Oz Victorious
Chapter Twelve: Searching
"If the Wizard works with our beloved Katrina, our loyalty is yours," a young man accompanied by a bipedual goat declared, signing his name on Oz's contract. "Quadling Country welcomes you, weary travelor." Smiling, the Wizard stepped forward into the exotic town. Each of the houses and buildings were built into the sides of trees and covered with either flowers or vines. "You will stay in our grand palace, my friend. The guest room is the very best our people have to offer."
"Thank you," Oz warmly replied. "All of you. The Wizard and Katrina won't forget your kindness." Entering the palace, the blond man made his way up the stairs and into the guest room. Bright red walls lined with living flowers, wide open windows letting in the sun's light, and an elogantly made bed greeted the Wizard. Trina told me this place was beautiful... Laying down on the bed, the man continued work on his map. She calls herself Witch of the North, but Quadling Country seems to be like a second home to her. Maybe things have changed...I know they did for the south back home. I could see staying here for awhile...but I still have work to do. Pulling the curtains shut, Oz removed his hood and lay down on the bed, pulling the sheets up to his neck. Closing his eyes, the Wizard slowly fell asleep.
"Victoria...Victoria. Remember who you are...please, you're more than welcome to return to the Emerald City," Katrina whispered, stroking her baby sister's long, dark hair. Her green eye lids parting, the Wicked Witch of the West shot up in her bed. Taking in the ever-present shadow of the Dark Valley, the woman let in a deep breath. "She still burdens me in my dreams," she snarled, listening to her army marching outside her palace. "How can her magic be so strong?" Slinking back down under her covers, Victoria whispered a spell, gently stroked her hand over her stomach, then closed her eyes to the world.
Opening his heavy eyes, Oz sat up in the guest bed, winced at the sunlight sinking in through the curtains, and lowered his feet onto the soft floor. "Time to move on," the Wizard told himself, dawning his hood, quickly making the bed, then walking out the door. Crowds cheered and waved as the blond man walked away from their country, waving back at each citizen. "Fair thee well, travelor," the leader of the country called out.
"May Oz and the Good Witch protect this land forever more," the Wizard called back. Applause echoed throughout the land once more.
Making his way through what felt like endless grassland, Oz noticed the Yellow Brick Road on the distant horizon, and gathered his strength. Bound for the north, the man braced himself for parts unknown, never losing his pace. Katrina warned me about the outer boundaries of Oz...Hopefully, I can avoid the desert.
Her eyes closed, Katrina felt the presence of her dear friend. The air was cool, and the sun was bright above him. Suddenly, the doors to the throne room opened. "Is my dad okay?" Addie's voice interrupted the good witch's trance.
"Yes," Trina answered. "He was warmly greeted in Quadling Country and makes his way up north."
"What's there?" the china doll asked, leaning against the arm rest of the Throne of Oz.
"The Winkie Country," the woman answered. "The Yellow Brick Road will not be able to guide him much longer, I fear."
"He has to be okay," Addie whispered. "What's in Winkie Country? I've never heard of it before."
"I know only that its people have grown cold with war and hard times," Katrina answered, her voice growing concerned. "My powers have not been able to reach them in many years." Addie stared at the floor, silently praying for her father and the future of Oz.
As the sun set along the horizon, Oz turned back to see only hills and brush; no Emerald City to look back on. With each step forward on the Yellow Brick Road, the man knew he was getting closer to his destination. Each brick seemed to give off its own light, even as the sun faded. "I've been walking for hours," the Wizard groaned. "I'm starving..." Pulling out his map, the man accounted for miles of grassland. Soon, the sky was shrouded in darkness, and the light of the Yellow Brick Road was fading. Using an old light spell, Oz managed to reveal what was right in front of him, but little else. "I'm never gonna make it like this...gotta find a place to sleep for the night." Stepping off the road, the Wizard scanned the forest for a hollowed out tree. At last, the blond man found a tall, thick, empty oak, crawled inside, and waited out the dawn.
Hours passed by, bringing with them icy winds and the howls of strange creatures. Fast asleep, Oz hid from it all in. Images flashed by, as they sometimes did, of Carly, of Addie Singer, and of the man's mother. It had been years, but he could still feel his mom's warm embrace and kisses. Letting a breath into his old world, the Wizard's eyes shot open as his heart pounded. Gazing out the hole in his tree, the blond man saw daylight shine down upon him, and crawled out into the forest. Here we go, Oz told himself, making his way back on the Yellow Brick Road. Time went by; bricks grew scarce; sunlight turned into a blaze. Finding himself abandoned by the road, the man continued through grass. Wiping the sweat off his brow, the Wizard continued up north, updating his map every ten minutes. Suddenly, something broke the silence; something breathed heavily, knifing its way through the wind. Turning to his side, the man saw a lion standing on all fours, its claws digging into the dirt, and its sharp eyes focused on his own. Jerking its head to the side, the beast grunted, letting its mane blow in the breeze. Gazing back at the animal, Oz remained still, his eyes locked in place. Then, if by its own nature, the lion turned around, and ran off into the woods. A powerful creature...A lion among men. Adjusting his cloak, the blond man continued forward.
"I cannot see him anymore," Katrina whispered as her view of the Wizard turned to darkness. "...He's alone now."
Freezing in his steps, Oz gazed wide-eyed at the sight before him; ash, fire, ruins, and broken dreams. Looking around, the man saw only the charred remains of cottages and schools. "Hello?" he called out, growing uneasy. "Is anyone here?" Somehow, the skies seemed darker over the crumbling memory of Winkie Country. Cupping his hands around his mouth, the Wizard cried out with all his might, "Hello? I bring tidings from the Emerald City!" Debris crackled, then collapsed on the burned ground. Running over to the pile of rubble, Oz slowly slid his hand over the wreckage, pulling it apart and revealing a small family of large ladybugs cowering. "Are you alright?"
"The Wicked Witch," one of the bugs, presumably the mother of the family, stuttered. "She rained fire down on everyone...she destroyed everything."
"She's gone now," the Wizard comforted the group, his voice gentle but trembling. "She can't hurt you anymore...I come from the Wizard of Oz...he brings his blessing and protection to you and your people."
"They're all dead," the father ladybug whispered, his voice quaking.
"No," the Wizard replied, shaking his head and giving a smile to reassure the timid ones. "No, I can feel them here...But I need your help to find them. Will you help me?" One of the smaller of the ladybugs stood up, and approached the mysterious hero.
"You're really here to help us?" the little boy asked, the tears still wet upon his face.
"Yes," Oz whispered. "The Wizard and the Good Witch sent me. They can protect your land, but they need your help. Can you be strong for me?" Nodding, the boy looked back at his family, who slowly rose up onto their feet. "Can you show me where your leaders live?" The ladybugs nodded, taking the man's hands and walking forward. Together, the group soon reached the ashy remains of the capital building.
"Here we are," the father ladybug declared. "Our leaders stayed here until the Witch came."
"Thank you," the Wizard replied. "Do you have a safe place to go to?" The family looked at one another, then nodded their heads. "Stay close. I'll be back soon." Forcing the burned doors open, Oz made his way into what appeared to be the abandoned capital. "Hello? Is anyone here?"
"There's no one left to kill," a voice called out. "Leave me to mourn my losses."
"No, I'm here to help you," the blond man called back. "I come from the Emerald City...we can help you rebuild your city...protect you from the Wicked Witches...But I need you to come out. Please...what do you have to lose by trusting me?" A creaking sound came from the remains of a desk, and a young man rose up from behind the wooden husk. "Are you the leader of this country?"
"What's left of it," the man answered, his voice grim. "Everything was lost in the fires."
"No, not everything," the Wizard replied. "There are still survivors. There's still hope."
"What hope can there be?" the town's leader replied, sitting down amongst the rubble.
"There's always a way," Oz answered, taking a seat next to the young man. "You don't have to work alone anymore...the Wizard and Katrina the Good can protect the country. Munchkinland and the other countries can bring you supplies...There will be a tomorrow, but you have to have faith. Will you trust me?" A moment of silence passed.
"What's your trust worth?" the young man finally asked.
"...Hope," the Wizard responded. "A bright tomorrow for you and your people. Let us help you."
"...Okay," the leader of the country answered, extending his hand to the blond man.
Oz happily took the young man's hand and shook it. "Welcome to the council," he declared. Together, the two walked outside to see rays of sunlight shining through the haze. "Everyone!...You're safe now! The Wizard of Oz and your leader have joined forces for your protection! Now come out and face a new day!"
Slowly, men, women, children, horses, dwarves, and other citizens rose from the ashes and debris, gathering around the center of the city. The ladybug family stepped in front of the crowds, gazing at the Wizard. "Listen to this man!" the leader of the country called out.
"I know this country has suffered," the blond man began. "But together, this will pass. You needn't live in fear any longer. In afew days, other countries will bring supplies, we will join together to rebuild your homes and stores, and, in time, we will construct a Golem to secure all that you hold dear. Until then, the blessing of the Good Witch and the Emerald City's Wizard will shield you. Now is the time to rise up and begin again...it won't be easy, but it will be done!" The crowds cheered.
Suddenly, Katrina's eyes opened. "He's done it," she whispered, her heart settling. Letting in a deep breath, the good witch cast a spell of protection over all of Winkie Country.
"Now, do any of you know where the Wicked Witch has gone?" Oz continued. Silence fell over the city.
"She went eastward into the valley," a kitten answered, rubbing ash off his furry forehead.
"Thank you," the Wizard replied. "Once my journey is complete, I shall return to rebuild your cities with you. Until then, listen to your leader, and know that you will be safe."
"Please," a teenage boy interrupted, taking Oz's hand. "Allow us to give you something to ease your travels."
"I'll be okay," the blond man politely declined.
"Please," the ladybug mother insisted. "It's the least we can do." A young woman walked forward, holding a leash attatched to a large, green animal resembling a moose.
"This is one of our strongest Gumps," the country's leader declared. "May he serve you well on your quest."
"Thank you," the Wizard replied, taking the leash. "I will return him to you once my mission has come to an end...your kindness will be remembered." Mounting the powerful animal, Oz waved to the citizens, then rode away to the sound of applause. Headed east, the man tried to steady his heart, knowing what he would soon face.