Exams! Oh joy!
Enjoy!
Stepping into the stark white room, Oliver saw an unconscious Maddie slumped next to a barely breathing Mad Hatter. Breathing deeply, Oliver let his magic flow into the battered and bruised form of the Hatter, healing his wounds and restoring him to peak condition.
Violet eyes flickering open, he nodded slightly at Oliver before watching him walk out of the room. Coughing lightly, Maddie awoke with a start, before her eyes fell on her now awake father. Tears in her eyes and happiness in her soul, the young hatter embraced the only family she had left.
Chapter Eighteen
"Milton, you must be aware that the situation in Oz grows worse with each passing day" stated Ali Baba seriously.
"I'm more aware of the situation than you thief" growled the headmaster.
"Enough Milton, what does Glynda have to say?" snapped Giles at his brother.
Gesturing for the witch to step forward, the council leaned forward eagerly.
"The creatures continue to hammer at the barrier between our worlds, with their power and the lack of Oz, it's only a matter of time before they breach into either our world or Wonderland" explained Glynda.
A soft murmur filled the council chamber as Ali Babar, Giles and Milton Grimm, Snow White, Robin Hood and Goldilocks all discussed this piece of information amongst themselves, it was only after a few minutes that Snow White finally spoke up.
"It seems we must prepare for war" she said softly.
"Without Oz or Mad, the council has lost a critical part of its combat power" noted Robin.
"True, I suggest a purge of all of Oz… it would take some time to recover but we could survive with Wonderland's support" suggested Milton, "We use the Closed Book system"
"How could you even think that brother, we're taking about the annihilation of an entire dimension and its people" stated Giles.
The Closed Book system was a weapon wielded by the Grand Fairy Tale Council, with the primary purpose of deterrent for all dimensions. Built by the original wizard of Oz, Oliver's great grandfather; the weapon has the power to 'close' the story of any dimension.
Theoretically, it would wipe out anything caught in its blast radius and create a chain reaction that would loop to everything connected with it. Meaning if they destroyed Oz to kill the three beasts, they would also be killing all Ozians in existence.
"It's a bloody good thing they're not from Oz then, or I might believe you actually wanted to attempt that"
The sudden arrival of Oliver in the centre of the council room caused silence to fall upon said Council members.
"O… Oliver?" gasped Glynda in surprise.
"Hey Glynda, sorry I made you worry" said Oliver with a small smile.
"Oliver Wizard, you are under arrest for evading the High Council police force and breaking dimensional barriers whilst under code black crow" said Milton loudly.
Dozens of guards appeared and surrounded Oliver, said wizard simply raising an eyebrow in amusement before flicking his hand up and scattering the guards back to their respective worlds. Glaring at Oliver, Milton held his tongue and gestured for him to speak.
"Good to see you all again, how's it been?" asked Oliver.
"Why have you returned to us Wizard?" asked Snow gently.
"I've come to take my spot on the council and stop you from doing anything stupid, like deleting my world from existence" explained Oliver simply.
"Your seat?" laughed Milton.
"High Council Law Six; page ninety-two; sub paragraph 3 states: upon death of a council member, their immediate heir will be appointed in their stead until he or she passes it onto another" stated Oliver.
"He's not wrong, in fact he's just right" noted Goldilocks.
"Great, now by the power vested in me… blah blah blah, I give my seat to Glynda Goodwitch. All in favour say aye, even though it doesn't matter" said Oliver with a wave of his hands.
Stunned by the sudden turn of events, Glynda couldn't help but giggle at the sight of the council members. Taking her seat on the council, the grand doors opened and the Mad Hatter walked through, without a word, he took his seat and just like that… the council was full again.
"Now… I have a plan" smiled Oliver.
Oz
Watching as her companions continued to tear at the fabric of reality, Georgia sat on the emerald throne. Contemplating life and her very own existence, the Jabberwocky descendant was bored out of her mind. Her fight with Oliver having been the only decent source of entertainment these past few weeks, the arrival of the Mad Hatter and Robin Hood had been a total let down also.
So, she simply sat and waited, waited for her chance to cross the breach into another world and hopefully face a challenge. If nothing, it would be more enjoyable than just sitting around for most of the day.
Rising from her throne, Georgia decided to raid the royal kitchen. Making her way out the throne room, she began making her way toward the main dining room. She was about half way there when she caught a flash of something in the corner of her eye.
Turning quickly, she saw something dart around a corner. Curiosity leading her forward, Georgia followed the phantom as it led it down another path toward the dining hall. Eventually losing sight of it, she shrugged and made her way forward and into the dining hall.
"Good evening Georgia, care to join me for dinner"
Coming to a complete stop, Georgia looked on in confusion as Oliver sat before her at medium sized dining table. A literal feast spread out before him, she was confused to say the least but decided to play along since she was reasonably hungry.
"You're… alive" she said curiously.
Pulling out her chair, Oliver poured her a glass of wine and took his own seat once again.
"Quite, it's nice to be back though… cheers" he said with a raise of his glass.
Leaning across the table, Georgia clinked her glass with his and sipped lightly at the crimson liquid within. Smiling at the taste and not sensing any poison, she downed the entire glass in one quick swig.
"What's on the menu?" she asked with a slight blush on her face.
Oliver chuckled to himself at her lack of alcohol tolerance.
"Tonight, we have a simple pumpkin ravioli to start, a light corn and wheat fritter to follow; the main is seared chicken, in a tomato and cream sauce with basmati rice; with a chocolate fondant to follow. Wine will be flowing all through the night, so don't worry about that" stated Oliver.
A genuine smile springing to her face, Georgia downed another glass of wine. Content to simply sit, dine and chat with the man whom she had murdered only a few weeks prior; funny how things turn out in Oz.
After almost an hour of fine dining and general talk, the two made their way to the lounge area of the castle, sipping gently at HOTZ brand hot chocolate. The two talked about school, friends and anything Georgia was curious about.
"So, you have metal boxes that use radiation to cook food? Sounds dangerous" noted Georgia with concern.
"Sure, it sounds like that, but microwaves are actually really safe" explained Oliver with a shrug.
A comfortable silence fell on the two teens, broken only by the occasional sound of sipping. Georgia glanced over at Oliver and took in his details, the softness of his eyes, his peaceful smile and lack of tension in his shoulders.
This was a totally different person from the one whom she had fought not too long ago. A strange feeling filled her chest and she had to avert her gaze to subdue it, sipping on her drink again, she finally spoke up.
"I'm not going to stop Oliver… I can't" she said softly.
"I didn't ask, I'm not one to stop you from pursuing what you believe is your destiny. I came here to try and understand you a little better, and honestly; I ended up having a really nice time" said Oliver honestly.
"Even though I killed you?" she asked.
"Yes… even though your drove a dagger made of lightning through my heart and murdered my parents, I forgive you" he said with a wave of his hand and a light chuckle.
Georgia couldn't believe her ears, he had forgiven her. Despite everything she had done, everything she had taken from him; he had treated her to dinner, desert, hot drinks and promptly forgiven her for all her crimes.
"But… why?" she asked in desperate confusion.
"I don't believe you're evil Georgia, misguided beyond comprehension; of course; but evil? No, I blamed myself for my parent's death, not you; so, when I managed to forgive myself, I forgave you also" explained Oliver, taking another generous sip.
A single tear welled in the left eye of Georgia. Building her magic, she swung her dagger faster than ever before, determined to strike down the kind wizard and calm the feelings in her chest. However, her strike simply vaporized an empty chair.
"What?"
"Georgia, we don't have to do this" sighed Oliver.
Standing by the window, the young wizard considered to sip from his mug, watching the shooting stars dance across the night sky. Georgia however, crossed the distance instantly, lunging forward with her dagger; yet all she hit was air.
"Where are you?" she said desperately.
"Making myself another cup, want one" said Oliver.
Breathing heavily, Georgia released her lightning weapon and switched to long range magic attacks. Intent on seeing his pattern of movement and therefore calculate how best to counter it; launching a simple barrage of magical spears; she was surprised to see the Emerald floor in front of him, shoot upwards to guard him.
Once the smoke had cleared, Oliver was still standing there, sipping gently from his mug.
"So, you've learnt some new tricks?" noted Georgia cautiously.
"More like old tricks, you see; my great grandfather was an inventor. He created many things that benefit the world to this day, magical compression, cross dimensional travel and this city in which you stand. Crafted from a piece of emerald half the size of our moon; he embedded his very magical essence into the crystal, crafted a city from it and became the heart of Oz" explained Oliver.
"Then that means…" whispered Georgia in understanding.
"The power he used, the original Wizards power is passed onto their next of kin. From his son, to my father to me; we control this city and it protects us. Of course, if someone was to attack whilst the current ruler had a child and wife; then they would be far weaker" noted Oliver, still sipping from his mug.
"Then why! If you have all this power and all this knowledge, why not just fight me and kill me!?" screamed Georgia.
As her eyes, pulsed violet, she unleashed a stream of purple lightning from her mouth.
"Blooming Flames"
They were quickly counteracted by Oliver's flames. Knocking Georgia back, Oliver followed up by flicking his fingers up and locking Georgia within a prism of Emerald; only her head was out in the open, her entire body restrained.
"WHY!? Why won't you just kill me!" screamed Georgia in frustration.
Oliver simply sat before her, waiting for her to calm down and relax. The crystals rejuvenating properties helping in that process; eventually she stopped struggling and stared him deep in the eyes as he continued to drink from his mug.
Snapping his fingers, a long length of cloth appeared before him. Reaching into it, Oliver pulled out a long silver blade that made Georgia flinch in fear.
"The Vorpal sword… how can you wield it?" asked Georgia in fear.
"A dragon taught me to get over myself and my past… if I can do it and wield a legendary sword like this; then I think you can as well" said Oliver.
Stabbing the sword into the ground before him, he flicked the hilt gently and the sword turned into ash before their eyes. Scattering onto a none existent wind, the ashes of the legendary weapon flew out the window and off to reform itself; waiting for its next wielder to come and claim it.
"You… destroyed it?" asked Georgia in confusion.
Snapping his fingers, the emerald encasing Georgia retracted and Oliver caught her gently. Laying her on the chair, he swiped his hand through the air and opened the double doors behind him; six beings falling into the room; obviously having been listening.
"AH! Oh Oliver, we were just following these two felons!" cried Anthony in surprise.
Carly, Tina and Qrow nodded rapidly in agreement; raising an eyebrow, his eyes fell on Brandish and Jane who were whistling and looking away.
"Oh yeah… we were locked in fierce combat with them" said Brandish nervously.
Oliver didn't say anything, he simply walked out of the room; patting both Jane and Brandish on the head as he did. Looking between the wizard and the jabberwocky; the six didn't know what they had just witnessed; the Ozians racing after Oliver whilst Brandish and Jane checked on Georgia.
"Jab, you alright girl?" asked Jane in concern.
"I'm fine… please leave me alone for a while, I need to think" said Georgia.
Looking at one another, Brandish and Jane nodded and walked out of the room. Closing the doors behind them, Georgia waited until she couldn't hear their heartbeats before reading the note that Oliver had written to her and placed in her hand when he caught her.
Georgia
If there are two things that I've learnt, it's that writing a letter inside of a mug with magic is very difficult and that balance exists in everything.
By killing me, the universe adjusted to counteract your power; hence my sudden 'boost' of power. However, if you truly do want a future that you can craft for your own; become good and fight for what is right. Come to Ever After High and learn, love and find your own path.
Brandish and Jane will always be there for you, as will I.
You're not alone, so get over yourself and come let us love you!
Got damn it this burns my tongue!
Oliver
Giggling to herself, Georgia folded the letter and slipped it into her pocket. Brushing the dust and dirt from her clothes, she straightened herself; tied up her raven locks, took a deep breath and stepped forward toward her future.
One Week Later
"Ladies and gentlemen; here come our lovely partners, please give them a round of applause!" exclaimed Blondie as Thronecoming began to kick off.
The students and staff, clapped and cheered as the students strolled in, partner in hand and tears in some eyes.
"Raven Queen and Apple White, looking fabulous as always"
"Ashlyn and Hunter, the star couple of Ever After High"
"Cupid and Dexter, so adorable!"
"Briar and Qrow, what a combination!"
"Oliver and Farrah, the magic duo"
"Bunny and Alistair, the wonderland duo"
"Maddie and Anthony, a crazy couple"
"Georgia, Brandish and Jane; the three besties!"
"Carley and Tina, the female Oz duo!"
As the names were called out, smiles spread across each and every face. As the couples and partners began their dance around the ball room; the room was illuminated by the chandelier-disco ball hybrid; hanging high above them.
A Few Hours Later
As the music began to wind down, Oliver and Farrah found themselves sitting with their friends and sipping punch.
"So then, so then… Oliver takes his staff and spins it around; he chants this super weird chant and turns into a girl! A girl! A pretty hot girl might I add!" laughed Anthony hysterically.
Oliver sighed to himself, his face flush red in embarrassment. Said Gale having drunk some of the older 'punch', meant only for the teachers. Needless to say, his alcohol tolerance was even less than that of Georgia.
"Oh! What about the time when he accidentally walked in on Carley and me in the…"
"OKAY! That's quite enough from you four!" cried Oliver as he slammed his hand over his friend's mouth, "I'm gonna take these guys back"
"Okie dokie!" said Maddie with a zany wave.
"Have a good night" said Briar with a smirk.
Everyone else just waved as Oliver levitated the four totally drunk Ozians out of the ball room and back to their dorms. The castle was silent; more so than normal, without any noise from a single dorm due to Thronecoming.
Dropping off his happy and quite grabby friends; Oliver smiled at how much like teenagers they each looked. He shouldn't be surprised, at heart they were just teens looking for their own place in the world; they just so happened to have an immense amount of magical power.
Once he had dropped off Tina and Carley safely, Oliver decided to spend some time to himself. Which was incredibly rare nowadays, between meetings with the various leaders of different kingdoms, school work, his radio show and dating Bunny; he hadn't a lot of free time.
Not that he was complaining of course, standing atop the cliff, overlooking Ever After High; he was much more grateful for the craziness that had entered his life. It made him appreciate the quiet moments like these even more.
Gazing up into the sky, he could almost see his parents, dancing together in the stars. Breathing deeply, he smiled to himself, finally content with the world he was in.
"When I was younger, I saw; my father cry… and curse at the wind. He broke his own heart and I watched as he tried to reassemble it. And my mother swore that she would never let herself forget. And that was the day that I swore, I would never think of love if it does not exist…"
Trailing off, Oliver felt a thin pair of arms wrap around from behind him. Smiling to himself, he dragged Bunny down and leaned over her. Leaning in close and capturing her lips in a soft kiss; he whispered gently and slowly to her.
"You are the only exception"
"I love you Oliver Wizard"
"I love you Bunny Blanc"
A/N: I love you guys and girls! You're the only reason I keep writing, just wanted to let you all know that you're awesome and amazing! I want to keep writing about Oliver and Bunny (maybe their kids... hehe) but for now this is it! A nice little ending to my very first fanfiction I started about two and a bit years ago.
Weird how time flies; sure it might not be my biggest or most read fic but I still love it cause the fandom and universe is amazing!
PM and review, I love talking and hearing all the lovely comments. I might even do a Q and A chapter just to answer a few of the mass questions I get asked but I'm happy to talk with anyone and everyone.
Read, fav, follow and review.
From Oliver, Bunny, Alistair, Georgia, Maddie and the rest of the Ever After High universe:
My name is Parradox and thanks so much for reading this adventure!
Bye!