Here's the link to the fanart I drew for it: <a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/M ... jpg">Chibi Relena and Toto/Trowa</a>
Previous chapters: <a href="http://blissfulignorance.com/phpBB/view ... 90">Moving To Kansas Part 1</a>, <a href="http://blissfulignorance.com/phpBB/view ... 9498">Part 2</a>, <a href="http://blissfulignorance.com/phpBB/view ... 17">Taking Him Away Part 1</a>, <a href="http://blissfulignorance.com/phpBB/view ... 9528">Part 2</a>, <a href="http://blissfulignorance.com/phpBB/view ... 9542">Good Witches and Bad Witches</a>
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<center><b>CHAPTER IV ? The Yellow Brick Road</b></center>
The lands of the West were cold and grey to the eye. Devoid of all life for it had been taken and enslaved to meet the needs of the terrible witch that reigned there. Close to the border was the looming castle where she resided, surrounded by a dark forest that spread throughout the lands. The walls were manned day and night in constant vigilance and inside, the corridors twisted in misleading ways through halls that reeked of dark and terrible secrets, and were filled with the screams of unearthly creatures.
The highest tower rose far above the battlements and dwarfed everything around it. It could always be seen looming in the distance when the rest of the castle was hidden from sight by the tall firs of the forest. Foreboding and terrible, it was a warning to all who was in control and many a fearful and timid animal had scurried into the undergrowth after catching sight of a figure on a broomstick flying out from its windows.
The main room of the tower was silent, that is until a soft muffled clap accompanied by a puff of smoke echoed through the stone walls. The feared keeper of the West lands appeared suddenly and stumbled to the floor with a cry of exhaustion. She immediately stifled the sounds that belied her weakness and rose to her feet, clutching the edge of a stone pedestal holding a crystal orb. Her gown shimmered, the colours of red and black fighting for dominance.
?Curse you; you gave the slippers to her!? She gasped. Her face contorted and then softened out. ?I could not allow you to have them.?
She grimaced and with a cry of rage, the Wicked Witch spun away from the pedestal and banged her fists on a nearby table. ?I?ll destroy her! She does not know how to use them. I?ll destroy everything!?
Her voice changed, ?You will only end up destroying yourself with your never ending hatred.?
?Go away,? She said hoarsely, ?You are no more.?
?No, I am inside of you. Use my powers if you must but you will have to suffer me as well.?
?GO AWAY!? She howled with frustration and swiped her hand across the table, spilling its contents with a crash onto the floor. She shuddered with fatigue and sagged against the wood.
?I take it things didn?t go as planned.?
Une turned to see two round lights in the shadows staring at her like eyes. She stood up haughtily despite her weariness and lifted her chin.
?What do you want??
The black space beneath those eyes ripped apart to reveal a toothy grin. ?Is the mutt responsible for this??
Une rubbed the back of her hand across her mouth irritably, ?No.?
?We have a new adversary then??
She waved her hand, flexing her fingers towards the crystal ball. It swirled and the white murkiness inside cleared to reveal a young girl lying asleep with her golden hair spread out around her. The grin widened further. ?How interesting.? There was a clacking sound in the darkness. Just as the girl stirred gently, the mist swirled round and obscured her. Une panted and leaned heavily against the table.
?So, are you West or East keeper now??
?I am neither.?
The grin vanished, ?What of the seal??
Une lifted her head, her brown eyes gazing into the distance. ?The bond between us has been broken and we are all weakened but I have twice the power of the others.?
The eyes flickered. ?What must be done now? Shall I send one of my pretty pets after the girl and the dog??
Une waved her hand dismissively, ?No. I cannot risk the slippers being destroyed by your mindless beings. I need their power to overcome the armies of the Emerald city.? Her face furrowed in thought. ?The Good Wizard knows he cannot protect her for long?he will tell her to go there and take safety behind the city walls.? She straightened. ?Send word to my servants. Tell them to look out for a girl wearing ruby red slippers with golden hair and eyes blue as the sky. She must not reach her destination but I wish her brought to me alive.?
The lights were hidden as a head was bowed in compliance. ?As you wish.?
Une took a deep breath and staggered over to a wooden door, ?I must rest if I am to regain my strength. Do not disturb me.?
The eyes watched as the witch disappeared behind a wooden door and the grin reappeared. ?Interesting indeed.?
<center>~~+~~</center>
There was a light shining on her face and warming her skin. Relena shifted and knitted her brows together in discomfort. Slowly, her eyes inched open to look at the domed ceiling above. Her mind cleared and she blinked awake. As she sat up, her body groaned in places that were still bruised and sore. She was to the side of a small hall, lying on a makeshift cot overlooking a small arched window. It was filled with such brightness from outside that she couldn?t even see through it. The hall was empty and she was completely alone. Panic rose in her at the thought?a fear of being abandoned that had risen from deep inside her. But all fears were allayed when her eyes came to rest on a little furry brown body curled up on the blanket, beside her legs. A gentle smile curved her lips and she reached out, stroking her fingers through the soft fur. Toto lifted his head, blinked sleepily, and licked her fingers affectionately.
?I thought you?d left,? She confessed. Toto whined and nuzzled her hand. The creak of the double doors marked the entrance of Iria. ?Hello! I see you?re up.? She chirped. ?How are you feeling??
Relena?s stomach suddenly rumbled and she gasped with embarrassment, clutching it and flushing. Iria just laughed and grabbed her arm. ?I thought you?d be hungry. Come on, everyone is waiting for you.?
Relena looked on in surprise as the little woman tugged her out of bed. ?For me? Whatever for??
?The mayor is holding a banquet in your honour,? She explained, ?You have brought us all hope by standing up against the witch.? Her expression turned apologetic as Relena had to crouch to get through the door. ?I?m sorry about the arrangements. The city hall was the only building with doors big enough to allow Master Quatre to bring you through.?
Relena straightened with a wince. The hall exited onto a plaza where she was suddenly assaulted by hordes of little people. They cheered and tugged at her dress, trying to get as close to her as possible. She found she couldn?t move due to the press of bodies milling about her legs. Toto was coddled by small arms until he was swamped. Relena reached down, scooping him up to safety and he licked her face in gratitude.
She caught sight of Abdul shovelling his way through till he was in front of her and he peered up over the rum of his sunglasses. ?I?ll take you to the mayor,? He offered kindly and Relena nodded. Just then, Iria emerged through the throng to stand beside Relena. Abdul gave her a pointed look, ?What are you doing here??
Iria sniffed, ?I?m with Relena of course.?
?No you?re not.?
?Yes I am.?
?No you?re <i>not</i>.?
?Yes I <i>am</i>!?
Someone cleared their throat behind causing them both to turn irritably, ?What??
A young soldier swallowed nervously, his fez so big it fell over his eyes, ?Err?the mayor?s waiting sir.?
?Yes well, let?s get going,? Abdul straightened his glasses and gave Iria a glare over his shoulder. She leaned up to clasp Relena?s hand and stuck her tongue out at him in reply. Relena held back a laugh and let Iria lead her forward, following Abdul.
The crowd followed in their wake as they travelled along cobbled streets till they reached the city outskirts. Here, a circular arrangement of tables had been laid out for a great feast. Rashid stood with a smile, waiting for them. Relena sat down beside him while Abdul and Iria fought for a place next to her. The crowd spread out and settled in their seats.
?Let us not waste time with talk; I?m sure you are all hungry. Serve the food!? The mayor bellowed and Relena begged her growling stomach to stay silent. Food came readily and everyone tucked in. The centre of the circle was soon occupied with dancers who swayed and sashayed to the fluty tunes of a group of musicians.
When it seemed that most people had been satiated and were sitting back sipping their drinks, Rashid stood and raised his arms for silence. The music faded into the air, the dancers swirled to a stop and everyone listened.
?Citizens of Munchkin city, today we celebrate a victory over the WWW!?
There was a loud cheer.
?The WWW?? Relena asked Iria, who was sitting next to her, in a low voice.
?The Wicked Witch of the West,? Iria explained.
?Shh!? Abdul, sitting next to Iria, said irritably.
Rashid waited for the cheer to die down before continuing.
?We have today in our midst someone who has challenged the very enemy herself!?
There was another cheer, accompanied this time with a few astonished gasps and some occasional whispers. Relena found curious eyes staring at her and opened her mouth to protest; she had not <i>challenged</i> the witch as such. The mayor never gave her chance to speak.
?Let us welcome the good witch Relena, of the Kansas star. Her coming heralds the beginning of the end to the great conflict plaguing these lands. No longer need we live in fear and trepidation, for where there was uncertainty, there is now hope. Relena has shown us the witch is not invincible and we can now see that she <i>can</i> be overthrown. She has been defeated once so she will be again! Let us raise our voices to Relena; who brings us hope for peace once again in this fair kingdom. We name her White Dove, messenger of Peace!?
The crowd erupted into a huge cheer. A vast array of confetti and ribbons were thrown; the music sprang into life once again and the dancers began twirling. Relena didn?t feel very elated though; her stomach was cringing in apprehension. They were making her out to be some sort of saviour and it didn?t seem right; she was no herald of peace.
She opened her mouth to clear this misconception when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Quatre stood over her, his expression serious. ?Come,? He said silently. Wordlessly, she followed; Toto scampering after them on his little feet. He led her away from the banquet till the sounds of merriment faded to a soft murmur. They walked up the crest of a grassy hill where a scattering of rocks made crude seats overlooking the plains below. Quatre settled himself down on one with a sigh and Toto laid himself down by his feet like a faithful hound. Relena stood there uncertainly, feeling isolated from the familiarity and closeness shared between the two.
?You must forgive the Munchkins.? He said after a while, ?They are simple people who have suffered much at the hands of the witch. Let them see hope in you if it will bring a little happiness in their lives.? He added quietly, ?Who is to say they are wrong after all??
?But they shouldn?t believe in such a lie. I am just a girl, not a witch and I don?t even understand what?s going on, or where I am,? She said sadly.
Quatre smiled solemnly and the gold he wore shimmered. ?There are far worse things than lies. Would you go there?? He waved his hand, ??Among them and explain that the witch is actually more powerful and her wrath greater?? He shook his head ruefully, ?It would break them, strike fear into their hearts. These are things beyond their control so give them strength by letting them believe in something, in you.?
Relena processed his words, frowning slightly, ?I?m not sure I understand,? She whispered at length and his turquoise eyes brightened slightly.
?Sit Relena,? He said gently. Her dress rustled against her legs as she sank to the grass. Quatre stared at the horizon, his eyes distant and his fingers tightening slightly around his wand.
?The seal is broken.? He said abruptly in a soft tone that carried a hint of grim reality. Relena raised her eyebrows, ?I don?t know what that means,? She confessed.
?The seal is a bond of power between four guardians who are meant to protect the lands governed by the kingdom in the absence of a ruler. Une of the West broke the seal when she stole her sister?s body, leaving us all weakened but with her still twice as powerful.?
A shiver passed through Relena, ?What will happen now??
?She aims to gain complete control by seizing the throne of OZ. It sits empty, in the Emerald City ever since the good King and Queen died, waiting to be claimed by the rightful heir. However, the Emerald city is well protected and even with her new power, she will still need the ruby slippers to ensure her success.?
Silence fell between them for a short while. When Relena did not speak, Quatre looked down at her. ?That means she will come after you Relena.?
What could she say to that? Relena lowered her face and met the sad, silent eyes of Toto staring at her. He tottered up, placed a paw on her knee with a whine and looked apologetic. She stroked his head, ?It?s not your fault,? She whispered and raised her pale blue eyes to Quatre again.
?Can you help me get home?? Things were in such a mess and all that was clear in her mind was the need to get back to Kansas; to familiar ground.
?Relena?? Quatre?s face mirrored such sadness. ?Your home lies across a great desert that surrounds OZ. There are so many dangers lurking in the sands that you cannot even <i>hope</i> to cross safely. The only alternative is magic and with the seal broken?I?m not powerful enough to send you back.?
Her lower lip trembled at his words and she turned her head aside so he wouldn?t see her fight to keep from crumbling apart. A feeling of bleakness invaded her body and for a moment, she felt trapped, unable to think. ?What do I do?? She finally managed, her voice wavering.
?You cannot stay here,? He sighed unhappily, ?I cannot protect you from the witch and it would be wise for you to make good use of the time you have while she is in deep sleep. The safest place for you is behind the walls of the Emerald City.? He turned thoughtful, ?The great and powerful Wizard of OZ lives there.?
?Will he be able to send me home?? Relena said hopefully.
?Perhaps, but he is very mysterious and no one has ever been granted entrance to see him. It wouldn?t hurt to try if you are making your way there anyway.? He stood and walked to the edge of the hill. When he beckoned her over, Relena scrambled to her feet and came beside him to see. The green hills flattened out into long fields and far in the distance, patches of lush forests darkened the ground. Quatre was pointing at a shiny path, which meandered its way across the land, disappearing and reappearing among the greenery until it was eventually lost from sight.
?That is the yellow brick road,? He explained, ?It starts here in Munchkin land and leads straight to the Emerald City. If you follow its path you will never lose your way.?
It looked far. Any adventurous streak existing inside Relena died instantly and she became frightened. She longed to stay in the company of the Good Wizard who exuded kindness and made her feel safe, even though he had explained that he couldn?t protect her. She turned to him, ?Come with me, please??
His eyes softened and swirled like calm waves upon a golden beach. It was soothing. ?I can?t,? He said gently and she was surprised when she simply nodded in acceptance. He reached out and took hold of her gently by the shoulders, ?There is one thing I can do for you?? Relena?s eyes widened as he pulled her close and pressed his lips against her forehead. A warm, golden glow encased her and her body was infused with an energy that left her feeling rejuvenated. ?Be strong,? He whispered, his warm breath seeping into her skin, marking the place his lips had touched as he released her. When he stepped away, her cheeks were flushed but she didn?t look afraid anymore.
?Remember, do not stray from your path and never, ever remove the ruby slippers or let the witch get hold of them.? He warned, ?As long as you wear them, she cannot hurt you directly.?
She nodded mutely and he gave her a wide dazzling smile that made the gold on him shine brightly till her eyes hurt just to look at him. Toto barked loudly from between Relena?s legs. ?And look after Toto,? He said, amused. ?Keep him out of trouble.?
?Wait, don?t go!? Relena outstretched her hand but he raised his wand. There was a sudden flash of bright white light and he was gone, his last words a faint whisper in the air.
?Follow the yellow brick road ??
It was a short while after that Abdul and Iria found her, still standing with her hand raised and Toto whining by her feet. They looked at each other in concern and made their way over. ?Relena?? Iria said gently.
Relena blinked out of her stupor and looked down at them. There was a misty look in her eyes, as if she were lost somewhere, deep in thought. ?Are you okay?? Iria tapped her leg as Relena?s eyes traced over the path of the yellow brick road far below her. They hardened with resolve. ?Yes.? She answered clearly.
?We saw you leave with Master Quatre,? Abdul explained, ?But then everyone started wondering where you were so we came to find you.?
?Quatre?s gone,? Relena said distantly.
?Oh yes, he comes and goes like that a lot,? Abdul waved his hand dismissively only to be nudged in the ribs by Iria.
?Are you <i>sure</i> you?re okay?? Iria asked gently. Relena couldn?t stop the smile creeping across her face. The little woman was persistent. She looked down at them, ?Not really,? She confessed. ?Can you take me to the yellow brick road??
Iria and Abdul started, ?You?re leaving??
She looked guilty, ?I have to.?
To her surprise, they nodded understandingly. ?It?s just well?I was hoping you might stay a little longer.? Iria sighed, ?But it can?t be helped I suppose.?
Abdul returned to the banquet while Iria led Relena into Munchkin City. They turned down the cobbled streets again and wandered their way to the north edge of the city, where they entered into an open square. Here was the beginning of the yellow brick road that Relena had seen from afar. It started in the centre of the square, spiralling outwards and widening until it could fit eight Munchkins standing in a line. Abdul reappeared with the mayor and a crowd of Munchkins. They all stood there mournfully and Relena realised with a jolt that she felt quite attached to these little people and was reluctant to say goodbye.
?We wish you luck on your journey Relena White Dove,? Rashid shook her hand firmly. ?And success.?
?I?Thank you,? Relena smiled nervously.
?I?ll miss you,? Iria sniffled. Relena knelt and hugged the sandy-haired woman tightly, ?I?ll miss you too,? She pulled back and stared at them all, ?I?ll miss you all. Thank you for your kindness.?
Abdul stepped up to Iria and handed her a tissue which she took gratefully. He patted her shoulder comfortingly as she blew her nose and she responded by throwing her arms around him, giving him a quick hug. He turned as red as a tomato from head to toe. Relena laughed, ?Well then,? She stood. ?Come on Toto.?
?Wuff!? Toto danced between her legs, eager to be off. Relena faced the open road, took a deep breath and walked on, her slippers clipping softly against its golden surface.
?Goodbye!? The Munchkins called after her when she turned to wave. ?Be careful! Don?t forget Master Quatre?s advice!? Abdul and Iria yelled after her. They watched until she and Toto were specks on the horizon and seconds later, they disappeared from sight altogether.
<center>~~+~~</center>
The open road was hers again although this was an unknown land with goodness knows what waiting for her along the way. A journey, which should?ve started with uncertainty, was instead commenced with a smile and a light step. Relena couldn?t help it; Quatre?s magic flowed strongly through her body and she lost herself in the lazy haze of the sun and the pleasantly curved hills. Toto bounded joyously in front of her, his visible green eye twinkling with happiness. Relena slowed to survey the little brown dog for a moment, wondering what part he had to play in this mysterious world. Toto paused in his frolicking and noticed her staring at him deep in thought.
?Wuff wuff!?
She blinked and then laughed, holding her arms out for him. He leapt into her embrace and relaxed, laying his head against her in quiet contentment as she started humming a jaunty little tune about the very yellow brick road they were following and the great Wizard that waited for them at the end.
Soon the hills left them behind and long acres of fields greeted them. The road straightened before them as they passed crops of maize, then sunflowers and then?wheat. Relena stopped in her tracks at the sight of the golden field stretched out before her. <i>Kansas</i>?It reminded her so strongly of it and with the thought came unbidden into her mind the image of group of people amongst which there stood a tall man with long blond hair. Toto whined in her arms and mechanically, her feet began moving again. Zechs would be so angry at her, she could almost see the stern, disapproving look on his face as he scolded her for running away. Was he and everyone else looking for her right now? Did she even want to be found by them after what they had done?
?AIIEEEEEE!?
Relena jumped as a scream ripped through the air. Toto jerked in her arms and started barking. She gazed around warily but there was nobody there. She hesitated; not sure what to do.
?YEOWWW!?
Someone was definitely in pain. The sound was coming from far down the road and they both headed towards it, Toto growling low under his breath. Relena cocked her head and listened out for more cries to indicate whether she was getting closer but all she could make out was a faint rustling and flapping. The tall, unkempt stalks of wheat prevented her from seeing anything but as the road began to curve gently to the left, a picket fence started along it, marking off the rest of the field. She put Toto down and clambered up to get a clearer view.
From where she was standing, Relena could make out the form of a black figure far ahead, poking out amongst the wheat. It was writhing in a strange way and at first she thought it was a sign of distress. She squinted and gasped as she realised that the black figure was actually made up of smaller shapes, all shifting and moving in one mass. The air was filled with a harsh cawing as the figure suddenly contorted violently to the right.
?LOUSY SCAVENGERS! STRAW-STEALING FREAKS!?
Black pieces now broke from the cloud and fluttered up into the air. Here they were unmistakeable; they circled above before flocking back and joining the black mass. The figure writhed once again.
?AARGHH!?
Relena put her hand to her mouth, that poor man was being attacked by crows! She had never known crows to be so vicious. How horrible! She had to do something to help him. Without a second thought, she hiked over the fence and entered the wheat field. Toto yapped at her; the fence having no gaps that he could enter through to follow. He backed up, took a running leap over the top, landed heavily on the ground at the other side, and raced after her.
?Hey, leave him alone!? Relena yelled, waving her hands wildly in an effort to scare the crows off. She stumbled over a large stone in her path, picked it up and hurled it into the black mass. There was a loud cacophony of squawks and the large black cloud shifted as the crows rose suddenly and took to the air, startled.
Relena scooped up another stone and aimed it at those remaining. The crows eyed her warily as they circled above, uncertain of this new threat. Luckily, there were quite a few stones scattered around the ground so she kept going until all of the birds had taken to the air but one. A raven, far larger than the other crows, stood its ground on its now diminished victim. It stared at her challengingly with its beady eyes and Relena felt a chill travel down her spine. She threw a stone directly at it but it simply hopped to the left and neatly evaded it. It eyed her with disdain, taking stock of her appearance carefully and lingering over the glow of her hair and the shine of her slippers. It spread its glossy wings and took to the air swiftly where it circled with the others, emitting a hoarse cry that echoed louder and deeper among the lesser crows. They suddenly flew off together, as if adhering to some unheard command. The raven paused to give one last smug look down at her before following after the others.
Toto was livid. Throughout the whole ordeal he had been barking in a frenzy and nipping at her dress. Now he paced the ground urgently, staring up at the sky now and again, then towards the yellow brick road, and then back to her while issuing a series of desperate whines and growls. Relena was startled by his behaviour but didn?t understand what was wrong. Toto pawed the ground agitatedly but at her look of confusion, he sank down on his haunches in defeat.
There was a long drawn out groan behind them and Relena turned back to the poor man the flock of crows had been attacking. He was strung to a pole with his arms out and his head dropped down to his chest. His face was obscured by a large straw hat. She approached him slowly, ?Erm?hello? Mister?? She asked gently.
There was another moan and the man lifted his head, ?Wow,? He said weakly, ?Hey good looking?thanks for the rescue.?
Toto?s ears perked up and he lifted his head. Relena gasped and her eyes widened as she saw the cloth mask that made up the face of the man before her. His clothes were bound to his wrists and ankles by thick cord but were so tattered that they were covered with square patches of cloth. Straw stuck out from every corner, but the eye was especially drawn to the long straw braid that flowed behind him and dangled beside the pole. He was a scarecrow?a talking scarecrow. After all the crazy magical things that she had seen, Relena wondered why she was so stupefied by this. Maybe it was because this bundle of straw tied together was evidence to the fact that there were far weirder things to come and she hadn?t seen anything yet.
?You still alive over there?? The talking scarecrow said faintly.
?<i>I?m</i> alive but?are you??
He chuckled, ?Heck, I dunno. I think I?ll leave it for you to figure out?? His voice went faint and he lowered his head again tiredly, ??while I rest.?
Relena stared at him hanging dejectedly from the pole and her face softened with sympathy. She stepped forward and peered up at him, ?Why don?t I get you down? Then you can rest properly.?
His eyes were a bluish-violet colour and they widened slightly. ?I didn?t think of that,? He admitted, ?That would be nice.?
She reached up to untie his waist and then stretched over for his wrists. She finally pulled the rope loose and he fell to the ground in a heap. ?Sorry!? She gasped.
?S?okay,? He mumbled, face down in the dirt. He lifted himself up in a wonky manner only to slump down with his back against the pole. ?Urgh?a little help babe? He grimaced and Relena came forward to help him up. He waved her away, ?No, I need straw. There was a sack of it over there somewhere,? He pointed ahead, ?Damn bloody crows put it there to torment me while they bled me dry.? Relena headed off in that direction and Toto tottered over to the scarecrow, staring at him in silent contemplation. The scarecrow flashed him a weak grin and patted his head, ?Hello there poochy. I?m afraid I haven?t got a bone in my body to spare for you today, literally.? He chuckled and Toto?s eyes flickered in amusement. Relena returned, tugging a large sack after her. The scarecrow reached forward and opened it eagerly, grabbing handfuls of straw and stuffing it down his shirt. ?That?s the stuff!? He remarked, the cloth of his face smoothing into a blissful smile. He kept going until the front of his shirt bulged out. Relena laughed, ?You?re doing it all wrong.?
He paused, ?I am?? He looked down and saw his chest, ?Hey this isn?t right.?
Relena shook her head and moved in to help. She grabbed handfuls of straw and stuffed it in every corner she could find while smoothing it down so it spread across his body. ?You shouldn?t stuff yourself all in one go without spacing it out to keep your shape.? She patted his arm and leaned back. He looked downhearted and she frowned, ?What?s wrong??
?I don?t even know how to stuff myself,? He sniffled, ?I wish I had a brain and then I wouldn?t be so useless.?
Relena gaped at him, ?You don?t have?a brain??
He nodded and tapped his head half-heartedly, ?There?s nothing in there but straw.?
?But you can talk!?
?Yeah, I?ve got a mouth, it?s the brain I?m missing.?
Relena shook her head bemused. ?You?re not missing much you know,? She confessed, ?People with brains don?t tend to use them right anyway.?
He slouched against the pole and looked distantly across the field, ?Yeah, but if I only had a brain then I would?ve gotten off that pole and showed those crows who?s the boss.? He stood up and threw a few mock punches in the air. ?Take that! And that! And?whoa!? He swung his fist round, lost his balance and fell backwards only to have Relena catch him by the arms. He blinked up at her.
?What is a pretty looking thing like you doing out here anyway? Apart from rescuing me that is? He grinned, thanking her gratefully as she hoisted him up on his feet again.
?I?m lost so I?m following the yellow brick road to the Emerald City,? She smiled sadly. ?Someone told me the Wizard there might be able to help me get home.?
?Well, that sucks,? The scarecrow said sympathetically, then his eyes brightened, ?Hey, you think this Wizard could give me a brain??
Relena raised her eyebrow at the strange notion but shrugged, ?I?m not sure. If he?s as powerful as he is then I don?t see why not.?
The scarecrow perked up, ?Hey I know! I?ll come along with you!?
Toto tilted his head to the side and watched as the scarecrow puffed himself up and strode forwards. Relena put her hand up to bring him to a halt.
?Oh goodness no! You shouldn?t. The Wicked Witch of the West is after me and if you come, you might get into trouble.?
The scarecrow looked surprised and laughed out loud, ?You mean ol? greenie? Ah that smelly old pea doesn?t scare me!?
Relena looked alarmed, ?But??
He tapped his head, ?No brain remember. All the farmers here fled years ago when her crows attacked the fields but I was the only one crazy enough to stay.? He looked at her pleadingly with big round eyes, ?Please let me come. I promise, you?ll be the boss, I?ll be the brawn and fido will be the lucky mascot.? Toto gave him a dubious look. ?I won?t be any trouble, scout?s honour!? He saluted.
Relena laughed. There was something about him?a familiarity that she couldn?t quite place, but it made her feel at ease in his presence. ?All right Mister Scarecrow, you can come with us.?
The scarecrow?s face widened out into the biggest grin Relena had ever seen. ?Woohoo!? He jumped and danced a crazy little jig, his limbs swaying unsteadily and his braid swinging round wildly. Toto barked and darted out of the way of his legs. ?We?re off to see the Wizard!? He yelled before he tripped and went tumbling to the floor, straw flying out everywhere.
Relena burst out laughing and came beside him, ?You should be more careful Mister Scarecrow.?
?Heh, call me Scarecrow please,? He moaned, rubbing his head.
?I?m Relena and this is Toto,? She replied. Toto gave a quiet ?Wuff!? Of acknowledgement. Relena gathered up the fallen straw and stuffed it back in the right places, ?Look at you, if you keep falling apart like this then how will we get anywhere?? She tutted. Scarecrow looked abashed, ?I?ll keep myself together,? He said mildly. She tilted her head, poking him in the stomach, ?You?d better,? She warned and helped him up. He raised his eyebrows at her stern expression and she flashed him a bright smile, ?I?m the boss remember,? She teased before flouncing away. Toto threw Scarecrow a smug look before trotting after her.
Scarecrow gaped after them for a moment before a lopsided grin took over his face and he raced after them.
?Hey good looking, wait up!?
<center><b>TBC</b></center>
A/N: On fanfiction.net I started posting the character equivalents at the end but I'm hoping it's obvious. In case it isn't the character equivalents in this chapter are:
<i>Duo:</i> Scarecrow
God, I?m so glad the characters didn?t burst out into song, they came pretty close didn?t they? It was because I was humming the damn tunes while typing. You know what was missing in this chapter though? Heero
don't worry people, he should be in the next chapter.
I'll try to get the next chapter done as quickly as I can
....But I'll live. Heero on the other hand might have a few objections....MWHAHAHAHA!!! Your's trully..(wink)