Ruby tore through the forest as fast as her legs would carry her. Here and there she would shift into bouts of blindingly fast wolf speed, but she could only manage to maintain it for a few meters. Lately, the urge to run had been driving her out to the woods more and more. It had been a few weeks since the first Wolf's Time Ruby had experienced in Storybrooke. She had struggled with controlling the wolf in her, and been used as a scapegoat in a twisted scheme, but in the end she had found a way to pull herself together. Now that she had reunited both halves of herself, Ruby's instincts and senses had been growing sharper and stronger, especially with Wolf's Time upon her again.

Currently, she was on the trail of a scent she had been trying to track down for over a week. She had gotten her first whiff of the scent during the last night of Wolf's Time the previous month. She had been running through the woods of Storybrooke, relishing the freedom of her self-control when she stumbled upon the scent of another wolf. The trail had been too old to follow that night, but the scent stayed with her. She was thrilled by the thought of having another wolf in town, and had become obsessed with finding them. But it had been no easy task. When it came to tracking by scent Ruby was a little rusty and whoever she was looking for was excellent at covering their tracks. The day before she had been moments away from closing in on the other wolf only for the scent trail to lead to a stream and disappear. She was determined not to lose the mystery wolf this time.

Ruby was closing in on her quarry. She could hear the other wolf bounding through the brush ahead, just out of sight. Mustering all the energy she could, Ruby burst into top speed, rushing past the other wolf and cutting them off. As she finally laid eyes on the wolf she'd been chasing Ruby let out a gasp and scrambled backward a few feet. Before her, startled and panting, stood her mystery wolf on all fours. Ruby glanced up at the sun, confused as to how this wolf could be running around in full fur without a full moon. The two of them simply stared at each other for a few moments, each startled for their own reasons. It had been a very long time since Ruby had seen another wolf, and she was awestruck by this one. As far as she could tell, this wolf was female and close to her own age. She stood higher than Ruby's waist, and her tawny-gray fur glistened in the sunlight. Being so close to the other wolf was flooding Ruby's brain with information. She sensed that her presence was worrisome to the other wolf. Still the wolf made no move to attack Ruby, or even to run her off. There was just something Ruby couldn't quite discern that set the other wolf on edge. As the realization dawned on her, Ruby reached out to the other wolf and took a step towards her. The wolf took advantage of Ruby's distraction and quickly ran off. "Wait!" Ruby called after her. "I just want to help!" A feeling of dread settled into Ruby's chest. All of her instincts were screaming that other wolf was badly injured.

The full moon was beginning to crest over Storybrooke. It would reach its apex soon and then Ruby would be out of time. Silently she cursed herself for not bringing her hood. She didn't know how much longer she could hold off her transformation, but she was determined to keep going. Somewhere out there her mystery wolf was hurt and in need of help. Ruby had picked up on her scent, but something about it was different. The trail led her towards an old cabin nestled deep in the woods, and she hesitated for a few moments. She was fairly certain the cabin belonged to Gold and the idea of being anywhere near his property made her uneasy, but she pressed on in pursuit of the scent. As she approached the cabin Ruby could make out a distant figure standing on the porch.

"Looking for me?" the figure called out.

Ruby closed in on the cabin, carefully eyeing the elusive wolf before her. She stood squarely on the porch in her human form, arms crossed in front of her defensively. The woman was tall and lithe, her skin was a deep bronze, and her dark hair cascaded down to her shoulders in a fit of wild curls. Ruby couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was, but she was sure to approach carefully. The other woman's wiry build surely belied her true strength and Ruby knew better than to underestimate a wolf.

"It took me a while. You smell a little different without your fur on." Ruby began to inch closer to the porch until a deep growl rumbled in the throat of the other woman. Her eyes glowed amber until Ruby took a few steps back.

"Why have you been tracking me?" the woman demanded.

"I just –I got excited when I picked up on your scent. It's been a lifetime since I've seen another wolf," Ruby admitted. "Then I sensed that you were hurt, and I just wanted to help you."

"You said that the other day," the woman muttered. Her head cocked to the side as she eyed Ruby carefully. "I didn't expect to find another wolf here. I thought you might have been trying to run me off of your territory."

Ruby shook her head, "I haven't made a claim on anything. You're free to run wherever you like." She slowly took a few steps towards the other woman. "I'm Ruby."

"Rachel," the other woman answered. Her caution seemed to be giving way to curiosity and she allowed Ruby to continue her approach. Ruby stepped lightly as she came to stand across from Rachel, knowing the trust between them was still tenuous.

Ruby looked her over, trying to figure out what she had sensed in the other wolf the day before. "You don't seem injured. I was sure I noticed something yesterday."

Rachel shot Ruby a hesitant glance before she spoke. "I was injured a few weeks ago, when I arrived here. My wounds healed quickly, but they left me weakened. That's what you sensed. That's why I ran from you."

"You were afraid I'd attack?"

"Well, I'm not at my best right now. You managed to outrun me on two legs. I wasn't about to find out what you could do in a confrontation. But I'm pleased to see that you're fairly nonaggressive."

"Fairly?"

"You have been chasing me for almost two weeks," Rachel noted, giving Ruby a slight smile. "I'd say that's a bit aggressive."

Ruby let out a small laugh until a glance skyward reminded her how little time she had. "What happened to you? Is there anything I can do?"

"It's a long story, and one that's a bit difficult to explain. I'm no longer wounded, I'm just…"

"Just…what?" Ruby asked. She noticed Rachel begin to fidget as a sheepish look came over her.

"I'm stuck. I can't transform normally."

"I'm sorry, I don't think I understand."

"When I was hurt I changed into my fur. I'm stronger that way and it's easier to protect myself. But then I found that I wasn't strong enough to change back. Since then I've only been able to remain human during the full moon. I seem to be somewhat divided from my wolf side."

"That's why you were in your fur midday?"

"Yes," Rachel said. "I had no choice without the full moon, but when I'm in control I'm able to change at will."

Ruby's eyes grew wide and she made a mental note to ask many more questions once she had helped Rachel solve her dilemma. She opened her mouth to speak before quickly closing it again. Her breathing was growing rapid and shallow. Her body became increasingly twitchy as her coming transformation rippled beneath her skin. "I think I –" Ruby began slowly. Her jaw began to ache as her fangs tried to move into place and she continued through gritted teeth. "I think I have an idea of how to help you. But for now I need to go."

Rachel nodded, "You should run. Enjoy the light of the moon on your fur."

The hint of sadness Ruby detected in Rachel's voice made her pause her hasty retreat from the cabin. She turned back for only a moment and called to Rachel, "I'll come back tomorrow after moonrise. I promise." It only took a moment more for Ruby to shift into her fur and run headlong into the forest.

The following afternoon Ruby returned to the forest. The moon had only just risen and it hung as a ghost of itself with the sun's light still shining. She followed Rachel's scent past the cabin and deeper into the woods. After a short while she came upon a stream. Rachel stood at its bank in her fur, gazing at her reflection in the water. Ruby was still some distance from the stream as she stopped to take in what was happening before her. The fur slowly began to disappear from Rachel's arms, settling back into her body as her limbs returned to their human state. As the last of the fur receded Ruby was shocked to find that Rachel was now crouched naked by the water. The only thing that allowed even a hint of modesty was her position. Ruby ducked behind a tree as Rachel glanced suddenly in her direction. She swallowed hard and cursed under her breath while she waited for Rachel to clothe herself.

"You can come out now. I'm dressed," Rachel called after a few moments, as she made her way to the other side of the tree that hid Ruby. She stifled a laugh when Ruby emerged red-faced with embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry. I thought you'd be wearing clothes under your fur. I've never met a wolf who didn't."

"I'm sure you've also never met a wolf who had to be in their fur for weeks at a time. Being clothed for that long doesn't work out very well," Rachel said. "Any trouble tracking me down this time?"

Ruby shook her head, "I'm good at tracking down what I want."

"And you want me?" Rachel asked. She narrowed her eyes, genuinely trying to discern whether Ruby had misspoken or not.

Ruby's cheeks flushed again, "I meant that I wanted to help you."

Rachel glared at Ruby a moment. "Why?"

"Because you need it."

"You've only just met me. I'm sure there must be someone you're more familiar with who could use your help."

"Maybe, but you need it. Besides, you're like me. What kind of wolf would I be if I abandoned my own kind?"

"So you're here on your honor?" Rachel asked. She began to make her way back towards the cabin and Ruby followed at her side.

"I guess you could put it that way," Ruby said. "Why are you acting like you don't trust me?"

"You think I trust you?"

"If you didn't you never would have let me find you. And if I managed to find you anyway you would have attacked me."

"Putting trust in the wrong places gets you killed," Rachel said plainly. She stopped walking for a moment. "I don't have any reason to trust you, but I do anyway. My instincts are telling me that I should"

"I know how it feels to lose control. Before I learned to control myself when I turned I hurt a lot of people. But I had friends to help me and to be there for me." Ruby turned to Rachel and placed a hand on each of her shoulders, "Now let me do the same for you."

Rachel nodded and Ruby began to lead her past the cabin and towards the far side of the forest. The ground began to slope upward and the trees grew thicker as they got closer to Ruby's intended destination. Soon they came to a small hill atop which stood an old well. Ruby gestured towards the well and Rachel's head turned sharply in question.

"You brought me here to fetch water?"

"I brought you here to drink water," Ruby said. She went to the ledge of the well and began to raise the bucket. "Back in the Enchanted Forest there was a lake whose waters had the power to heal and restore. The water from this well seems to have the same properties. These waters brought magic to Storybrooke, they should certainly be able to help you get control back."

Ruby settled the bucket on the ledge of the well and Rachel ventured closer. She cupped her hands together and lowered them into the bucket before slowly raising them to her lips and letting the water flow into her mouth. A satisfied sound left her mouth as she finished. "Have a drink with me?" she asked Ruby.

Ruby smiled and filled her hands in the bucket as Rachel refilled hers. She sipped at the cold water, finding it as satisfying as Rachel seemed to. "That's good water."

"It is," Rachel agreed. "Let's hope it works." She lowered the bucket back into the well before she stepped down and began to head back into the woods.

Ruby hesitated for a moment, lost in her thoughts, before she caught up to Rachel. "Where are you from?" she asked.

"I'm from the largest kingdom of the land of Aragon."

"Where is that?"

"It's east of the Enchanted Forest. Across the sea," Rachel said.

"And how did you get here?"

"Magic."

Ruby rolled her eyes, "Yeah, magic brought us all here. Could you be a little more specific?" She grabbed Rachel by the wrist and held it until Rachel stopped walking and turned to face her.

"A war began in my land. Wolves were being hunted. Exterminated. The people there found a way to use magic against us. As hard as we tried we couldn't win. I had no choice but to leave my home," Rachel said quietly. She shifted uncomfortably and took a deep breath before continuing. "In my travels I heard whispers of the Evil Queen's war and her plans to enact a curse that would send everyone it touched to an unknown realm. When I learned that the curse could lead to a land without the kind of magic that was destroying our kind I headed for the Enchanted Forest immediately."

"You left everything you knew to be taken by a curse?"

Rachel nodded, "It was far less of a sacrifice than it seems. I had already lost everyone I knew to the war."

Ruby looked at Rachel sadly. Not wanting to push she waited a few moments before she spoke again. "But you didn't reach the Enchanted Forest in time to be taken with the curse."

"No, not quite. I arrived in a distant part of the Enchanted Forest shortly before the curse made its way over the land. As the curse spread someone shielded that corner of the land with magic. Time was frozen and there was no way to escape the shield. Until recently. The barrier suddenly fell and I was able to make my way to the Queen's land, to the site of where she cast the curse. I channeled the energy left behind by the curse and transported myself here."

"You can use magic?"

"I can, though it's different than the kind of magic practiced in the Enchanted Forest. And the two can be very antagonistic."

Ruby quirked her head sharply, "What do you mean?"

"Magic can come from many different sources, and it's often not a good idea to mix them," Rachel explained. "There is a balance that must always be maintained. When I tapped into the Queen's magic to cast the spell that got me here I disrupted that balance."

"Is that what wounded you?"

"Overusing my magic wounded me. And because my shifting is tied to my magic performing that spell cost me my control."

"Is that how it is for all wolves from your land?"

Rachel laughed softly, "That's how it is for wolves everywhere. We're magical creatures. Now whether or not a wolf can wield their magic is another story. Being a wolf doesn't necessarily mean you can be a witch as well."

Ruby shook her head as she tried to keep up with all the information. "How do you know all this?"

"There were many wolves in Aragon. Every village in every kingdom had a pack or two. I was raised knowing the ways of our kind." Rachel eyed Ruby curiously, "How long have you been turning?"

"It started when I was thirteen," Ruby said. "But I didn't know for a long time. I've only had control for a few years, depending on how you look at it."

"You weren't raised with a pack?"

Ruby shook her head, "It was just me and my Granny. She thought knowing about being a wolf would only be a burden, so she never told me."

"You had no idea you were transforming?" Rachel asked. Ruby shook her head sullenly. "But you were born a wolf?"

"Yes, but Granny wasn't. My grandfather turned her and they had my mother. I've never heard the full story about our family, but I'm sure it's not a happy one." Ruby cleared her throat awkwardly, "Were you raised in pack?"

"I was. I had my parents and two brothers. But that's another not so happy family story."

A deep sadness came to Rachel's eyes and Ruby quickly changed the subject. "How are you doing out here? It must be a little strange after coming from our realm."

Rachel shrugged, "I've been restricted to the forest so far. All I've really noticed is that there are less deer here."

"A lack of deer. That's it?" Ruby asked. "We've got to get you out of the woods."

"I've only been as far as the edge of the forest. The strange thing is that I seem to have an understanding of this world. I know it as well as I knew ours, but I haven't experienced any of it."

"It must be the effects of the curse. Regina–the Evil Queen–gave us new lives, new memories. We didn't remember anything of our lives in the Enchanted Forest. It was as if we'd lived our entire lives in this world," Ruby said. "We were frozen here without any idea of who we really were until the curse broke."

"Frozen? Just as I was?"

Ruby nodded, "For twenty-eight years. Somehow it must have affected the Enchanted Forest too."

"Twenty-eight years," Rachel murmured. She stopped in her tracks and sat down on a nearby log.

"It's a lot to take in, I know," Ruby said, settling herself beside Rachel. "And now magic has come to town."

"Yes, exactly the kind I was trying to get away from."

"You're safe here, Rachel. We may have magic here, but there's no one out kill us with it. Usually."

"Usually?"

"This is a complicated little town you've come to," Ruby said. "It has its challenges, but I think being here could be a chance for a fresh start."

"Maybe. When I finally get control of my shifting you'll have to show me around."

A beaming smile spread across Ruby's face. "You can count on it."

"And maybe I can teach you how to turn without the moon," Rachel said.

"How did you–"

"You seemed very intrigued by that last night. I figured it might be something you'd like to learn."

Ruby nodded eagerly, "Yes! That would be amazing."

"Then a deal is struck," Rachel said. "Just please be careful of who you tell about me. After everything that's happened I'd like to be cautious."

"I'll be careful. I swear."

"Are the other wolves in this town of yours?"

"Nope, just you and me. Well, Granny technically, but she doesn't transform anymore. Her hearing and sense of smell are just a bit wolfy."

"Turned wolves are very odd."

"Trust me. That's not even close to being the oddest thing about Granny," Ruby laughed. "You know, we own a bed and breakfast and a diner. I could bring you some food tomorrow. It must be hard to hunt in such a small forest. And we always have rooms available if you decide you're sick of the woods."

"Food would be wonderful, but for now I prefer the woods."

"It is pretty great out here," Ruby said. "Still, after a long night of running I prefer a hot shower and a bed."

"Why do you think I stay close to that cabin," Rachel said with a smirk. "I have all this knowledge of this place in my head, indoor plumbing seemed a good place to start. Besides, the stream is freezing."

A grin flashed across Ruby's face before quickly disappearing. "Be careful about staying in that cabin. The man who owns it is best avoided. He's a very powerful sorcerer, and one of the most ruthless men I've ever met."

"Thank you, Ruby."

"It's just some friendly advice."

"I meant thank you for your concern," Rachel said. She smiled at the bashful look that overtook Ruby. "The sun will be setting soon. Do you need to prepare?"

"No, I just need to get to my spot."

"Your spot?" Rachel asked, jumping to her feet as Ruby did the same. Ruby quickly found the clearest path and began trudging deeper into the forest.

"Lately whenever I run through the forest, no matter where I start or how far I run, I end up at the same spot. I'm just kind of drawn to it," Ruby said. "It's up on a big hill, seems far enough away from town that no one will run across me, and there's a bit of shelter for me to sleep under."

"It must be your den. That's how we establish our territory," Rachel explained. "You build a den and carve out a stretch of territory to protect your pack."

"I don't know about protecting a pack, but it's large enough to keep the two of us safe. Tonight's the last night of Wolf's Time, will you try to turn tonight, see if the water worked?"

"No, I think I'd prefer to wait and see what happens when the moon sets. I'd like to stay on two legs as long as I can."

The pair continued on for quite some time. There was no trail to be found. Every turn the two wolves took lead them straight through the underbrush and they easily navigated the rough terrain. Every now and then Rachel would lag behind. Ruby was leading her through a part of the forest she had yet to see and she wanted to be sure to take it all in. A few miles more and they were charging up a steep incline. The brush began to thicken and the trees stood together more densely. As they came to the top of the great hill Rachel could see the expanse of the spot Ruby had chosen. It spanned the width and breadth of the plateau. Here and there fallen logs lined the forest floor. In the center a pile of downed branches and uprooted saplings were layered on top of one another to form a lean-to shelter.

"You've created quite a den here. It seems cozy."

Ruby shrugged, "I guess. I don't remember doing any of this, but my scent is everywhere. I was a little out of it during my first Wolf's Time here."

"I imagine it must have been difficult after not being able to turn for so long."

"Could you turn when time was frozen for you?"

"I could," Rachel said. "But I didn't have my memories taken like you did."

Ruby hesitated for a moment as a question nagged at her, "Rachel…is there a way back to the Enchanted Forest? Could we get there?"

"No. There isn't. At least not without a portal of some sort. Or another curse to tap into." Rachel was surprised to see a sad look cross Ruby's face. "I thought you wanted a fresh start here."

"I do, really," Ruby said. "It's just that things in Storybrooke are becoming more complicated. I want to stay, but that's not the case for everyone. Not to mention two of my friends are trapped back in our realm. They were forced through a portal, but there are none left here to get them back."

"Well, if it's portals they need, our realm is the place to find them."

"They'll find a way home," Ruby said. She spoke more to herself than to Rachel. "They always find a way."

Later that night as the moon rose to its highest point Ruby transformed easily into her wolf form while Rachel stood by. Rachel looked on attentively as Ruby stretched her limbs and trotted around the perimeter of her den. Her fur was black as night and the yellow color of her eyes glowed like embers. Rachel walked over to Ruby and crouched at her side. She slowly reached out a hand and brought it to rest against Ruby's neck. She ran her hand through Ruby's plush fur and received an appreciative grumble in return. In a flash Ruby pounced on Rachel, pinning her to the ground. Rachel's eyes glowed amber as she freed herself and shoved Ruby aside. A deep growl started in her throat until she saw Ruby bow onto her front legs in a playful invitation. Ruby quickly darted off into the woods urging Rachel to follow. Rachel gave chase, breaking into a sprint to close the lead Ruby had gotten. It didn't take her long to catch up and as she closed in on Ruby, Rachel launched herself headlong into the unsuspecting wolf ahead of her causing them both to tumble out of control. Rachel recovered first and after throwing Ruby a mischievous grin she bounded off at full speed. It was Ruby's turn to catch her.

The two wolves continued their antics throughout the night. When they grew tired of wrestling each other to the ground they took to racing each other through the forest. Ruby was amazed by how fast Rachel could move on two legs. She was able to run at wolf speed for much longer than Ruby was. Ruby found herself falling behind every so often, but Rachel simply slowed her pace and waited eagerly while she caught up. They ran together until their muscles ached and they were too tired to continue.

As sleepiness overtook the pair they made their way back to the den to settle in for the night. Still in her fur Ruby padded over to her lean-to and curled up beneath it while Rachel leaned back against a log close to the shelter. Ruby fell asleep in no time and Rachel listened to her deep, steady breaths as she gazed up at the stars. She was comforted by their constancy amidst all the other changes happening around her. She looked over at Ruby's sleeping form and smiled. At least some of the changes had been for the better.