Emily stayed in the box in a room alone where the witch had put her. She cried silently to herself, knowing that her friends would do all they could for her. Emily had had a rough life thus far, her mother was dead, and her siblings were grown up so they weren't always there for her. Emily had lost her faith long ago, but for the first time in a long time, thought it might help to pray, knowing it couldn't hurt.
'God,' Emily prayed. 'I ask for nothing except that your will be done. Whatever is best for all of us, please make sure it is so, and let no one stand in your way. Amen.'
"How are we going to get inside the castle?" asked Darien. Rosaria thought for a moment. "I'm not sure Darien, we'd better take a moment to think about it." As they sat there pondering how to penetrate the guards at all doors of the massive castle, Dorothy appeared sitting next to Rosaria. "He's very handsome isn't he?" Dorothy giggled, but Rosaria frowned, thinking, 'We cannot talk about that now mother. We must figure out a way to enter the castle.'
Darien looked over at Rosaria and saw that her necklace was glowing as she was, unknown to him, talking telepathically to Dorothy. "Rosaria," he said. "What are you doing?" Rosaria stumbled for words. "Well, see, it's hard to explain...um..." "Rosaria," said Dorothy. "Use the necklace's power and he will see me." Rosaria closed her eyes and whispered to Darien, "I'll show you." A soft golden glow emitted from the necklace, and there appeared Queen Dorothy Castine Callo.
Darien gasped, his eyes wide, his lungs without air, his heart pounding. "Queen Dorothy? But...how?" "It's a long story." said Dorothy. "I have not the time to explain it, and neither have you the time to listen, just know that everything is all right and not to be afraid." Darien nodded as Rosaria took his hand nodding and saying, "It's ok Darien. Mother will help us."
"Your highness, how do you think we should get into the castle? Going through the front would be much too hazardous." "Yes, please help us mother. We haven't the slightest idea of what to do." "Have I taught you nothing daughter?" Dorothy asked with a grin on her face. "Use the necklace. Do not forget, along with the power of the Rose, the necklace also posses the power of the ruby slippers and it can transport you into the castle at your command."
Rosaria smiled. "Of course! Why didn't I think of that?" Dorothy smiled. Darien's eyes glazed with tears. "Your highness?" he asked. "Are Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion dead?" Rosaria's gaze suddenly intensified as her mother nodded. "Yes, they are. But fear not, everything will turn out right. You must now focus on Emily and what you can do for Oz. That is all you need worry about. I'll be watching you, if I see that you need help, I will be there." "Thank you mother." Dorothy kissed Rosaria's forehead. "We will be together soon my darling." Dorothy said, and then she disappeared.
A light of understanding overwhelmed Rosaria, and she was shown the destiny she needed to fulfill. A tear fell as she tightly shut her eyes, not wanting to listen to Lady Fate, but knowing somewhere in her heart that she must. "Oh Darien." she said softly. "This night was born from silence. I know this is the perfect chance to save one of my best friends, but I hesitate. For there is so much to live for, yet there is so much to die for! If only my heart could decide!" Darien cocked an eyebrow, but his features softened as he put his hands on Rosaria's shoulders.
"Listen to me, do not fear Rosaria. You heard your mother, everything will be all right, everything will happen as it should. Now come on, we have to get Emily out of there." Rosaria closed her eyes, preparing to use her power, thinking, 'Everything will happens as it should? But that is what I fear!' The red stones of the necklace began to glow as Rosaria said, "Take us to Emily."
...When their vision cleared, Emily was smiling, saying from within her captivity, "I new you would come, quick, get me out of this thing!" Darien approached the box and attempted to open it, but he could not. "This thing is locked tight Rosaria." Rosaria approached the box and placed her hand upon it. Her eyes began to glow, and her wings stretched themselves as a golden light shot from her hand, causing the box to disappear. Emily stood and hugged her friends, but noticed the absence of perhaps her closest friend, Jason.
"Where's Jason?" Emily saw Darien quickly look away, so she turned to Rosaria. "Rosaria, what's wrong? What happened? Please tell me!" Emily's voice elevated as she spoke. Rosaria put on a smile for her friend. "Why would you think something would be wrong? Jason is simply not with us." Rosaria hated lying, but she could not stand to see Emily cry right now, for she had not the strength for it.
"I can tell that you are telling me half truths and whole lies Rosaria." said Emily frowning. "That's ridiculous Emily, even if that was true, how would you be able to tell such a thing?" "Because I am your friend Rosaria, and friends are the ones who see the hurt in your eyes when everyone else is fooled by your smile. I am surely nobody's fool, you know that very well. So one of you tell me, what happened? Where is Jason?"
"Right here my dear girl." Came a bone-chilling voice from the door. Autumn stood there holding Jason's corpse in her hands. She placed him gently on the floor and Emily ran to him as Darien took hold of Rosaria, who could not bare seeing his bloodstained body again. "Oh Jason, no, please don't leave me! We love you so much, I love you so much, please don't go."
"The boy died bravely." said Autumn. "He was killed while fighting for you. He fought valiantly, he obviously felt very strongly for you." Emily looked away from the body, regretting never telling Jason how she felt. Emily backed away from the witch slowly to stand next to Darien, who stepped in front of her, readying himself to fight, but Rosaria knew that she must battle Autumn. She put out a hand to stop Darien. "This is my battle." she said. He understood and took a step back to stand next to Emily. "Good girl, Rosaria." said Autumn with a chuckle.
Rosaria closed her eyes, a golden light shining from under her eyelids. As her eyes opened, two rays of hopeful light glowed in the darkness of the room. Rosaria reached out her hand, and took hold of a sword, that appeared as she motioned her hand downward. It was white, and it glowed brilliantly. Autumn reached out her hand and pulled away a sword as well, only the witch's sword was black, and dark energy surrounded it.
Autumn spoke, "With this sword, I spilled onto the floor the blood of your mother and father. It shall serve me again and your blood will spill tonight, Princess Rosaria Castine Callo. Have you prepared yourself for death little girl? Or are you afraid?" Autumn laughed.
Rosaria said in spite of the evil woman, "There is nothing that I fear. A racing heart is much better. I have great dreams for the future, that's why I shall go on bravely. I am the light which embraces everything, a soldier born from love for all. And tonight, love will redeem this world." Emily and Darien exchanged concerned looks.
Autumn charged at Rosaria, her black sword in front of her, ready to strike, and for a moment, time stood still. Dorothy appeared next to her daughter, but only Rosaria could see her this time. Dorothy gripped the handle of the sword with Rosaria, and poured her power into it. Rosaria pulled the sword in front of herself, and Autumn was thrown back by its intense strength.
Autumn looked up just in time to see Rosaria charging at her. Rosaria saw that Autumn had noticed her approach, and so as Autumn stood to attack, Rosaria spread her wings and flew over Autumn. Rosaria landed in back of the witch and sliced across the evil woman's back, not cutting too deep. Black blood seeped from Autumn's wound, and her eyes glowed with a black light as a smile crept on to her face.
"I see that you are a valiant warrior Rosaria and that in hand to hand combat, I will not triumph. But I will destroy this world and everyone within it, no matter what you do." Autumn threw her head back and when she looked back down at Rosaria she said, "Look out the window you horrible little brat, and behold the hell you're about to face!" She began to cackle. Rosaria looked out the window with her friends. Emily let out a scream stifled by her fear, and Darien just stood there his mouth agape and his eyes wide. What they saw, was an immense ball of fire in the desert, headed straight for Oz!
Dorothy appeared next to Rosaria, who turned to face Autumn. Autumn fell to her knees, the black light fading from her eyes. "Dorothy?!" Emily and Darien also got on their knees, praying. Dorothy said in a booming voice, "Autumn, I love Oz, as does my daughter. You know that you will never be able to outmatch our power. Reverse this flame, and we shall spare you." Autumn frowned. "Never!" she said.
Dorothy shook her head. "Autumn, I loved you dearly, like a sister, and this hollow shell which you present to us here is not the Autumn McQue that I loved so much!" Dorothy let the power of the rose overcome her, and the golden wings spread from her back, making a flowing white gown matching that of her daughter's appear on her.
Rosaria and Dorothy both stretched out their hands, and did a motion which brought the spirit of the young school girl that they loved come forward and separate from the body of the evil witch. The wicked witch did not care so much, but the spirit of Autumn McQue, the girl with a pure heart, said in a clear voice, "I am so sorry Dorothy, I never meant for this to happen. That woman is not me!" "I know Autumn. Now you can help us." Autumn nodded. She closed her eyes and put her hand on top of Dorothy's.
There appeared the spirits of David, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, and all of the girls. Dave said, "We forgive you Autumn." The girls nodded solemnly and Autumn joined them. Dave turned to Rosaria. "I love you daughter." She smiled. Along with Rosaria, they stood in a half-circle, holding out their hands and a bright light slowly began to build. The wicked witch screamed. "NO! IT CAN'T BE!" Darien held Emily, who kept her eyes tightly shut.
The people in the cities fled to the churches and other places of worship. The streets were completely chaotic, but still, all of the people helped each other. The people at the Kvon Altar all fell to their knees and together prayed as they saw the approaching fire. The children screamed, the women cried, and then men did all they could to calm their families. But suddenly, no one feared any longer, the entire land fell silent. Darien looked up, and the last sight he saw was Rosaria's face turned towards him, tears streaming from her glowing eyes, mouthing slowly to him, "I love you my darling." The light then reached its peak.
And from within the tower of the castle came a brilliant light, which rang out with a flash and the sound of thunder. The light flooded all the land, Heaven came upon the earth, and all within the land of Oz perished in its glory, leaving none that knew of the great land of Oz in the parallel to remember it, for just as the light touched the land of Oz, Hunk, Hickory, and Zeke simultaneously had heart attacks and died at their dinner table. The people with pure hearts were taken into the hands of God, while the wicked were left to burn forever in their own ashes alone.
And after the light had lifted, and the souls were carried to God's eternal paradise, nothing was left but the ruins. The ruins of the great cities of Oz and the homes in which the Ozian people lived out their lives were left to the silence. Nothing remained, nothing but the echoing sounds of laughter, the many memories, and the spirit that started it all.
All that was meant to be was fulfilled in this moment. The wicked witch of Oz was left to eternal seclusion in hell, while the young spirit of Autumn McQue was taken into the kingdom of God, finally free from her captivity. Emily and Jason were reunited, and were able to finally express the love for each other that they never could in life. Rosaria and her family were together at last, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion could be with Dorothy again, and Darien rested eternally in Rosaria's embrace.
The sun set in Oz, never to rise again, and Oz was left to disintegrate in the darkness, leaving but one light to guide the Ozian people to eternity. The only light to be seen, was the soft glow of an undying heart. A heart of a Goddess, and her daughter.
And so ends the epic tale of the great land of Oz.
'God,' Emily prayed. 'I ask for nothing except that your will be done. Whatever is best for all of us, please make sure it is so, and let no one stand in your way. Amen.'
"How are we going to get inside the castle?" asked Darien. Rosaria thought for a moment. "I'm not sure Darien, we'd better take a moment to think about it." As they sat there pondering how to penetrate the guards at all doors of the massive castle, Dorothy appeared sitting next to Rosaria. "He's very handsome isn't he?" Dorothy giggled, but Rosaria frowned, thinking, 'We cannot talk about that now mother. We must figure out a way to enter the castle.'
Darien looked over at Rosaria and saw that her necklace was glowing as she was, unknown to him, talking telepathically to Dorothy. "Rosaria," he said. "What are you doing?" Rosaria stumbled for words. "Well, see, it's hard to explain...um..." "Rosaria," said Dorothy. "Use the necklace's power and he will see me." Rosaria closed her eyes and whispered to Darien, "I'll show you." A soft golden glow emitted from the necklace, and there appeared Queen Dorothy Castine Callo.
Darien gasped, his eyes wide, his lungs without air, his heart pounding. "Queen Dorothy? But...how?" "It's a long story." said Dorothy. "I have not the time to explain it, and neither have you the time to listen, just know that everything is all right and not to be afraid." Darien nodded as Rosaria took his hand nodding and saying, "It's ok Darien. Mother will help us."
"Your highness, how do you think we should get into the castle? Going through the front would be much too hazardous." "Yes, please help us mother. We haven't the slightest idea of what to do." "Have I taught you nothing daughter?" Dorothy asked with a grin on her face. "Use the necklace. Do not forget, along with the power of the Rose, the necklace also posses the power of the ruby slippers and it can transport you into the castle at your command."
Rosaria smiled. "Of course! Why didn't I think of that?" Dorothy smiled. Darien's eyes glazed with tears. "Your highness?" he asked. "Are Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion dead?" Rosaria's gaze suddenly intensified as her mother nodded. "Yes, they are. But fear not, everything will turn out right. You must now focus on Emily and what you can do for Oz. That is all you need worry about. I'll be watching you, if I see that you need help, I will be there." "Thank you mother." Dorothy kissed Rosaria's forehead. "We will be together soon my darling." Dorothy said, and then she disappeared.
A light of understanding overwhelmed Rosaria, and she was shown the destiny she needed to fulfill. A tear fell as she tightly shut her eyes, not wanting to listen to Lady Fate, but knowing somewhere in her heart that she must. "Oh Darien." she said softly. "This night was born from silence. I know this is the perfect chance to save one of my best friends, but I hesitate. For there is so much to live for, yet there is so much to die for! If only my heart could decide!" Darien cocked an eyebrow, but his features softened as he put his hands on Rosaria's shoulders.
"Listen to me, do not fear Rosaria. You heard your mother, everything will be all right, everything will happen as it should. Now come on, we have to get Emily out of there." Rosaria closed her eyes, preparing to use her power, thinking, 'Everything will happens as it should? But that is what I fear!' The red stones of the necklace began to glow as Rosaria said, "Take us to Emily."
...When their vision cleared, Emily was smiling, saying from within her captivity, "I new you would come, quick, get me out of this thing!" Darien approached the box and attempted to open it, but he could not. "This thing is locked tight Rosaria." Rosaria approached the box and placed her hand upon it. Her eyes began to glow, and her wings stretched themselves as a golden light shot from her hand, causing the box to disappear. Emily stood and hugged her friends, but noticed the absence of perhaps her closest friend, Jason.
"Where's Jason?" Emily saw Darien quickly look away, so she turned to Rosaria. "Rosaria, what's wrong? What happened? Please tell me!" Emily's voice elevated as she spoke. Rosaria put on a smile for her friend. "Why would you think something would be wrong? Jason is simply not with us." Rosaria hated lying, but she could not stand to see Emily cry right now, for she had not the strength for it.
"I can tell that you are telling me half truths and whole lies Rosaria." said Emily frowning. "That's ridiculous Emily, even if that was true, how would you be able to tell such a thing?" "Because I am your friend Rosaria, and friends are the ones who see the hurt in your eyes when everyone else is fooled by your smile. I am surely nobody's fool, you know that very well. So one of you tell me, what happened? Where is Jason?"
"Right here my dear girl." Came a bone-chilling voice from the door. Autumn stood there holding Jason's corpse in her hands. She placed him gently on the floor and Emily ran to him as Darien took hold of Rosaria, who could not bare seeing his bloodstained body again. "Oh Jason, no, please don't leave me! We love you so much, I love you so much, please don't go."
"The boy died bravely." said Autumn. "He was killed while fighting for you. He fought valiantly, he obviously felt very strongly for you." Emily looked away from the body, regretting never telling Jason how she felt. Emily backed away from the witch slowly to stand next to Darien, who stepped in front of her, readying himself to fight, but Rosaria knew that she must battle Autumn. She put out a hand to stop Darien. "This is my battle." she said. He understood and took a step back to stand next to Emily. "Good girl, Rosaria." said Autumn with a chuckle.
Rosaria closed her eyes, a golden light shining from under her eyelids. As her eyes opened, two rays of hopeful light glowed in the darkness of the room. Rosaria reached out her hand, and took hold of a sword, that appeared as she motioned her hand downward. It was white, and it glowed brilliantly. Autumn reached out her hand and pulled away a sword as well, only the witch's sword was black, and dark energy surrounded it.
Autumn spoke, "With this sword, I spilled onto the floor the blood of your mother and father. It shall serve me again and your blood will spill tonight, Princess Rosaria Castine Callo. Have you prepared yourself for death little girl? Or are you afraid?" Autumn laughed.
Rosaria said in spite of the evil woman, "There is nothing that I fear. A racing heart is much better. I have great dreams for the future, that's why I shall go on bravely. I am the light which embraces everything, a soldier born from love for all. And tonight, love will redeem this world." Emily and Darien exchanged concerned looks.
Autumn charged at Rosaria, her black sword in front of her, ready to strike, and for a moment, time stood still. Dorothy appeared next to her daughter, but only Rosaria could see her this time. Dorothy gripped the handle of the sword with Rosaria, and poured her power into it. Rosaria pulled the sword in front of herself, and Autumn was thrown back by its intense strength.
Autumn looked up just in time to see Rosaria charging at her. Rosaria saw that Autumn had noticed her approach, and so as Autumn stood to attack, Rosaria spread her wings and flew over Autumn. Rosaria landed in back of the witch and sliced across the evil woman's back, not cutting too deep. Black blood seeped from Autumn's wound, and her eyes glowed with a black light as a smile crept on to her face.
"I see that you are a valiant warrior Rosaria and that in hand to hand combat, I will not triumph. But I will destroy this world and everyone within it, no matter what you do." Autumn threw her head back and when she looked back down at Rosaria she said, "Look out the window you horrible little brat, and behold the hell you're about to face!" She began to cackle. Rosaria looked out the window with her friends. Emily let out a scream stifled by her fear, and Darien just stood there his mouth agape and his eyes wide. What they saw, was an immense ball of fire in the desert, headed straight for Oz!
Dorothy appeared next to Rosaria, who turned to face Autumn. Autumn fell to her knees, the black light fading from her eyes. "Dorothy?!" Emily and Darien also got on their knees, praying. Dorothy said in a booming voice, "Autumn, I love Oz, as does my daughter. You know that you will never be able to outmatch our power. Reverse this flame, and we shall spare you." Autumn frowned. "Never!" she said.
Dorothy shook her head. "Autumn, I loved you dearly, like a sister, and this hollow shell which you present to us here is not the Autumn McQue that I loved so much!" Dorothy let the power of the rose overcome her, and the golden wings spread from her back, making a flowing white gown matching that of her daughter's appear on her.
Rosaria and Dorothy both stretched out their hands, and did a motion which brought the spirit of the young school girl that they loved come forward and separate from the body of the evil witch. The wicked witch did not care so much, but the spirit of Autumn McQue, the girl with a pure heart, said in a clear voice, "I am so sorry Dorothy, I never meant for this to happen. That woman is not me!" "I know Autumn. Now you can help us." Autumn nodded. She closed her eyes and put her hand on top of Dorothy's.
There appeared the spirits of David, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, and all of the girls. Dave said, "We forgive you Autumn." The girls nodded solemnly and Autumn joined them. Dave turned to Rosaria. "I love you daughter." She smiled. Along with Rosaria, they stood in a half-circle, holding out their hands and a bright light slowly began to build. The wicked witch screamed. "NO! IT CAN'T BE!" Darien held Emily, who kept her eyes tightly shut.
The people in the cities fled to the churches and other places of worship. The streets were completely chaotic, but still, all of the people helped each other. The people at the Kvon Altar all fell to their knees and together prayed as they saw the approaching fire. The children screamed, the women cried, and then men did all they could to calm their families. But suddenly, no one feared any longer, the entire land fell silent. Darien looked up, and the last sight he saw was Rosaria's face turned towards him, tears streaming from her glowing eyes, mouthing slowly to him, "I love you my darling." The light then reached its peak.
And from within the tower of the castle came a brilliant light, which rang out with a flash and the sound of thunder. The light flooded all the land, Heaven came upon the earth, and all within the land of Oz perished in its glory, leaving none that knew of the great land of Oz in the parallel to remember it, for just as the light touched the land of Oz, Hunk, Hickory, and Zeke simultaneously had heart attacks and died at their dinner table. The people with pure hearts were taken into the hands of God, while the wicked were left to burn forever in their own ashes alone.
And after the light had lifted, and the souls were carried to God's eternal paradise, nothing was left but the ruins. The ruins of the great cities of Oz and the homes in which the Ozian people lived out their lives were left to the silence. Nothing remained, nothing but the echoing sounds of laughter, the many memories, and the spirit that started it all.
All that was meant to be was fulfilled in this moment. The wicked witch of Oz was left to eternal seclusion in hell, while the young spirit of Autumn McQue was taken into the kingdom of God, finally free from her captivity. Emily and Jason were reunited, and were able to finally express the love for each other that they never could in life. Rosaria and her family were together at last, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion could be with Dorothy again, and Darien rested eternally in Rosaria's embrace.
The sun set in Oz, never to rise again, and Oz was left to disintegrate in the darkness, leaving but one light to guide the Ozian people to eternity. The only light to be seen, was the soft glow of an undying heart. A heart of a Goddess, and her daughter.
And so ends the epic tale of the great land of Oz.