Salve Regina

(Save the Queen)

IX

"It was only a matter of time before we needed to meet, King Scarecrow." Glinda the Good Witch stood before the dishevelled King.

"Yes, Glinda. Your help is very much needed. I know we must not call on you except for in dire need. This is definitely a time of desperation and confusion." Scarecrow wiped sweat from his brow.

"How so?"

He intook a large breath before speaking. "Dorothy is back, as you know, but for cruel intentions. You've been generous to look after our world for as long as you have. Ever since Mombi was executed, things were great. The kingdom was running smoothly and everyone was happy. We all have our boundaries to keep the more violent creatures at bay, there are hundreds of soldiers, hundreds of amateur magicians, and so many more advantages we obtained over the years. I don't know what to do. All of a sudden our Queen disappears and the world is in shambles."

"In all respect, King Scarecrow, you've done a wonderful job running this world. However, you doubt yourself. This is a very weak thing to do. I cannot make miracles happen. I can only protect and serve so far. I do not think Oz is in danger so long as you keep a clear mind and focus on one thing at a time." Glinda folded her hands neatly against the front of her gown.

Scarecrow asked, "What do I do to achieve this when there is so much turmoil?"

"Believe in yourself. Believe in your instincts. I feel that you might be wrong in some ways, but that is why we are different spirits. My assistance is no longer needed in your home. I need to resume my position in protecting and supporting the gentle-hearted. Now, I think you will find it helpful if you find a plan of action not so abrasive at first. Let the culprit surface. Then do as you feel."

Before Scarecrow could absorb Glinda's words, she disappeared.

0o0o0o0o

Dorothy slowly pushed through the golden doors. Her veins pulsed with racing blood while images of darkness crossed her mind. The Ruby Slippers glowed brightly as she stepped into nothing more than a dim-lit ballroom. In her aching head formed more haunting thoughts. She tried to shake the fear from her body, but only gained more with each second.

Now in the center of the ballroom, Dorothy could hear a distant laughing. It's maliciousness caused Dorothy's nerves to finally shatter. Her hands and feet shook as her blood continued to race violently.

"Dorothy, I knew the day would come where our paths would cross."

The sudden masculine voice caused Dorothy to close her eyes for a moment. She gulped a harsh lump in her throat.

"Now that you're here, you might as well meet me."

A bolt of electricity ran through Dorothy's body as a strong arm wrapped around her waist. She tried to scream, only to feel a warm hand close around her mouth. She was entrapped by an enemy whose identity was undiscovered.

"Wouldn't you like to know," The man whispered, "who I am? Or what my intentions are for you and Oz? Wouldn't you like to know if I'm going to help your cause or if I'm actually full of malice?"

Dorothy made a few noises behind the man's hold. Her body responded to the mystery in a very unexpected way. Her heart rate slowed back to normal and her nerves ceased all unnatural activity. She felt attracted to the unknown. Perhaps it was due to lack of surprise in her life, or maybe it was simply attractive. Either way, she was still frightened.

The man spoke again with a soft voice, "Do not scream. It won't do any good."

At once, Dorothy felt her body free from envelopment. She slowly turned around. Her wondering eyes stared square into two dark pools.

"I am Damion. And you are Dorothy Gale of Kansas." Damion's lips parted slightly. He smirked mischievously.

The Ruby Slippers continued to glow red, lighting up the spotless floor. Dorothy stood like a statue in her spot, unable to even think straight. This man before her was no monster. In fact, in other circumstances she would find him very handsome.

"Please," Words slipped effortlessly out of Dorothy's mouth. "tell me where Ozma is. What do you want from Oz?"

"At least you get to the point." The smirk faded. "Ozma is alive, but she is elsewhere as of right now. As for Oz, I want nothing more than what is mine.-And don't go asking what is mine. I don't like nosy people. They're quite annoying."

The ballroom's chandeliers suddenly lit up, making the room sparkle and shine. Dorothy felt small as she examined her surroundings. Damion walked close to her, intaking her underestimated beauty.

"I know you have another question, Dorothy Gale."

It took a moment before Dorothy found her voice again. She finally asked, "Why am I here in Oz?"

"You are here," The decietful man replied, "because of me. I was aching to meet you."

"Seriously?" Her patience wore thin. "Why am I here? Do you know?"

A few laughs escaped from Damion's throat. "Please, do not mistake me for some evil-doer. I am merely seeking revenge. I knew that if you hadn't come to Oz on my command, the Scarecrow would have opened the opportunity for you to come play heroine again. I can't have that now, can I?"

"So," The puzzling facts started to pieve together for Dorothy. "You're trying to rid of me so you can take over Oz?"

"If that's the way you want to describe it, you are correct. However, I like to see myself as a man searching for peace among my life. Nothing bad about that. We all search for peace at some point. You were searching for peace right before that truck hit you. -Or was that money you were looking for? In your Uncle's possessions?"

"You! You watched me?"

Damion grinned, "I more than watched; I planned it all. Do you think that truck hitting you was an accident? Alright, I'll try to explain this to you with as much detail as I can. But you should listen carefully."

0o0o0o0o

From behind the ballroom doors stood Spen, hunched over in the darkness so not to be seen. He had just arrived in time to hear Damion speaking. Of course, Spen had no idea who this man was, or what he was doing in Oz.

Spen inched closer to the door to hear better.

Dorothy spoke, "This is confusing beyond belief. I don't care if you want to rid of me right now or not. Just tell me what the hell is happening!"

"I'll start from the beginning. A long time ago, I was born a son into a disturbing world. My parents were killed when I was three. I ran to the hills, hoping no one would know who I was for fear of death. While I survived in the caves and lived on plants and berries, I also ran and lifted rocks to gain strength and agility. My childhood didn't last. I soon became a young boy who's priorities became clearer than the night sky in Emerald City. I was destined to cease and destroy those who killed my parents. Within months," Damion shook his head and continued, "I came across a great discovery."

The ballroom was silent. Dorothy knew what he was talking about. They were on her feet.

"Seemed that a little girl dropped them carelessly again after saving Oz a second time around. Of course, it was years after her triumphant victory against my Father."

"Your Father?" Dorothy's eyes widened.

"Yes," Damion pointed at the Ruby Slippers, "My Father, the Gnome King, took his Ruby Slippers back when you dropped them your first visit to Oz. Guess what? Your feet decided to rid of them once again after Ozma sent you home. I found them in a bird's nest. But not just any bird's nest. I had somehow found a way to the Willowrig Habitat."

Spen, still in the darkness, stared wide-eyed at the Gnome King's son. He had enough information to prove Dorothy innocent already. He spun on his heel and glided fast through the hallway and out of the castle. He would send Dorothy help and inform King Scarecrow everything he heard and witnessed. He hoped Scarecrow wasn't already on his way to corner Dorothy.