Finding your heart along the yellow brick road!

The air seemed to stand still for a second when Belle turned to Regina again. A slow and sly smirk formed across her cherub features. A kinetic energy unseen cracked between the two beautiful women. The power of hope and darkness all bound into a shaky friendship. Belle indeed knew where to find the yellow brick road, because the Wizard of Oz had been one of her favorite books. She tucked some curls behind her ear and took the book back from Regina. Her fingers gently caressed the tattered pages while reading the text silently to herself. It was obvious Regina was familiar with the zone, but most likely had little to no time to read stories.

Belle had a knack for getting into trouble, but she had always relied on her wits and intelligence to save her. Her eyes widened while glancing at the book. The young woman set the book down and stepped back from it. The pages were exposed and she paused hesitantly before side glancing both Baelfire and Regina. Belle bit down on her bottom lip as if she was anxious and nervous about something that awaited them.

“Well…” She paused letting forth a small laugh, “Time to follow the yellow brick road!” She grabbed Regina’s hand and Baelfire’s hand. A magical cuff clasped to both of their wrists binding them to Belle and burning into their flesh, “Sorry, but it is the only way to make sure Regina doesn’t die. Something or someone hates her in this land. I don’t think it is Rumple, but it is someone I have never seen. Someone from Oz.” Belle looked Regina in the eyes locking her gaze intensely meaning every word that followed, “Be careful. What we face would have been a challenge for Rumple and you combined. It will take more than black magic to conquer what wicked foes await. We need to lay low.”

A storm had gathered overhead as the realms weakened. Normally they would have needed a magical bean but because of the dark magic that was occurring on the other side of the book the barrier was thin enough to go into. Belle threw her body downward pulling both Regina and Baelfire with her. Had she been any other person they would have smacked into Regina’s expensive marble floor. The transition between worlds was not a painless one. It was not like walking through a hat. It was a forced entry and they appeared on the other side in a pile of hay. Belle poked her head out from the haystack and laughed at their predicament. The cuffs that had securely bound them and disguised Regina’s presence faded. Whatever hated Regina would soon be after them. Her eyes danced with adventure as she plucked hay out of Regina’s hair. They had made it to the Land of Oz, but nothing was as it seemed.

They had landed in the land of Munchkins and the yellow brick road lay before them. Belle tossed Regina an I told you so smile before climbing out of the haystack. The yellow brick road held many dangers, but at the end of the road they would find Emerald City. She would follow her ruby pendant until she found the man she so tenderly loved.

“Well Baelfire. Let’s go find your father!” Belle motioned to the magical yellow brick road while beaming with self-confidence and assurance.

Posting order:
Belle French
Regina Mills
Baelfire/Neal Cassidy
Henry Mills
Wicked Witch of the West
Mr. Gold
Dorothy

IMPORTANT!! The posting order only applies to when we are all in the same area. Currently Belle, Baelfire, and Regina are in the same area. Henry, Wicked, Mr. Gold and Dorothy are near eachother. So Henry and Wicked can RP while Regina, Belle, and Baelfire are rping. Please tag the people your post applies to by using proboards tag feature @ usernamehere - without the space. :) Happy rping!

Oz information: Here, almighty wiki!
Prelude thread: Getting to Know You [Bae and Belle featuring Regina]

--repeat, change as needed. All events take place after season 3a. Spoilers ahead. We might add more members as the story progresses. Remember this is AU so don't worry about it screwing with the show. Just play your character as you see fit. Creative freedom at its finest.

Henry had no idea where he was right now, he knew that he was trapped, he knew that someone had kidnapped him but where he was well he had no idea on that front, he was just there in some sort of the cell, and well Henry was frightened and terrified, he didn't know what was going on but he just wanted to go back to his mum Emma, he wanted to be at home and hug her and just never leave her side again, not ever. Henry liked to be brave and he was known for being a brave boy, Emma had often told him that and even though he was scared right now, he knew he needed to keep brave and make sure he did not show whoever had kidnapped him that he was afraid of them. He believed he would get back to Emma or that she would find him, he didn't know how she would but she had to, she was his family  she had to find him.

It had started out as what seemed like a normal day, as most of the stories do and as most days did, well actually normal apart from that strange man that would not seem to leave his mum alone and insist she needed to save her family. It was strange because surely Henry was the only family she had, his mum had told him how her parents had abandoned her, how she had never found them. Though Henry had insisted she keep looking for them, he believed that one day she would, maybe then they could be the Swan family if they did, Henry thought that would be really cool to meet his grandparents, maybe they were video game's designers or something.

So for Henry Swan everything was normal and just a perfectly fine and normal school day, he and his mum had gotten up at 8:15, they had, had the usual for breakfast though mum had nearly forgotten the cinnamon in the coco again! He had watered the plants and made sure his bed was nice and tidy as well as that his homework was all done. Everything was fine, noting bad seemed to be happening, Henry had gone to school, then after a good day of school he had walked home. The Twelve year old had stopped off at the park wanting to play there for a bit, he had made sure his mum knew before hand of course. He had met this odd man who claimed to know something about him, which made Henry curious, however knowing that talking to strangers who claimed to knew you was a not a good idea he left for home. He did but well then he saw that man again not following him but coming from in front of him, how had that happened, he had been right behind him right ?

Henry knew nothing else after that because the next thing he knew he was being bashed into and he fell to the ground, he had lost consciousness but he was sure as he lost it that he was flying, above in the air and below him was some strange yellow brick but he knew he had to be dreaming, because what he thought he saw just could not exist, it was just an after effect of being knocked out, and he could not be flying.

Now he was in that cell a cold but strangely brightly lit cell or maybe it wasn't a cell because actually it was quite nice for a cell, there were curtains even a soft bed of sorts, then the room it's self was Emerald, but it was extremely cold and Henry felt like he was freezing, he had no idea where he was and he just wanted to his mum. He had also dried blood upon his head where it seemed he had been hit, which was odd because he was sure he had not been hit on the head. That didn't matter though, Henry needed to find a way to escape and escape he would. Or at least he would need to think of a way because he had looked around this whole room and there was no way to escape that he had found yet, there wasn't even any windows.

Henry sat on the bed that was in the room just looking around trying to think of a way to escape when he heard footsteps come towards the cell door he looked up and kept his eyes on the door, was this the person who has kidnapped him or someone come to rescue him. The door opened and Henry sood his keeping a brave face as whoever it was walked in the cell. "Who are you? What do you want?" Henry asked trying to sound like a grown up.

Wicked Witch of the West

She knew how to find the yellow brick road. Of course she did, why was Regina surprised? Apparently there was something to being a bookworm after all. She barely noticed when Belle magically clasped them to her, though she was a bit surprised at Belle's sudden proficiency in magic. "Well, someone hating me is not exactly a new story dear, but if what you say is true I'll try to stay unnoticed." She told the brunette. It was strange indeed that a resident of Oz would hate her though. She had never been to the land after all. The more she thought about it, the more she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that her mother had something to do with the reason someone hated her in the land of Oz. But how could that be? She didn't claim to know everything her mother did, but what reason could she possibly have for purposely pitting someone against the daughter she had worked so hard to make queen? Even after Regina had sent her to Wonderland she couldn't see that happening. Cora had always liked to take care of her problems by herself after all. Perhaps someone blamed her for something her mother had done? That seemed like a logical explanation, and as much as she hated to admit it two women had once been so alike that it was possible someone thought that it had been her who ruined their life rather than her mother.

Regina's eyes flashed toward Belle as she pulled her and Baelfire down to the floor. Her way to get to Oz was through a book? Had she truly gone insane during that time Regina had locked her up in Storybrooke? Much to Regina's surprise, instead of a painful collision with her floor, the group landed in a pile of haystacks. She stood it quickly as she and Belle pulled bits of hay out of her hair. "You are full of surprises today it seems, my dear. Brava" She congratulated her with a clap of her hands. She really needed to stop underestimating Gold's true love, and she rolled her eyes when Belle flashed her a smile saying "I told you so".

"Yes, by all means. Let's go find that troublesome imp." She agreed, offering her arm to Belle. "Lead the way my dear."

Baelfire/Neal Cassidy[/b]

Baelfire watched opened mouthed as Belle took a hold of the book. Had his father taught her magic? It wouldn't surprise him actually if he had. He still was unsure about what to expect in this world, his father told him some things about this land, but, after his father became the Dark One, he knew he should expect anything. Regina and Belle seemed to know quite a lot about this land, so he decided to listen to them about everything in the land known as OZ. 

Bae wasn't expecting to be pulled to the floor, so he protected his head as he went down. They were making portals out of anything these days. Of course for a bookworm like Belle, a book would be a perfect portal. Baelfire dusted himself off as the three of them landed in Oz. Baelfire stood up and stood next to Regina and Belle, as he picked hay out of his hair. 

He looked around this land and was surprised by what he saw, there were bright colours everywhere. And he could swear he could see a person who was quite short, they must be the Munchkins that his dad told him roamed this town. Baelfire smiled at Belle and Regina, as the three of them began to set off. Baelfire walked behind them, as Belle and Regina walked with linked arms. 

Zelena had put together the best plan ever and that was to kidnap Regina’s son. She knew he was also Emma Swan’s son. But she knew Regina loved him and would take that away from her. She was going to poison his mind. She had her monkeys go out and retrieve him from Storybrooke as she made her way back to OZ. She hated it there, but it was the best place for her to get everything done. Plus, Oz was huge and it would take them forever to find the Winkie Castle. They like everyone else would have to get through the Wizard and before that the poppy fields.

She walked upto her spell room and stood on the window looking out at the home she had left so long ago. It didn’t change at all and she was sure that Dorothy was here once again to help them. She did her best to send what she could to slow them down.

After her monkeys brought the boy to her castle she walked over towards the boy as he slowly woke up. “Well, are you the brave boy. My name is Zelena.” She said sitting down at the bed side and smiling gently. “Don’t worry, dear. I won’t hurt you. If anything I here to protect you.”

That was a start of telling him she wouldn’t hurt him and she wouldn’t. She never hurt Dorothy either. She liked children. Plus, she wanted to make sure Regina looked like the bad guy. Not her. Though it was to soon to mention that Regina would hurt him.

The Person who had come to see him in the room was a lady, just a lady in what looked like some really strange clothing, he frowned at that, they didn't have clothing like this in New York, at least he didn't think so, he had seen this sort of thing when people dressed up on Halloween but it wasn't Halloween.  That was unless he had been knocked out for longer than he thought, but to be honest he didn't think he had been out that long. Not only that but he couldn't believe he had been away from his mum that long either, if he had been knocked out that long and somewhere else she would possibly think him dead be frantic with worry, he would hate for that to have happened. He knew though he had not been out that long so he would not have been missing for all that long, hopefully his mum wasn't too worried yet though he was sure she would be looking for him soon, he believed she would find him, she always did.

Henry looked up at the lady from the bed he was on and there was something else there something that well when he looked at her he couldn't quite believe, her face......... it was green. How's that possible is it paint? It had to be paint, because she surely couldn't of been born with green skin could she ? Was that something that was possible, he had never heard of it but maybe it was.  That however wasn't important right now because well he needed to know where he actually was first before anything else and what she wanted with him, why he had been even kidnapped in the first place, she obviously needed him for something maybe she hated his mum and wanted to get at her.

She told him her name and gave him a really friendly smile which just confused him, what was she up to she had just kidnapped him, part of him felt she was trying to play a trick on him but well she did seem okay. "Protect me?" Henry questioned now even more confused, was she, was she playing a game with him? She had just kidnapped him to protect him? Maybe if he listened he would find out what was going on. "What do you mean, I was safe I was fine with my mum, take me back to her," he told this lady, all he wanted to do was be back with his mu, he would be safe with her she always kept him safe. "Why did you kidnap me? Where am I?" He asked before thinking a bit more, if she was right and she was truly just trying to protect him something he was very unsure about, surely she would tell him. "Who is it you want to protect me from."

Wicked Witch of the West

Zelena listened to the boy as he talked saying he was fine with his mom. Though which mom did her boys take him from? She was sure she got him from Storybrooke. No, she got him from New York or Boston. Regina wasn’t in New York. Fine, she can work with this.

“Maybe I made a mistake. A horrible woman named Regina is after you. She wants to hurt you and your mother Emma. She has magic like me. Only she uses it for evil. I was asked to step in and help you. Your mother ,unfortunately; was already taken by her. Or she would have been here too. I was going to wait to tell you that, but you asked and I don’t like to lie.” She said.

“Now, can I get you a drink or some food? I’m sure your hungry.” She asked him as she walked over to the door. She was going to call one of her men to make some lunch. She was hungry herself and needed a good drink.

Dorothy watched as the boy made his way to Zelena's castle. Dorothy wasn't sure what she was up to, but, was pretty sure she had some plan up her sleeve. Dorothy lead Toto towards the castle, the good news is neither of them had seen her so she was able to make her way into the castle. Dorothy slipped in as Henry opened the door and came face to face with Zelena. Zelena was one of Dorothy's close friends, but, had a feeling she was plotting something. 

Dorothy peeked through the gap in the door as Henry and Zelena started talking. Dorothy stayed hidden and kept a tight hold of Toto to ensure that he didn't run out into the room. Dorothy decided that she would wait a bit, before entering the room because she knew that Zelena wouldn't actually hurt the child and Zelena was a close friend. Dorothy hid behind the door as Zelena began to head into the kitchen, as she did this she began to lose her grip on Toto "No Toto" Dorothy attempted to keep her grip on him, however it didn't work and he jumped onto the floor and he ran into the other room.

"Regina?" Henry questioned with a rather distant look on his face, he swore he had heard the name somewhere before, he just couldn't, couldn't really understand why or how, he had never even met any women called Regina, he would of remembered a name like that surely. The twelve year old grimaced as he felt  stabbing pain rush through his mind, it felt like something was trying tog et through. Henry shook his head though, it mustn't be that important then, and plus he was pretty sure there was nothing he had ever forgotten in his life.

Henry frowned even worse when the lady told him that this women was evil....... that she.......she...had magic? This women sounded crazy, that can't be even possible, there was no such thing as magic, he had grown out of that stage years ago. Princes, fairy tales  and castles, fairy tales and magic did not exist, they were just stories you read to kid's at night, like when he was younger and his mum....she, read him the story of Snow White, here was no such person who ever existed. "There is no such, thing as magic, your talking crazy," Henry said before looking away, surely this lady was crazy, "why should I believe what your saying?" This Lady had kidnapped him, surely she could of come to got him like any normal person would.

"Wait mum's missing?" That couldn't be right his mum was strong no one could take her, the police would of told him wouldn't they, he would of been contacted by them ata school, he wasn't sure if the lady was telling the truth at all. "No I'm not hungry," Henry lied to her.

Wicked Witch of the West Dorothy Gale/Sarah Hudson

Belle had grown up reading books. It had been a way for her to pass the time after her mother’s death. She had been a tenderly sweet child, full of innocence, until her mother was ripped to shreds by the Ogres. That had been one of the reasons that she had offered to go with Rumpelstiltskin, she did not want any more innocent people to suffer the brutal fate that her mother had. The Land of Oz had always been a fascinating story series, but Belle could not help and wonder about the story compared to the reality. Since she had been young she had always held true to the belief that every story had a basis. Every story at one point had been some sort of reality. A small smile of self-satisfaction transcended across her face. She had been right, and she would be right about finding Rumple. The scene was straight out of an acid trip. The colors were vivid and Regina and Belle, sworn enemies, tralala’d along the yellow brick road as if they had been best friends their entire life. Baelfire followed without much of a word. He seemed to be taking in the scenery as much as Belle had.

She stopped for a moment giggling hysterically for unknown reasons. A small fuzzy flower swayed in the wind beckoning Belle to take a gander at the flower. She smiled like a child and closed her eyes while smelling the flower. A sweet smell that brought back many memories haunted her. She sighed softly, taking a moment to enjoy life. She had been thankful that Regina had denied her request. Belle had allowed herself to believe in hope. She twirled back to Regina and Baelfire. Her cloak entwining and dancing along her figure. She tripped over a short creature and fell face first on the yellow brick road.

“Whoaaaa!” Belle screamed as she fell over.

“Ooaf!” The creature squawked following her over.

“I am so so sorry!” Belle pleaded, “I didn’t see you.” She felt ashamed and as though she had was judging the short person. A slight flush fluttered across her cheeks. Something was definitely off about this land. The small munchkin stood up and brushed himself off. He managed a friendly smile at Belle and tipped his hat to her.

“Do not worry. I was sent to find you… obviously you found me first.” He chuckled, “The good witch told me you seek the dark one?” He paused watching her carefully trying to figure out if she was a friend or foe. Belle scrambled to his feet her eyes filling with tears as she hung on his every word, “I can see this invokes a lot of emotion in you miss… well you are on the right track. The yellow brick road will lead you to the Emerald Palace. He is there… but prepare yourself. Not everything is as it seems.” The man frowned gently patting Belle on the head. Belle stood up and straightened out her dress and cloak. She nodded to the munchkin and thanked him before turning on her heel. “Wait miss… there is a boy there as well. And a girl named Dorothy. The boy is about twelve and Dorothy is a friend of mine. Please save them.” He begged.

“Save them? From who?” Belle dreaded the answer, she hoped that Rumple had not returned to darkness without her to oppose it.

“Zelena. The wicked witch of the west.” He pointed to Regina, “She has your son.”

Belle’s eyes widened as she looked at Bae and Regina. She had not expected Henry to be in Oz. She remembered vaguely that Regina had released Henry of his memories. She frowned not knowing how the scene would go, but she knew there was no love like a mothers love. Belle knew what it felt like to not have a mother, and Henry should have his mother. For better or for worse. She would help Baelfire and Regina get Henry back. After all, he was her grandson. She smiled at the thought of perhaps, just maybe, she could finally give Rumple his family and his happy ending.

Her thoughts were distracted by a darkening sky and the munchkin yelling at them to get down. The howl of hell echoed throughout the area and then she saw them. Flying monkeys. Her startled eyes widened as they closed in on them. Belle had given up the shadows of power for hope, and that had left her nearly powerless to fight magical foes. They were diving for Regina. The Wicked Witch knew that they had entered Oz and that they were approaching the castle.

“REGINA!” Belle screamed hysterical and speared the Queen into the road. She had saved Regina but had sacrificed herself. The monkey grabbed Belle’s foot and took off with her. Regina and Baelfire were soon dots in the distance before her world went black.

--Inside the Emerald Castle--

It had been the sound of water dripping and the feel of the moisture on her face that broke her darkness. The room was on shaky ground as she tried to gather her thoughts. A throbbing sharp pain surged on the side of her head. She gently caressed the spot hoping to make it stop, to no avail. She sat up slowly fully aware of her condition. The fun colors of the yellow brick road were nowhere to be seen. The room was dark and cold. Belle let out a loud and annoyed sigh as she pulled herself up along the bars. The situation was really beginning to piss her off. She could not for the life of her figure out why she always ended up in dungeons. Her eyes narrowed as a guard walked by and laughed at her. She was a hot mess.

“Welcome to the dungeon.” He said while eyeing her up and down pleased with her appearance, “I can see why Zelena thinks you are a threat to her plans. I can see why he lusted for you.”

“He?” She whispered.

“The Dark One.” He said after fading into the barely lit hallway.

He was somewhere in the Emerald Palace, but in what state… would he come for her? Would he even remember her? She frowned sliding down the side of the stone wall. She would have to think of a way out of the prison, she could not trust the magic that had been unleashed when he disappeared. There was not telling what kind of mental state her beloved would be in. She frowned and her brow furrowed. Her features became intense and serious as she opened her side pack and went through her books. She had a spell book that she hoped held some answers. She would not fail him. She would fight for him. Regardless of who he had become, true love always won.

Mr. Gold Rumpelstiltskin Regina Mills Baelfire/Neal Cassidy

Bae stopped mid-run as Regina was speared. This Zelena, whoever she was, had his son and he wasn't giving up until he was back in his arms. Bae looked up as Belle was taken by the monkey "Belle" Bae called as he turned and headed back to where Regina lay. If he was going to get Henry back, he would most likely need Regina's help, because he had no idea who they were up against. 

Bae knelt down and pulled the spear out of Regina. "Are you ok?" Bae said, as he looked at her. Bae wasn't sure what happened, or what was going to happen, but, what he knew was that both he and Regina wanted their son back. Bae helped sit Regina up and decided to ask straight up about this Zelena. "Regina, if the one known as Zelena has Henry, what do we do?" Bae asked, desperate to save his son. "And what should I expect when we get to the Castle?" Bae continued to look at Regina, desperate to find out more about what they were up against. 

Regina grew suspicious when the little man started talking about the dark one. How did he know why they had come to this land? It wasn't as if they had gone about shouting Rumplestilskin's name from the rooftops. They had just arrived here for Pete's sake! She suspected that the good witch the midget mentioned was Glinda, but even if it was her how would she have known? And if she knew of their presence here...who else did?

The munchkin was determined to be the bearer of bad news it seemed. After he told Belle about the dark one, the little man said that the witch also had a twelve year old boy with her. Upon hearing that Regina paled rapidly and her heart filled with dread. If the witch Zelena was the one who hated her in this land, and she was as powerful as Belle seemed to think, then it wasn't out of the realm of possibility that she may have kidnapped Henry from wherever he and Emma Swan had moved to. Not that Henry would remember her of course, she had made sure of that. She wanted to set the messenger on fire when the munchkin confirmed her fears. Henry.

Lost in her own fears she barely heard the chorus of howls and before she knew it she was on the ground, pushed out of the flying monkeys' path by Belle. She watched in stunned wonder as the monkeys lifted Belle off the ground and started flying back to where they had come from. By the time she recovered her senses the monkeys were already a good way away and Baelfire was asking her about Zelena. "From what I've heard she is basically the Oz equivalent of the Evil Queen." She told him, using her old moniker without shame. "Everyone fears her here. We shouldn't expect any help from Oz's citizens in getting them back." She said unhappily, looking toward the Emerald city. When she heard Bae ask what they were going to do her eyes narrowed. "What are we going to do? We're going to get Henry, your father, and Belle back, and then I'm going to burn this Zelena at the stake!" She answered simply, baring her teeth at the last declaration. This Wicked Witch thought she could mess with her loved ones? Well, they would just see about that! "Come on!" She said standing up and looking at Bae before striding in the direction the monkeys had taken Belle, her cloak billowing behind her and magic sparking at her fingertips.

Zelena turned back as Henry states he doesn’t believe in magic and thinks she is crazy. She then walks over to him and smiles at him. “You are very smart for your age. Most children your age believe in magic and superheroes. Do you like Superheroes? Which one?” She wasn’t going to get mad at him. He was just a kid and he was scared.

“Let me get you some food and I will take you home. I hear your stomach growling, dear.” She said. Then heard a noise and looked up as she heard someone say something.

“Wait here.” She said as she got up to look around. Did they already get there ? Maybe she was loosing her touch. She then looked back over to Henry who she just smiled at. She walked back over and motioned him to follow her.

“Let me show you something. I want you to feel you can leave once your safe. And before you leave you should visit Oz. It’s a beautiful land.” She took Henry to her balcony.

Baelfire was now more worried by what Regina just said about Zelena being like the Evil Queen she once was. Baelfire had dealt with both the Evil Queen and his father as The Dark One, but, he had never been so scared in his life, now that his son was in danger. Baelfire was going to follow by his father's example and do terrible things to the witch that took his son. 

 Baelfire stepped back as Regina stood up, Baelfire watched as Regina stormed off down the road, Baelfire would normally stop that but he didn't want to stop it when his family and his friend were in danger, he marched after Regina as they headed towards the castle to find their son. 

Dorothy had chased after Toto and finally caught him in Zelena's main living room, "Bad dog Toto" Dorothy said, picking him up. She looked out of the door and spotted the kid that she followed here out on the balcony with Zelena. Dorothy took a close look at the kid, he looked about 11 or 12 years old.


This must be that kid that would lead Zelena to Regina, Dorothy looked down at Toto "I don't like the look of this Toto" Dorothy continued to watch as they stayed out there, she could tell from glancing that the kid was worried about Zelena. She knew that Zelena would never hurt a kid, but, this one might be different. Dorothy moved closer to the door, and kept an eye on them, just to ensure the kid was safe.  Toto became worried about the kid, however, and jumped out of Dorothy's arms again and then began barking at the door. 

Henry Mills Wicked Witch of the West