It was night time when Bryson and Dorothy had arrived at Quadling Country. They could soon make out the shape of a lot of red surrounding the area and it looked beautiful in the night sky.
During their trip, they talked quite a bit. About smaller things, bonding over it and finding that they truly weren't so different from their younger selves after all.
Dorothy's cheeks remained pink and she was rather giggly with him during the flight. It seemed to be an after effect of their time alone earlier in the jungle.
Bryson put his hand on a lever as they lowered the flying Dragon Machine onto the landmass of Quadling Country. Dorothy put her hand over his, smiling at him as she helped him lower the hefty flying contraption.
He smiled at her and made sure to take advantage of his now closer look at the area. There were tall, rocky mountains and they made sure to lower the Dragon Machine close to the large red and white castle standing tall and proud within the region.
Bryson offered his hand and helped the doe-eyed girl down. He held her hand while walking quickly up to the main entrance and knocking on the door. He was taken aback once he saw who had opened it.
"Glinda.." he said in surprise.
He stood there in her usual white dress and long flowing blonde hair. And she had the wand in her hand.
"Bryson. Dorothy." She nodded at the two.
Instantly, things felt a bit awkward. There was a pause before Bryson spoke up. He cleared his throat. "I.. know we've had our disagreements. But we need to see Scarecrow and Tin Man. If that's okay. This is urgent."
Glinda just looked at him, sadness in her eyes before she nodded. "Follow me." She instructed before leading them down a lengthy hallway.
The pair followed the blonde as she had suggested.
"So.. what are you.. doing here?" Bryson muttered dryly.
"This is the land I ruled over before spending much of my time at Emerald City. I was ousted. I hid out for a long time. A few Quadlings broke into Emerald City while the war broke out. Retrieved my wand. And my sister's. So I am in my rightful place. In the south, working with my sister in the north. Theodora is controlling the west and working with her sister in the east. The two sides of the war." She said in her usual soft voice.
"Why are you helping us if you're so opposed to outsiders, then?" Dorothy asked, her voice a mixture of curious and annoyed.
"I may be against the idea of outsiders and Ozians co-existing. But I do not align myself with the repugnant ideals of Ozma. I would never hurt an outsider just for being different. Not all anti-outsiders are savages." Glinda explained.
The blonde turned to Bryson. "And you, Bryson. Or.. Wizard. Have been establishing quite the nationalist, anti-outsider rhetoric with your recent rules and restrictions. I took it that you perhaps changed your tune?"
"I did. For a while. And I was being a fearful coward." Bryson mumbled, still confused and angry with Glinda's belief system. At least she wasn't inhumane and cruel about it like Ozma. "Establishing an anti-outsider agenda. While being an outsider ruler. Of a land that was ruled by an old Wizard.. that was an outsider. For years." Bryson scoffed. "This is all ridiculous. I can't complain too much seeing as you're helping us, but I hope you know you're enabling Ozma with this behavior."
Dorothy squeezed his hand and smiled at him, as if to signal she was proud of his development.
Glinda nodded. "I understand your reservations. It brings me no joy to admit that Oz is not what it used to be. My beliefs are for the safety of outsiders and Ozians alike. All that has been brought by the co-existence of our beings is.. pain, I'm afraid." She sighed. "I know you are both grand people. And it is not your fault. But Oz simply isn't the paradise you believed it was."
"Well, you always have been one to over complicate. Like when I could have gone home two seconds after I got to Oz. And you knew it. And never told me until I killed your witch for you." Dorothy scoffed, scorned.
Glinda sighed softly, keeping her grace and poise.
"Which, if I may.." Dorothy clenched her jaw. "Was a bit.. impractical. Considering she came back from the dead." She huffed. "And is trying to not only kill me again, but marry the man I love. Just to humiliate me further."
Bryson couldn't help but blush at how confidently she had said that. He had realized they were still holding hands the entire walk and felt his heart flutter - despite the immense tension growing in the air.
He always admired Dorothy's toughness. But he knew she had to tread lightly. What if Glinda had had enough and decided to stop assisting them?
"It is a half-hearted resurrection, child. Merely a recreation from the crazed outsider and his scepter. The real Theodora perished long ago. By your hand." Glinda insisted. Bryson wondered if Glinda had mentioned Rabadan as a "crazed outsider" to prove her point.
"Mhm. So, when should I expect the next version of her to come around after I kill this one?" Dorothy spat.
"I take no pleasure in her presence.." Glinda sighed softly.
"Oh, it's alright. I don't mind killing her a few more times, really." Dorothy muttered. Somehow, Bryson thought there was still a sweetness in her tone when she spoke like that.
"Bryson, I notice that every ruler in Oz is at their rightful kingdom. Word has it that the guards at Emerald City are having a difficult time keeping its citizens calm and at bay. I recommend you return as soon as possible after your business with Scarecrow and Tin Man." Glinda changed the subject to avoid the tension with Dorothy. The young woman noticed this and just squinted.
"I suppose you're right." Bryson said, guilt and shame in his voice. It was his fault all these Ozians were troubled, and they were left with no ruler. "Are you sure, though? I'm surprised you'd want an outsider as ruler. Given your... stances.."
"I trust you two. Greatly. There are a few exceptions I can make." Glinda retorted.
"I'm not comfortable being an exception." Dorothy argued. "Everyone deserves to see Oz. And its beauty. To learn lessons and meet lovely people."
"Yeah, I don't think there needs to be an outsider V.I.P list." Bryson replied.
"Well, that is a shame. I took a liking to many of your policies. Although a few were a bit.. extreme for my tastes." Glinda responded.
Soon, she stopped next to a door. "But! It is not easy being in your position, child. I pray that everything works itself out for you both. I have... many things to attend to with the war going on." She sighed, seemingly distraught over the concept of a civil war in Oz.
"Scarecrow and Tin Man are in here." She nodded at the couple, then left them standing at the door.
...
"The war is spreading all across the land of Oz. Rapidly. As we speak. The only areas that now remain untouched by the battles are Snowmella's kingdom in the North. All jungles. And here.. in Quadling Country. There have been a few casualties throughout the lands.. but. None as bad as Munchkin Land." Scarecrow explained.
Bryson and Dorothy were slumped in a large room filled with books. Scarecrow sat at a desk with several papers he was examining. Tin Man was pacing back and forth, seeming frightened for the fate of Oz.
"What's happened with Munchkin Land?" Bryson and Dorothy asked at the same time.
Scarecrow took a deep breath. "..Being a pro-outsider region.. the anti-outsiders were able to lead a.. significant attack. If.. my calculations are correct." Bryson could see a lump in his burlap throat. "49% of Munchkin Land has been wiped out."
"Oh!" Dorothy cried out, putting her hand on her mouth in surprise. Tears flowed from her brown eyes immediately. She immediately reached for Bryson, hugging and squeezing him tightly.
"Oh.. Dorothy, I'm so sorry." He knew what Munchkin Land had meant to her. It was the first time she had ever seen Oz. With the first inhabitants she had ever met.
Hell, it was technically the first for him too - when he watched the movie. And one of the first places he had ever seen Oz.
That was...
It was even where he had met Dorothy.
Oh...
He shook his head and bit his lip to stop his own tears. He cradled Dorothy and they held each other.
"I think I'm gonna be sick." The sensitive Tin Woodsman sobbed, shaking his head.
"Careful, Nick. You'll rust! We can't have that at a time like this." Scarecrow frowned.
Bryson stroked Dorothy's back as she sobbed on his chest, sighing and petting her hair as his own tears fell. "How.. how can we stop the war?"
"We can't stop it, Bryson. My reputation as a ruler is ruined. I'm a disgrace to Emerald City!" The straw stuffed man cried in agony, swiping off his hat and scratching his straw head in frustration.
"Yeah.. and that's my fault." Bryson sighed.
"Theodora's." Tin Man pointed at him sternly through tears. "I won't have anyone going around pointing fingers at themselves."
"But you're pointing right now." Scarecrow noticed.
"Oh, you know what I mean!" Tin Man shook his head.
"It's difficult. I do not agree with Glinda's views. Or her sister's. In fact, Theodora and Evanora are the ones touting as pro-outsiders!" Scarecrow threw his hands up in the air.
"Glinda didn't lead the attack on Munchkin Land, did she?" Bryson asked, voice laced with concern.
"No, she has led no attacks. She doesn't want it like this. I just wish I could be working somewhere with a ruler who I can totally allign with. Theodora and Evanora claim to be pro-outsider and are being violent. Glinda isn't being violent, but she's on the wrong path! Oh, this whole thing just throws logic out the window." Scarecrow sighed deeply.
"Then who did?" Bryson asked.
"Oh, there is no civility or order in this war. Savages, they're all being. Random groups of anti and pro outsiders commence attacks! The belief system is so scattered and divided." Scarecrow shook his head and stuffed his hands in his face.
"Well, let's focus on something positive. We're about to destroy the watch and prevent my.. insane alternate future self from committing mass genocide." Bryson said dryly, in disbelief at the situation.
Scarecrow had been hard at work in fixing out the kinks in his machine. A green box that would shred any material, no matter how strong. It was like Oz's answer to a blender.
"Yeah, but we're still left with this war either way." Scarecrow sighed.
To see the characters of Oz in person, the friends he had gotten to know through spans of his life.. be so utterly defeated..
It disturbed Bryson.
"Alright. The machine seems to be done." Scarecrow said, looking at the green blender and stroking it to make sure it was sturdy. "Got the watch?"
"Sounds like my cue." A voice said lowly from the door.
Bryson froze.
No... no...
Zavick! How did he get in here?! How did he know they were here?!
Zavick opened the door and was dressed in his usual black outfit.
Tin Man gasped and raised his axe. Scarecrow yelped and clumsily fell onto the floor, flopping around before he lifted his straw body.
Dorothy gasped as well, mouth agape as she clutched Bryson's leg and slowly looked up at Zavick.
Zavick squinted, just standing in the doorway. He didn't attack. He just stared. And slowly shut the door.
Zavick's eyes seemed fixated on Dorothy.
"This is around the time Munchkin Land is almost wiped out. I assume that's why she's crying." Zavick whispered. "You did this, you know." Zavick shook his head at Bryson. "You caused her pain. And you do not deserve her." He pointed, shuddering.
Bryson immediately gripped his watch and rushed to the machine on Scarecrow's table to destroy it.
Without hesitation, Zavick rushed over and unleashed his sword. He swiped the machine in half, destroying it.
"No! It'll take weeks to make another!" Scarecrow cried out.
"No! Shit!" Bryson yelped, clutching the Oz-hauler watch tighter now.
"No, no!" Dorothy sat up off of Bryson and rushed over to Zavick. She clutched and hugged him, looking up at him and pleading to him. "Don't! Please, stop this! You're doing this for me, aren't you? I'm asking you to stop! I don't want this, please!"
Tears ran down Zavick's eyes. "I'm sorry... darling." He frowned, stroking through her hair. "But this is for your own good."
It seemed in Zavick's reality.. Bryson.. Byron... never learned to stop his arrogance.
At least Zavick's interference had made Bryson stop it sooner.
"You're displaying the same arrogance you accused me of." Bryson said coldly. "How did you even get here?!"
Zavick squinted and gently led Dorothy away from him, like she was a delicate doll.
Slowly, Zavick approached Bryson with loud steps. He faced Bryson and sneered.
"I already knew Scarecrow and Tin Man were here. They destroyed the watch in my original timeline. But for different reasons. I knew you'd come here. And if it weren't for me being here, you wouldn't have known that. If it weren't for me being here, everything would have played out the same. Just a few different names here and there." Zavick barred his teeth, growling at Bryson.
"Don't hurt him.." Dorothy sniffled weakly.
"I'm not going to in front of you." Zavick waved Dorothy down and continued to speak to Bryson. Zavick was so close to Bryson it made him shudder. Like a mirror, only pressed right up to his face and aging him by several years.
Zavick pulled away only slightly. "I'm just going to lay it out clear for you. After Dorothy dies.. the war consumes Oz. In retaliation of your nationalist policies, pro-outsiders open a portal to Earth. Greedy men find Oz. They exploit it. They turn it into a theme park. Capitalize off of it. Oz retaliates and the war between worlds causes a battle so big, all of Oz is killed off. And Earth is left with dwindling resources and unstable climate change."
Bryson began to tremble. Hearing what was going to happen made his heart race. This couldn't be possible. It couldn't ever become so bad... right?
"And you could have saved both worlds. You could have discretely used the magic of Oz. To advance medicine. Science. Save it from pollution and lack of resources and over population. You could have saved Oz by treating it as the perfect land it was in the books. The movies. The groundwork was right there for you. And by trying to prevent your biggest fear, you only caused it." Zavick explained, his words slow as if to make Bryson hurt.
"I mean.. look at your wounds. I don't know who fixed you up. But I beat you to a pulp and your face is clear. But that's an example of the power of Oz medicine. But no, you wouldn't give it to your world. Paranoid. Again." Zavick growled.
Bryson shivered, looking into a nearby mirror and noticing he looked totally fine now. "And it was a Munchkin who fixed me up.. who fled her land because of the war."
"A war you caused. And she was nice enough to fix you up." Zavick spat. "As far as I'm concerned.. I.. and.. you. Killed those Munchkins."
Bryson gulped at the mere idea.
Zavick slowly stepped away. "So. I see that I am out numbered by you. Dorothy. Scarecrow. And Tin Man. Noble people with useful weapons. And you. So I won't be attempting to take this watch. But remember this."
Zavick stepped back to stare down his younger, alternate self. "I will get that watch. Either you'll give it to me to clear your guilty mind. Or I'll take it one way or another. And you likely won't even notice. I'll leave you with that. And one more thing." Zavick leaned in closer.
"Earth's population in my timeline is in the thousands. And it's ugly as hell. A disaster. Everyone in my Oz.. is dead. With its magic ripped away. The only silver lining I ever found was knowing Dorothy didn't have to see it all and suffer. The only absolute certain way to gurantee her survival is giving me that watch. I'm staying in this building all night. So you have time to come get me."
With that, Zavick left the room and calmly closed the door.
"By the way. I found the children you left in the jungles. Bad idea. That's the very next place the war breaks out in. Luckily for you.. I found them. And they're safe." Zavick said through the door.
"What?!" Bryson lept up in worry. "Hand them over!"
"I know the safe places in Oz. You don't. So no. Oh. And that Ethan fellow helping me? Does care about the Colton boy. All of the children and their guardians will be much happier in the utopia that I will create.. with that watch of yours." Zavick said menacingly, walking slowly.
"Damn it!" Bryson punched a wall in anger. He felt helpless.
Zavick did save the kids from the forest, at least.
He seemed to help them. And the fate of them and Dorothy was sure to be much happier with his plan. Something Bryson could not guarantee in Oz anymore.
"No.. no.." he mumbled to himself. He could not be tempted by his future self. He could not let Zavick wipe out so many people to just keep his favorites in some distorted utopia. How had his future self developed such a god complex?
He mulled over it until the Ozians in the room broke the silence.
"You know, he wouldn't have been able to destroy the machine if you had just locked the door." Tin Man suddenly interjected. "Are you sure the original Wizard gave you those brains?"
"Oh, quiet, you!" Scarecrow huffed.