help. You are welcome to come with me if you would like.” As she spoke she would glance towards Ruby. Quickly looking away when Ruby would start to turn her head in Dorothy’s direction.

“Sure,” Ruby answered, “We can help if you need it.” Still unsure of how to deal with this woman. Usually people hated her or liked her but this woman seemed to not know what she wanted from her.

“Thank you,” Dorothy answered shortly, “I’m Dorothy just so you know.”

“I’m Ruby some call me Red and this is Mulan.” Mulan gave a small bow.

“Nice to meet you both,” with that she turned and went inside the small cottage.

The next day the two guests were up with the sun. Making sure to help as much as possible by gathering extra wood and catching something for the morning meal. When Dorothy came outside she was surprised by the meal provided. Dorothy had never met people who worked so efficiently together. Toto was warming up a little to Red and Mulan but still kept a distance. When breakfast was had and cleaned up they headed to the nearest munchkin village.

Several houses have fallen into disrepair due to the constant fighting that was happening with the wicked witch. Now with her gone and the land getting to a more positive outlook everyone has been trying to rebuild their homes and villages. Dorothy, who was loved by all, was always there to help who she could. Red and Mulan were put to work quickly around the small village.

The two noticed how the people seemed to look to Dorothy when it came to the newcomers. They trusted her to protect them as well as help them in times of need. Ruby never knew how different the movie she watched was from the actual tale itself. She should know better though, her own story was completely wrong when it came to who the wolf was.

When the sun started to set the four of them made their way back to Dorothy’s home. As they walked through the woods Red kept an ear out trying to find food for the evening. The three women were in their own heads thinking about the last few days events. As soon as Red was able to hear dinner running her cloak was on Mulan’s shoulder and she was gone before Mulan or Dorothy could lift their weapons.

“Does she do that a lot,” Dorothy asked as she motioned in the direction Red disappeared into. Curious about what the woman looked like as a wolf. She always seemed to disappear out of sight before she changed.

Mulan smiled as she repositioned the red cloak, “Yeah. She tends to have a one track mind when it comes to hunting. I just stay out of her way.”

“Does it bother you? I mean that she can change like that?” Dorothy’s curiosity was apparent now.

“Not really. With all the things I have seen the last few years she seems like the most natural thing. The traveling we have done has shown me that we can trust each other. We have been in dangerous situations together and she is always there.” Dorothy nodded as they continued in silence.

When they got to the cottage Ruby was there waiting for them. She let out a howl to let Mulan know where she was. Ruby was still shy about her wolf side when it came to Dorothy so hid until she was changed back. With a fire started and waiting for her companions Dorothy had started to prepare the meal. As Red walked out of the forest she felt her heart skip a beat. She wasn't sure why but watching Dorothy made her feel more at home then she has ever felt.