The Misfits barely had time to catch their breath as they cleared the forest. The oppressive magic of the haunted woods fell away, but the relief was short-lived. Overhead, the sky churned with dark clouds, heavy with rain and charged with an ominous energy. A cold wind howled through the clearing, sending chills through the group despite the lingering heat of their exertion.
“Anyone else feel like the universe really doesn’t want us on this road?” Finn muttered, his ears twitching as the wind picked up.
“I don’t think it’s the universe,” Zoe replied, her voice tight. She glanced at the sky, where jagged streaks of lightning lit the rolling clouds in sharp bursts of white. “It’s Dorothy. This storm has her magic written all over it.”
Grumps growled low in his throat, his dragon magic flaring faintly around his hands. “If she thinks this is going to stop us, she’s got another think coming.”
But the storm wasn’t content to remain in the sky. The first drops of rain fell heavy and cold, quickly escalating into a downpour that drenched the group within seconds. The wind howled louder, buffeting them from all sides, and the Yellow Brick Road became slick and treacherous beneath their feet.
“Stay close!” Zoe called, her light magic flickering as she tried to illuminate their path. “The road’s still here. We just have to keep moving.”
The storm intensified with every step, the rain coming down in sheets so thick it was nearly impossible to see. The Yellow Brick Road seemed to stretch endlessly ahead of them, its golden glow muted under the relentless deluge.
Raven’s shadows coiled tightly around her, keeping the worst of the wind at bay. “This isn’t natural,” she shouted over the roar of the storm. “It’s like the storm knows where we’re going!”
“Of course it does!” Finn snapped, his voice strained as he struggled to keep his footing. “This whole road is rigged! It’s her road!”
Melody clutched her cloak tightly around her shoulders, her teeth chattering as the cold bit through her. Even her magic, so effective against the trees, seemed muted here, swallowed by the storm’s overwhelming presence.
Zoe squinted into the distance, her light magic flaring weakly as she scanned the horizon. Then, through the chaos, she saw it—a faint, golden glow that stood out against the storm’s fury.
“There!” she shouted, pointing ahead. “There’s something up ahead!”
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The glow grew brighter as they pressed on, their steps faltering but determined. Finally, the shape of a building came into view, its warm light spilling into the storm like a beacon. The Last Stop Inn stood nestled at the edge of the road, its wooden frame solid and inviting against the chaos.
The storm seemed to recoil as they approached, the wind and rain lessening with every step. By the time they reached the porch, the rain was little more than a light drizzle, and the howling wind had softened to a gentle breeze.
“This has to be a trick,” Raven said, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the inn’s glowing windows. “No way it’s just sitting here waiting for us.”
Melody placed a hand on her arm, her expression soft but certain. “It feels... safe,” she said quietly.
Grumps stepped forward, his massive frame filling the doorway as he pushed the heavy wooden door open. The creak of the hinges was swallowed by the storm’s dying whispers, and as the group stepped inside, they were met with an overwhelming sense of calm.
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The storm had chased them to the doors of the Last Stop Inn, and now the Misfits stood within its warm embrace, their breaths slowing as the tension of the road fell away. The golden light spilling from chandeliers crafted to look like upside-down trees soothed their frayed nerves, while the scent of lavender and woodsmoke enveloped them like a promise of safety. The inn hummed faintly, its sentience palpable to those who paused long enough to notice.
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"This place is alive," Zoe murmured, her light magic flickering faintly in response to the ambient energy.
Near the hearth, a towering stone golem arranged wildflowers with surprising care. His glowing amber eyes turned toward the group, calm assurance radiating from his massive form. "Travelers," Gus said, his voice like rolling thunder. "You’ve come far."
"Welcome to the Last Stop Inn," Pip Kettlebrook said warmly, stepping forward with her brewing wand tucked neatly into her apron. Her gaze swept over the Misfits, sharp but welcoming. "You look like you’ve brought the storm with you."
Felix Brightwood strummed his lute in the corner, the notes forming a melody that wove through the room, harmonizing with the faint hum of the inn’s magic. "Doesn’t look like ordinary travelers to me," he said with a grin. "You lot have stories to tell, don’t you?"
The Misfits exchanged weary glances, their exhaustion easing as the inn’s atmosphere wrapped around them. For the first time since stepping onto the Yellow Brick Road, they felt a flicker of hope.
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The Misfits were led to the hearth, where the room seemed to stretch and shift to accommodate them. Chairs and benches appeared where needed, the glow of the chandeliers above adjusting to a softer, warmer hue. Melody sank into a chair, her siren-like magic humming faintly as she closed her eyes. Even Grumps, who carried the weight of his dragon magic like a burden, seemed to relax, his posture softening as he settled onto a sturdy bench.
Pip moved among them, offering tea brewed with calming herbs. "This is your rest stop," she said, her voice steady and reassuring. "The inn’s seen many travelers like you. It knows when someone needs more than just shelter."
"A magical sanctuary," Finn murmured, his eyes darting around the room, his tail flicking nervously. "Convenient."
"More than that," Raven added, her shadows curling softly at her feet. "It feels... intentional. Like it wants us here."
Pip only smiled at that, choosing not to answer. Instead, she turned her attention to Zoe. "If you’re looking for answers, the inn can help. But first, let’s make sure you’re ready to hear them."
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The Misfits followed Pip and Lady Corvina down a hallway that seemed to elongate as they walked. The doors to the library creaked open, revealing shelves that towered impossibly high, glowing threads weaving between the books like living constellations. The air was thick with a quiet magic that made even the most cynical of the group hesitate.
"This place is unreal," Melody whispered, her voice tinged with awe.
Corvina strode to the center of the room, gesturing with a sweep of her hand. A heavy tome floated down from the upper shelves, landing softly on the table before them. "Dorothy Gale," she announced, flipping open the book. "Her story is here. The inn records everything, but this tale is one you need to understand."
The Misfits leaned in as the pages came alive with shifting images and text. They saw Dorothy’s transformation from a hopeful girl into a figure of cold, calculated ambition. Her manipulation of the nexus shards and her growing control over the Yellow Brick Road played out like a cautionary tale.
"She’s not crossing worlds," Zoe said, her voice steady despite the grim realization. "She’s trying to dominate them."
Corvina nodded. "If you don’t stop her, she won’t just control the road—she’ll rewrite its purpose entirely."
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Back in the hearth room, Gus unfurled a map across the table, its lines glowing faintly with magic. "The road will test you," he said, his deep voice carrying an undeniable gravity. "At every step, it’ll try to break you. And Dorothy is only making it stronger."
Melody stood apart, her gaze drawn to the windows and the faint golden glow of the road outside. "I can’t go," she said suddenly, her voice soft but resolute. "The inn—it’s singing to me. There’s something here I have to do."
The Misfits turned toward her in surprise, but Melody continued, her words firm despite the emotion in her eyes. "I feel it in my magic. This is where I’m supposed to be. The inn’s song is clearer to me than anything I’ve felt on this journey."
Pip stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Melody’s shoulder. "The inn chooses its moments," she said. "If it’s calling you, it means there’s something important waiting for you here."
Gus broke the silence, his gravelly voice steady. He spoke to directly to Pip. "If she’s staying, thier party is one short.” Pip Nodded understanding.
The Misfits turned as Gus stepped forward. "Looks like you’re heading somewhere dangerous," he said lightly. "Mind if I join?"
Zoe met his glowing gaze and nodded. "If you can keep up," she replied with a faint smile.
The storm had faded into a cool, quiet night by the time the Misfits stepped outside. The Yellow Brick Road stretched out before them, its golden surface shimmering faintly under the moonlight. Melody stood at the doorway, watching them with a calm resolve.
"We’ll be back," Zoe said firmly.
"And I’ll be ready," Melody replied, her voice steady.
With Gus joining their ranks, the Misfits set off once more, the quiet hum of the road guiding their steps into the unknown.