I'm sorry about these late updates, you guys! College takes away most of my time AND inspiration. I will honestly try to update more often since you seem to be enjoying this story (I'm certainly glad about that. Thank you so much!) Anyway, you will notice The Scarecrow is a tiny bit different in here. He has taken the whole "I have a brain now" thing seriously, but fear not, deep inside he's still the old, fun, loving Scarecrow.
The loud and piercing sound of what seemed like a thousand trumpets was what awoke Hunk from his rest. Sleep was something he surely had had some trouble getting just a couple of hours ago. With the only pillow that had been provided to him tightly clutched around his head, covering his ears, Hunk stomped his way out to the main and only street in the tiny village, not caring he was still in his tiny pyjamas, which had been also provided by a Munchkin who was seeking for Dorothy's approval.
The street was filled with Munchkins and the frustrated young man could barely walk without accidentally pushing or stepping onto a small villager. Not that they really cared. Their eyes were fixed on no other than Dorothy, who was standing proudly but somewhat shyly on an improvised stage. Next to her there was what it seemed like a man. But there was something different about this man. He was made of straw.
"Wait a second"
Leaving his pillow behind, Hunk approached the stage anxiously, trying to get a better view of this strange straw-living-thing.
"There's no way he's real" He reasoned.
"You're in an alternate dimension, living around tiny people who claim Dorothy's their saviour and making you wear actual pyjamas" His mind shot back at him. With a quick shake of his head he told his brain to shut up.
That's when his worst fear caught his eye. From afar the sight of the Scarecrow going down on one knee and taking Dorothy's hand into his own, asking the golden question everyone had been apparently waiting for, was as clear as the crystal ring the Straw man held in his other hand.
Dorothy, even though she had previously been informed of the Scarecrow's intentions in his visit, was speechless. The crowd erupted in glee, clapping, jumping, singing and dancing. However, a "Yes, I will" had not been enounced yet.
"Dorothy?" The straw man said in a hopeful tone.
"Oh, Scarecrow. This is so beautiful, but I just-
She was suddenly cut off by a loud and agonizing "Nooooo!" coming from the back of the large audience. The Munchkins stopped their premature celebration as they were pushed aside by a very desperate looking man still in his tight pyjamas and morning hair. Dorothy had to suppress the laughter that was threatening to erupt from her insides at the mere sight.
With one swift movement the guards drew their swords out, a previously rehearsed established perimeter surrounding the royals and ready to attack.
"No! No, he is a friend of mine!" Dorothy exclaimed while she pushed the soldiers back.
With a kind but frustrated look, the Scarecrow motioned for his guards to let Hunk go. The young farmhand fell to the ground with a THUMP.
"Are you alright?" Dorothy asked.
"I suppose'. The green stuff may make them look less masculine but those guards have a strong grip"
"I'm sorry about that" The Scarecrow said, offering his hand for Hunk to take – "They get overprotective sometimes"
Hesitation filled Hunk's mind but finally decided against rejecting the King's helping hand. The green guard were still nearby. When both men came face to face their eyes couldn't help but widen in surprise.
"You look like me!" They both exclaimed at the same time.
A very dumbfounded Dorothy stood right in the middle of the apparent long lost twins, glancing at them rapidly. The three of them forgetting they were in front of pretty much all the Munchkin population.
Hunk was the first to finally talk – "But…but you can't be me. How can I be there if I'm here?! And I'm not made of straw!"
"And I'm certainly not made of flesh and bones!"
"But…But-
"Oh my!" Dorothy interrupted – "I knew you two looked alike but I never had any idea of how much you actually did! This is so wonderful!" – She laughed while hugging both men tightly.
"In what world is this wonderful, Dorothy?"
"Oh Hunk, don't be such a grumpy"
"I'm not being-
"Well, if Dorothy's happy with this odd encounter then so am I" The Scarecrow smiled – "It is a pleasure meeting you my dear friend, but if you excuse us, Dorothy still has a very important question to answer"
"No she doesn't!"
"Oh, I really think she does"
"Gentlemen! Please! We're still on stage in front of a large crowd" Dorothy pointed. The apparent twins turned to face their audience, surprised they were still there. With a cough the Scarecrow fixed his posture while Hunk just stood there awkwardly, a nervous smile on his features.
"And of course I will answer to your lovely proposal, just not today. I require more time to think about it, my dear Scarecrow. But you will definitely have an answer soon"
Hunk gave a sigh of relief, silently thanking any deity in charge of his luck. Sadness could be seen in the Scarecrow's eyes, but he did not reflect it in his features. With a kind smile he bowed his head in a chivalrously way to her, to which Hunk huffed.
"A noble answer, my lovely Dorothy. I will take it"
"Thank you" She smiled.
"But I'm afraid you will have to think about your answer on the way to the Emerald City. I need you to accompany back to the capital. There are some matters you must look into. I could really use your help, my dear"
A slight blush crept onto Dorothy's face at the mention of her apparent new affectionate nickname. The Scarecrow smiled proudly at the sight – "Of course I'll come with you, Scarecrow…But…Can Hunk come with us?"
It was Hunk's turn to smile proudly, which he certainly did. The Scarecrow eyed him meticulously. A small nod was all he provided as a sign of approval.
"Thank you" Dorothy said with a bright smile the straw man couldn't help but return.
"It is settled then. We leave immediately"
I really do not want to make the Scarecrow the antagonist in this story, he is my favorite character out of them all. But what do you think? Should he be the "Hans" for this story? You tell me, I'm undecided.