First Meeting

Neither said much as they walked through the wooded area. Dorothy wasn't exactly making sure Red was close by as she charged ahead to the needed plant. As another branch hit her in the face Red let out a sigh, “Either you’re still mad at me or you don’t like to talk.”

Dorothy shrugged her shoulders, “You really want me to answer that?”

Looking at Dorothy as they continued at a slower pace Ruby asked, “Toto’s more than a pet isn't he?“

Surprised by her frankness Dorothy looked at Ruby then ahead, “You’re right, I don’t like to talk.”

Red couldn't help but smile as she continued, “Shouldn't I know what we’re fighting for?”

Dorothy turned to Red and slowly stopped as she answered, “Fine. You want to know? The first time I visited OZ I was just a kid. I wasn't here long but when I went back to Kansas I told my family what had happened.”

“What they didn't believe you?”

Dorothy’s voice broke a little, “They tried to have me committed.” Dorothy walked away trying to get away from the subject.

“I’m sorry,” Red’s heart dropped when she heard what had happened.

“Don’t be, it showed me who my real family was. Aunt Em. She believed me. She kept me from getting locked up.”

“Wait, is she still back in Kansas?”

“She died not long after that but just before she did she gave me Toto.” A quick flash of the day she got the dog went through her mind.

“He’s all you have left of her,” Ruby stated in understanding.

“He’s the only one who understands me.” Dorothy’s heart dropped at the thought of losing her closest friend.

“Don’t worry we’re going to get him back…” Red tried to give the other woman some hope as they walked on. “You know I understand what it's like to feel like you don’t belong anywhere.”

“Really Wolfie? Your family tried to have you committed?” Dorothy smirked as she asked.

Red answered, “No my entire village ran me out of town.”

Pausing Dorothy asked, “Really?”

“With torches and pitchforks,” Red added.
“Because you’re a wolf?” Dorothy questioned.

Feeling like she couldn't stop explaining she continued with her story, “I didn't always know I was and I certainly didn't back then. I wasn't in control and one night I accidentally killed my boyfriend.”

At a lost for words, “Wow,” was the only thing Dorothy could think of to say.

“Yeah. I lived on the run after that and I eventually learned to control my power. Made some friends along the way. Ended up in a town called Storybrooke but I still felt like there was something missing.” As she looked at Dorothy she started to understand what the sensation was that she was feeling.

“And you came to OZ looking for answers.”

“I came here looking for my pack. I thought maybe they were what was missing but after searching for so long I’m not sure if they're the answer anymore.” As Dorothy looked at her, Ruby could feel her heart beat faster.

“What are you looking for?” Dorothy wasn't sure what she wanted to answer to be but it seemed important she knew what it was.

“I’m not sure,” Ruby was getting breathless as she started to really feel what was happening. Realizing she wanted to say you, you are what I am looking for.

“Well maybe that’s the problem.” Dorothy turned and started walking again, “Come on the fields up ahead.” Trying to shake it off Red fell in step behind the other brunette.

As they came through a clearing Dorothy announced, “The poppie field. This is Zelena’s territory. We need to be careful.” She stood to the side as Red walked passed her. “I’m sorry.”

“What...For what?” Red asked a little jumpy to the apology.

Dorothy had a small smirk on her face as she answered, “Calling you Wolfie.” Red let out a light laugh. Dorothy continued, “If I would have known…”

Red interrupted her, “No, it's OK.” She smiled, “I actually kind of like it.” She chuckles. “But I do think it's only fair that I get to give you a nickname too.”

Looking away Dorothy questioned, “Really?” She had a smile on her face as she tried not to look at Red for just a moment. A strange sensation filling her at the thought of having a special name from the wolf.

“Really.” Ruby giggled then thought about a good name, “Hmmm how...about...Kansas?”

Laughing she answered the wolf, “Alright Wolfie Kansas it is.” She can feel her heart beating fast and a tinkle go through her body starting at her heart. As she lets the feeling take hold she noticed Wolfie leaning down to grab a flower. Dorothy stopped her with a hand on her arm. The contact makes her body go on high alert. “Careful,” Kansas takes the other woman in quickly before making an excuse, “One sniff of that and we will be snoozing all night.” She stated with a smile.

Red could feel her body responding to the kindness of the other woman and she couldn't help but smile, “Thanks.” Dorothy picked the needed flower handing it to Red. The two stared at one another as Red took the flower and moved to put it in her belt. The moment was lost when there was a chattering then screech heard in the sky. The two looked to up to see flying monkeys in the far off distance, “Zelena...She found us.” Dorothy stated as she pulled her crossbow out.

“There’s more on the way,” Ruby stated as they both started to run.

“We will never out run them,” Dorothy noticed when the monkeys started getting closer.

“Well sure we can,” Ruby turned to Dorothy as she stopped.

“How,” Dorothy looked back at their pursuers. Feeling her hand grasped by Red she turned back to her.

“Do you trust me,” Ruby willed the answer to be yes for so many reasons beyond escape.

Dorothy looked at Red, “Uh…” Then looked to the sky and back at Red, “Yes,” was her breathless reply. Ruby felt relief at the answer and let her cloak drop as she felt the wolf come to the surface. Dorothy watched in shocked amazement as Ruby went from woman to wolf. Finally seeing the woman change she felt her heart speed up at the beautiful creature before her. Remembering why this was happening she put her crossbow away, picked up the red cloak jumped onto the giant wolf, and the two sped away from the flying lackeys. Quickly leaving Zelena’s territory through the woods to safety.