Dorothy: The Darker Side of OZ v5

by Scott Stanford

  Drifting again, though this time somewhere else the fields are green, and water pours from her hands as she looks out to the farmhouse, smiling to a woman in the window. Swilling the water over her face, deep inside another world Dorothy can’t feel the two bare hands creep through the bed. Touching at the silver boots a clay face turns sour, and nails scratch the leather as his hands feel at her bare legs. Caressing her milky skin they slither up her body as the grey face smiles, its body arching as teeth chatter through the palace’s dark corridors.

  Dorothy’s body jolts and she kicks her legs in panic, looking up to the open door to see Argus standing silently. Clenching her teeth and staring at the clay-man with anger she snarls, ‘How did you get in here?’ and the gentle man looks at her blankly, touching the door with a finger as he says, ‘The door I, I didn’t mean to scare you. I heard you scream.’

  Staring at him, ready to attack if she has to Dorothy screams, ‘I locked the door!’ and confused he softly replies, ‘If you locked it then I wouldn’t have been able to get in, but here I stand.’

  Leaping from the bed Dorothy forces Argus out of the room, slamming the door behind him as she draws the bolt. Grabbing at a blanket from the bed she quickly wraps it around her body and pulls Toto from his bag for comfort, leaning against the wooden door as she waits; either until morning or until someone appears in her room.

  28

  As the morning sun glows through isabelline glass, Dorothy feels the heat against her skin and wakes to look around the room in shock, expecting another nightmare, or worse. Pulling herself from the floor she throws the blanket back to the bed and unbolts the door, wondering if she dreamt that Argus was in her room. Taking a breath and holding it she swings the door open expecting the clay-man to be waiting for her, but looks down the empty hallway. With the curtains still drawn she walks through the dark corridor, pulling them open to light the way as she stops, unable to hear a single sound.

  Making her way through the palace there’s no sign of life, not even the distant chatter of monkeys, or music as she walks down a flight of stairs. Unsure where she is Dorothy thought she knew her way back to the main hall at first, but as she proceeds along another corridor, nothing looks familiar. She thinks of calling for help but changes her mind at the possibility that Argus will find her alone. Whether what happened last night was a dream or not she doesn’t trust him, and oddly enough fears him more than the witch.

  Walking down another narrow corridor Dorothy opens more curtains along the way, letting light fill the palace as she turns a corner. Moving, her legs feel stronger, her body healing from being crouched by the door all night, and she starts to walk quicker, turning another bend to realise she’s truly lost. Looking down the corridor she stares at a dead-end with nothing ahead of her but a small door, so she walks toward it. Stretching out a hand she presses it against the door, pushing lightly to hear the wood faintly crack as it opens. Looking to a small spiral stairwell Dorothy places a hand against the cold wet wall to guide herself, making her way down the stairs as she reaches the bottom to hear a lingering moan. Standing still and listening to the muffled sounds, she waits at the bottom of the stairs, wondering if the witch’s words were lies as a man jumps at her.

  Ready to slam a fist into the figure she looks up to its face in shock, as the scarecrow wraps his arms around her and she looks over his shoulder to see lion and the tin-man. ‘We found you, we found you!’ the gangly straw man repeats, and Dorothy smiles as she feels his skewed bones press against her. Looking at Scarecrow’s button eyes she feels comforted, then noticing the tin-man’s wounds she runs to his side, worriedly screeching, ‘What happened to you?’ as he grunts ‘The winkies!’ With a pained face she places a hand to her mouth, gasping as he groans, ‘I’m healing, just a little weak.’ Running a soft hand along his cold metal face she hears the lion grumble, ‘The monkeys brought us here, one said he knew where you were.’ Walking to her side and nuzzling his head against her stomach he groans in contentment, sighing in relief, ‘Glad we’re all back together,’ then looking up to her with his one good eye as he whimpers, ‘Don’t like flying though.’ Hugging his neck she kisses at his snout, smiling at how attention seeking he is as the tin-man says, ‘Took a lot of them to bring us here,’ and the lion interrupts, ‘They almost dropped Scarecrow, he wouldn’t stop screaming.’ Turning her head to him she looks at the smiling scarecrow as he waves, and she reaches for him, holding his hand and pulling him into the group as she asks, ‘Are you okay?’ He nods his head lightly, poking himself in the chest as he mumbles, ‘Don’t like wings.’ Thinking how traumatic it must have been for him Dorothy hopes he forgets soon, looking at his innocent face as the tin-man roars, ‘Where’s the witch, what’s going on here?’ trying to stand tall even though he’s still wounded.

  After telling her friends the same story that the imprisoned witch bared to her, the lion looks to Dorothy as he asks, ‘Who are we supposed to believe?’ and she shakes her head with no definite answer: ‘I don’t know, but Outika said she’ll help me get home, and I’m sure she can help you too.’

  Holding his axe firmly the tin-man ignores the open wounds, tightening his grip as he roars; ‘No, the wizard’s powerful enough to help us. We have to kill the witch!’

  Dorothy rebukes, subconsciously taking the witch’s side as she battles:

  ‘What if he chooses not to? You saw what his city was like, and his people nearly killed you. If he were a good wizard he wouldn’t let his city become the way it has. And he wouldn’t scar children, have slaves or frighten us into killing for him. We can’t trust him!’

  As a silence drifts through the air the lion says, ‘But we can’t trust the witch either,’ and Dorothy sighs, ‘I know…’ her energy in defending Outika depleted, unsure of whom to trust. Wiping a hand along her face, feeling this decision could tear the group apart she hears the tin-man’s metal voice and stares at his fierce mouth, chiselling, ‘We can’t afford to make the wrong choice, but whatever you decide, I’ll follow you.’ With a faint sense of hope Dorothy smiles at him then looks to the scarecrow, who bursts, ‘Me too, I’ll stay with you,’ even though he doesn’t fully understand what’s happening. Then with a huff the lion looks up at Dorothy, listening to her as she asks, ‘Who do you think we should trust?’ Hesitating, shuffling his paws on the ground he points his nose at her with, ‘You?’ as the possibilities run through her head. Looking at him, the fear pooling on his face she says, ‘I…’ then closing her eyes tightly, decides, ‘Outika, I…I trust her.’ With a lump in his throat the lion’s too afraid to make a choice of his own, unsure what the consequences could be as he sighs, ‘Okay, the witch it is.’ Trying to give a relieved smile Dorothy can’t help but feel responsible for whatever comes next, already blaming herself for not telling Scarecrow and Tin-man she only wanted their company because she thought the witch would attack her. Now things have changed, and it’s her decision that binds them to the Outika.

  Suddenly a winged monkey flies to an open window, perching on the frame as Scarecrow looks to him and hides behind Dorothy, ducking down as he repeats, ‘Wings, monkey, don’t like em’, don’t like em.’ Folding the wings behind his back the monkey places his hands together graciously, bowing his head as he greets:

  ‘Dorothy and the scarecrow, the Queen requests your company, if you would kindly follow me. As for the lion and the tin-man, she knows of your wounds and asks that you stay here. Someone will be sent to tend to you as soon as possible.’

  Looking to the tin-man first, almost as if for approval Dorothy watches him nod his head and then answers the monkey, ‘Of course.’ Politely smiling at them like a gentleman would, his face wrinkles and he stretches his hand to the door, clearly asking, ‘If you please?’ Dorothy looks at him and crouches down to the lion, stroking at his mane and whispering in his ear, ‘Don’t be scared, I’ll be back I promise,’ as she kisses his cheek and stands. Taking Scarecrow’s hand she leads him to the door as he walks behind her, k
eeping his distance from the monkey as Dorothy looks to the tin-man with a solid nod, and notices the lion’s worried frown.

  Following the monkey through Outika’s palace Dorothy pays little attention to its yellow beauty as she hears Scarecrow coo, ‘That’s pretty, what’s that? Ooh shiny, I like those.’ Pointing at the diamonds and touching the beautiful tapestries he simply smiles and doesn’t even notice the worry on Dorothy’s face. Scared of what she’ll have to do to get home the young girl watches the monkey swing a large door open as she feels fear pouring from her skin, hoping she doesn’t lead her friends down a hopeless path. Escorting them into a large seating room they follow patiently and Scarecrow smiles wildly at the glisten of a yellow diamond chandelier, and twitches his fingers at the sight of golden seats. Gesturing to them the monkey offers, ‘Please sit, can I get you anything?’ as Dorothy smiles, ‘No thank you,’ and the scarecrow simply shakes his head, saying, ‘No monkey.’ Watching him leave the room Dorothy quickly asks, ‘Where’s Argus?’ still curious about last night as the winged animal replies, ‘He’s resting; he stayed awake outside your room for most of the night in case you needed anything.’

  As he exits Dorothy takes a seat and looks to the scarecrow, who stands, watching in awe as the sun shines through a window, dancing along a mural of crystals as every shade of yellow dazzles his buttons. Letting them sparkle in his eyes Dorothy hears footsteps and watches the beautiful Outika walk into the room, as Scarecrow turns his head, exclaiming,

  ‘Oh my!’ Walking toward her guests she smiles at Dorothy and extends an arm to Scarecrow as he holds out his hands, looking at the witch’s face as he gleams, ‘Never seen a witch before, so pretty.’ Politely smiling at him she says, ‘It’s good to see you in person, so nice to have guests,’

  and he nods his head, ‘Nice to see you too, so nice.’ Admiring her corset studded with yellow sapphires, and her skirt laced with yellow diamonds his eyes drift to the citrines around her neck and she looks to Dorothy as they both smile at the scarecrow’s curiosity.

  Gently pulling her arm back the witch takes a seat across from Dorothy as the scarecrow lingers above her, standing beside her golden chair as he admires her beauty and the glow of her jewellery. Looking at Dorothy the concerned witch comforts, ‘I know you’re scared, but you don’t need to be.’ Curious, the relief meshed with worry she frowns, ‘Really?’ as Outika smiles slightly, pressing a gloved hand against the young girl’s skin as she gently replies, ‘I promise.’ Her throat dry Dorothy asks, ‘What…’ then she gazes at the curious scarecrow watching over Outika, ‘What do we have to do?’ Looking into her beautiful blue eyes and holding her hand tightly the witch smiles at the young girl’s supple life, mouthing, ‘That’s easy, you just have to convince the wizard I’m dead.’ With her eyes almost chrysalised, seeming more naive than ever Dorothy asks, ‘How? He said he wants you’re heart as proof,’ and smirking at her Outika replies:

  ‘My dear I can create life, and can make a heart that will convince the wizard it has been pulled from my own chest. I could even give your friends all the hearts, the courage and brains they need, but that would only arouse the wizard’s suspicions, and he may not send you home.’

  ‘But…but what if he refuses to help us?’ Dorothy asks, and the witch softly answers, ‘I have planted many seeds deep in this land, if he refuses you then I shall use all of my power to persuade him.’

  ‘But how?’ the young girl pleads curiously, determined for answers as the witch feels a lump in her throat. Her eyes dry she tastes the hatred welling inside of her, the suffering brought to her country:

  ‘Do you know what makes a queen out of a prisoner? Freedom, as despite the life I can create, all the power in Oz is nothing if you are a prisoner. I have been in solitude for so long, and finally, seeing you has made me realise that I can’t stay trapped in this palace any longer. I can’t let the wizard and the witches destroy this land… and as soon as you’re sent home safe I shall restore peace to Oz.’

  The witch feels her blood warm, the strength she once had surface again as she looks to Scarecrow, placing a hand upon his as she stares at Dorothy, her face as solid as stone, ‘And I will make sure that your friends are safe when you’re gone, I promise.’ Smiling sincerely, happy at the kindness she’s found Dorothy whispers, ‘Thank you,’ as she feels herself closer to the end, almost home.

  After feeding both the lion and Dorothy, mending the tin-man’s wounds and letting the scarecrow wander through her beautiful palace Outika readies her flying monkeys to take them back to the Emerald city. Standing in the Grand main hall Dorothy holds the scarecrow’s hand as she looks to the monkeys, chattering amongst themselves as she notices that none of them speak. Curiously she asks the troop, ‘Excuse me, can you talk?’, and one in particular steps forward, the monkey who’d saved her from the mist and led them through the palace. Standing straight and smiling at Dorothy, she looks at his strong face and pristine fur to hear him answer, ‘Only me I’m afraid, I’m the leader.’ The young girl says, ‘What a shame, well I…I just wanted to thank you, for everything you’ve done.’ Bowing to her Adam replies, ‘My pleasure,’ with a slight smile as the scarecrow looks at him sceptically, whispering to himself, ‘Don’t like wings, don’t like em.’ Standing ready the tin-man looks to the large door in front of them, and then through the palace, groaning, ‘Where’s the lion?’ as Dorothy says, ‘I don’t know,’ wondering if the poor animal is lost in the palace. Looking up at the tin-man she pushes, ‘We’d better go and find him,’ as Outika appears at the top of the stairs. Staring up at the witch Dorothy asks, ‘Have you seen the lion?’ and she steps aside to unveil the cowardly beast behind her, answering, ‘He was lost,’ as they walk down the stairs. Touching at the lion’s fur Outika smiles, and the animal whimpers, pulling back with fear in his eye as Dorothy asks, ‘What’s wrong?’ Silent he moves quickly down the stairs, toward the young girl as he shudders, ‘D…don’t, I… Don’t want to fly, don’t want to go to Emerald city, carnival might still be there!’

  Crouching down to him the young girl opens her arms as the beast nuzzles his head against her, his sad face brushing along the key around her neck as his scarred eye weeps. He trembles in her arms, ‘I’m scared’, feeling her warmth comfort him as she strokes his head, repeating, ‘It’s okay, it’s okay.’ Calming the lion as much as she can Dorothy watches the monkeys open the large front door as Outika smiles at the light spreading over her body. The tin-man looks at the witch silently, staring at her face before leaving the palace, still wondering if killing her is an option. Then walking outside the scarecrow follows him, ushering the lion along as he repeats, ‘I don’t like flying either, don’t like the wings, but we have to, otherwise I won’t get a brain and you won’t get…um.’

  Watching her friends walk with the chrome sun upon their bodies Dorothy stands in the doorway of the palace, looking at Outika as she says, ‘I can’t thank you enough.’ Smiling at her the beautiful witch replies, ‘You don’t need to, just take my hand,’ as she offers a gloved arm, and Dorothy feels the satin against her skin, their fingers entwining as the witch asks, ‘Please, escort me outside.’ The young girl panics, ‘What if…’, but Outika insists, ‘Please,’ as sorrow bleeds in her eyes and her ruby lips quiver:

  ‘It’s going to be a beautiful day, I don’t want to spend it as a prisoner.’

  Holding her tightly Dorothy smiles at Outika, moving toward the chrome yellow sun’s fresh rays as she walks her out of the palace, and a beautiful smile of happiness spreads along her face. Lifting her empty hand the witch looks into the young girl’s eyes, as magically a leather pouch appears in her palm and she hands it to Dorothy with the words, ‘Give this to the wizard, it’s my heart.’ Taking it from her Dorothy says, ‘Thank you, if this works I can go home. I’m free,’ and Outika smiles happily. Leaning toward the young girl she sees how simple her soul is and kisses her gently on the lips, whispering, ‘You have freed me too Dorothy,’ as the winged monkeys l
ift her from the ground and she journeys to the Emerald city.

  29

  Flying through the air Dorothy clenches tightly to the leather pouch with one hand, and holds Toto’s bag with the other. Looking down to the Emerald city she feels relieved as the monkeys slow themselves, descending to the ground as she hears Scarecrow struggle. Close enough to the floor she feels the tight grip on her shoulders loosen, as she lands gently and watches the lion’s body shudder as he hits the ground. Standing on all fours and thankful to be out of the sky he groans lightly, watching the others land as Scarecrow runs to Dorothy’s side in relief. Looking up at the monkeys she shouts, ‘Thank you,’ and the leader nods his head as he watches them enter the city.

  Walking through the first gate they find themselves in the small room again, scanning their eyes in the phoropter as Dorothy tells the guard she has cut out the western witch’s heart. Surprised at such news he fumbles for his keys in excitement, unlatching all of the locks as the strange friends walk onto the city’s green cobbled streets. Looking around the sights as if he’d never seen them before the scarecrow smiles, ‘How odd they’re wearing masks,’ as he points a finger, and Dorothy takes his hand. Refusing to spend any more time in the wretched city she forces her way through the centre, remembering her way to the graveyard hill as her friends march beside her. Cautiously lingering by the tin-man’s side for protection, the lion looks at the people and the dingy streets, worried that he’ll be attacked again. Feeling his fur on end he keeps quiet, glancing at the tin-man’s expressionless face occasionally, comforted by the metal monster’s strength as he wonders if the carnival’s left the city.