Chapter 4

"Are you sure you don't know anything? Seen anyone acting strange?" Dorothy asked a village women. The women shook her head.

"I'm sorry. I haven't seen anything or anyone around here."

"That's alright." Tin Man spoke.

"Please let us know if you see anything."

Dorothy and Tin Man walked away from the house. Ever since the strange shadow was spotted in the window, everyone had been on high alert. Searching the Emerald City and small villages nearby for any sign of the intruder.

Dorothy hung her head and rubbed her eyes.

"It seems pointless. Whoever it was that night. They're long gone by now." Dorothy sighed.

Tin Man placed a hand on her shoulder.

"They might be gone now but they still might come back, and if they do Scarecrow might get worse. We still have to keep a look out."

Dorothy stopped walking, facing him.

"I'm sorry." She said.

"It's just. I can't think of anything else. What more can we do to help him? The bad witches are all dead. Who could be causing this?"

Tin Man sighed.

"I don't know who is responsible." He said.

"Maybe there is a new witch?" Dorothy asked.

"Maybe. I don't really know. There hasn't been any reports on witches in years . Glenda would know more about that then me. But one thing is for sure. Dorothy since you arrived I've seen some improvement with the city and Scarecrow's heath."

The farm girl stared up at him.

"How so? I haven't done much of anything."

Tin Man pulled her into a side hug.

"Look around!" he said.

"Doesn't it look different from when you first came here?"

Looking around the atmosphere was different. The air seemed clearer more breathable, not as smoggy. Even a few town folk were out and about.

"It is a little different. Isn't it." She said.

"I know things were hard for you back in Kansas." He said giving her a warm smile.

"But we can't give up! We must try to keep hope alive and get rid of this evil."

Then he lend in close.

"People are counting on us. We can't let them panic any more then they already are with Scarecrow being ill. It will surely cause the city to fall into chaos. Innocent people could get hurt or die." He whispered.

Dorothy nodded. "I understand."

They continued walking back the castle.

"How much has Scarecrow improved since I came back?"

"Well.. He doesn't have those fits anymore. I really do think that hearing your voice clams him down. Lion and me could only help him so much before…"

He paused clearing he throat.

"Before it only got worse." He said sadly.

She hugged Tin Man.

"I'm sorry Tin Man. You and Lion shouldn't have to go through any of this."

"It's alright Dorothy. It's no one's fault, let's see if Glenda's found anything."

Deep in the forest of Oz. Far from any cities or towns, was a small tree hut. It's branches heavy with green leaves, save for one branch that was hollowed with smoke pouring out into the sky.

A flash with in caused a dark cloud to pour out the chimney and into the air.

"Almost ready. At last that Scarecrow will be gone and his foolish friends will fall soon after. And finally Oz will be Mine!" A voice said from inside.

AN: hello everyone I know this isn't very long but I needed to update because you've all been waiting so long. The reason is in January I lost my mom to cancer. It's left me in a horrible funk and really depressed.

I try to get back into writing but my motivation and inspiration have flown out the window.

She was the only one who would be really happy about my fics and support me the most. I'm not saying I'm quitting this fic or giving up on it. It's just really hard for me right now. I thought you readers deserved to know why I've been gone for so long. You all leave me nice reviews and they make my day when I see them. My mom liked them too. I'd always read some of the reviews you'd send to her.

I know it isn't much but I hope it's better then waiting for an update that will still be awhile.