First Meeting

The next day was as routine as the last day. Again they went to a village to help rebuild the fallen homes and places of business. Some of their time was spent helping to plant seeds for the next harvest. The tasks small in the bigger scheme of things but well worth the change of pace for the two realm travelers. When Ruby took a break to get some water or have a small snack her eyes would always find the straight forward woman. Unable to figure out why she was so drawn to her Ruby wondered if it was because the way she acted. The munchkins loved her like she was their Queen. She was kind and gave small smiles as she spoke with them. She easily took to the role of leader for a people that seemed at a loss on how to get back up.

Dorothy for her part found herself wondering how a wolf girl got to OZ. She didn't understand why she would leave home just to come here. Dorothy knew that she had the love of the people to come to when she found her way back, but these two seemed to be on a never ending journey. They both worked hard to help complete strangers and Ruby always offered a smile. Mulan she could learn from as far as fighting but Ruby...Ruby confused her.

As the sun started to dip down the three prepared to leave. They were stopped when the small village pleaded with them to stay for dinner. Unable to say no to the little people they sat at a full table in the middle of the village and ate what was put in front of them.

There was laughter and games, the food was filling and everyone had a smile on their face. As the night went on several noticed the position of the moon. No one was ready for it to end but all knew the next day was once again full of already planned work. With a little sadness in their voices the goodbyes were quick before everyone went to their homes. The three women and Toto started to make their way home in the Moon lit forest. As they walked in silence they felt an awkwardness between them. All that changed when Toto darted off once again into the woods.

“Toto!” Dorothy called to the small dog when she stopped in her tracks looking at the sky, “No,” she whispered. Her heart sank as she saw the twister tearing through the forest in front of her.

Mulan walked up to Dorothy’s side as she looked at the glowing green twister, “What is it?”

Dorothy’s worried reply, “The wicked witch.” She shook herself then called out, “Let’s go.” She lead the way to find her dog and see if the twister really did bring her once defeated enemy.

As they walked through the woods Dorothy could see where it had stopped. She pointed out to the others, “It touched down right here...Toto! Toto!” The three women started looking around for the small dog.

Red looked through the first stack of debris and she found nothing so she called out to the others, “There’s nothing here!”

Mulan responded after searching through her pile, “Or here!”

A familiar voice was heard behind them, “Looking for me?” Zelena looked to Dorothy after she took in the other two, “I see you picked up a few strays while I was gone.”

Red quickly responded to the put down, “Watch it Zelena.”

Mulan backed up her friend, “You really want to mess with us again?” Her sword out and ready for a fight.

“You know you’re not welcome in OZ anymore,” Dorothy informed the wicked woman with her crossbow trained on the once ruler.

Zelena rolled her eyes, “You think I wanted to be in this Emerald tinted dump? I was banished here,” She looked to Ruby, “By your friends.”

“I’m sure they had good reason,” Ruby was going to back her friends up no matter where she was. Snow usually had a good reason to do something so if Zelena was here they had a reason.

The green witch thought something different, “Of course, to keep me from my new born baby.”

“Right,” answered Dorothy in a disbelieving tone.

“It’s the truth.” Zelena focused on Dorothy, “You see Dorothy you may have the love of OZ but I have something better, the love of my child. And she needs her Mummy so you're going to take me straight back to her right now.” Zelena moved to use magic when she noticed something was off, “Where are my silver slippers?”

Dorothy confidently informed Zelena, ”You gave them to me and I’m not going to give them back.”

“Maybe you’ll think again when you see who I've found sniffing through this rubble.” Zelena bent over and picked up a basket. Opening the lid Toto’s head popped out as he cried.

“Toto! Don’t…” Mulan pulled Dorothy back before things escalated.

Zelena closed the lid as a smile played on the her face, “You’re mutt for the slippers. You've got until sun down tomorrow to decide which you prefer.” Her laugh was heard as the green smoke appeared signaling her departure.

Dorothy let her arms fall to her side as she felt her heart break, “What do we do?”

Ruby feeling like she needed to do something to help offered, “We can use a sleeping powder on her. Once she is knocked out we will get Toto and get out.”

“I can make it and then we will attack,” Mulan offered. Dorothy nodded at the plan and walked back towards her home. The three of them moving fast to get the plan started. When they got to the cottage they collected what was needed to create the sleeping powder.

Mulan added ingredients to the bubbling cauldron focused on what needed to be done, “This is the best shot we've got to get Toto back.” She sprinkled a new ingredient in as she spoke.

Dorothy was still in disbelief as she asked, “Are you sure it will work on her?”

Ruby answered, “Sleeping powder knocked Zelena out before it should again.” Her voice was full of confidence and determination.

As the last ingredient she had on her was added she looked up to the others, “I just need one more ingredient to give it its kick, Poppies.”

The Kansas girl felt of use now that she could get what was needed. She needed to do something to help get her friend back, “I know exactly where we can get some.” She turned to leave but stopped when she heard Ruby.

“I’m coming with you. Mulan keep the cauldron going.” She turned from Mulan to follow Dorothy.

Dorothy didn't need the confusion she felt right now following her. “I can handle myself.” She snapped at the wolf.

“I wasn't asking permission,” Red wasn't going to let this woman go on her own when she knew Zelena would do anything to get back to her baby. A determined and crazy Zelena was never a good thing. Dorothy let out a sigh as she lead the way to the field of poppies.