14. Battle
Somehow in the midst of a destroyed beanstalk crop, a devastated hospital, and the constant worry over Cora's next move, life insisted on moving on. Little Alexandra was growing and her parents were frantically doing last-minute baby-proofing before she figured out how to crawl. Plants grew, birds hatched and before long another full moon was drawing near.
Back in the Enchanted Forest, they always used Wolf's Time to their advantage. Any force that came against them during the full moon would feel her teeth and claws. David and Snow hadn't discussed it with her yet, but she was sure they were counting on much the same this time around. They would need every advantage against Cora they could find, and the wolf was a big advantage.
So why was she staring at her cloak like she really intended to use it, and keep the wolf at bay?
"I'm guessing we won't be able to do a night out," Victor mused, pushing her hair aside to kiss the back of her neck. Ruby closed her eyes to enjoy his scent and closeness. Usually his scent relaxed her; this time it excited her.
"No," she managed, tilting her head hoping his mouth would take the invitation. "We haven't talked strategy yet, but I'm sure David and Snow will want a night attack against Cora. I'll need to be there as the wolf."
"Too bad you can't eat her." He pressed a few kisses on her throat. She knew he was worried about what could happen but loved that his words didn't go in that direction. Nor did his lips or hands, for that matter.
It was the only way either of them were staying sane in all this: not thinking of how the other could be hurt or if it was the last time they would be together. Snow confessed to her how her and David's mantra of "I will always find you" was their own way of keeping sane. Ruby found herself agreeing with Victor: it really was too bad she couldn't just eat Cora.
Ruby intended on giving him a kiss and slipping off to meet with David and Snow. The moment she turned toward him she knew one kiss wouldn't be enough. She needed the brush of his tongue against hers, to kiss his healing bruises. She wanted to feel human before she became the wolf. She could tell from Victor's responses that he understood. They needed each other. Monster to monster.
Later they rested with the cloak draped over them like a blanket. Ruby had the strangest thought that even without its magic, she would stay human as long as she was with Victor.
"Hey." Victor kissed her forehead and she glanced up to meet his eyes. "Shouldn't you get going?"
Ruby reluctantly got dressed and headed out. Just as she suspected, the plan was for her to shift into the wolf and fight against Cora. The dwarfs and Anton wanted in on the battle as well after what happened with the beanstalks. Regina was to stay behind and keep protection spells up so the town wouldn't be damaged by whatever Cora did in fighting back.
Cora didn't look too concerned as she surveyed the fighters standing against her. "Is all of this really necessary? All I want is my daughter."
"Then why did you try kidnapping Belle from the hospital?" Snow challenged. Her bow was gripped loosely in one hand but Ruby knew her friend could pull it up to fire in an instant.
"Well, dear," Cora responded with a twist of her lips, "one must always have a backup plan. It's just too bad all those people got in my way." Ruby bared her teeth and growled, fingers twitching to untie the cloak and let loose the wolf. She had to remind herself that Cora wanted them to be angry, to lose control and get sloppy. Cora sensed the rising tension and her smile turned mocking as she lifted her hand casually to summon her magic.
Ruby turned to Snow and saw her friend give a subtle nod. She undid the tie, the cloak dropping to the ground. Skin erupted in fur, hands morphed into paws and her jaws stretched open to show her sharp teeth. Her four legs propelled her forward, her hind legs pushing her body off the ground in a great leap. Ruby temporarily forgot about keeping Cora alive; her wolf mind only knew that this was the one who hurt Victor. Cora's magic tossed her aside before her teeth could sink into flesh. Ruby hit the ground hard. Shaking, she struggled back to her feet, feeling one tremble uncontrollably under her weight.
She could see flashes of light as Cora fought back against the others. Ruby forced herself forward for another pounce. This time she managed to catch Cora by surprise and forced the woman to the ground. One large paw rested on Cora's back, claws digging in just deep enough. David and Snow approached, Snow with an arrow pointed at Cora. David moved forward and clasped the magic dampening cuffs around the woman's wrists.
Ruby allowed a moment to make sure Cora was subdued. Then she let the pain of her body take over, and passed out.