It Starts With a Family

by RedTailedHawkens

That night in the forest, Rumplestilskin was brave. He went with his son to the land without magic and they landed in the 1990s. With no dark one in the Enchanted Forest, the course of events were drastically different. However, the curse was still cast, and Emma still has to break it when she turns 28. SwanThief, Rumpelle, Snowing, etc.

13. Chapter 12:Trusting Monsters & Outsiders

Note: Lines taken from S1E15 Red-Handed from ForeverDreaming transcription site.

---

Chapter Twelve: Trusting Monsters and Outsiders

"Royal stationary," Red said, unraveling the note in her hand, which was wrapped up in such a pretty ribbon. "It's not every day we receive a note written on royal stationary."

Adair, her most trusted second-in-command, nodded. "What does it say?"

Ruby undid the ribbon, sniffing it before unrolling the parchment. "'To the head of the southernmost werewolf clan:

"'Our kingdom currently faces a dangerous battle, as you are likely well aware." Red snorted. "Isn't it so like a human to assume we're appraised in the affairs of their kingdom? They think the world revolves around them."

"Royals especially," Adair said.

"Well, I can respect a hierarchy at least." She cleared her throat and continued to read. "We are being attacked by an evil and wicked witch, who wishes to seize power and turn all of the denizens of Misthaven into her slaves. We beseech you to join our cause to fight the Evil Queen. An alliance between your pack and our soldiers and magic users could turn the tide. Please send back a reply as soon as possible, and remember, the salvation of the kingdoms may rest on your shoulders.'" Red let out a frustrated bilabial trill. "So, basically, they want us to round out their army as cannon fodder so they can win their war. I notice she doesn't say how this will benefit the wolves," Red scoffed, tapping her chin with the scroll. "And reply how?"

"I imagine we were expected to send a message back with the bird who brought it," Adair said, a twinkle in his eye.

"Well, anybody dumb enough to send fowl into a wolf's den and expect it to fly back out clearly doesn't understand how the food chain works," Ruby said, picking a feather out of her hair with a smile before turning thoughtful again. "These arrogant human royals who want us to fight for them, die for them, and don't expect us to want anything in return. The question is, could we leverage something, and would it be worth it?"

"We should hold a council. Put the thing to a vote," Adair said.

Red nodded. "I suppose there's no reason to rush the matter. It's not as though -"

"We're under attack!" a voice cried from the surface entrance to their underground haven. Red recognized it as one of her pack. Her wide eyes matched Adair's and, without a word, they both began to transform.

There was always a rush in the change, and Red relished it. She far preferred her wolf-form to her human form. Humans were weak, easily killed. Wolves were strong. They were survivors.

Once changed, Red ran outside to protect her pack. She saw creatures the likes of which she had never before seen or smelled divebombing her wolves from above and lifting them into the air, only to drop them once they were at too great a height to recover from such a fall. They flew, but they were covered in fur as opposed to feathers, and their wings looked like bones connecting skin that was stretched too far.

She had no doubt her pack could defeat them one-on-one on the ground, but they had no way to combat creatures that could fly. Six of her people were already dead. Six!

Red couldn't lose more of her pack. Not again. Not after Quinn. Not after her mother. "Run," she instructed her pack, and they did, causing Red to smile. Whatever these creatures were, they couldn't outrun a wolf.

Still, some were injured and couldn't move. She indicated to a couple of her wolves to try and bring the wounded back into the safety of the underground castle and seal the ground.

In the meantime, she needed to know what they were dealing with. Who were these creatures? Where had they come from? Why were they attacking her pack? How did she keep them away so her wolves could regroup?

If only she could capture one to interrogate. If it were wolf's time, she could have overpowered one enough to bring it inside, but the moon was only a crescent, putting her at a major disadvantage.

A few of the creatures started to fly off, but were they retreating, or were they following her wolves? Either way, she couldn't just let them leave. She needed answers.

Red leapt as high as she could, rushing one of the creatures that was still low to the ground. She sunk her teeth hard into its fleshy stomach, digging her claws into its back. It howled in pain, yet it still had the strength to lift her up into the air.

The creature clawed and bit at Red, but she refused to relent, keeping her teeth where they were and refusing to let herself be dislodged. Then she felt a claw stab her deep in her underbelly, until she let out a howl as deep as the creature's.

The pain was excruciating, and as she bled, she felt her front legs turn back to arms. Her teeth became human and could no longer hold on to the flesh of the creature so completely. Her fingers did not have the sharp nails they needed. She flailed in the air with her useless, weak, human arms, but it was no use. Red was plummeting to the ground rapidly and bleeding out through her stomach.

She blinked rapidly, trying to keep herself awake. It was important that she found some way to cushion her fall, at least, or she could snap her neck and die on impact. A slow death would be worse, but perhaps if her wounds weren't as bad as they seemed …

Looking down, she saw not only the bodies of some of her pack (the sight and smell made her want to retch) but a young woman standing in the middle of everything, her arms outstretched as though she were reaching for something.

The girl was pretty for a human, and she did smell human (Red was relieved that her sense of smell hasn't abandoned her). Her dark curly hair was coming out of her braid, strands blowing in the strong gusts of wind that Red suddenly felt. Her eyes were focused yet strained, as though she was concentrating very hard on something.

Suddenly, the woman sprinted forward, and instead of hitting the ground, Red found herself in the woman's arms.

"Don't worry, Wolfie," The woman said as she lowered Red to the ground and draped her cape over her. "You're going to be all right. Just hold on."

That was the last thing Red heard before everything went black.

---

Neal had already left for work by the time Emma got up, and Henry was once again at school. Sleeping in hadn't worked so well yesterday, and she had stuff to do, even if she was still figuring out the job situation. She didn't like the idea of hanging out in an empty house, though, so she decided to get breakfast.

"Thought you were done with popping in here in the mornings," Ruby the waitress said.

Emma shrugged. "I guess I missed not having to cook. And the excellent service, of course."

Ruby snorted. "Yeah. Well, I don't exactly intend to be in the food service business forever."

"No?"

Ruby shook her head. "Granny owns the place, and she's hinted that she wants me to take it over one day, but I'm not really a leader type. Plus, I'm not sure she and I agree about how I should live my life."

Emma nodded. "Nice as it is to have roots, it's also important to make your own choices."

"Exactly," Ruby said. "I love Granny, but she can be a little … "

"I don't pay you to gab all day, girl," the aforementioned Granny said from behind Ruby.

"You barely pay me at all," Ruby said. "And aren't I supposed to be friendly towards the customers?"

Granny scowled. "I pay you enough, and friendly is all well and good, but taking the girl's order matters, too."

Ruby hit her forehead dramatically. "Knew I was forgetting something."

Despite herself, Emma smirked, and Ruby shot her a smile. "So, what'll it be?"

"French toast and hot cocoa," Emma said, "With –"

"—Cinnamon. I know," Ruby said.

I guess I'm a regular, Emma thought. It wasn't a bad thought either. For some reason, she liked being a part of this town.

After Ruby left to get her order, she overheard someone sitting behind her say, " —another attack."

"Really? That's the third woman this month."

"I know. I used to feel safe here. Now, I'm nervous to go shopping by myself."

"What is happening in this town?"

Emma didn't know either of the women who were chatting, but it didn't matter. Another woman had been attacked in town. She needed to talk to Aria.

"Ruby?" she called out to the waitress. "Cancel my French toast and put my cocoa in a to-go cup? I just remembered I have somewhere to be."

"Don't rush off on my account," she a familiar brogue say behind her. Sure enough, when she turned around, she saw Sheriff Graham.

"I wasn't," Emma said. "Didn't even notice you lurking, actually. I just have to go."

"Because you heard the gossip?" he asked. "Because you need to check on your husband?"

"No, I … on my husband? Why would I need to check on my husband?"

"Ruby?" Graham called. "Put her French toast back on, and a plate for me too, would you?" He turned to Emma. "I think we should talk."

---

When Neal came to, he discovered that he was surrounded by trees. "What the hell?" he spat out, frustrated.

The sun was high in the sky. Had he been here all night? He reached in his pocket for his phone. It was after nine in the morning. Shit! He was late for work. Plus, Emma had called him twice last night.

He tried to piece together what he could remember. The sheriff had taken him for a drink at The Rabbit Hole and … he must have passed out. Maybe he'd had a few too many? Except, all he remembered getting was a beer. Neal knew himself. He was no lightweight. Aside from that, he couldn't figure out how he would have gotten from the parking lot of a bar to the middle of the freaking forest.

Had someone brought him here? Why would someone drag him to the woods? Did they think he was dead, and they were trying to get rid of the body? Maybe someone put something in his drink.

Neal didn't know the bartender at the Rabbit Hole, but maybe he'd done something to piss him off. Or there was the sheriff, though that seemed a little farfetched. Okay, so maybe the guy was sniffing around Emma, but was he the type of guy to drug Neal to get him out of the picture? Or was it some sort of Dexter level vigilant justice for "accosting," Reul Ghorm and Jamie?

Did it have to do with the curse, maybe? He could ask Henry, but first he had to get to work if he didn't want to be fired on his first week.

He wished he had time to stop off at home for a shower or a coffee. He'd been dressed all nice for his first day, but nice clothes after a night in the woods didn't look so nice, and while Sierra wouldn't care, Dr. Drake seemed like the type who might.

Oh, well. Hopefully, she'd let it slide. After all, even the nicest scrubs were still just scrubs, and that was all he had on; scrubs, a hoodie, and comfortable shoes.

Come to think of it, he didn't remember wearing the hoodie yesterday, but he must have brought it with him and put it on when he was on his way home. What was the alternative, that someone had broken into his house, stolen his hoodie, knocked him out, put him in his hoodie, and left? That hardly seemed likely.

Neal was a little turned around, but he was eventually able to find his way to the Drake family home.

"You are late," Dr. Drake said by way of greeting.

"I know. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

"Would you care to share with me why you are late?"

Neal rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, doing his best to avoid the bump that he knew was forming. "Would you believe I was left unconscious in the woods last night?" he asked, trying for a charming—if awkward—smile.

Dr. Drake stared at him for a moment. Then she said, "You'd be surprised what I might believe, Mr. Stiltskin. Are you bleeding?"

"What? No, nothing violent –"

"There's blood on your sleeve," she pointed out matter-of-factly.

Neal looked down. Sure enough, what looked like newly-dried blood was just below his left elbow. He checked his arm, but he couldn't find a cut. Only, if it wasn't his blood, then whose …?

"We should determine if you are wounded in any way," Dr. Drake said. "There's no need to go to the clinic; I have the necessary materials here." She left the room, returning a minute later with a doctor's bag and a hospital gown, which she promptly gave him. "You may change in the bathroom for privacy's sake."

"I can examine myself, thanks," Neal said.

"Don't be ridiculous," Dr. Drake said, as she put on surgical gloves. "There's blood on your sleeve, you've misplaced time, and you're in the home of the best doctor in Storybrooke."

"Well, when you put it like that …" Reluctantly, Neal headed to the bathroom and stripped down.

The examination didn't take long. Dr. Drake couldn't find any openings where the blood might have come from. Neal had been right; it wasn't his.

He moved to put his scrubs back on, but when he went for his sweater, Dr. Drake grabbed it from him with one gloved hand (she was still wearing them from the examination).

"What are you doing?"

"You'll be working closely with my mother, and I don't want you doing so in something stained with dried blood. Aside from which, it's not appropriate attire for a nurse. I insist on it being washed, and I have a very effective solution for such stains."

"I'm not sure—" Neal began.

Dr. Drake cut him off. "I had to stay late with my mother because you were late, which is very unprofessional. The sooner you let me treat the garment, the sooner I can be about my day."

Neal wasn't sure which was sketchier; having mysterious dried blood on your clothes after being left unconscious in the woods, or washing said blood out when you discovered it wasn't yours. His head still hurt from whatever had knocked him out, and he was standing in front of his employer in a hospital gown. The best course of action was probably to let her do his laundry, while he got dressed and got to work. So that was what he did.

---

"Karaoke night?" David asked, his eyebrows up to his hairline. He was giving her that look again, the look that said, You are out of your mind. Mary Margaret hated that look, but it had never stopped her before.

"As a fundraiser," she said. "It's not that hard to set up, it's fun, and it will get the town excited about this place. People need to know what we're doing, because once they know, maybe they'll want to help."

At least, she hoped so.

It was hard because, for the longest time, nobody had wanted to help. Not the town, not Granny or Ruby. Even her sister had grown tired of her neediness on occasion. But Emma had told her that sometimes you just needed to give people a chance and, jaded as she was, Mary Margaret really wanted to believe it.

When David didn't say anything, she asked, "Do you think they won't?"

David shook his head. "It's not that. I know this is a good town, despite recent events …" He went quiet for a minute.

"They still don't have any leads on who is attacking women?" Mary Margaret asked.

"No. And a third one was attacked yesterday."

"I heard. Poor Stella." Mary Margaret had never been close with Stella, of course, and as far as she knew, David hadn't been either, but it was the right thing to say. It really was horrible.

"I just don't understand how this can happen here. In this town, of all places."

"Well, you know, as the song goes, it couldn't happen here in Oz."

"That show about the prison?"

Mary Margaret found herself laughing. "No, it's from Wicked. It's the idea that you can know horrible things are happening in the world, but you still can't fathom they could happen anywhere near you. Dr. Diliman tells Elphaba rumors he's heard about bad things happening to other animals he knows, but she insists that it couldn't happen in Oz.

"And it's not just in Wicked. In Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye is surprised when the constable warns him about a pogrom in Anatevka, which is a fictional town in the Pale of Settlement in Imperial Russia, even though that's the exact sort of place where pogroms happened frequently at that point in history. Tevye knows this. Everyone in this time does. But living with the idea that something like that could happen to them at any moment would make living impossible. So, people close their eyes to the bad things that are happening around them until it hits close to home, and then they're shocked that it could happen to them or to their town."

David was staring at her, his mouth hanging open a bit. Mary Margaret started looking around, as if she expected him to be staring at someone else. "What?"

David blinked and quickly and shook his head a couple of times before answering. "I just … didn't know you knew so much. About theater. Or history."

"Well, I wanted to be an actress. I've seen all the old films, musicals especially. I love them. I haven't seen Wicked, of course, but I've read about it, and I've listened to the soundtrack."

"You presented an idea, backed it up with examples, showed your work –"

"Are you about to give me a gold star?" Mary Margaret asked sarcastically.

"I'm just surprised."

"Because you think I'm stupid?" she asked, putting her chin out defiantly.

"Because I thought you weren't willing to do the work. And I didn't know that you had all these interests. And I didn't … know you. I guess I never tried to."

"No. You didn't."

"Well, maybe I should have. I'm sorry, for whatever it's worth. And karaoke is great idea for a fundraiser. People can sing 'Sunrise, Sunset,' and 'Defying Gravity,' or whatever." Mary Margaret raised an eyebrow at him, and he laughedd "What? You're not the only one who knows musicals. I might not know them as well as you, but I have heard some of the songs."

"Well, do you have a favorite musical?"

"Love Me Tender," David said immediately, "A man's brother going off to war, and finding love with his brother's girl as they both grieve for him … that story just feels very relatable to me."

"You know that's not what it's about though, right? I mean, she's still in love with the first brother and, when he turns out to be alive, the rivalry tears them apart."

David shook his head. "I guess I don't remember it that well. But when I close my eyes and think about it, I hear the song in my head, and picture a man and woman finding love in shared grief over a brother they both loved."

"I suppose there is something poetic about it," Mary Margaret said. "If that were the actual plot of the movie."

David laughed. Mary Margaret had never seen him smile so much or laugh so much. Idly, she thought that the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed was charming.

"I'm back," Ashley said behind them, and Mary Margaret felt herself jump a little. "Sorry, that took so long. You wouldn't believe the line at the store, but I have what you asked for."

"That's great," Mary Margaret said, even though she couldn't even remember what errand Ashley had been running.

"And don't worry about being a little late," David said. "You were on a work errand, so your pay won't suffer."

"Oh, I'm not worried about that. I just know how you two get, and I figure if I left you alone too long, you might kill each other. I'm just happy the building is still standing."

---

"French toast," Ruby said, dropping the plate in from of Emma.

"Thanks Ruby," Emma said, her smile tight.

Looking back and forth between Emma and Graham, it was clear they were in a tense discussion, and not the sexy kind. Not that it wasn't clear that Graham was into Emma or anything, because it so was, and if it were Ruby she would have jumped at the chance for a roll in the hay with a guy like Graham, but Emma looked more like she wanted to hurt him than bang him.

After a minute, Graham gave Ruby an apologetic smile. "Would you mind giving us a bit of space? This is a bit sensitive."

Ruby nodded, backing away. She didn't go far, though. This was going to be good gossip, she was sure; she had a nose for this sort of thing.

"- just pointed out, this isn't the sort of thing we should discuss in a crowded diner," Emma said.

"This is a courtesy, because we're friends," Graham said.

"Not in this moment. Look, my marriage is my business, and IF Neal didn't come home, which I'm not confirming, for the record, that's not proof that he's mixed up in anything."

"There are factors. Someone saw him wearing the same jacket – "

"Ruby!" Granny shouted from behind her, causing Ruby to start.

She turned to Granny, feeling angry and a little embarrassed. Luckily, Emma and Graham seemed too caught up in their drama to notice that she had been caught red-handed. "Do you have to make such a scene? I'm not hurting anyone standing here."

"You're not doing your job either."

"I will in a minute. Nobody will die if their eggs are a little late, geez."

"That's not why I wanted to talk to you, though you shouldn't be just standing around, now that you mention it."

"What then?"

"I want you to start working Saturday nights."

"Come on! We have an agreement about Saturday night."

I want to start training you to do the books and the reorders. Business is booming lately, and with more money, comes more paperwork."

"Yeah. None of that sounds good."

"It's got to be done."

"Is this a punishment for eavesdropping on a customer?"

"If I wanted to punish you, I'd have better reasons. For one thing, you were late. For another thing, Liza, you dress like a drag queen during Fleet Week."

"And you dress like Norman Bates when he dresses like Norman Bates' mother."

"Ruby, you're a grown woman. You can't keep acting like some kid."

"You just want me to act like you until I turn into you. Well, I am not a fossil yet, Granny. I still have a shot of having a life, instead of rotting away here like you did. You can't choose how I live my life, because I'm nothing like you, and I don't want to be you. I'm my own person, with my own goals and dreams, and none of them involve running this dump for the rest of my life, or ever."

"Well, as long as you work here, and live here, you are going to listen to me."

"I didn't ask to work here or live here. I should have moved to Boston!"

"Well, then, what's keeping ya?"

"Nothing! I quit!" Ruby said, storming out and slamming the door behind her.

---

It just had to be made of cotton, Mal thought as she examined the hoodie. Getting a bloodstain out of nylon would have been easier, but cotton tended to retain more blood, even with the best washing. Still, even had it been nylon, Mal knew there was only so much she could do.

The pieces fell into place easily in her head: a woman had been attacked in town, Neal had been unconscious when the attack occurred, and now he had a bloodstain he didn't remember getting. She knew Zelena's handiwork and, if she didn't act quickly, Neal and the Savior might just flee the state before the curse broke. She couldn't have that.

Luckily, the curse had made her a doctor, so her knowledge of this world's science was substantial. She had a homemade spray which used hydrogen peroxide to break up stains. It was possible, though improbable, that removing the stain would be enough. Mal could hope, but she wasn't naïve enough to count on such luck. The sheriff was under Zelena's control, after all, and would ask the questions she commanded him to.

If he examined the hoodie using luminol or something similar, it would be clear that there had been a blood stain. There was no avoiding that. It might even be clear that it was human blood, as opposed to animal blood. However, Mal was fairly certain that unless Storybrooke had resources she was unaware of, once she was done treating the stain, it would be near impossible to pull DNA from it. There were reasons for blood to be on one's clothes. It could be Neal's from some scrape he got into. If the DNA didn't match the fairy's, there was hope.

Just as she was finishing up treating the stain and preparing to place the garment in the wash, his pocket buzzed. She took out his phone, which was a curious model she hadn't seen in Storybrooke and checked the caller ID. It wasn't a saved number, and Neal likely wouldn't have recognized it. Mal did. It was the Storybrooke sheriff's department. She pressed ignore on the call. A minute or so later, the phone rang again, this time showing Emma's name on the caller ID. Mal set the phone on silent before chucking it in a drawer, and exited the washroom.

---

"Voicemail," Emma said to Graham, not sure if she should be disappointed or relieved. It didn't look good that Neal wasn't picking up his phone or responding to her texts.

It wasn't great for their relationship either.

But at least she'd been able to give Neal a vague heads-up about why she was calling. "Meet me at the sheriff station; It's important," wasn't the same as "You're a suspect," but at least he would have an inkling about what was going on and some time to prepare before he talked to the sheriff. Not that he was guilty of anything, of course. Emma knew that. It was Aria's husband who beat women, not hers.

"So much for him picking up because he recognizes the number," Graham said.

"He'll call back; he always does. He's probably just busy. That's not a crime, you know."

"He always calls back, checks in?" Graham asked.

"That's what I said."

"So, he didn't not come home recently and forget to call, then come up with some flimsy excuse about hide-and-seek?"

Emma stared at him, "How - ?"

"I can't reveal my sources."

After a minute, Emma remembered that that conversation had had an audience. "Ashley. Of course. Fine, so he's not perfect. No husband is. Doesn't mean he goes around beating women," Emma said.

"No, but it does mean you were willing to cover for him, to make him sound better than he is. Also, from what I heard, it seemed there was some doubt as to whether or not he was being truthful regarding his whereabouts when he didn't check in with you. Is that not true? Even putting all that aside, that doesn't even address last night, when he didn't come home at all. Let's not forget that fact. Or the fact that he was seen in town wearing a hoodie that fits the description given by Ms. Gorham. You can see how he's starting to look rather suspicious."

Emma didn't say anything. What was there to say? He was right; it didn't look good. And even if her gut and her heart could vouch for Neal, her head couldn't. At least, it couldn't without betraying Aria's trust.

"Look, Mrs. Stiltskin," Graham said, his tone gentler (though she didn't love how he was invading her personal space), "I understand that this man has been there for you, that you love him and that you feel loyal to him. I also understand that sometimes, people find themselves in situations where they're scared to walk away. If your husband has ever been rough with you, I can see you being afraid that – "

"Neal is the kindest man I've ever met. He's never raised a hand to me, and he never would. He's a nurse for G-d's sake! Do you know how compassionate and gentle, not to mention comfortable in his own masculinity a guy has to be to be a nurse? He picked a career where it's his job to take care of other people. He took an oath. He would never hurt someone, least of all me. So, you can take your 'well-intentioned' assumptions and sympathy, and shove them up your ass."

Technically, nurses actually did the Nightingale Pledge, not the Hippocratic Oath, but that was splitting hairs, and Emma doubted Graham knew the difference.

"Am I free to go?" she asked, giving him a smile that was clearly fake, and she hoped he knew it too.

"Don't leave town, and let me know the second you hear from him."

Emma nodded, making sure to bump into Graham hard as she exited the station.

---

How dared she? Who did Granny think she was, anyway? Did she expect Ruby to just sit around all day and be the good little girl that Selena had been?

Granny had raised Ruby for as long as she could remember. For a while, in high school, they had taken in Mary Margaret and Selena Blanchard after their parents died. Mary Margaret and Ruby had been partners in crime, getting into trouble all the time, which was probably why Granny had kicked her out; she'd said Mary Margaret was a bad influence.

Selena, however, had been the picture-perfect adopted daughter in every way. Granny adored her and, because Selena had been an orphan, Ruby couldn't even resent her for it.

Granny would probably have preferred to pass her life's work down to her favorite, except she also thought that Selena was too talented and had too much potential to be stuck in a diner job forever. Well, what did that make Ruby?

It didn't matter anyway. Granny couldn't tell her what to do, who to be, or how to live. She had her own goals and dreams, and she wasn't just going to be who Granny wanted her to be. She would go to Boston, like she'd planned years ago, and from there, she would … well, she wasn't quite sure what, but she'd figure it out.

It took her some time to pack, and she had to pick up her car from the shop, but after throwing her whole life into a suitcase, getting her car, and returning her key, Ruby hit the road.

Boston would be a long drive, she knew, so she needed some tunes. Radio stations would change as she traveled, so she would be better off with a good cassette. She knew she had the White Snakes somewhere …

She reached under the seat and felt around, first turning up a mixtape Mary Margaret had made her in high school. Show tunes; ew. She dug around a little more until she finally found the tape she was looking for. Sitting back up, she went to put it in the player in her dashboard and put her eyes back on the road just in time to see a freaking wolf just standing there in the middle of the road. What the frack? She did her best to swerve out of the way, but somehow the car spun too far and ended up headed straight for the woods. She saw that she was heading straight for a tree and, with no time to change course, she braced herself for impact, hoping she didn't black out.

---

" – have a lot of experience with werewolves? Maybe she would be happier with her pack," Red heard a male voice say.

"I trust Doc," a woman said in response. "He doesn't think moving her is a good idea, and he's convinced that he can help her get better."

"But what if they come for her? What if they think we kidnapped her and they tear this place apart? We're already waging a war. Can we afford – ?"

"David, calm down."

"I trust someone who turns into a dog more than someone who turns into a monkey," another woman said. Her voice was familiar. Why did Red know it?

"This could be an opportunity. They never responded to our message about an alliance, but with one of them here –"

Message about an alliance … The words played in Red's head for a minute.

That was right; she had been reading that letter, deliberating on what to do with it when her whole pack had been attacked.

Red bolted upright, feeling the pain in her gut multiply by a thousand as soon as she did. It didn't matter. Pain was part of life. What mattered was her pack.

"She's awake," the male voice said.

"Be gentle with her," the slightly familiar voice said, "It's okay. You're safe, Wolfie."

"My pack!" Red gasped, bristling at the nickname. Now she remembered where she had heard the voice. This was the woman who had caught her.

"Don't move so much, you'll pull your stitches," one of the women, not the one who'd caught her, said.

"I need to know about my pack. I need to make sure that they're all right."

"I'm sure they're –"

"How can they be all right? We were ambushed! I need to get back, assess the damage, bury the lost, and comfort the grieving."

"You're of no good to anyone until you've healed."

"Don't make me bite you," Red snapped. "A bunch of humans aren't going to keep me from my pack when they need me. I'm supposed to look after them."

"You're the pack leader?" the one who had mentioned the message before said.

Ruby snarled. "And you sent us the message that got us into this mess. You must be some spoiled royal. A princess, right? Sheltered and expecting everyone to fight your wars for you."

"That's not –"

"Don't lie to me. I heard what you said, about how having an incapacitated wolf here was an opportunity. How lucky you must feel to have caught the pack leader."

"Saved," the one who'd called her 'Wolfie' said.

"Excuse me?"

"We didn't catch you, we saved you. You were bleeding out and you were going to fall to your death until I stepped in," the woman said, standing up straight and staring Red down. "I don't recall you saying thank you."

"And I don't recall asking for your help! In fact, you asked for mine, and it put everyone I care about in danger."

"Zelena would have come for you anyway. She's merciless, wicked and cruel. You should have seen what she reduced Oz to." The girl had the audacity to sit down on the edge of the bed Red was lying in. "Look, I get that you're upset and worried about your pack, but we're not going to apologize for trying to get you to work with us, because if we don't work together, she'll pick us off one by one, like she's tried to do to your pack already."

"I don't work with humans. I don't trust humans."

"Well, you're stuck here until you're well enough to leave."

"You can't keep me –"

"You can try to leave if you want, but I know a thing or two about rushing off when you're injured. It doesn't end well. So, assuming you realize you'd be stupid not to stay, we'll help you heal up, and maybe we can change your opinions about humans while we're at it," she said, offering Red a small yet hopeful smile.

Red scoffed. "Doubtful. I'll just be stuck in a castle with a couple princesses of Misthaven."

"I'm not a princess of Misthaven. I'm actually from Kansas."

"Kansas?" Red said, rolling the word around on her tongue. "Never heard of it. You got a name, Kansas?"

"Dorothy," she said, holding out her hand to Red like an idiot who wasn't afraid of getting bitten. "How about you, Wolfie?"

Red rolled her eyes. "Ugh, if you want me to even consider not hating humans, never call me that." Dorothy continued to hold her hand out, but Red wasn't going to take it. She'd learned long ago not to trust humans, and she wasn't starting with this Kansas girl. Still, as long as she was trapped here, she might tell them her name. "They call me Red."

---

While last night had been confusing, to say the least, Neal's day had been pretty uneventful. He was enjoying spending time with Sierra, even if he felt she could do with some fresh air and a few more people to talk to, and he was getting a hang of his new routine as her caretaker.

"Any problems?" Dr. Drake asked, when she returned.

"Nope. All good."

"Well then, you best be on your way."

"Um, can I have my hoodie back first?"

Dr. Drake sighed, but nodded. She left the room for a minute and returned with his hoodie. When he checked the pocket, he found his phone, which had a bunch of missed calls and texts, mostly from Emma.

"Hold on a sec," he said. "This would have gotten ruined in the wash."

"Had it been in the hoodie while I washed it, I'm sure that would have been the case."

"So, you took it out, but didn't give it back to me?"

"I don't see why you would need your phone during work hours."

"Hey, I'm not some school kid whose phone you can just confiscate. In fact, I have a kid, and a wife, and if they had an emergency, I would want to know right away. My wife was clearly trying to get in touch with me – "

"Yes. As was the local sheriff station."

Neal stared at her. "So, not only did you keep my phone from me, you checked who was calling? What, did you read my texts too?"

"Mr. Stiltskin, do you have any idea why the sheriff's office would be calling you?"

"No, because I didn't –"

"Because if I had to guess, I would say it had to do with the woman who was attacked last night. I'd also be willing to guess that the blood on your hoodie, had I not thoroughly washed it, would contain the DNA of said woman.

"This may seem like a sleepy, small town, but there are dangerous people here who play dangerous games, a fact I think you yourself have come to suspect. If I'm correct, you have made an enemy of one of these dangerous people. I am not your enemy. In fact, I am offering to be your ally. Is that not something you believe you would find beneficial?"

"I ... Why?"

"We all have our reasons for the things we do."

"But I …"

"While we're on the subject, it might be best if you didn't mention it was I who cleaned your hoodie. In fact, you'd probably be best served not mentioning our acquaintance at all."

That, at least, Neal could understand. If nobody knew she was helping him (assuming he believed that was what she was doing), nobody could go after her for it. Still, it wouldn't be easy to just pretend. "Acquaintance isn't the word I would use. You're my employer."

"You are employed by a resident and her elderly mother. The name of that resident is inconsequential."

Neal nodded. "I'm not saying I trust you, or that I agree to … whatever deal you think we're making here, but I can keep a secret. I've kept a lot over the years."

"I've no doubt that you have," she said, as she opened the front door for him. "Be wary as you go about your day, Mr. Stiltskin. It will get worse long before it gets better."

---

Henry had convinced Paige to go with him to Granny's after school so they could talk to Ruby.

"I don't see her," Henry said. "Maybe she isn't working today?"

"Maybe," Paige said. "But it's good, because I think we should reconsider."

"What? Why?"

"Because what are we supposed to tell her? That her true love is Dorothy, and she's trapped in an asylum? Think about it. Even if she believed us, which is a big if, she's still cursed, which means the Wicked Witch can manipulate her. We can't just show our hand that easily."

"You're still cursed," Henry pointed out. "I trust you."

Paige scoffed. "That's because you're way too naïve and trusting."

"So, I shouldn't trust you?" Henry said, giving her a cheeky smile.

"That's not what I meant."

"I mean, how do I know you're not a spy or something?"

"Because I'm not. Because I introduced you to Dorothy, and you need to have someone in this town who knows stuff. I know stuff."

"Well, so does Ruby, right?"

Paige shrugged. "She's gossipy and flirty and not very good at her job, but other than that, there's not much to tell about her."

"Maybe not for you, but for Dorothy there's a lot. Maybe if we could get her to go visit –"

"And how are we supposed to sneak her in undetected?""

"Gee, I don't know, the same way you did with me?"

The two stopped talking when Mary Margaret came into the diner. Maybe we shouldn't have sat so close to the door, Henry thought. It would be so easy for someone to overhear us.

"Hi Granny," Mary Margaret said. "I'm picking up." Granny nodded and went to get the order. Mary Margaret looked around the diner. "Where's Ruby? Did she take the day off?"

"Ruby doesn't work here anymore," Granny said.

"What?"

"She quit. Packed a bag and decided to high-tail it out of here."

"That's terrible. I mean, good for her, but, I mean … well, you must be so – "

"I don't need you to look at me like some sad old empty nester. I just need you to pay for your takeout."

"Of course."

Henry noticed that Paige had gone pale. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Henry, people can't leave Storybrooke."

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it. The curse is keeping them here. It wouldn't be a very good curse if people could just leave. And everyone who has lived here has lived here forever. Nobody leaves. But Granny said Ruby was leaving."

"So, what happens if someone tries to leave?"

"I don't know. Nothing good."

---

Neal had texted Emma that he was just getting off work, and he could meet her at the sheriff's station, but she vetoed that, saying she could come pick him up where he was and drive him to the sheriff's station instead. That way, they could go over his story, which she had some questions about herself. He still hadn't told her why he hadn't come home last night.

The address he had texted her was pretty out of the way. In fact, she thought she was headed to the outskirts of the town. No, she was headed out of town. That couldn't be right. Checking the address again, Emma saw where she had made her mistake, and had her phone recalculate the route. She was just about to turn, when she saw a car wrecked from having slammed into a tree. Pulling over, she got out to check out to see if the driver was still in the vehicle.

"Over here," a voice said from slightly to the right of the car. Emma rushed over and found Ruby the waitress on the asphalt. Her arms were red, and her breathing was heavy. "I was able to unbuckle and get out after I totaled the thing, but I think I twisted my ankle or something, because it feels all wonky down there. I can't walk. I mean, I tried, but I couldn't – "

"It's okay," Emma said. "You're okay. Let me call an ambulance for you. Emma took out her phone, and just her luck, Graham picked up.

"Sheriff's office?"

"There's was a car wreck right near the 'Welcome to Storybrooke sign,'" she said, "Someone's hurt. We need an ambulance, and probably a tow truck for the car."

"Emma? You were in a car wreck?"

"No, not me. I was driving by and … Just call the ambulance, okay?"

"I'll get our first responders on it. How injured is the driver? And are there any other passengers?"

"I was alone," Ruby said, apparently able to hear Graham's side of the conversation.

"It was Ruby, and she says she was alone. She got herself out of the car, but she says her ankle or possibly leg won't take her weight."

"Do you know if she lost consciousness?"

"Maybe for a minute," Ruby said, and Emma was really surprised by how good her hearing had to be.

"She's conscious now, but she might have been out briefly. You're thinking a concussion?"

"Yeah. Try to keep her awake and do your best to flag down the first responders when they come. I assume you're going to ride with her to the hospital?"

"If she wants me to, of course."

"Right. I'll meet you there."

Emma hung up. "Hang in there," she said to Ruby. "Help is on the way."

---

Mary Margaret really needed to get back. David had sent her to pick up food thirty minutes ago, and it would be just like him to give her a hard time for taking too long. Although, she had to admit, he had been more tolerable lately.

"All right. Here you go," Granny said, giving her the takeout containers. "You certainly ordered a lot."

"It's for a group thing. How much?"

Granny was just about to answer when the diner's phone rang. "Granny's. How can I help you?" Granny's face went white. "Is she okay? … Yes … yes, of course. I'm on my way."

"Is everything okay?" Mary Margaret asked.

Granny shook her head. "Ruby was in an accident."

"What?" Mary Margaret asked. She noticed two kids at a nearby table look over when Granny said that.

"I need to get to the hospital, but my car's in the shop, and Ruby's car is wrecked near the edge of town."

"I have … Well, it's actually Ashley's car, but she let me borrow it to pick up food, so I'm sure she wouldn't mind … I can drive you."

Granny nodded briskly. "Well, let's not stand around here, then."

"Can we come?" one of the kids asked. Mary Margaret recognized him from somewhere, though she couldn't quite place where.

"Why would you two come along?" Granny asked. "This is family business."

"What he means," the little girl interrupted, "Is that he just got a text from his mom. Apparently, his dad was in a wreck too, maybe the same one, and if you're going to the hospital anyway … well, it's not like we can drive," the girl shrugged innocently.

"I don't know – "

"Please," the boy—he was Emma's son, that's how I know him—said, his eyes wide.

"We don't have time for this," Granny said. "I don't care who comes. Let's just all pile into the car so we can get there. My granddaughter is hurt, and I need to be there."

"Of course," Mary Margaret said. "Come on. I'll show you where I parked. And Granny … Ruby's strong. She's going to be fine."

---

"You're going to be fine," the annoying princess said, as she dressed Red's wound. It was humiliating, having a human close like this.

"Since when does a princess know how to dress a wound?"

"I was on the run for a while, once," the princess said. "Lived off the land. You'd be impressed."

Red snorted. "Living off the land might be impressive for a princess, maybe. Not so much for most of the rest of you humans. Your poor do that often. Humans abandon each other. They drive each other off."

"Well, I wasn't entirely alone. I had my husband David, though he wasn't my husband yet, then."

"My Auntie Em was with me when I was on the run," the Kansas girl said, as she entered the room. "She looked after me." Her voice softened. "She loved me."

"Is this the part where we bond because you've all lived off the land? I told you, humans force other humans onto the run all the time. Human love and acceptance is conditional. But a pack isn't like that. We're loyal to each other, always. We look after each other, always."

"What did humans do to you?" the princess asked.

"Why should I share that story with you?"

"Because if you don't talk, we will," Dorothy said with a smile. "Would you rather talk to a human, or have to listen to one?"

Red sighed. "I suppose I'm the entertainment now, am I? A wolf dancing for her supper?" The two other women stayed silent. "Fine. I was driven from my village by a mob who couldn't accept who I was."

"That's horrible," the princess said.

"So, you didn't always live with a pack?"

"Wolves don't learn of their true nature until … Well, for women, it usually comes when we first bleed. For men, it's a little different, but it's usually around twelve or thirteen."

"And they got rid of you because you were different?" Dorothy asked sympathetically.

"When you first turned, did you … Was anyone hurt?" the princess asked.

"Someone was. I didn't mean to do it, but it happens when we first change and don't know any better. We can't control it, so it controls us."

"Sounds a bit like magic, when you first get it," Dorothy said.

Ruby took a sniff of the air. "You're a sorceress then? I thought you smelled a little different."

"I'm … half-fairy. It took some time to accept it."

That rang true to Red, if anything did. "Not truly human, then. But, you do choose to live as one?"

"I didn't want to forget who I was before. I didn't want to forget Auntie Em, and all she did for me."

"Well, maybe I did want to forget. There wasn't anything for me back in that village. With my pack, I have a home."

"You didn't leave any family behind?" the princess asked. Red didn't answer. "I suppose that makes sense. Family would have gone with you, wouldn't they?"

Dorothy spoke up. "Perhaps you could give us a minute, Snow. I can dress the wound."

"Why?"

"A hunch. Nothing more."

The princess, Snow, apparently, left the room. Dorothy took a seat next to Red. "Snow means well," she said. "And she's not entirely unsympathetic. Her mother had her hunted down once for killing her father."

Red's eyes went wide. "What?"

"It wasn't truly her mother, of course. It was the Wicked Witch in disguise."

Red sighed. "Is she a wicked witch, or evil queen? Why can't you people decide?"

Dorothy laughed. It was a pleasant sound. "She's both. I guess which one she is depends more on which land you're from. But my point was that, in the end, Snow knew that her family loved her and could never betray her. We're not all so lucky."

"You said your Auntie Em – "

"She did. She loved me until the end. But my parents didn't; they were happy to send me off to a madhouse when I started speaking of killing wicked witches … Magic isn't common where I'm from, so they thought me insane. Only Auntie Em loved me enough to take me away. She gave up everything to protect me, and it killed her in the end."

"My mother loved me, even if I didn't meet her until later in life. I was raised by my Granny, and I thought she loved me, but after I turned, she sent me off to fend for myself. She could have come with me, but she was ashamed of what we were. I was on my own until Quinn, one of my mother's pack, found me and brought me to her. I thought she was dead, because that was what Granny had told me, but she lied. She couldn't accept mother's choice to embrace the Wolf."

"It's hard when someone who is supposed to love you doesn't," Dorothy said matter-of-factly.

"Thirteen years when I could have known my mother, and Granny kept that from me. She kept the truth of who I was from me, and she kept my mother from me. I'll never forgive her for that."

"Do you want us to get word to your mother, so she knows you're all right?"

Red shook her head, feeling tears prick at her eyes. It had to be the injuries making her weak. "Mother was killed by humans. So was Quinn."

"The way you say his name … He was something more to you?"

Red nodded, "When I was young, I always thought my best friend Peter would be the one I loved, but then I ate him. And can you imagine, a wolf mating with someone human? Of course, I ate him. It's how that story always goes.

But Quinn was kind. He didn't judge me for mourning Peter, but he did teach me what it means to be with someone who can understand you. I loved him."

"I'm sorry that he's gone," Dorothy said.

"Humans destroy everything."

"And you don't think someone who isn't a wolf could understand you?"

Red shook her head. "Of course not. How could they?"

"Snow was raised a princess, and I was raised a farm girl. I have magic and she doesn't. But we were both on the run, and we fight together to protect the kingdom from Zelena, because it's important, good work that we both believe in. You'd be surprised the things you can have in common with people, if you're willing to look."

"I don't want to have anything in common with humans."

Dorothy nodded. "What about your Granny?"

"What about her?"

"Well, she's not human, is she? You said she couldn't accept what 'we,' were, not what 'I' was. She was a wolf too?" Red nodded, annoyed at how sharp this girl was. Dorothy continued. "But she didn't understand you either. So maybe it isn't about who's a wolf or a human, but about who is willing to put love before hate."

"Granny chose to live like a human, and the wolf has faded in her. She's a human in all the ways that matter."

"Only because you think being a human is a bad thing."

"You aren't human, Kansas. Not completely. Seems to me you're afraid of that."

"Not afraid. I accepted my magic years ago. But the person I loved most in the world was human completely. You trust wolves because they've been loyal to you. Auntie Em was loyal to me."

"Well, maybe she just had no reason to see you as dangerous."

"I told her I killed the Wicked Witch. She didn't judge me for it."

"The Wicked Witch we're fighting now?"

"Well, I thought I had killed her, when I was a child. For a long time, I thought she had died by my hand. It was an accident, but I still didn't know how to feel about it. Auntie Em loved me anyway. When someone loves you, they'll never condemn you, no matter what you do."

"Except she wasn't really dead. And from the sound of it Princess Snow didn't actually kill her father. I did kill Peter! I killed others. And eventually, I stopped apologizing for it."

"You think Princess Snow hasn't killed in this war? Oh, she hasn't done it by her own hand, but she's given the order. And what do you expect we'll do with the witch when this is all over? I can't kill. Fairy magic doesn't work that way. Sometimes, I wish I could. I could end this war if I could find a way to end Zelena once and for all."

"And what exactly did this wicked witch do to make you want to hunt her down so?"

"She turned people into her slaves. Those creatures that attacked your pack were people once, with wills of their own. And I can see what you're thinking, but it's not the same as becoming a wolf. You can learn to control something that is a part of you. The monkeys are a part of her and they serve her will. They have no control, and they won't until she is defeated."

"And you think my wolves can, what was it, 'Turn the tide?'"

"When Princess Snow told me there were creatures who could change like the monkeys, but that they answered their own will, I knew we had to try. This is a magic battle, and it needs people who are magical. Sorcerers, fairies, wolves. I love humans, but I know what I am, and I know that Zelena can only be defeated by someone who can match her power."

"And is it about defeating her, or saving the monkeys?"

"Why can't it be both? Defeating her will save them, and they won't be safe as long as she reigns. They won't be free."

Red smiled. Dorothy had given her a lot to think about, but for now, she needed to rest. Once her strength returned, she could return to her pack. She could make sure they were okay and honor those who weren't. Once that was done, it seemed they would have a decision to make.

---

The doctor was explaining to Ruby the full extent of her injuries, when the sheriff showed up and started asking questions.

"There was a wolf standing in the middle of the road," Ruby said.

Graham eyed her skeptically. "A wolf. Right. We get tons of those in Maine this time of year."

"So, you just interrogate everybody, now?" Emma asked, arms folded, voice tight.

"I'm just trying to determine what happened."

"She has a concussion," Dr. Plum said. "Her memory is probably a little off."

Now that the doctor mentioned it, Ruby was having trouble recalling exactly what had happened. She remembered driving, and the wolf, and then … then she was in the hospital with Emma (who had apparently found her) and Graham. Her head hurt, and so did her foot. Was it her foot? Maybe it was her leg, or just her ankle?

"How is she?" a voice Ruby knew demanded. She turned to see Granny entering with Mary Margaret, of all people.

"What are you … Who called her?" Ruby asked, looking at Emma accusingly.

"Um, she's still your emergency contact," Dr. Plum said sheepishly.

"Well, I need to change that. And I need to get to Boston," Ruby groaned. "So, what if the car is totaled? I'll take a bus."

"Boston? Is that where you were running off to?" Granny asked.

"I wasn't 'running off.' I was starting my own life. One where I can make my own choices and have my own dreams. One without you."

"That seems to have worked out well for you," Granny said sarcastically.

Ruby so did not need this right now.

"Your trip to Boston will have to wait," Dr. Plum said, smiling at her sympathetically.

"What? Why?"

"Because you have a concussion, bruised ribs, minor friction burns on your arms from the airbag, and a sprained ankle."

"So, I just have to sit here for weeks like some invalid? Not happening." Ruby tried to cross her arms defiantly, but the action made her arms sting and her ribcage ache.

"I can take care of her," Granny said. "She can come home, can't she? She doesn't need to stay in the hospital if she has someone to look after her?"

"That's –"

"No way!" Ruby said. "I'm not going home with you, Granny."

"Don't be a fool, girl," Granny said.

"Calling me a fool is a great way to apologize, thanks," Ruby said, rolling her eyes. At least, she could still do that.

"Ruby, be reasonable," Mary Margaret said. "Granny's just – "

"Stay out of this, Mary Margaret. It has nothing to do with you. Why are you even here?"

"I was in the diner when Granny got the call, and we were both worried – "

"I can take care of myself just fine!"

"Actually, you can't," Dr. Plum said. "I'm sorry, but if you don't have someone to look after you at home, you can't leave the hospital."

"So, it's picking the lesser of two evils?"

"Ruby, come on. Where else are you going to go?" Mary Margaret asked, and damn it all if she didn't have a point. Ruby didn't want to stay in the hospital, but was going home to Granny's really better?

"She can stay with us," a young voice said. All heads turned to see two familiar kids running into the room.

"Henry? What are you doing here?" Emma asked.

"We got a ride with Mary Margaret and Granny," he said.

"But … but why?" Emma turned on Mary Margaret. "Why?"

"He said his father was here … Is that not why you're here?"

Emma's eyes grew wide, and she turned to her son. "Henry, what happened to your dad?"

"Nothing. I mean –"

"I lied," the girl with him, Paige, Ruby recalled, said. "We wanted to come and make sure Ruby was okay."

"Seems dishonesty runs in the family," Graham said.

"My kid wasn't the one who lied," Emma said. Then she shot her son a look. "Going along with it wasn't a smart move, though, and we will be talking about this later."

"Fine, but can she stay with us?"

"Henry –"

"It just makes sense. We have that pull-out couch, and dad is a nurse. He can help look after her."

"I'm not sure a young lady should be staying with your family," Graham said.

Emma's eyes flared. "She would be perfectly safe with us. More than safe. You heard Henry: Neal's a nurse. He can look after her and …"

Emma turned to Ruby. "What do you think about this? It's not ideal, but if you want it, we'd be willing to look after you for a bit."

Ruby didn't need to think about it. "If the choices are hospital, Granny's, or you, I pick you."

"All right, then," Dr. Plum said. "Let me finish going over everything about your injuries and necessary care, and then I'll get the discharge papers."

---

Emma had texted Neal that she had to help someone get to the hospital, and she'd just meet him at home … assuming he was coming home. He didn't love the implication of the text, but he knew he deserved it. He should have gotten in touch with her sooner.

"What happened to you last night?" his father asked, the second he got in the door.

"I passed out drunk in the woods."

"That's not like you."

"No, it's not. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there was something in my drink, especially given I woke up with a bloodstain on my hoodie."

His father's eyes widened. "Bae, are you hurt?"

Neal shook his head. "I don't think it was my blood. And according to the woman I'm working for, someone might be trying to frame me. You know, she offered to be my ally?"

"This woman is …?"

"Dr. Drake," Neal said.

His father nodded. "A woman who claimed to have a medical background offered me something similar some time back. She also implied that she has some awareness of what is truly taking place in this cursed town. Perhaps it was this Dr. Drake?"

"Could be. She warned me, and she helped clean the blood from my hoodie, so they won't be able to find any DNA. Do you think we can trust her, Papa?"

"I'm not certain we can trust anyone in this town," his father said. "Hm. You know, Mary Margaret Blanchard is Snow White, and Blanchard comes from the old French word for 'white'. The Wicked Witch, known for her greenish hue, is named Zelena—a word that means 'green,' among other things. Her last name is Mills, and according to what I've read of Henry's book, her grandfather was a miller.

"A drake is a male duck," he continued, "but the name comes from draca, meaning 'dragon'. It might be wise for us to explore the stories of dragons in Henry's books to see if we can't find out just who this Dr. Drake is."

"Sounds like a plan."

---

Jack usually enjoyed his workday as much as one could enjoy working for someone they loved and could not have.

Sure, lately, he'd taken a lunchbreak or two longer than he used to so he could visit Rosie Boyd at the hospital, but that didn't mean anything. He just liked cheering the poor girl up. She was much prettier when she gave him a genuine smile, and he kind of liked being the one to put it on her face. That was just a small thing, though. The most important part of his day was at work, where he could be near the mayor, serve her, and worship her … but not today.

He had slept funny last night. He was certain he'd had nightmares, but he couldn't remember them, and that was bothering him more than he'd like. He'd also bumped into the sheriff and told him that he'd seen Neal Stiltskin walking around town in a blood-stained grey hoodie, which he must have, because he wouldn't have said it if it hadn't happened. If he said something, it must be true, even if he couldn't quite remember it. If he did something, he must have a reason, even if that reason was becoming harder to pinpoint.

For example, why did he keep visiting Rosie? Why was he so harsh with his wife, Aria? Most of all, why did he feel so bloody guilty all of the time now? He had been jumpy all day, and he knew he needed to make things right, but what was it he needed to make right?

He had gotten better with Aria, at least. They'd agreed to stay out of each other's way, so he wouldn't get annoyed with her and hurt her for it. That's not right, mate, hitting someone 'cause they annoy you. Your Ma raised ya better than that, didn't she?

How had his mother raised him? He couldn't remember. He felt he had always been a social climber, an uppercut sort, worthy of rubbing elbows with the mayor and the like. Except the more time he spent with Rosie, the more a low-class cockney type accent seemed to come out of his mouth. And why did his thoughts keep going to Rosie?

He had been thinking about Aria, though. Aria, whom he had always resented for being his wife. Aria, who always annoyed him, even if he couldn't remember why. What had she done that was so bad? She wasn't who he wanted to be with, but how was that her fault?

And he did things … bad things to her, and she didn't tell anyone. She stayed with him. He didn't pay for her food or let her sleep in her own bed, and she'd always just taken it. Maybe … maybe staying away wasn't enough to make it right. Maybe he should do something nice for her.

He had a vague recollection that she liked to read. He could buy her a book, maybe?

"'ello? Anyone 'ere?" he asked, entering the local bookshop.

A short man (little person, Jack believed was the correct term) came out from what Jack assumed was a backroom.

"Right. Hello then. I'd like a book." The man just stared at him blankly, not saying anything, so Jack kept talking. "I don't know what book. I guess one … I guess one where a woman puts up with a man treating her badly, learns to forgive 'im, and ends up okay in the end … If you got any like that?"

The man held up a finger and went to one of the shelves. After finding what he was looking for, he pulled the book out and brought it over, handing it to Jack. The book was titled The Phantom of The Opera by Gaston Laroux.

"Yeah. I guess that'll do. How much?"

The man didn't speak, just beckoned Jack over to the cash register to settle up.

Before he reached the cash register, Jack noticed a copy of Alice through the Looking Glass and found himself picking it up. While flipping through the pages, his eyes settled on an image of the Red Queen, and he couldn't help but remember that night at the Glass Slipper, Rosie all done up in makeup, throwing an axe at his head. She looked much prettier without all that mess on her face; that was for sure. He considered getting the book for her, just as a laugh, of course, but then … well, from what he recalled of the story, the Red Queen was a villain, wasn't she? And much as Rosie might see herself as a villain, Jack just couldn't.

He looked over at the man who was waiting patiently by the cash register. "Also, maybe … if there's one also where … where it's like, like some'ut ain't what people think, like evil or some such, except not really, like the Red Queen in Wonderland or … like, it's Cinderella maybe, except the stepsister ain't so evil, and ya' get to hear her story? But also funny, maybe. Do ya got one like that?"

He wasn't really sure why he asked. He'd just thought that Rosie might like something like that.

The man got another book for him, with a title about an ugly stepsister.

"She ain't ugly," he found himself saying reflexively.

The man just stared at him, and Jack knew he sounded crazy. Of course, the stepsister was ugly. Wasn't that how the story went? Wasn't that why the prince in the story didn't pick her? Even if he was off his nutter, there had to have been a reason the prince picked a maid over a woman who came from money, right?

Except, Jack thought he could remember another version that he'd heard once, vague, in the back of his mind, about how the stepsister also married a maid or baker or something. She was rich and expected to marry someone richer. That was just how it went back then, and it wasn't really all that different nowadays, even if some said it was.

It would be easier for a prince who could elevate his bride up to his station, but a girl from a well-off family wouldn't have been expected to support her husband in a tale like that, so she'd be broke if the bloke she fancied was broke. It would take someone pretty strong to do something like that.

Maybe it didn't need to be a story about a stepsister, ugly or otherwise. Maybe it just needed to be a happy story about someone strong enough to leave it all behind.

"What I mean is … like, in that story, people is down on the stepsister 'cause she wants to marry for money an' all, but ain't that what she was taught? And it don't hurt to have money, does it? It's hard to live without, that's for sure. But maybe something happens, like she learns to trust herself, learns to love, and then … and then maybe it's okay to not have so much. I think that's the story I meant … but funny."

The man smiled, put up another finger, and went off to another shelf. Jack watched him wiz around the shop, grabbing a few books, before he returned and handed the books to Jack. One was called A Room with A View by E. M. Forster, another was called Persuasion by Jane Austen, and the third was called The Princess Bride by William Goldman.

Jack knew he ought to have read them at one point, and maybe he had, but he couldn't really remember now, so he just skimmed the back covers, which weren't very helpful.

"You sure?" he asked the man, who just pointed emphatically at each book, smiling like a Cheshire. "All right then. These'll do."

---

"It'll just be for a couple of days," Ruby said, as Emma made up the bed. "A week, tops. I am so out of this out as fast as I can be, so I won't be much trouble."

"It's no trouble," Emma's husband Neal said. "We're happy to help." He shot his wife a smile, which, Ruby noted, Emma didn't return.

"Emma said you're a nurse?" Ruby asked.

Neal nodded. "Yeah. And I won't be here the whole time, because I have a job, but I'll see if I can cut my hours a bit while you're here."

"You don't have to –"

"You shouldn't make promises like that," Emma said shortly.

"I want to help."

"Of course you do. That's who you are: you're a helpful guy. You haven't been the most reliable guy lately, though."

"Is this about the other night? Because I know I haven't had time to explain where I was – "

"And here and now isn't really the place and time to explain it," Emma said, glancing at Ruby.

"Oh, I don't mind," Ruby said. "I love the drama."

Emma gave her a quick smile. "Noted, but I hope you don't mind if we try to still keep some stuff private?"

Ruby nodded. "I can keep a secret, you know. And I don't want you walking on eggshells around me. The last thing I need is to be a burden on someone."

"You're not a burden," Emma said. "We're happy to help you, I promise."

"But you're going through a thing, and you want me to stay out of your business?" Ruby asked.

"We'll keep our private lives in the bedroom,""Neal said, causing Ruby to grin. Neal's eyes got wide. "Not like that. I mean, that too, but –"

"We want you to feel comfortable," Emma interrupted him. "Does the set-up work for you, with the couch folded out like this? We'll put this table here, so you can have access to the remote and your phone to text us if you need anything."

"Yeah. It's perfect. And thanks. I really didn't want to go back to Granny's."

Emma nodded."What happened with you guys, anyway?"

After a pause, Ruby said, "How about I stay out of your business, and you stay out of mine?"

"Fair enough."

---

"I think we should find her grandmother," Snow said.

"Is that really our business or our place?" Dorothy asked.

"She thinks her grandmother hates her, but that can't be true. There's been a breakdown in communication somewhere; I'm sure of it. Once she sees that her grandmother loves her, she'll realize humans aren't as bad as she thinks. And besides, I just couldn't live with myself if I didn't try to help."

"I know you couldn't," Dorothy said with a sigh. Since arriving in Misthaven, she'd seen firsthand how soft-hearted and naïve Snow could be. Frankly, it reminded her of herself when she'd been younger. She was still that way, sometimes, but with Snow as her ally, she knew she had to be a bit more realistic. One of them had to be, and while David wasn't quite as hopeful and idealistic as his wife, he also tended to defer to her when it mattered. "Snow, I know that you think her grandmother couldn't possibly bear her ill-will, but what if you're wrong? What if the woman truly hates her? If that's the case, then bringing them together won't be a happy day for anyone."

"I thought my mother hated me. I thought she blamed me for my father's death, but it was all a lie. A parent can't hate their child."

"Snow, my parents did hate me. Or rather, they didn't love me enough. They were willing to send me off to a madhouse rather than believe me."

"That doesn't mean they didn't love you," Snow said, a pleading note in her voice.

"Maybe they loved me in their way. Maybe Red's Granny loves her as well, in her way. But that doesn't mean she wouldn't try to kill her, if the two were reunited. We don't know what kind of woman she is, what prejudices she has, what she's capable of. What if bringing them back together just makes everything worse?"

Snow shook her head, "I can't believe that. If we can find her –"

"If you insist on doing this, let's be smart about it. I'll ask around and see what I can determine about the sort of woman she is. Then, if it seems safe, I'll bring her back here."

"You're doing a good job looking after her," Snow said. "I can tell she trusts you more than me. Why don't I go and -?"

"I think it ought to be me. You want to see the best in people, and we need to discern her nature as it is, not as how we wish it to be."

"Isn't seeing the worst in someone just as bad as seeing the best?"

"I'm not looking for the worst. I want her to have the family she lost back. I just need to be sure, and I need to be on guard in case her grandmother isn't what we hope. Besides, subterfuge isn't your forte, Snow."

Snow sighed. "All right. Well, try not to take too long. With you gone, I'm not sure how long she'll stay."

"I don't see why she'd stay longer for me."

"No," Snow said with a smile. "No, I suppose you don't know yet. I look forward to the day that you do."

---

"I just don't know how we grew so far apart," Mary Margaret said to Ashley, as she helped her with the dishes.

"Didn't her grandmother kick you out?" Ashley asked. "I mean, that was the rumor, at least. Said you were a bad influence or something?"

"Something like that, yes. Still, we were so close once. I wish I was someone she felt she could come to when something happened. She didn't even tell me she was leaving town, and staying with me didn't occur to her either."

"We don't really have the room," Sean said. "Things are crowded here as it is."

"Remind me why you aren't helping with the dishes?" Ashley asked Sean.

"Because I do that sort of stuff at the bar every day, so I hardly want to do it at home."

"With all that practice, you'd think you'd be a natural though," Ashley said.

"Oh, I am," Sean said with a smile. "But since I'm not in the mood to do dishes, and you two haven't come up with your share of the rent since moving in, I think it's only fair that you do the work while I watch."

"Not in the mood to do dishes? And what does get you in the mood … to do dishes? Watching two girls do all the housework?"

Sean gave an awkward chuckle while pulling at his collar.

"Can this flirting wait, please?" Mary Margaret asked. "We were talking about my problem."

"That wasn't flirting," Sean said hastily.

Mary Margaret could only roll her eyes. "Anyway, I need to find some way to help Ruby. She moved out, quit her job, and she wouldn't even stay with Granny when she got into an accident. Surely, she would be better recovering at her home than at Emma's."

"Emma's pretty good at helping people," Ashley said. "And her place is huge. Way bigger than here. I'm sure Ruby's fine."

"That's not the point. It's not that staying with Emma and her family is bad, it's that refusing to stay with Granny is –"

"Those two were fighting nearly every time I came into the diner, and frankly, Ruby's not a very good waitress," Ashley said. "Nobody gets cutting your family loose better than me. I say, more power to her."

"Well, I remember what it was like to lose family, and I just can't sit back and let Ruby – "

"I've lost family too," Ashley said turning to glare at Mary Margaret. "My dad died, and it was horrible. I don't even remember my mom. But the stepfamily my dad left me with treated me like shit, and that was on a good day."

"From what I hear, you were out of control," Mary Margaret said.

"From what I hear," Ashley said, getting in Mary Margaret's personal space, "so were you."

"Hey now," Sean said, getting between them, his hands up in a placating gesture, "maybe we shouldn't spend so much time thinking about what we heard. This town likes to talk, but you're both decent people who are just trying to look out for Ruby."

"I don't think it's our business," Ashley said.

"I just think," Mary Margaret said, "that people in this town could stand to get in each other's business a little more. Oh, gossip is one thing. We all gossip. But before Emma came to town, the only person I could count on was my sister. And I don't think anyone was counting on me either. Maybe it's time we started looking out for each other."

"In that case," Ashley said, "Instead of trying to fix things between grandmother and granddaughter, instead of telling Ruby what she needs, maybe you should try asking her."

---

"So, I take it you're not thrilled with me right now?" Neal asked.

"Not thrilled? That doesn't even begin to … Neal, where were you last night?"

"I had a drink at a bar, passed out, and woke up in the woods."

Emma looked at him skeptically. "The woods? Really?"

"Yeah. What, do you not believe me?"

"It would be easier to defend you if you checked in, or if your alibi wasn't so weird," Emma said with a sigh. "Of course I believe you. I would know if you were lying, not that that'll hold up in front of a judge, but if you woke up in the woods, knowing you hadn't come home, why not call and let me know you were okay?"

"I meant to, but I got a little panicked when I realized how late I was for my new job, and then I misplaced my phone. By the time I got your texts and messages, it was already late in the afternoon."

"Well, the sheriff thinks you not picking up is suspicious. He thinks a lot of things are suspicious, and I can't tell him he's wrong."

"What exactly does he think I did?"

"He thinks you've been going around town hitting women, and I know you would never do that. But I can't honestly say you've never lied or kept things from me, and even if I could, a wife's word can only go so far. I'd have plenty of reasons to cover for you."

"So … it sounds like maybe we need to find out who actually is hurting these women," Neal said. "It started with Aria, right? Did she say anything when you first found her?"

"I … have my suspicions. She doesn't want to come forward, but maybe I can talk to her."

"Sounds like a good idea. And maybe try calling Lily? I know she doesn't practice in Maine, but she might have the name of someone local for us."

Emma nodded. "It's not a bad idea, though I don't think I'll have a chance before we have to go talk to the sheriff tomorrow."

Neal nodded. "Probably not. So much for him being a friend, huh?"

"Pissed as I am at him, he's just doing his job, Neal. This doesn't look good."

"I can't argue with you there," Neal said. "How come he came to you first anyway?"

"He said he was there as a friend."

Neal snorted. "I'll bet he was."

"We need to be together when we see the sheriff, united front," Emma said. "If you're keeping anything, no matter how small, I need to know. I can't be surprised in front of him."

Neal sighed. "There's some stuff we should go over, but, it's late and it's been a long day. Maybe we can talk on the car ride over?"

"Fine." She started to get into bed and Neal started to get in with her. "What are you doing?"

"I thought – "

"United front or not, we're still going through stuff. You still spent the whole night not coming home, and I didn't even notice, because we've been avoiding each other, and when I did notice, I couldn't get you on the phone."

"Ruby's on the pullout."

"Then bunk with your dad. I mean it, Neal. I can't … I love you, and I want to trust you, but I can't trust you in this moment. Not that way."

"But you trust I wouldn't hurt anyone, right?"

Emma nodded. "I trust that, yeah. I know you weren't out hurting women last night."

"But you don't think I was passed out in the woods?"

"I don't know, Neal. I just … let's just get some sleep. We'll talk in the morning."

---

When Ruby woke up, in pain and annoyed, she was surprised to see Mary Margaret sitting by her bedside, watching some gawdawful musical on TV.

"What are you doing here?" she asked. "Where's Emma?"

Mary Margaret paused the player with the remote and turned to Ruby. "Emma called me and said she and her husband had an errand to run for a couple of hours. Her son is at school, and her father-in-law uses a cane. She needed someone she could rely on for a few hours, and asked if I could take the morning off. David was surprisingly understanding."

"I didn't know you had a job," Ruby said. "Then again, we haven't been close for a while."

"True. I was actually wondering how that happened."

"You're asking me?" Ruby growled. "You're the one who moved out and never looked back."

"I was kicked out," Mary Margaret said.

"Fine. So, you were kicked out. But you made no effort to stay in my life. I thought we were friends."

"We were. We are."

"No, we're not. This is the first time you've seemed to give a damn about me. When you showed up at the hospital with Granny, for a minute I thought … But then you took her side."

"She's your family. She loves you. Do you know what I would give to have my family back?"

"You have your sister, which is like hitting the jackpot. What do I have? A cranky old crone who judges me for every choice I make."

"She means well. She was really worried about you."

Ruby groaned. "Look, if you need to look after me for a couple of hours, fine. But can we not talk?"

Mary Margaret let out a huff. "Fine. I guess I'll turn the movie back on."

"Like hell. I don't want to watch that, and I'm the patient. Put on something fun."

"Musicals are fun."

"They are entirely unrealistic."

"As opposed to your horror films."

"Well, at least nobody breaks out into song randomly. Talk about horror. And they aren't even good songs."

Mary Margaret pressed play on her musical.

"Hey!"

"If I have to sit here while you're in a mood, I can at least watch something enjoyable."

"I was in a car wreck, you witch. Switch it."

Mary Margaret sighed and clicked off the TV. "I guess we'll both just sit here in silence, then."

"Fine by me."

---

"Again, how did you end up in the woods?"

Neal groaned. "I don't know, okay? I had a drink, and then I woke up there."

"Wearing a hoodie you didn't remember putting on? Is it usual for you to just forget things you did?"

"I probably had one too many. It happens."

"It does. But if you can't remember where you were, how do you know where you weren't?"

"Because drunk or not, I would never beat someone up like that."

"And the witness who said they saw you in the same hoodie –"

"I'm not denying I wore the hoodie."

"But not while beating someone up?"

"No. Look, I woke up, I was wearing the hoodie. I was late for work, so I ran there, used the laundry for the hoodie because it had some kind of new stain on it, did my job, and then got your messages on my phone. End of story."

"Is it possible that whatever was on your hoodie was evidence?"

"It's possible," Neal said.

"Did you bring the hoodie with you?"

"No. I didn't know I needed to. But I can bring it by later if you like."

"Yes. I think that would be a good idea."

After what seemed an eternity, Neal headed out of the sheriff's office and collapsed into Emma's arms.

"He needs to bring potential evidence by later," Graham said.

"But you're not charging him, right?" Emma asked. At Graham's nod, she said, "Don't take this the wrong way, but if you guys talk again, we want a lawyer present, as is our right."

"I can contact the local lawyer," Graham said. "I'll have him call you."

"Fine," Emma said. "But I hope you don't mind if we look around too."

"There's only one lawyer in Storybrooke," Graham said.

"How does that work?" Emma asked.

"It just does," Graham said with a shrug.

"Fine. Have him call us."

---

When Aria woke up that morning, there was a package on the end table beside the place that she slept. She opened it and found a copy of The Phantom of the Opera (an English translation, of course), as well as a note from Jack saying that he thought she might like it.

He'd never done something like that for her, at least not that she could recall. Maybe he'd meant it when he said he wanted to be better. Maybe he really was changing.

She settled in to read.

---

"So, you're back then?" Rosie asked Jack, when he came and gave her the books. She said it all casual-like, but he could tell she was happy to see him. "Why these?"

"Bookseller seemed to think you would like them. I told him I wanted a not-evil ugly stepsister situation – "

"Is this you telling me you think I'm ugly?"

"No. 'Course not."

"Well, I couldn't blame you, I suppose. Not since I've gotten these injuries, at least."

"What's done to you was ugly, but you ain't ugly. You are the farthest thing from ugly I've ever seen."

Rosie blushed a bit. "Why did you run off the other day?"

Jack rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Can't remember, honestly. I remember being here and then … it's a bit of a blur. Think I went home?"

"Is that normal for you? Forgetting what you do or where you are?"

Jack shook his head, though he wasn't as sure as he should have been. "Don't think so."

"Well, be sure, will you? I don't want to sit here worrying about you again."

"You were worried about me?" Jack asked, smiling.

"Well, only much as one worries about someone who behaves madly. I wouldn't let it go to your head."

"Fair enough. But do you like the books?"

"Well, I haven't read them yet, have I? Saw the movie of this one, though," she said, holding up The Princess Bride. "It was funny, as I recall."

"I should hope so. I asked for funny."

"You are hopeless," Rosie said with a laugh.

---

Emma's kid was staring at her. Mary Margaret had left earlier, which was a blessing, and Neal had hung around in the living room with her for a while before going to pick his kid up from school. When he got back, Emma went out, and Neal said he would be in their bedroom if she needed anything. Apparently, it had been a long day. That had just left her and Henry in the living room.

She had nothing against the kid; he seemed okay, as far as kids went. Ruby wasn't sure she was really a kid person, though, and he just sort of kept watching her, like he was waiting for something.

"You want to take a picture, kid?" she finally asked.

"I did, remember? For that school project?"

"Oh yeah," Ruby said. "How'd that go?"

"I don't know yet," he said, "but I did show the picture to someone, and I was thinking … well, she seemed to really want to talk to you. I think you two should meet."

"Who do you want me to meet?"

"Her name is Dorothy. Does that mean anything to you?"

Ruby shrugged. "Just that it's the name of the girl from The Wizard of Oz."

Henry smiled. "I think you two would really hit it off. Maybe when you're feeling a little better, Dad can help you come with us to see her."

"Why doesn't she come here?" Ruby asked.

"She's kind of locked up. In an asylum." Ruby just gaped at him, but he kept talking, "It's not like it sounds. She's not crazy. Someone put her there because … Well, it's complicated, but trust me, you two are meant to be together."

"Let me get this straight. You, a ten-year-old boy who barely knows me, is trying to set me up with a mental patient?"

What kind of impression could she have made on this kid that he would think that was her type?

"You guys have a lot in common, I promise. If you'd just meet her, you'll see –"

"How would I even get into an asylum? How did you?"

"I went with Paige and my dad. We can get you in, I swear, and it'll be totally worth it once you meet her. It's super important that you guys get together. It's this whole true-love thing. She's Dorothy, and you're Red Riding Hood, and – "

"Red Riding Hood? Like, with the basket?"

"Actually, I think her grandmother was the one – "

"Fine, whatever. I'm Red Riding Hood, who apparently dates Dorothy. Let me know how that turns out."

"I know it sounds crazy, but if you'd just meet her – "

"I don't think so. But maybe I'll date the big bad wolf or something instead. Sound good?"

The kid got a mulish look on his face. "You'll see. Someday, you'll see." He went to his room, probably to mope or something.

Ruby just laughed. She was no Red Riding Hood. In fact, she'd sooner see herself as the wolf.

---

Red stirred as she felt someone once again cleaning and changing her bandages. "Kansas?" she asked.

"Snow," Princess Snow said, correcting her.

"Where's Dorothy?"

"She's out on a reconnaissance mission," Snow said. "Don't worry. She'll be back soon."

"Why would I worry?" Red asked.

Internally, she was asking herself the same question she'd just asked Snow. She wasn't worried, not exactly. It was something else, something that wanted Dorothy to be okay, but also that wanted Dorothy to be here, tending to her wounds instead of Snow.

"Doc says you're getting better," Snow said, not answering her question. "In a week or so, you should be good to go back to your pack."

"Good." Red said, "Do you think … will Dorothy be back before that?"

"I don't know. I hope so," Snow said. "Then we can all discuss what comes next."

"I've given it some thought," Red said. "And we might come to an agreement, regarding your Wicked Witch. I would want something in return, of course, for my pack, and I'd need to discuss it with them, but I'm … opening up to the idea. It seems like this is important."

Snow nodded. "All done," she said as she finished wrapping the wound. "You get some rest."

---

It was really not cool to do what she was about to do; Emma knew that. She also knew she didn't have much of a choice.

She was standing outside of the Scathe's home, waiting for Aria to come to the door.

"Emma," Aria said, a smile small on her face, "what a nice surprise. Though I suppose it shouldn't be. I assume you're here to see how I'm doing, perhaps brought some food again?"

"Actually … I mean, yeah, I do want to know how you're doing, obviously, and you look like you're healing, which is great. It's good to see you smiling. I just … "

"You just …?"

"I was wondering … hoping …that you might be willing to talk to the sheriff again, about who attacked you."

Aria's smile fell. "I already told him everything I need to."

"Right, but you didn't tell him who attacked you."

"I told him I didn't see the attacker."

"Which we both know isn't true. And normally, I would wait until you're ready to turn your husband in on your own terms, except that now, other women are being attacked, and my husband is being accused. So, I'm asking you, please, come forward, before more people get hurt."

"You think my husband is attacking women in town?"

"Who else could be? We know he's violent, that he went after you, and now – "

"I never actually said it was him who did that."

"Aria, come on, we both know –"

"You don't know. You don't know anything. I'm sorry if your husband is getting in trouble, but that doesn't mean you can start accusing mine. What makes you so sure your husband is innocent?"

"I know him," Emma said.

"And I know my husband. He says he wasn't the one who attacked those women, and I believe him. What's more, we're working on things, he's changing, things have been better lately, and I'm not going to let you stir the pot and ruin it. Now, I think you should leave."

Emma sighed. She knew this had been a mistake. Whatever progress she had made with Aria, she'd probably just blown all of it. But it was Neal. She had to try.

"They don't change, Aria. Men like that. They never change."

Aria slammed the door in her face.

---

"You don't have to stay late," David said, giving Mary Margaret one of his rare smiles.

"And you didn't have to give me the morning off," Mary Margaret said, smiling back. "Besides, I want to make this karaoke fundraiser happen as soon as possible. This town could use some fun for a change."

"I agree. How is Ruby, by the way?"

Mary Margaret grimaced. "Not too pleased with me. I tried to be supportive, but I guess I'm not that good at it."

"I bet you're better than you think."

"Careful, that was almost a compliment. Someone might mistake us for friends."

"Well, we can't have that, can we?"

---

"You're back," Red said, trying to keep the excitement from her voice. Dorothy was indeed back, and Red had woken up to her smiling face.

"I wasn't sure you would still be here," Dorothy said, avoiding Red's gaze.

It was a fair thing to say. Red wasn't sure why she was still there. She wasn't one hundred per cent healed, but she was healed enough to make her way safely back to her pack; she had been for a few days. Except she kept finding excuses to stay, to wait just a little bit longer. She didn't want to admit the reason to herself.

"I've been discussing an alliance with Princess Snow, and what she'd be willing to offer my pack in return. I have some ideas myself, but once I return to my pack … Which I suppose I should; I'm nearly healthy enough."

"Then why haven't you gone?"

"I … " She couldn't say it, even if she knew deep down the reason.

"I'm glad you waited. I was hoping you would." Dorothy smiled at her, and Red felt all warm inside. "I brought someone back to talk to you, and … and I hope you don't hate me."

Before Red could ask why she would hate Dorothy, an older woman stepped into the room, carrying the basket she'd used to give Red to sell baked goods in town.

"Hello, Red."

"Granny."

---

"What are you doing here?" Ruby asked.

"I came to check on you," Granny said, standing awkwardly in Emma's living room. "I brought some of your favorites from the diner."

"I hate the food at the diner," Ruby said reflexively. It wasn't really true, but she was still angry, and it wasn't as though Granny was the world's best cook or anything.

"Ruby, I know you're mad at me. I'm not thrilled with you right now either, if I'm being honest. But you're my granddaughter, and you're hurt. I'm worried about you."

"I'm doing just fine here, thanks."

"I still don't know why you were so mad. All I said was -"

"I remember what you said. You want to tie me to this town and to you forever."

"Ruby, I don't want to tie you down or keep you from anything. But I lost a daughter once, and I don't want to lose another one."

"You don't think I'm capable of being anything other than a waitress," Ruby said. "You don't think I can take care of myself or do anything that matters."

"Running the diner matters. I wanted you to do the books and everything, so you could take over when I retire. Own the whole place."

"Own it?" Ruby asked, her eyes widening in surprise. "The diner means everything to you. Why would you want me to own it?

"Who else would I give it to but someone who loves me back?"

Ruby took a deep breath. "Here's the thing. Um… you were talking about having me do all this stuff, and I…wasn't sure. I said that you wanted me to turn into you, but what I meant was, I don't know how to be you. You're a tough act to follow."

"Oh."

"And then you wanted me to take on all this extra responsibility, and I… guess I just got scared."

"Don't be. You shouldn't be."

"Well, I am. It always felt like I was the problem child, you know? Not as bad as Mary Margaret, maybe but still not … I guess I just didn't realize you believed in me. It means a lot that you do. And … and I'm not sure I want to take over the diner someday. I still have a lot to figure out about what I want for my future, but maybe, if it's okay, I could come home?"

---

"Why did you just let him leave? He should be in jail right now for what he did!" Zelena said, pacing.

"That's not how the legal system works. I don't have evidence. Not yet. Hopefully, I will soon. He dropped this off," Graham took out the hoodie, which Zelena couldn't help but notice was missing a blood stain.

Zelena was furious. This was not going according to plan. Who was this family? Why were they here mucking everything up?

"Well, give me the tapes for the last couple of nights, at least. Maybe there's something there."

"Nothing I saw."

"Well, I'm not you, am I? I'm smarter. Perhaps you missed something."

---

"Dorothy, how could you do this? How could you bring her here? You know what she did, how I feel about her, I …"

"Wolfie, just … Please, I know what you think happened, but there's more to it. I wouldn't have brought her here if I didn't think it would help you. I would never put you in danger. Just hear her out?"

Red sighed. "All right, Granny. What do you have to say, after all this time?"

"Being a wolf … it was hard for me. Being hunted, not remembering how I spent my nights. And your mother … it was different for her. She felt like she found herself in it. That scared me, because I was scared of myself. I wasn't the best mother; I know that now. When she ran off – "

"She said you kicked her out."

"I didn't like how she was choosing to live her life, so I gave her a choice. I thought she made the wrong one, but I would have welcomed her back if she had – "

"Suppressed the wolf?"

"Learning to control the wolf wasn't the problem, Red. But she had no problem killing people."

"You said she was dead, but she wasn't. She loved me, and I lost so much time with her –"

"I didn't think I could trust her with you. You were so small, and vulnerable, and she was so angry after your father was killed. I thought she might hurt you."

"So you stole me -?"

"I gave her a choice. She chose revenge and … and freedom, I suppose, in her eyes."

"Would you ever have told me?"

"As far as I knew, she was dead, and I didn't want you to go out looking for trouble."

"You didn't tell me. You didn't warn me. I ate Peter because I didn't know what I was."

"I tried to find a way for you to suppress the wolf, but I couldn't. Nobody had a cure -"

"It's not a disease! It's who I am, and you couldn't accept that. When Peter was killed, you told me to leave."

"A mob was after you, what was I supposed to do?"

"I don't know, come with me? Protect me? I was just a child, and I was out there all alone."

"I wanted to go with you, but someone had to fight the mob, stop them from following you, give them a false trail."

Red's eyes widened. "What?"

"I told them I was the wolf. They went after me, ran me out of town. I tried to find you, but you were long gone."

"But you … You protected me from them?"

"I love you, Red. I shouldn't have to say it."

"I … I love you too. Deep down, I always still did. I just thought …"

"There was bad blood between your mother and me. Much as I mourn her, we were very different. But you … you're my granddaughter. I've always loved you."

---

"Thanks for letting me stay," Ruby said.

"No problem," Emma said. "You're welcome to stay longer, if you need."

Ruby shook her head. "I appreciate it, but I belong with my family, at least for now. Anyway, your kid was trying to matchmake me with a mental patient, so I kind of feel like I should make myself scarce."

"My … Henry was what?"

"He said his dad had taken him to some asylum, and he'd met this girl who I would hit it off with. Then he started talking about how we're characters in a cartoon or musical or whatever. Some imagination, that kid, huh?"

"Yeah," Emma said, her mind whirling.

"Well, I'm off. Don't worry about me. Granny's good at this sort of thing … in theory."

Neal came out of the bedroom to see Ruby off, and the two of them watched as Granny helped her into the car. "You going to miss our guest?" Neal asked.

"She said something funny," Emma said, trying to keep her temper. "About Henry and you. She said you took Henry to an asylum. Is that true?" Neal avoided Emma's gaze, but didn't reply. "What could you possibly have been thinking?"

"He was going either way. Wasn't it better I went with him?"

"No! Neal, what is going on with you? Taking our son somewhere dangerous like that? Getting drunk and passing out in the woods? And now these accusations – "

"Don't tell me you think - ?"

"I don't know what to think. But now, more than ever, I need to be able to trust you and … and I'm not sure that I can. I'm not sure that I do."

---

"Thank you," Red said to Dorothy after Granny left. "I didn't know how much I was missing her until she was right in front of me."

"I'm just glad it worked out. You deserve to have your family."

"The pack is my family," Red said., "But Granny is, too. Maybe I have to learn how to be both. Like you did." She shot Dorothy a shy smile. "I have to head back to the wolves. We have a lot to talk about. But maybe … I mean, hopefully, we'll be working together to stop this Wicked Witch of yours. So, I'll see you?"

Dorothy nodded. "Yes. I'd like that."

---

"Your girlfriend was in an accident," Zelena said.

Dorothy jumped. "What?"

"Oh, calm down. She's recovering. In fact, she recovered a bit at the home of that lovely family that just came to town. Had a fun chat with the youngest, a chat which I was able to overhear."

Dorothy winced, which made Zelena smile. "This boy, it seems he knows of my curse. It seems you've been speaking with him, my pretty. And I'll need to know what you've said to them, and what they've said to you.

"Because I think this family is important, and I think you know why. So, you're going to tell me, or else your little dog girlfriend will have another accident, and she won't come back from this one. So, will you tell me what I want to know? Or should I make myself a nice fur pelt?"

"I'll tell you … I'll tell you everything."