"Theodora. I could never trust you after all you've done. Maybe you've made a few points, but there is no way I'll be comfortable siding with you. Dorothy and I can stop Zavick ourselves." Bryson argued. She was tempting and a good talker, but Bryson knew he could never trust anyone like her at the end of the day.

Theodora seemed only mildly surprised, raising her brow and crossing her arms. "Change your mind." She said, as if if were a simple command that would work on a whim. "Your thoughts are from.. a state of fear." She dismissed him. "And confusion. With all that has happened."

"I haven't thought clearly in a long time. I can give you that." He sighed. His mind kept going back and forth. Perhaps he could get rid of her after she helped him defeat Zavick?

No. No, it was too risky. Trusting her had gotten him into the mess of ruling Oz in the first place.

But it may have been risky fighting off Zavick without any powered beings to help them.

Theodora could see the look of contemplation on his face, she knew him well. With this in mind, Bryson became more nervous somehow.

"You don't have to answer now." She decided, as if to prove she wasn't as hot-headed as Bryson perceived. "I'll give you some time to think it over."

...

Theodora had ordered Golder to escort Bryson back to the brig and they didn't exchange any more words.

While the head monkey of the Flying Monkeys escorted Bryson back down the stairs.. he could've sworn the Dragon Machine was gone from the flying pirate ship.

It was massive, impossible to miss. And he knew it was there earlier.

Maybe it really did have a mind of its own. If so, the magic of Glinda's sister at least came in handy. Despite the fact he didn't have Glinda around to help him this time around.

Yet another reason he was almost considering Theodora's offer..

During the first two adventures in Oz, he would have died had it not been for Glinda's magic.

Maybe Theodora's help was a necessary evil..

He shook his head, sighing. At least he would be with his friends now. His biggest mistake was not listening to them as Wizard. This time, they'd help him make his decision.

All his friends were asleep. But Dorothy seemed especially effected. It seemed she had been worrying about him for a while now, clutching to the bars.

Golder opened the door, seeming to honor Theodora's request and letting Bryson in gently.

As Golder left, Dorothy instantly scattered to Bryson and littered him with questions. She reached to touch all over his arms and around his face as if to nurse him.

Dorothy was most concerned. "Oh, did she hurt you? Are you alright? Oh, I swear, if she laid one little finger on you.."

Bryson smiled at her protectiveness and patted her hand to put her at ease. "It's alright, Dorothy. She didn't hurt me. Or do anything to me. We just talked."

She slowly slumped against the door, reaching to take his hand and rest it on her lap. "..About?"

"A lot of things. About how.. she thinks if we didn't stop Oz World, the war wouldn't have happened. That even though I wouldn't want Oz to be turned into a theme park, it would be more ideal than a war. And.. I guess she's made a few points." Bryson sighed, shaking his head. "She wants to rule over Oz, still. And she knows about Zavick. She said that it's more guaranteed we could stop him with her help. And the thing is, she's true. I just don't want to enable her. Or help her rule over Oz. But I just.. wonder if she's right about a few things. I know how wicked she is, Dorothy. I really do. But even wicked people can be right about some things. And with how many mistakes I've made recently.. I just don't know what to do."

"Bryson.." Dorothy pouted and cupped his face, in close proximity with him. "You don't need to fret over all those mistakes. You were put in a vulnerable position and you've owned up to it."

"Thank you, Dorothy. I always appreciate you saying that." He smiled. "I know you're against her helping us. Rightfully so. It's just.. I'm so fearful of losing to him. Zavick. We don't have Glinda or anybody."

"Oh, Bryson. If you can stop a man with an all powerful magic scepter at the age of fourteen, you can stop him, too. Rabadan had Glinda trapped and you barged in and fought him off all by yourself!" Dorothy smiled.

"Yes, and I would have died had you not interfered at the right time." He reminded her.

"My point is that we don't need any magic. We don't need her to complicate things. Trusting the likes of her is a far bigger risk, if you ask me. We have each other." She stroked his hand tenderly.

He smiled. "You're right, Dorothy. Gosh, I love how you never give up."

"I try my best. I've come awfully close.. more than ever a few times these last few months." She admitted. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm causing all of this trouble in Oz. That if Theodora killed me.. it'd be better off for everyone and she'd leave everyone alone." She chuckled weakly.

"You know that's not true, Dorothy." He put his hand on hers. "It's like you taught me years ago. It's always best to fight back against what you oppose. Not run away and hide. Now I just know that fighting back should involve the people you love. That even though you want them to be safe, you can trust them to take care of themselves and help."

She beamed at that, resting her head on his shoulder. "Oh, I don't know how I went so long without you. You always put me in good spirits. I wish you were around when Uncle Henry passed." She clutched his arm.

"There were so many times in between when we saw each other. Where I'd just think.. wow, I'm having a bad day. Dorothy would know what to say. She'd make me feel better. And I'd imagine what you would do. And it would work every time." He smiled at her fondly.

She returned his smile and nuzzled further on his shoulder. "I just.. hope we can fix Oz after all this. And I hope.. we don't have to leave each other again this time. But even if we don't.. I'm very glad to spend this time together to the fullest. Now I know I won't have regrets if we have to get seperated again."

He just listened to her. Despite all his concerns and regret, he found solace in this moment. In the strange land of wonder and terror.

"But most of all.." Dorothy said. "I just hope I can be happy after this. If we do have to leave Oz. Whether or not I'm with you.. I just want to find that place with excitement and wonder. Fulfillment. Achievement. I do appreciate where I came from. I know there's no place like home. But I.." she shook her head, sighing both contently and with worry. "Would like to go somewhere exciting. Where I could settle. And have my own sense of family. Literal or not."

Bryson listened to her. He soaked up every word and smiled. "I'll always love you, Dorothy. You've been my first and only real love. Even if we have to find other people, I'll always appreciate what you've meant to me. I just want you to be happy whether or it's with me or not. I.. I've always believed in happy endings. Maybe this time we'll get it completely right, yeah?"

Dorothy sighed, an emotional look on her face as she hugged him tightly. "Thank you.."

"For what?" He furrowed his brows.

"Just everything.. even if we fail miserably.. we'll do it together." She muttered. "I'm not afraid to die." She said, a lump in her throat despite a confident nod. "Not here. Not knowing we tried our best and fought for what we stood for. If we died without confessing our love.. without fighting to our heart's content. Together. That's how I'd be afraid to go. I don't have that fear anymore."

He smiled at her as she leaned against his chest. "It's funny. We met ten years ago. And have only seen each other a few times throughout it all. But you've left such an impact on me.." Her voice became more and more tired. Soon enough, she was fast asleep.

...

Bryson let Dorothy rest in his arms. She and the others were still sleeping in the dungeon.

He eventually fell asleep himself, yet still woke up before the others.

He kept Dorothy in his grasp.

Footsteps were heard, and the head of the flying Monkeys was suddenly hovering in front of the bars that concealed the group.

The noise caused the rest of the group to wake up, yawning and rubbing their eyes.

"Let's go, everyone." Golder insisted. The group remained tired and silent. Hesitant, but they all knew they had to follow the orders considering they were being held captive by a powerful witch. It didn't help that Golder had six other monkeys surrounding them and watching their every move.

It was still dark outside. Presumably, morning was close to arrival.

"Where.. where are you taking us?" Thersea asked, clutching her young son close to her in a protective manner.

Bryson and Dorothy remained wary, their hands attempting to cover the two teens close to them.

They stepped around the ship and Bryson's stomach dropped the moment he saw the deck of the ship. They were being led to the end of the winged contraption.

Bryson could feel the weight of the ship under his feet. It wasn't moving. Theodora must have stopped the ship, and his heart sank wondering what she could have planned.

"What are you doing?" Thersea blurted out.

"A great question, dearest." Theodora suddenly replied, stepping out onto the deck. Bryson gulped at the sight of her. She was still in nothing but a robe. Dorothy furrowed her brows and scoffed, both fearful of the situation and seemingly almost jealous. She clutched Bryson's arm and he rubbed her hand in reassurance.

Theodora noticed the display of affection as she got closer, scoffing.

Behind her was Evanora. She was in her own black robe and her hair was down for the first time Bryson could remember. The sisters seemed to enjoy displaying their attractiveness.

His stomach turned slightly at the sight of Evanora. She was more unpredictable and evil, he knew that firsthand and from what he had seen in movies and books.

"So, Bryson." Theodora suddenly blurted out. She slowly approached him. The entire gang was lined up near the edge of the ship. Bryson and Dorothy were in the very back of the line.

"Have you given it any thought? What we spoke of?" Theodora purred and gently moved Dorothy's hand away from Bryson's arm. She replaced it with her own and stroked his arm. She subtly moved in front of Dorothy. As if to replace her.

"Why, you wicked, dirty, immoral... hag! Keep your hands off of him." Dorothy ordered sternly.

Theodora cackled, turning to Dorothy. "Oh, you brat. You better get used to it. After you lose your trial, your life will consist of nothing but watching me play with your little boyfriend. Your litte friends, too. I'd mention your dog, but it seems time took that old thing." Theodora laughed cruelly. "And I'll mess with your little Scarecrow.. and T-"

Theodora was clearly getting a high off of insulting Dorothy. It was tense whenever they were near each other.

But Dorothy silenced her by suddenly smacking her right across the face.

Theodora gasped, her hair in her face from the impact of the smack before blowing it out of her face. "You.. BRAT!" Theodora screeched, lifting her hand to slowly emit a fireball in her hand.

"No, stop!" Bryson protested in a panic.

Theodora's fireball slowly vanished, lowering her hand again. "You're right.. anger gets me nowhere. I'm working on that."

Theodora slowly turned back to Bryson, still clutching his arm. Dorothy was panting with nerves, but looked as angry as ever. "Forgetting the girl as of now. Bryson, what is your answer?"

"No. My answer is no. 100%, no hesitation. I know for sure now what an awful idea it is. Letting you join us. We can stop Zavick ourselves." Bryson insisted. "Not like we know you'll actually help."

"Well. I do find it presumptuous of you to speak for everyone." Theodora raised her brow and turned to Bryson's surrounding friends.

"No, weirdo." Charlotte scoffed, muttering and rolling her eyes.

"Absolutely not. Get me and my son down from here!" Thersea reached for Colton and held him.

"Never.." Kyle agreed.

"Well. I have no use for any of you, then. Golder. Hand Bryson and Dorothy over to me. I have bigger plans for them. Throw the rest overboard, I don't need anyone else helping them." Theodora ordered. "I've run out of patience and we need to rid of those who wish to defy my plans of making Oz perfect." She smirked at Bryson, as if knowing he had said similar things as Wizard.

Bryson shuddered, hating to think of them as similar. Most of all, he worried for his friends.

"No, no! Theodora. I will definitely never join you if you kill my friends!" Bryson yelled.

"Where the hell is a bucket of water when you need one?" Dorothy hissed, snapping her head all over the pirate ship.

"ZIP IT, BRAT!" Theodora shrieked at Dorothy.

"Sister, I know we have our big plan. But why don't you just throw that brat off now? I'm sick of her smart mouth. Besides, not killing our enemies sooner never works in our favor." Evanora scoffed.

"No.." Theodora barred her teeth. "Oz needs to see that the brat is evil. She must stand trial. If public opinon sways on her, that's the final step I need to be ruler loved by all.. and if I don't break her down properly? The revenge isn't as sweet.."

Theodora then turned back to Golder. "Go ahead. Toss everyone off the ship."

Golder had Bryson and Dorothy stepped back as Theodora requested.

Evanora squinted, raising her hand as if to warn them what she'd do if they tried to save their friends.

The other winked monkeys chattered in agreement with Theodora's decision to kill the others. They flew around excitedly.

As Golder went to grab Thersea as the first person to throw over board, Bryson and Dorothy yelled. "No, no!"

But just then, a giant shadow was overcasting over the flying ship. The monkeys ceased their chattering and Golder paused, looking up at the sky.

Bryson knew that sound..

Kyle pointed at something in the night sky. "Hey.. it's.."

"The Dragon Machine..." Bryson nodded.

"Woah, woah, woah!" Everyone on the ship chanted out as the blue Dragon Machine clumsily stirred onto the ship out of nowhere.

The Dragon Machine landed on the ship, a few small pieces of the pirate ship chipping off because of the Dragon Machine's sheer weight.

Bryson and the gang fell over each other. They aimlessly grappled for each other to make sure they were all okay, slowly looking up to see the driver of the flying machine.

Tommy stepped out. Bryson grinned. "I knew it.."

"Tommy, you're alright!" Dorothy beamed.

Charotte and Kyle cheered in excitement.

Evanora rushed around the Dragon Machine, eyes widened with anger. "Get him, you dense apes! Kill that boy!"

Tommy had other plans. Slowly, he pulled a sword from behind him.

Bryson recognized the sword. It was Zavick's. Zavick must have given it to him. At least he was useful for that..

Suddenly, the monkeys charged as Evanora commanded them to.

Tommy slashed the sword around violently, slicing up the monkeys as he charged through them. He was slightly awkward and clumsy with the sword, but balanced himself by kicking at the winged primates. His defense almost looked like karate moves and Bryson couldn't believe this was the same timid boy he had met years ago.

Before long, the monkeys were screeching and flying off in pain and agony.

"Oh, you useless animals! Sister, come. Before they try to overpower us. We need to change our plans and get to Emerald City immediately. We can get the boy and the girl later!" Evanora yelled.

"But.. what if we ca-" Theodora tried to argue.

"No! Taking chances doesn't get us anywhere!" Evanora yelled back.

"Golder, attack the others! Bring Bryson and Dorothy to me at Emerald City!" Theodora commanded.

Tommy squinted, noticing the two witches were trying to make an escape. He raised his sword. His arm wobbled with the weight of it, but he managed to throw it in the direction of Evanora.

Evanora made a swift movement of her hand and the two witches suddenly vanished with a puff of green smoke.

"What cowards." Thersea dismissed the witches, picking up and holding Colton, who shivered in her grasp.

"Monkeys! Or whoever is left.." Golder hissed, looking down at the monkeys who were injured and the unscathed ones who flew around on the ship. "You heard Theodora."

Suddenly, the monkeys swooped in to begin attacking Bryson and Dorothy's friends.

"No!" The couple yelled out, but Golder pushed the two away violently. They tumbled over on the ship, grunting.

Tommy aimlessly slashed his sword around the flying monkeys that surrounded him and the rest of the gang. It was clearly harder for the boy now that he had to defend multiple people.

One of them lunged after Tommy, making him fall to the floor. "Oof!"

The monkey on top of Tommy tried to bite him in the face, hissing. Tommy raised the sword in his hands so the monkey bit it instead of him.

Thersea noticed this and suddenly tackled the monkey off of Tommy. "Stop!"

Thersea rolled around with the monkey on the floor of the ship. The monkey tried to reach over and swipe at her son, but the mother yelped out and grabbed the monkey's head. She bashed it against the floor of the ship, screaming. "I'm tired of this place!" She hissed out.

Bryson and Dorothy could only watch as spectators.

"This is really violent." Dorothy muttered.

"I'm not sure why I always considered Oz to be innocent." Bryson squinted, watching closely and trying to figure out a way to bypass Golder and help the friends.

Another monkey flew up and grabbed her, preparing to fly her away and presumably toss her off the ship.

Colton noticed this. "Momma.." he whimpered out. He stumbled over to the sword on the floor and slowly raised it. It was harder for him with how young he was.

"Colton, put that thing down! You're gonna get yourself killed!" Thersea yelled. "Mommy's fine, please put that down!"

Kyle scoffed. "Uh, mommy is not fine. You're about to be killed by a flying monkey."

"Hush! Colton, put it down!" Thersea cried out, struggling in the monkey's grasp and being more concerned for her son than the monkey trying to kill her.

Despite this, Colton clumsily threw the sword at the monkey. Like clockwork, the sword flew off and sliced the monkey's head clean off.

Thersea fell to the ground and panted out. "What the.. what.."

Bryson and Dorothy looked on in astonishment.

"Did I just watch a five year old behead a flying monkey?" Bryson squinted.

"Only in Oz, Bryson.. only in Oz." Dorothy scoffed.

Thersea grunted, raising herself up and limping. "Colton!" She immediately grabbed her son. "Don't ever scare me like that again!"

Suddenly, the monkeys turned to the sword that was sent flying off the ship. They grinned, knowing the group's only weapon was gone.

Just in time, Dorothy seemed to find something to help. Bryson nodded at her, knowing where her gaze was.

Bryson acted like he was going to lunge into the fight and Golder had all his attention on him. "No, you don't!" He pushed Bryson back and sneered.

But it was a mere distraction.

Dorothy had taken one of the barrels of the ship, mustering up all her strength to toss it at the winged primates.

Upon impacting several of them, the flying monkeys flew around in an aimless panic.

"Come on, let's go!" Dorothy cried out, gesturing to the gang.

They all hurried inside the Dragon Machine as fast as their legs could carry them, tripping inside.

"Hurry! They're getting away!" Golder cried out.

The monkeys swarmed the Dragon Machine, dangerously close to it.

The group scuffled around the Dragon Machine in a panic.

Thankfully, Tommy pulled a lever and the Dragon Machine was flying off.

"Woah!" They all cried out in surprise.

"We did it! We got away!" Dorothy exclaimed in excitement, the group high-fiving each other with enthused energy.

"You saved us!" Bryson exclaimed as he sped over to Tommy, who was controlling the flying contraption. "What happened? I heard you got separated from the others in the Land of Ev."

"Zavick. I know he's an enemy, but he protected me. He was at Quadling Country and saw the whole thing with the pirate ship. Told me all about it at Ev. He sent his own flying monkeys to drag the Dragon Machine back with me. Gave me his sword for protection. Said he would have came along, but he had to save the Jungle from setting on fire. Said he believed in me." Tommy explained.

"Huh." Bryson raised a brow. "For an evil guy, he can be quite helpful."

"Well, he is you. Or a version of you. And you're helpful." Tommy smirked.

"Yeah, not helpful for long if we don't defeat him in the end. He may be nice to you, but he still wants to commit mass genocide." Bryson scoffed. "But we need to get to Emerald City first. We can't let Theodora and Evanora enact any of their plans." Bryson said urgently.

"You're right." Tommy agreed. "Next stop.. Emerald City. And on your own accord, not from pirate ship kidnapping." He laughed.

...

Can our heroes manage to fight off the plans of Theodora and Evanora while also trying to defeat Zavick? Or will it be too much heat to handle? What awaits everyone at Emerald City? Find out soon.

Happy New Year, everyone. Good luck with a fresh start on a new decade. I'm thankful for all support. All favorites, follows, reviews, etc are all very much appreciated.x