(Home Again at Last)
*Author's Note: This chapter marks the end of the fourth story arc and thank you to everyone who's read this wonderful story*
*January 22nd, 1906*
*Emerald Palace*
Dorothy and Ozma returned to the Emerald City as their friends awaited their presence.
"Hey guys! How did the visit go? I hope it went well for the both of you girls." Scarecrow asked his two friends while walking toward them with a smile as Ozma began to respond.
"It went pretty well. I have plenty to tell regarding Dorothy's marking on her forehead so please make sure to listen carefully" Ozma responded while walking towards the fountain and taking a seat alongside Dorothy while Scarecrow and the others followed them.
"Oh yeah, you and Dorothy were gonna visit the Good Witch of the North. I remember Dorothy telling me about her back in Kansas so I'm interested to hear the news" Betsy spoke out to Ozma while sitting on the grass while Zeb sat next to her as he stretched his arms.
"I sure hope it's good news. I don't know what I'm gonna do if my cousin ends up being in danger or other such things" Zeb spoke out while Oscar nodded in agreement as he sat down.
"I'm sure it's good. That kiss that Locasta had given Dorothy surely must be good but we shall see what Ozma has to say" Oscar spoke to Zeb with confidence in his voice as he looked over to see Dorothy taking a seat next to Ozma.
"So, the Good Witch of the North told us that the mark on Dorothy's forehead could lead her to get marvelous powers; however, since Dorothy had a human heart unlike the people of Oz, she is certain to fall into wickedness if she's not careful but just know that Dorothy is stronger than anything so she'll prove her worth.." Ozma explained to her friends while everyone was surprised at what they just heard regarding Dorothy's situation.
"I see, so Dorothy could have the power to save the Land of Oz and her world once the time is right, correct? I've read that a kiss from the Good Witches does give someone a protection charm of sorts but considering that Dorothy is from Earth then there's a chance that she might fall into temptation?" Scarecrow spoke out while placing his fingers on his straw chin as he thought about everything while Ozma nodded in agreement.
"Correct, although Oz is a part of Earth but rather disconnected meaning that nobody can't travel here which is why the Deadly Desert exists" Ozma spoke back while Scarecrow and the others nodded in an understanding way.
"I get it now, so as long as Dorothy remains in Oz then there's a chance that she won't become wicked like Mombi and the Wicked Witches of the East and West, correct?" Tin Woodman spoke out to Ozma but this was met with the young princess shaking her head in denial.
"Not exactly. Dorothy could still be tempted even if she's in the Land of Oz or anywhere for that matter. It's just a matter of Dorothy giving into those temptations or not but in short, we must remember that Dorothy is a kind and a very loving girl and we all know that she'll conquer anything that opposes her!" Ozma spoke back in a serious tone before ending it with a warm smile which made Tin Woodman and the others smile as well.
"Ozma is right. I won't allow myself to be tempted by any bad people that might wanna take advantage of me. I intend to use whatever power that's growing inside me for good! That's a promise as well!" Dorothy spoke out to her friends with a confident smile while everyone else smiled back but suddenly, a familiar voice called out to them and it was none other than Glinda.
"Why if it isn't Dorothy Gale of Kansas? I'd figured I would visit you before you depart back home and you've grown so big as well" Glinda spoke out in a motherly voice as this caught everyone's attention as Dorothy and her friends looked over to see Glinda and Kiki who surprised everyone.
"Glinda! Oh, I've missed you so much! It's wonderful to see you again" Dorothy spoke out in joy while running over to hug Glinda.
"My dear child. What brings you to Oz again? You wouldn't be able to use the Silver Shoes since Ozma owns them.." Glinda asked Dorothy in a curious tone while waiting for an answer from the young girl.
"Well, it's a long story but I will tell you everything that happened if you don't mind.." Dorothy responded in a formal and polite voice as she began to tell Glinda everything that had happened.
Dorothy had told her entire adventure to Glinda and this surprised the Good Witch greatly as she heard about her encounter with the Mangaboos, Invisible Bears, and other strange things below the surface.
"I see, that's quite the adventure. I'm glad that you and your dear cousin and friends managed to make it out alive with Ozma's help or otherwise I would have stepped in…." Glinda spoke back while chuckling to herself while walking over to where Zeb, Betsy, and Oscar were sitting.
"Oscar, it's been a while, hasn't it? I see that the people of Oz discovered your true identity, correct? I do recall Dorothy telling me this when I first met her all those years ago?" Glinda asked Oscar with a smile on her face while Oscar nodded in confirmation as he tipped his hat in respect.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. I'm surprised I was able to keep my identity a secret for that long but honestly, It was quite stressful at times so Dorothy and her friends did me a favor" Oscar spoke back with a smile while Glinda smiled back.
"It truly must have been. I must ask, do you intend to go back home with Dorothy and her friends or stay here as one of Ozma's advisors?" Glinda asked Oscar once more while waiting for an answer as the humbug began to speak up once more.
"I intend to stay here. I was the reason that Ozma was lost for all of those years so the least I can do is help out the true ruler of Oz in the best shape or form that I can" Oscar responded while Glinda smiled at the answer she just heard.
"Wonderful. I'm sure you'll be a great advisor to Ozma" Glinda spoke back to Oscar while looking over to see Betsy and Zeb as she turned her attention to the two children.
"And you must be Betsy and Zeb, correct? I'm sure this journey was quite hectic. All those terrible Mangaboos and other dreadful creatures.." Glinda spoke out to Zeb and Betsy in a gentle voice while Zeb nodded his head in agreement.
"It was! I never want to experience something like that ever again but I also have a question since you seem to know everything, your majesty." Zeb spoke out to Glinda with relief and curiosity in his voice and this made the Good Witch look at him curiously.
"And what shall the question be? You can ask me anything, my dear child" Glinda spoke back while giving Zeb a gentle smile to ensure that everything was gonna be okay as she waited for whatever question was gonna be asked.
"I heard a voice. It guided me during the adventure and it appeared to be someone who seemed to have watched over my cousin, Dorothy. Could you have any answers on who that might be.." Zeb asked Glinda as this seemed to have made her eyes light up in surprise before answering back.
"That voice was Queen Lurline, the Goddess of the entire Land of Oz. She was the voice who helped you during your adventure. It's strange? She also helped Lion as well back when he was on his adventure with Dorothy. Perhaps Lurine seems to have a watchful eye over young Dorothy and even you and Betsy as well " Glinda responded in the same gentle voice while gently patting Zeb on his head before getting stuck in her thoughts regarding what she just heard.
"In my years as the Good Witch. I never expected Lurine to go out of her way to help others in Oz. First, the mark on Dorothy's head was given to Locasta; however, maybe Lurine influenced that projection mark to become something more powerful. " Glinda thought to herself while Kiki could sense that something was bothering her.
"Glinda, is anything okay? You seem to be rather stuck in your thoughts again.." Kiki spoke out with concern as she saw Glinda turning around with a smile on her face.
"Nothing. I was thinking about what Zeb told me but it shouldn't warrant any worries" Glinda responded while gently patting Kiki on her head while walking towards Dorothy and Ozma.
"Now, it seems me and Kiki should head back to Quadling Country. We just wanted to visit everyone before Dorothy and her friends leave but we dearly hope to see everyone next time until then, farewell." Glinda spoke out while waving everyone goodbye alongside Kiki.
"Goodbye, Glinda and Kiki! I hope to see you two again someday! Goodbye!" Dorothy spoke out while waving goodbye to her two dear friends with a smile on her face.
"Goodbye Dorothy and everyone else! It was short but it was still a pleasure to see everyone.." Kiki spoke back while Scarecrow and the others said their goodbyes as well before the young girl disappeared with Glinda thus going back to Quadling Country.
"Dorothy, before you go, I have an offer for you. You don't have to accept it but it would be quite wonderful if you would.." Ozma asked Dorothy while walking closer to her friend which made Dorothy curious.
"What offer shall it be? I don't mind helping my dear friends for the last time before I go back to Kansas" Dorothy spoke out with a smile as this was met with Ozma giggling to herself before beginning to speak.
"Well, would you like to become Princess of the Emerald City? It's only a title so you don't have to do any duties. It's just more as a token of our friendship which has grown throughout the months that we've known each other.." Ozma spoke out while smiling warmly at her friend as this news surprised everyone.
"P-Princess?! Is that even possible?! I'm sure there must be a coronation or something like that" Lion spoke out in shock while Tin Woodman and the others nodded in agreement while Ozma laughed.
"I know, but, unless Dorothy rejects my offer then I say she's a Princess of Oz in my book; however, the choice is up to Dorothy" Ozma responded while looking over at Dorothy who had a big smile on her face.
"I accept. I would love to be a Princess. There's just so much for you to show me but I'll ensure that this will happen for our next encounter" Dorothy spoke back in acceptance as she and Ozma shared a warm hug much to Eureka's annoyance.
"Come onnnn! I wanna get back home and rest on my bed already!" Eureka complained while being picked up by Dorothy.
"And going back to Kansas shall be your wish, Goodbye Eureka. Don't misbehave now, okay?" Ozma spoke to Eureka while kissing the cat gently before turning her attention to Dorothy.
"Goodbye Dorothy. I hope to see you in person in the future but until then, farewell" Ozma spoke out to Dorothy before kissing her gently on the cheek.
"You must come back to Oz, things will get quite boring without you here" Scarecrow spoke out while Dorothy nodded in agreement.
"I will but Uncle Henry and Aunt Em are probably worried sick about me so I must also stay with them for a while" Dorothy responded while looking over to see Betsy grabbing her things from the carriage as she ran towards her friend.
"It was nice meeting you all. I know my parents and other friends won't believe me but at least I have someone who will believe me But, goodbye everyone!" Betsy spoke out in a warm voice while waving goodbye while Zeb and the others waved back.
"Goodbye Cousin! Goodbye, Betsy! I hope to see you all in the future!" Zeb spoke out to the two girls for the final time while Ozma watched with a smile.
"Silver Shoes, I command you to send Betsy and Dorothy back to Kansas!" Ozma commanded her silver shoes as a brilliant flash of light consumed the two girls before it sent them back to Kansas.
"W-Whoa! Now that's a site to see but are you sure this sent my cousin and friend to Kansas?" Zeb asked Ozma with curiosity as he was met with Ozma nodding with a smile on her face.
"Of course, Dorothy and Betsy are greeting Henry and Em as I speak." Ozma responded while seeing Zeb walking towards his horse.
"I see, well, it's been quite a blast meeting Dorothy's friends and I don't know if I'm ever gonna be in Oz or whatever this place is again but regardless, I won't mind coming back here for a casual visit." Zeb spoke back to Ozma while hopping on the carriage which was followed by Jim sighing to himself.
"I guess I'll go back to being an old horse who can't talk but I was getting tired of talking anyway.." Jim spoke out to himself while Zeb and Ozma found the horse's comment to be rather amusing as it caused them to smile.
"Well, I'm sure you'll be a happy horse at that. Free from the burdens of talking as you describe it" Ozma spoke out to Jim while beginning to command her silver shoes once more.
"Ozma, Thank you for your kindness and for saving our butts back there. I will forever be grateful for as long as I live" Zeb spoke out to Ozma for the final time with a warm smile on his face as he closed his eyes for one second and opened them and there, he was home at the Hudgson Ranch.
*Hugson Ranch*
Zeb gave a start and rubbed his eyes. Jim was trotting along the well-known road, shaking his ears and whisking his tail with a contented motion. Just ahead of them were the gates of Hugson's Ranch, and Uncle Hugson now came out and stood with raised arms and wide open mouth, staring in amazement.
"Where in the world have you been and where's Dorothy and her friend?!" Uncle Hugson asked his nephew in confusion as this was met with Zeb laughing warmly to himself.
"Why, in the world, Uncle" Zeb responded while laughing to himself rather warmly.
Zeb knew his adventure with Dorothy had come to an end; however, he had a strange feeling that he might be pulled back into the Land of Oz but for now, rest, Zeb Hugson, the courageous.
End of Story Arc 4
