The morning of the banquet came swift and that was when Daemon returned with a solution. The entire household was gathered in the dining room, enjoying the breakfast Regina and Zelena had made when there was a knock at the door.
"I got it!" Rufio called, sprinting out of the room. He returned with Ursula who informed them that Daemon had returned.
Ruby felt nervousness coursing through her blood as she stood up. Regina and Zelena moved to follow, calling for Curly to watch the rest of the children.
"I took him back to the office. He didn't want to enter your den without permission." Ursula said, teleporting them there. Mal appeared only moments later. They walked into the office where Daemon waited. He laid his weapons to the pulled out a large pouch that he opened to pull out some plants. Mal immediately took them and examined them, even sniffing them and instantly recoiling in disgust.
"That's Athoil. Has about a dozen different names in every world." He pulled out a golden flower that Zelena quickly snatched.
"This is a Golden Sun."
"What does it do?" Regina asked.
"It is said to be able to heal any wound. They're very rare in Oz. How did you come by this?"
"I know a guy." Daemon replied, pulling out a red and purple toadstool and a small knife. "We must boil the plants and make a broth. Add in a drop of Ruby's blood and she must drink it while holding this knife."
"You've explained nothing." Regina snapped. "What will this do?"
"It will allow her to kill her wolf." He answered. "That is what you want, yes?"
"Will that hurt her?"
"No. If I understand the ritual correctly, she will be able to confront her wolf on equal footing. As it stands, Ruby's wolf commands her abilities, her strength, her senses, her shifts. That will not do. It is unreasonable, irrational and volatile. That will not do either. You are right. It cannot be trusted and there may come a time when it takes over Ruby's body and refuses to let go. We won't give it the chance." He gestured to the fireplace. Mal set it aflame with dragon fire and conjured a small pot of water to hang above it. Daemon handed her the ingredients.
"Who did you speak to about this?" Ruby inquired, taking a seat on the couch. Regina sat next to her, instantly taking her hand.
"Several elders of my kind. The ones I knew of anyway. As well as the alphas in Oz that you said you spoke to." Daemon replied. "They gave me a few solutions, but this is the only one that would see you still keep your abilities and your wolf's blood. I am sorry but if there is any way I can try for you to stay a werewolf, I will choose it. I despise the thought of one of my own giving up that power because of circumstances out of their control."
Regina slowly nodded, rubbing Regina's hand between hers. "So what happens after I kill the wolf? Will I be done then?"
"No. This has been done before and each time, the person gained a new wolf. Except this one will not be missing 28 years of your life. It will be better adjusted to you and hopefully, different than your current one."
"And if it isn't?" Regina asked.
"Then we'll try something new. We have to start somewhere and I really want you to enjoy the banquet as a werewolf."
Ruby squinted slightly. "This is really important to you, isn't it?"
"I have been alone for a very long time, Miss Lucas. I was raised without a pack. It is a terrible thing and it hurts werewolf pups more than anyone will admit. Even so, I take great pride in being what I am. I want you to feel the same way."
Ruby nodded slowly, glancing over at Mal as she stirred the broth. "What if I kill this wolf and the next one becomes paranoid that I'll kill it?"
"That is a chance we will have to take. If there is such a problem, then I will help you become human. I promise."
Ruby sighed and got up to pace. She would soon be rid of this headache and she couldn't wait. She wanted this to be done. She wanted to enjoy her life, enjoy spending time with her kind, enjoy being a mother and wife. She couldn't have the wolf as a constant threat that could one day hurt Regina and endanger the kids. Before anything else, she had to ensure their safety.
"You okay?" Zelena asked.
"I'm fine. Just ready to do this."
It was an agonizing 20 minutes later when Mal gave her a cup of the broth. Daemon instructed her to sit as she would pass out after drinking it and handed her the knife. She took a deep breath before downing it one gulp. Her stomach threatened to send it back up. The taste was foul and bitter, but she didn't have to taste it long. Regina slid the cuff off of her wrist just as everything went dark. Moments later she found herself back in the dark forest facing the wolf. The knife was still in her hand and she quickly tucked it into her waistband underneath her shirt.
"What have you done?" The wolf growled.
"I've told you how many times now that I want you gone? You still don't believe me? You tried to kill Regina! I would rather kill us both than let you hurt her!"
"You won't." The wolf scoffed, baring its teeth. "You wouldn't hurt Daniel and Henry like that."
"No, but that is how much I hate you." Ruby started to walk forward. "That is how much I wish you were gone. That is how much I wish to be done with you."
"I have protected us-"
"Shut up! Shut the fuck up!" Ruby roared. "I don't care what you've always done. I told you to stop taking over my body. That should've been the end of it. Instead, you try to murder the woman I love, the one who has brought me so much happiness, the one who promised to share her heart and life with me, the one who gave me children. You've been nothing but a burden since the curse broke! I don't need you and I don't want you."
"Why don't you understand?" The wolf walked back and forth. "She is the enemy and our pups-"
"Shut up!" Ruby roared again. "I am beyond trying to understand you. How many times have I tried to talk to you and you shut down? Running away with my abilities like a little bitch." The wolf instantly spun to face her, baring its teeth again but Ruby was already too close. She went low, diving forward while pulling out the blade. She didn't know why this particular blade was special or how it was able to follow her to this dream state, but she was grateful for it. She drove the knife into the Wolf's side, piercing it between its ribs before quickly pulling it out to drive it in again.
At this point, it was no longer her wolf. It was just a beast, an enemy, a threat that needed to be eliminated. So that's what she would do.
To its credit, the wolf fought back, even as it bled. After all, that's all it knew how to do. But Ruby wanted it gone. She was past the point of caring. She felt the world shift and images began flashing across the sky. She backed away from the dying wolf to watch them. Most of what she saw were battles, fighting, hunting both men and beasts. These were her lost memories from when the wolf would take over. Seeing them only confirmed her belief that she wasn't losing anything by getting rid of the wolf. There were newer memories of it watching over the children or watching Regina like it was hunting her. She knew the wolf didn't even like Regina, so its interest in her was unsettling. Luckily, she saw nothing concerning. It was only wary of her. It had seen Regina as a threat from the very beginning, but there was a giant gap between them fighting her in Snow's army to being in Storybrooke and married to her. Perhaps it thought they were under some spell or something. Technically, they were, but the distrust didn't go away when the curse broke.
"What have you done?" The wolf whimpered, collapsing in the grass.
"I'm getting rid of you. Obviously." Ruby answered without looking away from the sky, piecing together what the beast had been keeping her blind to. A woman kept appearing, hooded and cloaked in shadow. She watched intensely until she caught a glimpse of her face. She and the wolf spoke about Regina and the current state of Storybrooke. Ruby let out a growl. "You're an idiot. You're just feeding her information!"
"Please! Forgive me! I was trying to prote-"
"Protect us. Whatever. Just die already." Ruby hissed at it. She closed her eyes, willing herself to wake up. The first thing she heard was Regina threatening to kill Daemon if this didn't work and she couldn't help but smile. Her wife was in her arms as soon as she opened her eyes.
"Are you alright?"
"Fine, but we have a situation. How long was I out?"
"Just a few minutes."
Ruby accepted the glass of water Zelena handed her and drank it all. "Thanks. It felt like at least an hour had passed. I stabbed the wolf. It was dying and I started to see the memories that had been locked away. Cora's in Storybrooke."
"What?" The other women in the room were instantly on edge.
"The wolf was meeting her, feeding her information about the town."
"Why?" Regina demanded.
"I don't know. I don't know what it was thinking, only what it did. It kept claiming that it was trying to protect us. It didn't trust you at all. It never did."
"We did figure that." Zelena cut in, looking between them. "You two fought on opposite sides of a war for years. Then you cast the curse and locked the wolf away for 28 years. Suddenly, it wakes up and finds that Ruby's married the enemy. Why would it trust you?"
"It had 28 years of memories it could look through to see that I fell in love with Regina." Ruby retorted. "Curse or no curse."
Daemon slightly raised his hand. "Who is Cora? An enemy?"
"Our mother." Regina answered, gesturing to Zelena. "Our crazy, abusive, heartless mother who I almost killed the last time she was here. She was banished and she's already back. There's no telling how long she's been here."
"The wolf found her." Ruby added. "I'm not exactly sure when though."
Regina started to pace. "What does she even want? I threw a fucking sword at her last time. What does she think she could possibly do here?"
"That doesn't matter." Zelena touched her shoulder to stop her. "I'm here now. Cora and I have a score to settle. Don't even worry about a thing."
Regina arched an eyebrow, examining her sister for a moment. "You would kill her?"
"She chose to kill me a long time ago. Besides, we all know you're the one she wants to manipulate and I made you a promise that I wouldn't let anyone hurt you. I meant it."
Regina held her gaze for another moment before looking at Ruby. "Should we postpone the banquet?"
"No! We have too much planned and I want to go to this thing." Ruby replied. "The other alphas are going to be here today. Even canceling would take too much time."
"Don't worry." Zelena said. "Cora isn't a fool. Whatever she's plotting, she won't do anything while the town's full of werewolves. You two were alone the last time she was in Storybrooke and thanks to the wolf, she probably knows about me, Mal and Ursula. She would be an idiot to make a move any time soon."
"Even idiots are dangerous." Mal cautioned them. "And Cora thinks highly of her abilities. She is unusually powerful." She looked at Regina and then Zelena. "If she does try something or even shows herself, are we in agreement about what must be done? If she ever threatens the children, I will kill her. Are you two okay with that?"
"Absolutely." Regina answered. She glanced at her sister. "Unless you wanted to speak to her-"
"I have nothing to say to her. If she shows herself, we kill her. Agreed?"
All of the women agreed and Regina promised to spread the word to the Charmings. "The wolf said nothing else about Mother?"
"The wolf did most of the talking, but she asked about you."
"Just me?"
"Just you."
Regina scowled, starting to pace again. "Mother does not care about me. I offered her a chance to be a family multiple times. She chose power. She will choose it again. It's all she cares about. What power is in Storybrooke that she could want?"
Ruby had no idea. She knew little of magic and sorcery, but she trusted the others to figure it out. She approached Daemon while they debated over Cora's motivations and precautions they needed to take.
"When will I get a new wolf?" Ruby asked him.
"Soon. If not today, then within the next few days."
"Well, thank you. Even if this doesn't work, thank you." Daemon dipped his head in return. "You're welcome to come to the banquet, by the way. There are a lot of packs coming here today. I know you've been on your own for a long time, but maybe you can find a new family." Daemon gave her a small smile.
"Perhaps."
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The werewolves began to arrive in Storybrooke around noon. The alphas led the way. They brought many gifts with them: platters of roasted meat, baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables, barrels of mead, ale, beer and wine, and homemade jewelry and clothes. Ruby was a bit overwhelmed by their generosity and familiarity. Many of them hugged her and called her sister and they welcomed Regina in the same manner. They brought with them a whole host of werewolves, including children. They were so adorable and curious and thankfully, Daniel and the others were quick to meet them and answer the questions that came pouring forth. Ruby even had to wrangle a couple of pups who ran through the portal half dressed running away from their mothers. It was just amazing to witness all of the werewolves that came in all shapes and sizes and colors. Many of them came in wolf form and a few of them had dyed their fur the most insane colors.
It wasn't long before they adjourned to the banquet hall. Regina had filled the hall with food, including suggestions from the kids for a taco station, a grill for burgers and a personal pizza station. There was also a magical ice cream machine and a table covered in desserts. However, food was not the only thing Regina had planned. She had filled the streets with carnival games and street vendors and that evening she planned to have fireworks. Over the next few days, they would hold fun contests, such as races, archery contests, sparring matches, hunts, and wolf form fights. She even conjured a climbing wall and an obstacle course. Everyone was encouraged to participate, the Lost Boys, the werewolves, the townspeople, the Merry Men, the children. Regina jokingly banned the dragons from participation but the grin from Mal told everyone that she planned to ignore that rule.
It was a busy night and Ruby soon forgot her troubles with her wolf or the threat of an attack from Cora. She immersed herself in her lost culture, entranced by the stories she was told and the food they shared. That night, a few of them even went on a Run and it was impossible to explain how wonderful it was to be a part of a pack again.
As much as she was happy to be accepted by the other werewolves, she was also ecstatic about how they accepted her family. Every now and then she found herself searching for Regina and it made her heart melt to see her wife so happy. Due to her upbringing, Regina was always composed and in control and tonight, she allowed that control to slip just a little. Zelena usually managed to do that. The redhead was loud and boisterous and it was the first time that Regina truly matched her energy. Ruby was also sure they were a little drunk as well.
When she looked around again, her gaze fell upon her sons. Daniel was at the make your own pizza station with a group of kids, explaining to them what to do and what all of the ingredients are. Henry and Emma had chosen to attend the event and he was surrounded by another group of kids at the table. Both of them seemed happy and carefree this evening and she was glad to see it. They weren't interacting with each other, but they weren't fighting either. That was good at least.
She also kept a look out for Cora. Any person acting strangely was swiftly logged away in her mind to be talked to later. The others doubted Cora would make a move any time soon but to her, this was the perfect time. All she had to do was disguise herself with magic and fall in with the dozens of new people in town. Cora was the type to press her luck so Ruby didn't drink for the night and spent half the night scanning the room.
She is watching us.
Ruby looked over her shoulder and around the room before realizing that the voice was in her head. "Uh, who?" She whispered, getting up to go over to the drink table. She caught Lily's eye and subtly motioned for her to follow.
The woman you are afraid of. She is here. The voice was so different from the last one. It was softer, deeper, but it also sounded older than the last wolf had been. She is across the room. Brown hair. Gray eyes. Red hood.
"Thanks, and uh, who are you? Are you my new wolf?"
No. I am the same wolf.
"What? Daemon said I would get a new one." She made it to the drink and poured herself a glass of iced tea. Lily came to her side, choosing the same. "Cora's here. Across the room wearing a disguise. She has brown hair, gray eyes and has a red hood."
"I'll let Mom know. Try not to be suspicious."
Ruby nodded. She cast a look around the room and chose a quiet table so she could speak to her wolf but she could also keep an eye on her family and Cora. "How are you the same wolf?" She whispered. "I killed you."
You did.
"But you're the same wolf? How is that possible?"
I will explain it all tonight when you go to sleep. I do not want to disturb your evening.
"Being considerate? No, there's no way you're the same wolf."
She felt amusement coming from the beast inside her. It is difficult to explain without showing you. My former self was an impulsive child that refused to grow up. Unfortunately, it needed to die in order to do that. Things change, Ruby, you've changed and it couldn't.
"Forgive me if I don't entirely trust you."
I understand. We can speak more later. Your enemy approaches. Maleficent and Lilith are on route to intercept her quietly. On your left.
Ruby glanced to her left just as a disguised Cora came into view. She felt something in her stir uncomfortably just being near her.
That is your instincts reacting to her magical aura. She is very powerful and you know her to be cruel and manipulative.
Before Cora could get close, Mal appeared behind her and clamped one hand on her arm and another on her throat. Lily appeared to grab her other arm. "Make a scene and I will break you."
"Wait," Cora pleaded softly. "Please." The dragons escorted her out and Ruby quickly followed. When she stepped outside, she was shocked to find Cora on her knees, sobbing. Lily seemed confused by the woman's reactions but Mal wasn't buying it.
"Get up, Cora. Face your death with dignity." Mal growled, hoisting the woman back up.
"I put it back in." Cora gasped. "My heart. Tell Regina I put it back in."
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