Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Chapter 1.

I don't know when I woke up but my head was pounding. Memories of the tornado ran through my head. I wasn't in my comfy bed anymore or the valleys of Kansas. The room I was held in was pitch black, darker than midnight itself. In a circle stood seven ginormous doors with godly light creeping through the edges. It glowed bright and powerful, radiating magical energy. Each door was different in its way. One was colored in an array of deep and light blues, with a shimmering gold trident. With each step I took near it, the ocean filled my senses. I could feel a breeze glide against my soft skin, and a strong scent of salt fills my nostrils. The door radiated power in its purest form like it was almost godly. The attraction was so strong, and the door was pulling me in. I wanted nothing more than to feel this power rush through me. But I hesitated. Its essence was unstable in a way, uncontrollable, risky.

The presence left my body as I slowly stepped back. All the doors were majestical and special in their way like they had their own complex emotions. A door had runes and ancient texts carved into it. It looked superior like only the worthy were meant to open its hinges and explore its mysteries. I wasn't that.

There was a metal door with gears and different tools and parts scattered on its surface, with pipes coming off the sides, emitting a sort of sweet smoke.

A door had arrows, swords, and every weapon imaginable cut through it, making it feel dangerous and very uninviting. I could hear the cries of innocent people and shouts of mercy. There was so much sadness, grief, and death. I quickly scurried along.

There were some other entrances, but they weren't anything memorable. Until I stopped in front of a door made of wood, with tree branches, leaves, and bushes covering every inch. There was magic in the air, but not like the trident door. This magic wasn't pure in the slightest. At first, it felt warm and homey, like a freshly baked apple pie, until it turned flawed in a way. You see the real truth, or that the apple pie was filled with poison. A special carving in the bark showed a triangle with a circle and a line inside it. It was most likely a random rune or symbol, but it was not to be underestimated. It made sure of that. A connection to the light coming from the inside of the door pulled me closer and closer. Many of the other doors called me, but this was different. It was like it was fate showing me my path. Without hesitation, I grabbed the old wood doorknob and opened it just enough for me to squeeze through. I felt a marvelous presence pass through my body, filling me with joy, making me want to stay forever.

I let the light do its part, and I was swiftly carried away from the room with many doors. This was not Kansas anymore.

***

My eyes awoke to a lush forest covered with trees and shrubs. Little insects sang their symphonies, while predators perched and looked out. The sun was barely visible through the thick treetops, so my vision was impaired and just off. I strutted through the forest, exploring, and taking in its beauty. Foolish me tripped on a branch, leaving my blue and white dress stained. Aunt Em would have killed me if she ever found out. If I were ever to see her again.

Something was missing. I could just tell. A desperate and muffled bark in the distance caught my ears. A dog started running toward me.

"Toto! Toto! Come here, boy!" I pleaded.

Within a few seconds, Toto was in my arms and licking my face. I cursed myself for letting him out of my sight. For the next few moments wagged his tail and showed his affection for me. I couldn't bear to think if I had lost him. No one else would've brought color, emotion, or thought into my life as he did.

The realization came that we were alone in a giant unknown forest. No matter the beauty of nature, we needed to get out of here. Find shelter, and get answers, and fast.