Dorothy could hear Mulan and Ruby talking by the fire, though she couldn't make out much of their conversation. It wasn't difficult; especially since she was anything but tired. The image of the wolf woman transforming back was burned into her sights, even as she closed her eyes. Her gaze had traveled all the way up the red-cloak woman, taking in each curve and muscle that had been hidden under a layer of fur.
She flinched when her thoughts came to her response to Ruby's question. Her face scrunched, flushing. Great work Dorothy. Really smooth. Really shows how many people you've talked to. The ex-farm girl smacked her gloved fist into her forehead. You really do just work better alone… She looked up, checking that the two were still at the fireplace, and pulled the old cloth stripe from her hair. Laying it gently on the end table, Dorothy felt her heart clench at the thought of the beautiful wolf girl facing Oz's greatest danger. If I leave now, then… then I could face Zelena alone. And she wouldn't get hurt.
It didn't take much for the long time resident to sneak away. Knowing the roads and paths like the back of her hand, the warrior quickly left the duo behind. Remembering all too well how easily the red-wearing woman tracked her dog, Dorothy kept looking behind her, ears straining for the sound of wolf's paws or human shouts. Even as she traveled further and further away, she felt a hole growing in her center, almost as though she had left her heart with the werewolf.
She stopped by where she had hidden the silver slippers, switching out her boots for the magical shoes. She had no plans to trade over the silver shoes but it could stall the Wicked Witch long enough for her to use the sleeping powder on the green skinned woman. Once they were in place, the warrior tapped her shins together, teleporting just outside of the Emerald City's main room.
Dorothy waited outside the large green doors, back against the fixture, as she listened for any sounds from inside. Sure that the coast was clear, she entered, scanning the room rapidly as she ran in.
Toto was trapped in an iron cage in the middle of the room. He sat up when his owner entered, though he remained silent especially as Dorothy put a single finger to her lips to shush the dog. The woman didn't pause, heading straight for the large curtains on the far end of the room and pulling them down.
"No…" The blue-clad warrior spun wildly, trying to find her target, while her stomach filled with lead at the empty stage.
"Oh yes…! And I see you've brought my slippers." A low, smooth voice responded. The Wicked Witch poofed up in a cloud of dark green smoke. "Left your strays behind for a second assault on my palace?"
"You won't need to worry about that for long!" Dorothy reached for the satchel Mulan had gave her but fumbled when she couldn't feel it on her belt.
"Oh, you mean this?" Zelena held up the dark brown bag with a confident smile.
"No!" The woman reached for the witch while Toto barked in the background frantically. The witch didn't lose her grin as she also flung up a hand, freezing the Kansasian native in place.
"Let's make sure you never get in my way again." Zelena went to the record player, casting as she walked. "Oz is merely a plaything for me. And now you won't stop me from taking whatever I want." The Wicked Witched enjoyed the worry and fright in the usually stoic gaze before pricking the left hand with the needle point of the object.
Dorothy slowly fell to the ground eyes fluttering shut, unable to speak. Her mind, drowsy and fading from consciousness, could only think of the wolf woman she left behind.
Stay safe Wolfie… please…
-' ,-
-' ,-
The room Dorothy found herself in was dark except for the single torch she held in hand. There were mirrors encasing her all around, reflecting her own image back.
Where am I…? The woman moved about the room but all was silent. "Hello?"
There was no answer. If anything, her own voice seemed to dissipate into the darkness. Alright, let's take this a step at a time. What happened last…? Zelena. She put a curse on me. She's never used a curse like this before… Not that I know of.
She tried walking a little more but only ever saw her own reflection. The torch didn't seem to go out nor emit much smoke. I suppose I'm alone here… Glad she's not stuck here too. I may never get back... Some hero of Oz I am.
As the woman's thoughts took a darker turn, the light seemed to dim slightly, though the room stayed endless and empty. Zelena was right… I'm a failure of a hero. If anyone else had come along, they would have failed with me. Or at least know how much of a failure I am. I don't deserve to know her… Everyone leaves me behind anyways.
Growing ever despondent, the warrior sat down, pulling her knees up and laying her head and arms on them. She let the torch drop from her grip. It clattered to the ground but still remained alight. She shut her eyes, feeling tiny prickles of water gathering in the corners.
I'm always alone…
Author's Note: Ok, so maybe this chapter isn't very large. But this is just a reminder of what happens when you fall prey to the sleeping curse. Because it seems like half the stories on this site for this couple either forget about it or brush it aside VERY rapidly. Snow said it took months before she could sleep peacefully. We don't see how long it takes Henry, but he had magic to help him cope. I think this particular kind of loneliness will affect Dorothy pretty badly. So here's to another update and acknowledging the curse happened and will make things hard for the stoic fighter. Please leave a review with thoughts, comments or suggestions and favorite if this tickles your fancy. Have a nice day!
EDIT: Yes, I've put this and the 'next' chapter into one. They fit better this way and flow a little better. I like to add more detail to what is already presented, and while they tried to show a lot in the show, they only have so much time. So it's up us authors to help fill in the blanks!
