Chapter 30: Battle Against the Witch
In what looks like a dark forest at night with only the moonlight shining down, Arthur is moving through the dark forest while Tod is still following him, only for Shadows to appear and attack the blond, who slashes with Excalibur and defeats them and keeps moving through the dark forest, but later stops and sighs.
"What am I even doing here? I shouldn't be here. I should just find my way back to the ship and do nothing. It's what I'm good at anyway." Arthur said, sitting at a tree, but Tod nudges his head at the blond's left leg. "No, Tod. I'm not gonna continue. We're going back." Arthur said.
"Oh, what's the matter, boy? Throwin' in the towel already?" A voice asked.
"That voice...!" Arthur said with disdain, as Gideon appears.
"And here I thought this was gonna be easy. After all yer efforts, yer just gonna quit like a li'l coward that you are!" Gideon said.
"Just go away!" Arthur yelled, as Tod growls.
"And miss out on our time together? I don't think so." Gideon said.
"Look, were my friends not enough for you?! Why are you doing this to me?!" Arthur demanded.
"Because you need a nice li'l lesson in reality that no matter what you do, darkness wins in the end!" Gideon said, conjuring dark magic on his hands.
"I've had it with you, Gideon! Leave me alone!" Arthur yelled, but a dark shot appears to strike at the blond, revealing to be the Darkest Faerie.
"We're just getting started with you and since Sora's not here to protect you, this will be much more easy and more fun to make you suffer even more. Don't worry, we won't kill you, yet." The Darkest Faerie said.
"I won't let you have that chance!" Arthur said, preparing to fight.
(Moonlit Forest)
Meanwhile, Sora, Donald, Goofy, Dorothy, Scarecrow, and Tin Man continue to follow the yellow brick road and arrive at the dark forest, where they find Shadows appearing and attack, bot Sora attacks with Kingdom Key while Donald casts Thundara while Goofy uses Tornado while Scarecrow attacks with his pitchfork while Tin Man swings his axe and they defeat the Heartless and keep moving.
"I don't like this forest. It's dark and creppy." Dorothy said.
"I don't like it either, but I think it's our only path if we're gonna get to Emerald City." Sora said.
"Of course, I don't know, but I think it will be darker before it gets lighter." Scarecrow said.
"You're kinda right, actually." Donald said.
"It's obvious we'll run into Heartless here, but I wonder what else we'll run into." Goofy said.
"Wild animals, I'm certain." Tin Man said, making Dorothy gasp.
"You mean, animals that eat straws?" Scarecrow asked.
"Some, but mostly lions, tigers, and bears." Tin Man said.
"Lions?" Sora asked.
"Tigers?" Donald asked.
"And bears?" Goofy asked.
"Oh, my!" Dorothy said.
"Well, we'll be fine as long as we're together. Let's keep going." Sora said.
The group continue moving through the dark forest, but then, more Hostile Treants appear and attack the group with branches and apple bombs, but Sora casts Fira while Donald casts Earthra while Goofy uses Goofy Turbo, but the Hostile Treants unleash wooden spikes, only for Scarecrow to multi strike with his pitchfork while Tin Man spin swings his axe, but the Hostile Treants throw more apple bombs to attack, but Sora uses Strike Raid and defeats the Hostile Treants. The group continue their trek through the dark forest while looking out for any enemy that will come and attack and they later come across a round area with fog, but as they keep going, something comes out of the fog and confronting the group.
"What?" Sora asked, as they see what looks like a Heartless that looks like a combination of a red lion head with yellow eyes, black bear body with the Heartless sigil, and blue tiger arms, claws, and tail.
"Lion!" Scarecrow screamed.
"Tiger!" Tin Man screamed.
"And bear! Oh, my!" Dorothy screamed.
"It's a Heartless!" Donald said, taking out his staff.
"You three get back and we'll take care of it!" Goofy said.
"Please be careful!" Dorothy said, as they hide behind a tree.
(Battle Theme: Shrouding Dark Cloud)
(Information: Fight off Dark Predator!)
The Heartless known as Dark Predator slashes at the trio with its tiger claws followed by a giant bite attack with its lion head, but Sora blocks the attack and counters with four slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Ripple Drive and then casts Gravira while Donald shoots three magic orbs and then casts Blizzara while Goofy uses Charge, only for Dark Predator to pounce around and then delivers a somersault strike with its tiger claws. Goofy blocks with his shield and then double bashes with it while Donald casts Watera followed by casting Earthra, but Dark Predator to hide in the fog and then pounces out of the fog and delivers a spinning tiger tail attack, only for Sora to use Sonic Blade and dashes all over while dealing damage and then delivers the final dashing strike. Dark Predator retaliates with unleashing a powerful roar to deal damage, but Donald unleashes five magic orb and sends them to strike while Goofy uses Goofy Bash and throws his shield, only for Dark Predator to pounce around again and then triple slashes with its tiger claws. Sora casts Stopra to freeze the Heartless and then vertical slashes with Kingdom Key followed by two diagonal slashes and then uses Blitz while Donald casts Fira followed by casting Thundara while Goofy uses Tornado, only for Dark Predator to go to the fog again and then then pounces out to deliver a somersault strike with its claws. Goofy blocks with his shield and then uses Goofy Bash and throws it while Donald casts Blizzara followed by casting Earthra, only for Dark Predator to deliver a spinning tiger tail attack and then unleashes a powerful roar, but Sora uses Strike Raid and throws his Keyblade four times and delivers the final Keyblade throw and they finish off Dark Predator, as a heart flies out, making it disappear.
"It's okay. You can come out." Sora said, as Dorothy, Scarecrow, and Tin Man come out of hiding.
"Good work dealing with that thing." Scarecrow said.
"With you three around, we'll get out of this forest in no time." Tin Man said.
"I hope so." Donald said.
"Well, let's get a..." Goofy was cut off by a loud roar.
"Now what?" Sora asked, as they see what looks like a lion on a log.
"Another Heartless?" Donald asked, taking out his staff.
The lion confronts the group, as Sora, Donald, and Goofy get ready for another fight while the lion stands on two legs and gets into a boxer stance.
"C'mon! Put 'em up! Who wants to fight me first, huh?! I'll fight ya with one paw behind my back!" The lion said.
"What's his problem?" Donald asked.
"I don't know..." Sora said.
"Listen, Mr. Lion, we don't no trouble, so how 'bout ya let us go." Goofy said.
"Why should I? You scared, huh? C'mon, put up a fight, why don'tcha!" Lion said.
"Hey, we're just minding our own business, but if you wanna bully someone, then pick on someone your own size!" Sora said.
Just then, Toto starts barking at Lion four times.
"Oh, you want a piece of me, shortstack?" Lion asked, going for Toto.
"Leave him alone!" Dorothy yelled, slapping Lion's nose, making the lion cry and whimper.
"Why'd you do that? I didn't hurt him." Lion said.
"No, but you were going to!" Donald berated, putting his hands on his hips.
"It's one thing to pick on us, but going after a little dog?" Sora asked, crossing his arms.
"Well, I don't deserve it." Lion said, still crying.
"My, what a fuss you're making. When you go around picking on those weaker than you..." Dorothy stops talking.
"If anything, you're nothing but a coward." Donald said, crossing his arms.
"Donald." Goofy said.
"No, he's right. I am a coward! I don't have any courage. I even scare myself." Lion said.
"Gawrsh, I feel sorry for him." Goofy said.
"Do you think the Wizard might help him too?" Scarecrow asked.
"You mean have him come with us?" Donald asked.
"Why not. We'd be helping him out." Sora said.
"Mr. Lion, come with us. We're going to Emerald City to see the Wizard of Oz to give Tin Man a heart, Scarecrow a brain, and even give you some courage." Dorothy said.
"Well, I suppose I could come along. You wouldn't feel degraded of being around a cowardly lion?" Lion asked.
"Of course not! We'd be happy to have ya with us." Goofy said.
"Well, okay then. I'll come along." Lion said.
"Great! Let's find a way out of here." Sora said, as they continue moving through the dark forest.
Meanwhile, Arthur is fighting against both Gideon and the Darkest Faerie, as they continue to unleash their dark magic at the blond, who dodges and blocks every attack, but Gideon manages to land a hit on Arthur, sending him to the ground.
"Awww, losin' yer touch after losin' yer friends? I knew you'd be nuttin' without 'em." Gideon said, laughing wickedly while unleashing five dark fireballs.
Arthur dodges the attacks, only for the Darkest Faerie to unleash dark lighting down at the blond boy and strikes him.
"Just surrender, boy. Resistance is futile. Accept your fate and realize we've won." The Darkest Faerie said.
"I refuse to! Even without my friends, I'm NOT backing down! Even before I got Excalibur and even before this journey, I would've just run away, but I won't! I'm still standing and I'll keep fighting!" Arthur said.
"Guess you must have a death wish. Ah, well. We'll just destroy yer body and give yer heart over." Gideon said.
(Boss Theme: Destiny's Force)
(Information: Survive against Gideon and the Darkest Faerie!)
Gideon unleashes three dark orbs and sends them to strike at Arthur, who dodges, only for the Darkest Faerie to conjures a skull to cause a curse, such as Sleep, Stun, Poison, Confuse, and Slow, but Arthur manages to recover and then delivers four slashes with Exalibur followed by Crescent Slash and then casts Voltra and then summons Hydria to unleash beams of water and tidal wave. Gideon disappears and reappears and unleashes dark spikes from the ground while the Darkest Faerie uses her wings for flight and then rains down dark blades, only for Arthur to dodge the attacks and casts Quakra followed by casting Frostra, but the Darkest Faerie retaliates with unleashing spears and darkness followed by purple flames while Gideon unleashes ice storms. Arthur casts Hydrora to protect himself and then summons Naturae, who rains down rocks and summons vines, but the Darkest Faerie teleports while unleashing thorned plants followed by sending out blades of darkness while Gideon unleashes dark hands and has them deliver punches and slam attacks. Arthur retaliates with two horizontal slashes with Excalibur followed by Magic Pulse and then uses Mjolnir and sends out magic waves four times and then unleashes the final magic wave, only for the Darkest Faerie to unleash dark lightning and then rains down more orbs of darkness, but Arthur diagonal slashes with Excalibur followed by a flipping slash. Gideon unleashes a beam of darkness to get the blond boy back, but Arthur retaliates with casting Blazra followed by summoning Glacies, who unleashes ice blades and blizzards to deal damage, only for the Darkest Faerie to create another skull to curse Arthur again, allowing Gideon to unleash five dark fireballs to deal burning damage.
"No!" Arthur yelled, as the purple Faerie Heart flies out of Excalibur and transforms into a Faerie with purple poison hair, purple poison wings, wearing a purple dress with a skull on it, and purple earrings.
"Finally out! Well, I'm Toxius, Faerie of Poison. Gimme someone to poison." Toxius said.
"Those two." Arthur said, pointing at Gideon and the Darkest Faerie.
"Okay." Toxius said, using her poison magic to unleash orbs of poison, as well as waves of poison, dealing damage. "There, finished. I'm gonna rest now. Call when you need me." Toxius said, disappearing.
Arthur casts Mend to heal his injuries and then casts Hydrora again and then uses Cyclone Blade and delivers a spinning strike while dealing damage to the two villains and then delivers a giant slash while unleashing a giant magic wave, but Gideon retaliates with unleashing blades of darkness followed by unleashing dark lightning while the Darkest Faerie unleashes purple flames followed by thorned plants to poison. Arthur manages to recover from the attacks and delivers five slashes with Excalibur followed by casting Frostra, but the Darkest Faerie conjures a dark barrier for protection and then unleashes dark claws from the ground while Gideon heals himself and then unleashes six orbs of darkness followed by creating ice storms. Arthur dodges the attacks and summons Aeria, who unleashes whirlwinds and tornadoes and then summons Ignia, who unleashes pillars of flames and waves of fire, only for Gideon to teleport around while unleashing dark spikes and then rains down blades of darkness while the Darkrest Faerie unleashes spears of darkness from the ground. Arthur retaliates with Mjolnir and unleashes magic waves from Excalibur, dealing damage to the two villains, but the Darkest Faerie unleashes purple lightning while conjuring dark fog to deal damage while Gideon unleashes a giant dark orb and throws it at Arthur, causing damage, but Arthur casts Mend and then casts Voltra to strike. Gideon conjures four dark whirlwinds to deal damage to the blond boy while the Darkest Faerie unleashes thorned plants to deal poison damage, but Arthur manages to dodge the attacks and then delivers two diagonal slashes with Excalibur followed by Crescent Slash and then casts Blazra, dealing more damage to the villains.
Gideon and the Darkest Faerie get back, as Gideon conjures dark blades at Arthur, who manages to deflect them and tries to attack both Gideon and the Darkest Faerie, only for someone to punch the blond's gut and then another punch sends the boy against a tree.
"You two did a splendid job, but I'll take things from here." A voice said, revealing to be Ruber.
"Then we'll head back for the Witch." Gideon said, as he and the Darkest Faerie disappear.
Ruber walks over to Arthur, who is using Excalibur to support him to get off the ground while Tod growls at the brute.
"Hmph, for a little worm, you seem to be handling yourself. I must admit, I'm impressed. You're quite an interesting boy, Arthur. You and I are not so different." Ruber said, kneeling down to the blond's level.
"I'm not like you! You're cruel, horrible, and you like to hurt people!" Arthur yelled, trying to stand, but no avail.
"Well, to each his own. I chose my path and you chose the way of the light and playing hero. Like all paths, everything has a price to pay and your price is that they found you amusing for a while, the people of different worlds. However, the one thing they love more than a hero is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying. In spite of everything you do for people, they will still suffer in the end and you'll only blame yourself. Why bother?" Ruber asked.
"Because it's the right thing to do." Arthur said, making Ruber laugh and smacks the blond's head.
"Let me tell you real truth, boy: There are countless hearts in many worlds and those teeming masses exist for the sole purpose of lifting a few exceptional onto their shoulders. You, Sora, me, and others like us, we're exceptional. Believe me, I could crush you like an insect right now if I wanted to, but I'm offering you a choice. You've already abandoned Sora and you're on your own, but why stop there? Something even better could await you. Come with us, Arthur. Imagine what we could accomplish together, what we could create...or we could destroy! Cause the deaths of countless innocents with selfish battle after battle after battle until we're all dead! Is that what you want?" Ruber asked.
"You're asking me to join you? After everything you and your allies did to me? You let them hurt my friends! Because of them, I don't know where they are or how to find them! Give them back to me!" Arthur yelled.
"I can see you need some time to consider. I'll leave you to decide. Think about it, boy." Ruber said, disappearing in darkness.
"I hate them... They torture me, attacked my friends, and now they want me to come with them?" Arthur said.
"Arthur!" A voice called, as Sora arrives. "You're here too! That's great!" Sora said, but notices the blond's injuries. "What happened to you?" Sora asked.
"Don't worry about it." Arthur said, turning his head away.
"Look, Artie, I was worried about you when you ran off on your own and now look at you! I don't want you going off on your own again." Sora said, as Donald, Goofy, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion arrive as well.
"Arthur?!" Donald asked.
"What were ya doin' here?" Goofy asked.
"Just leave me alone..." Arthur said.
"No. You're part of this team and I'm NOT letting you out of my sight again!" Sora said.
"Sora's right. All for one and one for all, remember?" Goofy asked.
"I know you're still upset about the others, but we'll find 'em, but we gotta stay together to do that." Donald said.
"Please, do come with us, Arthur. It's dangerous and awful here." Dorothy said.
"We're gonna go see the Wizard of Oz. Maybe he can help you with your problem." Scarecrow said.
Arthur thinks about it and Tod nudges his head to the blond, who takes a deep breath.
"Fine." Arthur said, getting up. "So, Emerald City?" Arthur asked.
"Yep. Let's go." Sora said, placing his hand on the blond's shoulder and they start moving.
"C'mon, Tod." Arthur said, as they follow the others.
Meanwhile in what looks like a dark and evil castle on a tall mountain over an open valley, the Wicked Witch of the West is watching the group through a crystal ball in her chamber, as they escape the dark forest.
"So, you won't take my warning, eh? All the worse for you!" The Wicked Witch said.
"Time to teach 'em a nice lesson." Gideon said.
"No, I'll deal with them. Once I get my hands on those ruby slippers, I'll be the most powerful in Oz! I'll be more than a match for those brats!" The Wicked Witch said.
"Well, in that case, I think we should have someone to take care of them." The Darkest Faerie said.
(Meadow of Flowers)
Arthur, Sora, Donald, Goofy, Tod, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion manage to escape from the dark forest and arrive at a beautiful meadow full of flowers and as they move through the meadow, they see something from a distance and it's a bright green city standing at the end of the yellow brick road.
"This is it!" Sora said.
"Emerald City! Oh, it looks so beautiful!" Dorothy said.
"Well, come on! Let's hurry!" Tin Man said.
The group makes they through the meadow to get to Emerald City, but then, something appears around the meadow and it's a cloud of poison, making them stop.
"What's that?" Lion asked.
"Poison!" Donald said.
"Someone's trying to stop us." Arthur said and just then, something rises from the ground and it's what looks like a giant Heartless that looks like a purple flower with yellow eyes, razor red petals, black thorns all over, and the Heartless sigil on its purple bulb.
"Ahhh, monster!" Lion screamed, running.
"Lion, wait!" Scarecrow said.
"Dorothy..." Sora stops talking.
"Be careful." Dorothy said.
"Artie!" Sora said.
"Yeah, let's do it." Arthur said.
(Boss Theme: Destiny's Force)
(Information: Defeat Toxic Blossom!)
The Heartless known as Toxic Blossom unleashes poisonous bombs from its bulb at the five, who dodge out of the way and Arthur delivers four slashes with Excalibur followed by a diagonal slash and then casts Blazra to deal great burning damage while Sora double vertical slashes with Kingdom Key followed by a spin slash and then casts Fira, only for Toxic Blossom to spread poison cloud all over the meadow and then unleashes vines to attack. Donald casts Fira at the vines and then casts Thundara at the Heartless itself while Goofy uses Goofy Bash and throws his shield while Tod uses Tackle, but Toxic Blossom uses its vines to try and infect poison onto the five, who manage to avoid the attack and Goofy uses Rocket to attack the vines while Arthur uses Ignia's fire magic to create fire pillars. Toxic Blossom unleashes more poison bombs and spreads more poison clouds, but Donald casts Blizzara followed by casting Earthra while Sora aerial slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Hurricane Blast and then casts Gravira, only for Toxic Blossom to unleash small petals raining down. The group avoid the raining petals, as Arthur aerial vertical slashes with Excalibur followed by an aerial spinning slash and then casts Voltra while Tod uses Skullbash, but Toxic Blossom retaliates with attacking with its vines and unleashes more tiny petals, only for Donald cast Watera followed by casting Fira. Toxic Blossom unleashes orbs of poison to try and get the group, only for Goofy to use Tornado while Tod uses Bite while Donald casts Earthra and then casts Thundara, but Toxic Blossom spreads clouds of poison to try and poison the group, only for Arthur to use Mjolnir and unleashes magic waves while Sora uses Strike Raid and throws his Keyblade.
Toxic Blossom spins its razor petals to try and attack the group, who dodge out of the way and Arthur uses Toxius' poison magic to unleash globs of poison while Donald casts Fira followed by casting Thundara, only for Toxic Blossom to spread more toxic clouds to deal poisonous damage and then rains down poison bombs, but Goofy uses Goofy Bash and throws his shield while Sora aerial slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Hurrican Blast. Toxic Blossom uses its vines to try and infect poison on the group, only for Tod to use Growl at the vines while Arthur vertical slashes with Excalibur followed by two roundhouse slashes and then uses Magic Pulse while Sora casts Fira to deal great damage, but Toxic Blossom unleashes small petals to bring down poison. The group avoid the raining petals and Goofy uses Tornado while Donald casts Blizzara followed by casting Gravira, only for Toxic Blossom to spin its razor petals to deal poison damage and then attacks with its vines to deal poison damage, but Arthur casts Blazra to deal great burning damage. Toxic Blossom spreads more poison clouds and then unleashes more poison bombs, but Tod uses Tackle while Sora diagonal slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Blitz and then casts Earthra, only for Toxic Blossom to try and trap the group with vines and then rains down more small petals to poison, but Donald shoots magic bullets from his staff and then casts Watera, but Toxic Blossom attacks with its vines. Arthur casts Paralyzra to stun the Heartless and then delivers five slashes with Excalibur followed by Crescent Slash and then uses Ignia's fire magic to unleash waves of flames and rains down fireballs while Sora uses Sonic Blade and dashes all over and they finish off Toxic Blossom.
Toxic Blossom collaspes and starts to wilt, as a giant heart flies out, making it disappear and Arthur's Hypno magic upgrades to Hypnora while Sora's Sleep magic upgrades to Sleepra.
"Done." Arthur said, as Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion arrive back.
"Wow, you actually defeated that monster." Scarecrow said.
"You guys are much more braver than I am." Lion said.
"I wouldn't say that. You guys did your part in protecting Dorothy too." Sora said.
"I suppose you're right." Tin Man said.
"Well, that's enough standing around. Emerald City is just ahead." Donald said, as they move through the meadow.
Back at the Witch's lair, the villains watch the group defeat Toxic Blossom and continue on.
"Curse it! Curse it all! Wretched brats!" The Wicked Witch yelled.
"They're close to Emerald City, but I'll make sure they won't get off easy." Gideon said, summoning Heartless that look like Powerwilds, but they are purple, have crooked wings, and are wearing dark red caps and vests known as Flywilds. "Hear me, Heartless! Catch the girl, Dorothy and bring her here! That way, Arthur and Sora'll have no choice but to come here! Git movin'! Fly, my Heartless! Fly out and git 'em!" Gideon commanded, as they Flywilds fly out of the castle.
Meanwhile, the group keep moving through the meadow to follow the yellow brick road and later, they finall reach end of the yellow brick road and manage to reach a gate leading to the city itself.
"We're finally here." Dorothy said.
"This place sure looks amazin' up close." Goofy said.
"What're we waiting for? Let's go in already." Arthur said, as they go for the gate.
Just then, Tod looks up and sees something in the sky.
"What now?" Sora asked, looking up to see a swarm of creatures flying for the group.
"More Heartless...?" Goofy asked.
"Oh, not more of them!" Tin Man said, as Flywilds come flying down and confront the group.
"Ahhh! More monsters!" Lion screamed.
"Take a hike! We don't have time for you!" Donald yelled, taking out his staff.
"Looks like we'll have to deal with them before meeting the Wizard." Sora said, taking out his Keyblade.
"Let's just get this over with!" Arthur said.
(Information: Fend off the Heartless while protecting Dorothy!)
The Flywilds fly around while attacking with their fists, but Sora casts Sleepra to make the enemies sleep and then vertical slashes with Kingdom Key followed by diagonal slashes and then uses Ripple Drive while Arthur aerial slashes with Excalibur followed by two flipping slashes and then casts Voltra, but the Flywilds swarm the group and drop down coconut bombs at the group. Scarecrow aerial strikes with his pitchfork while Tin Man aerail swings with his axe, only for the Flywilds to deliver aerial kicks and aerial tail swipes, but Tod uses Growl while Donald casts Thundara while Goofy uses Rocket, only for the Flywilds to keep flying around and then deliver somersault flying kicks, but Sora casts Gravira to bring down the flying Heartless while Arthur casts Frostra. The Flywilds drop down more coconut bombs to deal damage, but Tin Man throws his axe while Scarecrow multi strikes with his pitchfork, only for the flying Heartless to deliver flying punches and flying tail whips, but Tod attacks with his stick while Goofy uses Tornado while Donald casts Earthra. The Flywilds deliver somersault kicks in the air, Arthur casts Hypnora and then aerial slashes with Excalibur followed by an aerial spin slash while Sora double vertical slashes with Kingdom Key and then casts Blizzara and they manage to defeat the Heartless, but more Flywilds appear and surround the group.
"Ugh, there's no end to them!" Sora said.
"Go away already!" Tin Man yelled.
Just then, they hear a scream.
"That was Dorothy!" Arthur said, as they see Flywilds flying off while taking Dorothy and Toto with them.
"Please help me!" Dorothy cried, as the Flywilds are leaving.
"Hey, give her back!" Sora yelled, running after the Heartless.
"We gotta follow after 'em!" Goofy said, as they follow.
(Information: Follow where Dorothy's being taken!)
The group chase after the Heartless to get to Dorothy and they later arrive at a different area.
(Field Theme: Wicked)
(Winkie Country-Haunted Forest)
The group continue to chase after Dorothy to rescue her and they later arrive at a dark forest with many dead trees and keep going after the Heartless, but then, more Hostile Treants and Dark Predators appear and attack the group, but Arthur attacks with Excalibur while Sora attacks with Kingdom Key while Donald casts Blizzara while Goofy uses Charge while Tod uses Tackle and they defeat the Heartless and continue moving. During their trek through the dark forest, Shadows, Flywilds, and Hostile Treants appear and attack the group, but Arthur and Sora work together, as the two boys attack with their weapons and manage to defeat the Heartless in their way and continue to move through the forest.
In the Wicked Witch's castle, Dorothy is now in the Witch's chambers.
"Well, what an unexpected pleasure. It's very kind of you to visit my loneliness." The Wicked Witch said.
"Please, give me back my dog!" Dorothy begged.
"All in good time, my pretty! First, give me the slippers!" Wicked Witch demanded.
"But the Good Witch of the North told me not to." Dorothy said.
"Okay how about this; I'll just yer stupid mutt and drown it in the river!" Gideon said, taking Toto.
"NO! Please don't! You can have the slippers!" Dorothy cried.
"Good girl! I knew you'd see reason." The Wicked Witch said, going for the ruby slippers, but as she touches them, electric sparks hurt the witch herself.
"What is it?" Gideon asked.
"Gah! Fool that I am! I should have realized! The slippers will never come off, as long as she's alive!" The Wicked Witch said.
"Well, why didn't ya say so? Let's kill her!" Gideon said, summoning a dark blade.
"No! I shall do it myself, my darling." The Wicked Witch said, going for a bronze hourglass full of red sand and flips it around to make the red sand go down. "This is how much longer you'll live, girl and it isn't long, my pretty!" The Wicked Witch said, leaving.
"And wanna know the best part? Once yer good as gone, I'll gladly take yer heart! It'll have much use fer me anyway!" Gideon said, also leaving.
"Oh, I'm frightened! Sora, Arthur, please hurry...!" Dorothy said, crying.
Meanwhile, the group continue on through the dark forest and they later arrive at the next area.
(Winkie Country-Castle Entrance)
The group arrive at a rocky mountain area and start climbing up and they later see a giant dark castle.
"Gawrsh, that's a big castle..." Goofy said.
"This must be that awful witch's home." Scarecrow said.
"We need to get her out of there." Tin Man said.
"C'mon, let's hurry!" Donald said, as they go for the castle, only to see what look like green skinned guards.
"Oh, no..." Arthur said.
"Well, we better take 'em." Sora said.
"Hold on, Sora. I got an idea." Scarecrow said.
"What's that?" Goofy asked.
"We could find another way around." Scarecrow said.
"I don't think that's a good idea... Maybe I should..." Lion was cut off.
"Come on, don't you wanna be brave? This is your chance, ya know!" Donald said, with his hands on his hips.
"We're all in this together." Arthur said.
"You're right. We have to save Dorothy, Witch or no Witch." Lion said.
Tod looks around and finds rocky steps and decides to use them, so the others follow down the path and Arthur, Sora, and Donald nod and cast Hypnora and Sleepra on the guards to make them sleep, allowing them to move past the guards and they go into the castle.
(Castle Interior)
The group are now in the Witch's castle, as they find more guards, but they sneak past them and move through the castle to find Dorothy, but as they continue moving through the castle interior, they hear barking.
"Is that...?" Goofy stops talking.
"Toto!" Sora said, as they find Dorothy's basket with Toto in it.
"Do you know where Dorothy is?" Arthur asked, as the dog barks and leads them through the castle.
"Come on." Tin Man said, as they follow Toto.
The group follow Toto upstairs, where they find a wooden door and Toto is barking.
"Dorothy, are you in there?" Sora asked.
"Yes! I'm in here! She locked me in! Hurry, the hourglass is almost empty!" Dorothy said.
"Sora! Your Keyblade!" Goofy said.
"Right!" Sora said, using his Keyblade to unlock the door, freeing the Kansas girl.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you!" Dorothy cheered, hugging everyone.
"Come on, let's get out of here and quick." Arthur said.
"Oh, going so soon, my pretties?" A voice asked, as they see the Wicked Witch.
"Yeah, we're leaving and that's that!" Sora said.
"So, get lost, ya ugly hag!" Donald yelled.
"Oh, but the party has only begun!" The Wicked Witch said.
"Well, party's over!" Arthur yelled.
"But we'll give you a nice game called 'Whack the Witch'!" Sora said.
"I told you I would fix you and fix you I SHALL!" The Wicked Witch yelled.
(Boss Theme: Squirming Evil)
(Information: Defeat the Wicked Witch!)
The Wicked Witch begins firing magic blasts at the group, who dodge out of the way, only for the Witch to create two fireballs and throws them to deal burning damage, but Arthur casts Hydrora and then diagonal slashes with Excalibur followed by Magic Pulse and then casts Quakra while Sora vertical slashes with Kingdom Key followed by a roundhouse slash and then uses Ripple Drive. The Wicked Witch teleports in red smoke and then reappears and unleashes black smoke to try and scare the group away, only for Donald to cast Blizzara followed by casting Gravira while Goofy uses Charge, but the Wicked Witch shoots more magic blasts to get the group away, but Tod uses Bite while Scarecrow attacks with his pitchfork, only for the Wicked Witch to shoot fireballs. Tin Man double swings with his axe while Lion delivers a slow attack with a mallet, but the Wicked Witch disappears in red smoke again and then conjures lightning to strike down at the group, only for Sora to use Sonic Blade and dashes all over while getting the Witch and delivers the final dashing strike. The Wicked Witch unleashes more black smoke to keep the group back and then creates five magic bolts and sends them to attack the group, but Arthur deflects the magic bolts and then triple slashes with Excalibur followed by Crescent Slash and then uses Hydria's water magic to create tidal waves to deal very good damage, making the Witch angry. The Wicked Witch tries to unleash more lighting at the group, but Scarecrow uses Tin Man's axe to cut a rope, making a chandelier fall on the hag and dealing some damage, allowing Donald to cast Watera followed by casting Thundara while Goofy uses Tornado while Sora delivers five slashes with Kingdom Key.
The Wicked Witch vanishes in red smoke again and reappears and conjures a spell to create a giant twister to deal damage to the group, but Tod uses Tackle while Tin Man spin swings with his axe, but the Witch shoots three fireballs to deal burning damage, only for Lion to deliver a whacking attack with his mallet while Goofy uses Goofy Turbo, but the Wicked Witch gets away from the group again and shoots more magic blasts. Donald casts Aero to protect everyone and then casts Earthra followed by casting Fira while Arthur delivers three horizontal slashes with Excalibur followed by a giant slash and then casts Frostra, only for the Witch to send out more black smoke to get the group away and then summons more lightning, only for Scarecrow to multi strike with his pithfork. The Wicked Witch conjures another giant twister to deal damage to the group, who manage to recover and Sora uses Strike Raid and throws his Keyblade four times while Goofy uses Goofy Bash and throws his shield, but the Witch vanishes in red smoke and then sends out more magic bolts to try and deal damage. Tod uses Skullbash to deal damage to the hag, allowing Arthur to vertical slash with Excalibur followed by summoning Glacies, who unleashes blizzards and create ice daggers to attack while Tin Man throws his axe while Scarecrow double attacks with his pitchfork, but the Wicked Witch creates black smoke and then summons a giant magic blast. Lion roars and then delivers a charging bash at the Witch, dealing great damage, allowing Arthur to use Mjolnir and unleashes magic waves and then unleashes a giant magic wave while Sora triple slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Blitz and then casts Watera, making the Witch even more angry.
The Wicked Witch creates another giant twister and then summons a giant fireball and sends it to deal excellent burning damage, but Sora and Donald cast Cure while Arthur casts Mend, as Tod uses Growl while Goofy double bashes with his shield, only for the Wicked Witch to vanish in red smoke and then fires six magic blasts to try and destroy them, but Lion swing attacks with his mallet while Tin Man double attacks with his axe. The Wicked Witch conjures more lightning to strike at the group, who dodge, as Donald casts Blizzara followed by casting Gravira while Arthur casts Blazra and then summons Naturae, who unleashes vines and rains down rocks, but the Wicked Witch creates more black smoke to get the group away and then fires a gaint magic blast. Scarecrow multi strikes with his pitchfork while Goofy uses Charge while Tod attacks with his stick, but the Wicked Witch retaliates with shooting more fireballs and then creates two giant twisters to deal damage to the group, who recover, as Lion attacks with his mallet while Tin Man spin attacks with his axe. The Wicked Witch vanishes again in red smoke and then delivers more magic blasts and sends out magic bolts to attack, only for Donald to cast Watera while Sora diagonal slashes with Kingdom Key followed by Ripple Drive and then casts Thundara while Arthur casts Voltra followed by casting Quakra, but the Witch vanishes and reappears to shoot another fireball. Lion attacks with his mallet while Tin Man throws his axe while Scarecrow attacks with his pitchfork, only for the Wicked Witch to create five fireballs and throws them, but Tod uses Skullbash while Goofy uses Tornado while Donald casts Blizzara while Sora uses Strike Raid while Arthur uses Cyclone Blade and they finish off the Wicked Witch.
The group manage to push the Witch back, but she gets very angry.
"That's it! It's time you BURN!" The Wicked Witch shouted, casting a giant fireball.
"I don't think so!" Sora yelled, casting Watera on the Witch, causing her to start melting.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHH! You cursed brat! Look what you've done! I'm melting! I'm MELTING! Oh, what a world, what a world! Who would have thought good children like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness?! Oh, look out! Look out! I'm going!" The Wicked Witch cried, as she completely melts, as only her robe and hat remains.
"So, that's it..." Arthur said.
"She's gone..." Dorothy said, as the guards cheer at the group for defeating the Witch.
"Gee, they seem really happy." Goofy said, as one of the guards give Dorothy the Witch's broomstick.
"For us...?" Dorothy asked, taking the broomstick.
"Um, thanks and you guys should be better off with the Witch gone." Sora said.
Just then, something appears in the Witch's chambers and it's a Keyhole, so Sora uses his Keyblade to lock the Keyhole and saving Oz from the darkness.
"At least that's taken care of. Let's get out of here head back to Emerald City." Arthur said and they nod, as they leave the castle.
After they leave, the Darkest Faerie and Gideon appear for the robe and hat.
"So, they defeated the Witch herself. How expected." The Darkest Faerie said.
"Even if she did fall, she'll still have a use." Gideon said, taking the robe and hat.
"Let us return to the castle. We have what we need." The Darkest Faerie said, as they disappear in darkness.
The group later return to the gates leading to Emerald City.
"Well, this is it, guys. Your final destination." Sora said.
"Now you'll be able to see the Wizard and get your wishes granted." Arthur said.
"Thank you, Sora, Arthur, Donald, Goofy." Dorothy said.
"Aren't you guys coming with us to see the Wizard?" Scarecrow asked.
"Thanks, but you guys wanna see him more. Besides, we promised we'd get Dorothy over here safely and we did." Sora said.
"And with that awful Witch defeated, you guys shouldn't have any more trouble." Goofy said.
"So, I guess this is it then." Lion said.
"I think I'm going to cry." Tin Man said, starting to cry.
"Don't do that, Tin Man! You'll rust again!" Donald said.
"Hope you guys get what you want. Scarecrow, you'll finally get a brain, Tin Man, you'll get a heart, Lion, you'll have courage, and Dorothy, you'll finally get home to your family." Sora said.
"But you guys actually proved something. Scarecrow, even without a brain, you came up with plans back at the castle. Tin Man, even if you don't have a heart, you show that you care a lot about your new friends. Lion, even without courage, you stuck with us, even when dealing with the Witch herself. At the end of day, don't let the things you lack make you feel like nothing. You all have something great about yourselves." Arthur said.
"Oh, thank you." Scarecrow said.
"We'll never forget you." Tin Man said.
"We're glad we met you guys." Lion said.
"We'll really miss you all." Dorothy said.
"Same here." Sora said.
"Good luck with the Wizard!" Goofy said, as they go for the gates to Emerald City.
"Well, it's about time to be going too." Donald said.
"Yeah." Sora said, as they start moving.
Arthur remains still while thinking about Ruber's offer.
"In spite of everything you do for people, they will still suffer in the end and you'll only blame yourself." Ruber said in Arthur's head.
"Do I REALLY make people suffer just because I wanna help them? Is being good really that bad? Am I on the right path or the wrong one?" Arthur asked, as Tod nudges the blond's leg.
"Hey, Artie, ya ready?" Sora asked, waving and snapping Arthur from his thoughts.
"Y-Yeah, I'm coming." Arthur said, joining the three. "I don't know if being with Sora was a good idea, but I guess I'll stick with him, at least until I figure out what's best for me." Arthur said in his mind, as they leave Oz.
Here's Chapter 30 and that marks the end of their time in Oz and I hope this was a fun read. That's it and time to be moving on with the adventure once again. That's all from me. Chapter 31 is coming and who knows what's gonna happen next. See ya later and have a good day. Also, if you suggestions on helping with Arthur's growth as a character, kindly let me know via review or PM me and please do tell me. Also, if you've favorited and followed Two Chosen Heroes, I'd suggest you move those over to this story, as once I'm done with this story, I'm gonna remove Two Chosen soon, so it's just me saying. Anyway, later.