Oz Victorious

Chapter Thriteen: Darkness

Its muscular legs trotting forward, the Gump grunted as Oz steered it towards the east. Behind the two, the setting sun painted the sky a dramatic crimson shade, gently shining on the Wizard's neck. Looking from side to side, the travelling company saw charred remains of the once-proud country, which soon turned to natural vegetation, forming a dark forest before long. The sky seemed to grow darker as the Wizard advanced eastward. "I think we're coming closer," the man declared. "I can feel something..." The Gump suddenly jerked back, nearly knocking its rider off. "Whoa, boy..." Looking forward, Oz saw the dead, vein-like remains of black trees and weeds. Shade coated all of the land at one point. "A valley of darkness," the Wizard whispered, jumping off of his mount. Motioning for the Gump to stay, Oz slowly walked forward, putting his hand into the darkness. "...I have nothing here...I have no power here." Gazing deep into the void, the man could see the black wings of flying monkeys as they marched up and down in rows. Turning away as he walked backwards, the Wizard muttered a silent prayer for Victoria, mounted the Gump, and departed from the area.

Heading north, Oz marked on his map, and embraced the cool breeze blowing on his neck. No Yellow Brick Road in sight, the blond man relied on his magic to guide him. The Gump grunted as he marched forward. Hours passed by, but the two continued forward. Casting a spell for light, the Wizard saw the wilderness coming to an end, and a flat plain forming. "One more night in the woods," the blond man declared, leaping off of the animal. "You mind, boy?" Taking the leash, Oz tied up the Gump, fed him some grass, then lay down beside him. "Goodnight." Closing his eyes, the Wizard felt his protection spell protect and warm his body as he drifted into slumber.

Before the lights of dawn rose from the hills on the horizon, Oz mounted the Gump and journeyed forward. With each passing minute, the wind grew colder and colder until tiny, introquette flakes of snow began to fall and blow from the skies. Holding out his hand, the Wizard watched as one single snow flake landed, displaying its own unique pattern and spider web-like design, and then disappeared. Feeling his mount's thick, wool-like fur, the blond man pulled on his hood, and braced himself for the cold. The Gump didn't seem to mind the chill, turning its trot into a brisk march. Deep drifts of snow glistened not far ahead, nearly blinding Oz. "There's a mountain up ahead," he declared. "Are you up for a hike? I can sense something up there...maybe it's a lost country." The two walked along the mountainside until they found a hill. Pulling forward on the leash, the Wizard guided the green animal up the steep climb, covering his eyes from the icy daggers blowing in the wind. Its hooves digging deep into the snow, the Gump grunted and pushed onward. "Good boy," the Wizard whispered, guiding the creature around a sharp turn. Glancing to his side, the blond man witnessed the massive drop off below him, then veered to the left.

Scarlet, yellow, and orange hues filled the sky as entire barriers of snow washed over the land. His body cold and numb after hours of riding, Oz felt the Gump stop. The winds seemed to halt, allowing the man to remove the hood from his face. Surrounding the two on both sides were large, dark cave walls. "Thanks, boy," the Wizard said, gently stroking the animal's large snout. Leaping onto the snow-covered ground, Oz stared into the seemingly endless cavern before him. Waving his hands, the man made a small fire appear within the cave, gently floating above the snow. "We'll have to spend the night here," he said. "Maybe by then, the storm'll pass. Goodnight, Mr. Gump." Laying down in the snow, Oz closed his eyes. Suddenly, something echoed throughout the bowels of the cave, causing the blond man to shoot up from his improvised bed. "Hello?" Some time passed by, filling the air with nothing but silence. Must've been a rock falling. Then, the noise echoed once again; it was a voice. Standing up and dropping his hood down, the Wizard looked back at the Gump. "Wait here until I come back." With that, the blond man formed a ball of light in his hand, and walked into the darkness of the cave. Staring at his master, the green creature dug into the snow with his hoof.

Descending deeper and deeper into the mysterious cave, the Wizard looked from side to side. Along the walls, cave drawings zigged and zagged, nearly glowing with unique colors and hues. Most of the designs were crude stick figures and incoherent Ozian symbols from days old. Slowly stroking his hand along the cave walls, Oz tightened his gaze, trying to make sense of what was before him. "...Is anyone in here?" he cried out, lifting the light over his head. "Anyone?"

"Who are you?" a strange voice called back. "Why are you here?"

"I come from the Emerald City," the Wizard yelled. "I am a representative of the Wizard."

"...Come closer," the voice demanded. Moving the light closer to himself, Oz slowly walked forward, feeling the ground starting to descend. Even with the glowing orb, everything seemed to grow darker. At last, the blond man came upon a flight of stone steps. Cautiously walking down each step, the Wizard glanced from side to side, seeing the paintings growing more and more lifelike and violent in nature. Stepping onto the ground at the bottom of the stairs, the man held out his light, finding a red and golden throne before him. In it, a young man with long, flowing, black hair topped with a jagged silver crown. "Your majesty," the Wizard greeted with a bow.

"Indeed," the young man replied, rising from his seat. "Welcome to the Mountains...you have traveled far. Come, take a seat."

Noticing a stone chair, Oz obeyed the dark-haired boy, setting his light on the cave floor. "Thank you. I apologize, but I am unfamiliar with this land. Are you its king?"

"Yes," the young man answered, tending to a carving in the wall. "I am heir to the throne, and the last of my bloodline. However, I am still young in many ways, and have taken the mantle of prince for the time being."

"The Wizard sends his greetings," the blond man declared. "He will be glad to know of a new land. There is a spot waiting for you on the council."

"Council?" the young prince repeated, walking over to another wall. Holding his hand over the ground, the dark-haired boy willed a rock to grow and form a small table with a staff resting upon it. Taking the staff, the prince returned to his throne. "I have heard little of your wizard, but what I have heard impresses me...he rules this council?"

"Yes," Oz answered. "The leaders of the neighboring countries will act as his advisers and representatives of their land. The Wizard merely oversees the meetings and is consulted on each major decision."

"Interesting," the dark-haired young man replied, displaying little emotion. "The power of this council sounds great...if I were to accept the invitation, my reach would join the other leaders and extend to all of Oz. Would it not?"

"Yes, your majesty," the Wizard answered. "Please, tell me, what people reside in this land? I haven't come across another living being since I left the forest."

"I rule over the Nome Kingdom," the prince answered, staring at the golden staff in his hand. "My people reside high and deep inside the heart of the mountains. It is rare that I receive company."

"I have noticed your dominion over the stones," Oz said. "Are you a sorcerer?"

"In training," the young man answered, his pride barely hidden within his voice. "I intend to use my powers to better my rule."

"As the Wizard does," the blond man replied. "Perhaps you he will form a friendship."

"I would enjoy that," the prince of the Nomes responded. "I have grown lonely in my years of ruling."

"The doors to the Emerald City are open to all," Oz answered. "If you would sign the contract, your majesty, your alliance with the other countries will begin."

"Shall I sign in ink...or in blood?" the young prince replied. The Wizard raised his eyes from the paper. "Power is the greatest of things in this world...and you give it away?" The walls of the caves began to tremble. Claw-like growths then began to extend towards the blond man.

"What's happening?" Oz insisted.

"My Nomes are welcoming you," the dark-haired man answered. "You needn't fear them. They do only my bidding."

"I have never seen creatures with such a connection to the elements," the Wizard declared. Bringing his attention back to the young sorcerer, Oz relaxed his shoulders. "Yes, power is ours...power is ours to share."

"Perhaps," the prince replied, playing with his staff. "Or we could choose to take more...extend our reign beyond the land of Oz."

"...That's not our place to decide," Oz replied. "Our authority exists only here."

"Who's to say we could not have more?" the prince of the Nomes responded. "You know the Wizard...surely, he dreams of greater things. After all, the kingdom of Oz is not ruled by one...not yet." The Wizard's eyes turned sharp. "Tell your wizard I accept his terms."

"Do you truly?" the blond man asked.

"As long as they do not bind me," the dark-haired young man answered with a confident smile. "My growing power cannot be contained. Not even by your ruler."

"And if they should bind you?" Oz persisted.

"Like any binds...they shall break," the prince answered. "You would be wise to entrust your services to me instead of your wizard. My reign will outlive his by far."

"What makes you so sure?" the Wizard replied.

"My powers are young, but my skill is great," the dark-haired young man explained. "The Wizard will fall, if not to his old age, by my hand."

"The Wizard will not fall," the blond man declared. "...And I'm afraid I must rescind my offer. Your lust for power proves to be your undoing. I apologize." Standing up, the Wizard turned to the steps, only to find the way blocked by hands made of stone.

"Will you be a martyr for your wizard?" the prince said, his voice bold. "Give me what I desire, and I will let you live."

"A life under the feet of one such as you doesn't suit me," the Wizard refused. "Now order your Nomes to part their hands."

"What power have you to command me?" the young man demanded, rising from his throne, his staff's ruby point aimed outward.

"The power of Oz," the blond man answered, shedding his disguise and revealing his true self. "I do not speak for the Wizard, I am him. Now release me and we may depart as friends."

"So, the all-powerful Wizard of Oz begs the lesser beings for his freedom," the prince declared. "How the records will remember this day; when Oz fell during his own quest for power. Perhaps you and I are not so different."

"You seek only power, and take it upon yourself to take the lives of those who have it," Oz replied, his voice strong and assured. "You insult your family's bloodline."

"Do you challenge me?" the young prince demanded, his voice grave.

"If there is no other choice," the Wizard reluctantly answered.

Smiling, the prince clenched his fist, causing stones to form as prison bars around the Wizard. Thrusting his hands out at the sides, Oz willed the bars apart, freeing himself. Charging forward, the dark-haired young man jabbed his staff at his opponent, only to witness him dodge each blow. "Kill him!" the prince cried out, causing his army of Nomes to moan and rise from the cave walls. Closing his eyes, the Wizard washed the wicked things away with a blast of water from mid air. Throwing an orb of light at the prince, the man watched the ruby edge of the staff shatter. Falling to his knees, the young man looked at his attacker. "Go ahead...kill me. Finish it all."

"...I won't kill you," Oz answered. "I will leave you here...with all the power you desire." Casting a spell over the Mountains, the Wizard walked up the stairs. "You will rule over nothing more than these mountains for as long as you live." Departing from the cave, the man mounted the Gump, and made his way down the mountain side.

Slowly rising to his feet, the prince heard the words of an ancient curse, lifted up his staff, and plunged its jagged gem into his arm, bleeding into the stones. Smiling at the essence of power, the young man's body slowly became one with the stone of the cave.