A/N: Here is the second chapter in this update. Again look for similarities to the series and review if you can please.
Warning: Please be aware that there is a slight bit of language towards the end of this chapter.
CHAPTER X –Shadow
Even though Relena's eyes were closed throughout the night, she couldn't sleep. She clutched the tin soldier in her hand tightly, drawing strength from it. It was tarnished and imperfect, no trace of the lively colours that she had seen on its brothers. When she stared into its silent eyes, it whispered secrets into her soul. She couldn't make them out but felt comforted nevertheless. Now that she knew her parents had passed, her memories concerning them were beginning to open up. She remembered the pain of their loss more acutely now in the dark solitude. She had lain here, in her bed, alone and wishing that the hole in her heart could be filled and she could be home again.
They are sleeping peacefully in their room down the corridor, like always. All you need to do is let go and be with them as you've always wanted.
It was so hard to stop that line of thinking. There were two sides of her warring with each other and tearing her in two. Part of her was curious, wanting to understand what this tin soldier meant, who had been calling her and why Quinze wanted to kill her. The other begged her back into blissful peace of mind from ignorance. Hours passed until the morning light beams slanted across her bed and raised her from her stupor. She sat up and rubbed her sore eyes, uncertain whether she had actually fallen asleep or simply lain in a daze until the sun rose. She stood and pulled the curtain aside, leaning against the balcony doors and staring at the city through the glass panels.
This city is only a dream.
But it is my city, my home.
She shook her head and walked away. Dorothy said she didn't have enough time. She needed to resolve this battle in her mind somehow. She sat on the edge of the bed, trying to remember beyond what she knew, and felt tightness in her chest, rebelling against the action. If her parents had died then what had happened to her? The tin soldier seemed to grow colder in her hand and she almost felt something. Frustrated, she left the toy on the bed and threw open the glass doors. Leaning her elbows on the railing she stared at the city sadly. "What do I do?" She questioned the people below with a whisper. "Where are you shadow that was calling me? Will you tell me what I need to know?" She sighed despairingly and turned back into the room when she heard it.
"Relena!"
She leaned over the balcony, her eyes scanning the crowds wildly. "Where are you?" She murmured. She breathed in sharply, espying a misty figure wandering behind a tall gentleman with a walking stick. A firm rapping on her bedroom door startled her and she lost sight of it. The gentleman with the walking stick she found again but the shadow was gone. The knocking came again and uttering a soft curse, Relena raced for her wardrobe, threw a robe on and opened the door.
Her father gave her a guilty look, his hands behind his back "Did I wake you?"
"No," She stammered, surprise showing on her face. "Was…was there something you wanted?"
"Well, I know it's early but I wanted to be the first to give you a present today." He brought forward a rectangular box tied with a pink ribbon. Relena's eyebrows went up in surprise. "Happy birthday my dear daughter."
She took the box from him, lost for words. He nodded for her to open it when she looked to him for confirmation. The ribbon slid free and she fumbled for a moment trying to balance the box in her hand as she used the other to lift the lid. She dumped the box on her bed and slowly lifted the item inside, holding it up against the light of the window. It was a gown, a beautiful royal blue gown with frills around the neckline and the hemline. Relena stared at it in wide-eyed silence until Mr Darlian tapped her shoulder and gave her a worried look. "You don't like it?"
How could she not like it? "It's beautiful," She said and it was clear from her face that she believed it to be so. Gorgeous though it was, as soon as she had seen it, she knew where she had seen this dress before. It was a hard task to maintain her composure but she managed it well. "Thank you," She said politely. "I'll be sure to wear it at the party. You are going to be there, aren't you?"
"Of course I will," He replied and she smiled, hugging him tightly.
"I'm glad," She pressed her face into his jacket before letting go.
"I've got some work to get back to," Mr Darlian said gently. "Don't worry, I'll be done before your party," He promised with a wink.
Relena's faint smile crumbled as soon as the door softly clicked behind him. She placed the dress carefully back in the box and stroked the silky material. This dress wasn't supposed to make it to her birthday: her father had died before he could give it to her. It was the first time he didn't take her on a business trip outside town; he took Mrs Darlian instead. Surprising but fair; Relena was happy to let her mother go in her place although she wondered about the secret glances they shared when they thought she wasn't looking. It was on their return that a horse went wild and drove the carriage it was pulling into their path. A rectangular box with a pink ribbon had been retrieved from the wreckage, the dress inside ruined beyond recognition. It had been given to her as she was told her parents had died instantly in an unfortunate turn of events where no one could be held responsible. Now she stared in amazement at the dress, whole and unspoiled, remembering how many nights she had held it and dreamt that she was in this world around her now. This dress was where it had all gone wrong and today was that fateful day her life had turned upside down. Relena stared at the tin soldier, tears welling up in her eyes for reasons she couldn't explain. She placed it gently beside the dress and buried her head in her hands, hiding the two items from her gaze to escape the dilemma they presented her.
"Oh you look so beautiful dear!" Mrs Darlian gushed, tugging Relena towards a mirror.
The stranger looking back at her was unrecognisable, Relena thought. The gown flowed over her hips with no effort and caressed her legs. A sash loosely hugged her waist, tied at the ends in a style that imitated a flower. She lifted a hand gloved in white silk and checked the stability of her pinned up hair.
"You've grown so much," Her mother said behind her, "I didn't ever take the chance to tell you what a fine woman you've become." She said with moist eyes.
Relena felt a chain tighten around her throat at the words and gave her mother a worried look. Mrs Darlian took one look at her daughter's face and laughed. "Oh don't mind me dear, I'm just being emotional." She sniffed, "We should go; everyone's waiting downstairs."
The hotel had a huge ballroom for private hire nestled within its west wing which was currently filled with party guests. Relena paused at the entrance but her presence had been noted and everyone turned their attention to her. She curved her lips into a pleasant smile as a crowd flocked around her with praises and well wishes. Who are these people? Relena inwardly despaired. Acquaintances, her inner self replied. Not friends, she added silently. She couldn't associate with any of them a good memory or a bond that eased the distance she felt from them all. The only bond she felt strongly here was her mother, whom she saw from the corner of her eye, slip away to join her father, another ray of hope. Standing to the side, they both shared that secret smile and watched her proudly. The celebrations that had stopped at her arrival resumed and couples danced in the centre of the room once again while others mingled around and made small talk. Relena was struck by the change in her perception of this world she was in. She analysed the ballroom, appearing to take interest in the merriment. Before she had met Dorothy and Quinze, she had felt a soaring joy that had raised her to such heights she had been oblivious to all else. Now, she had fallen back down and everything looked different. Around her parents, a thick fog of love and happiness seemed to entice her, threatening to enchant her with its spell. Everywhere else, there was nothing, as if her parents were the only entities drawing her to this place. Was there nothing else she had to hold onto but them? What had happened after they had died? She pressed her hand to her head, massaging her temple as if it would help her remember. The tightness in her chest grew and she perceived that every time she tried to unravel the truth, her heart reacted as if it was physically in pain. She frowned and pressed her hand over it. But this isn't real, they aren't real. Why am I making this so hard on myself? This isn't me.
"Oh Relena, you look absolutely beautiful in that dress!" One of her adoring friends exclaimed, distracting her from her thoughts.
"Why do you look so sad today Miss Relena," Another piped up, "You can't be sad on your birthday now."
"Show us your pretty smile," They all chorused.
Relena managed a faint smile for them, wondering at their simplicity. Her friends had been there for her from a very young age but they actually knew very little about her, she remembered sadly. They had always held her in such high esteem when she really deserved none. She had never really noticed that before, why was she noticing it now?
Because you've grown.
They continued their chatter and she listened blankly to the gossip about the people attending.
"Oh!" One of them exclaimed. "See who has come Relena."
"He must be here to ask you for a dance," Another whispered and they all giggled.
Relena looked up and let her eyes rest upon the blond man before her. He took her hand and raised it to his lips. The shape of his eyes were drooped at the corners, giving him a sleepy look that would make him seem bored with everything if not for the way he looked at her. She remembered him well and was quite aware of his interest in courting her. An interest, her smile faded slightly, she was unable to reciprocate.
Because she was waiting for someone else?
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Relena," He rolled her name over his tongue, "Will you give me the pleasure of having this next dance?"
She fought hard not to cringe. "I must decline I'm afraid Adrian. I'm not really in the mood for dancing."
"Nonsense," Adrian insisted, "You cannot refuse to dance at your own party," He teased, taking her hand gently and leading her towards the dance floor.
He wouldn't take 'no' for an answer, Relena dismally realised. She glanced around looking for an avenue of escape.
"Excuse me sir but you must permit me to steal away your companion." The honeyed voice trickled into the air sweetly. Adrian turned to the lady addressing him. She wore a low-cut, black gown which hugged her figure tightly and rendered him speechless. "Huh?" He managed, staring openly at her.
"Such eloquence!" She clapped her hands together. "Sir you are a fine gentleman with words. I would love to exchange more with you but perhaps later, for now, there are more pressing matters to attend to."
Relena felt slender fingers curl around her arm and suddenly she was standing beside Dorothy even though she had not moved at all. Adrian glanced at his hand in a moment of confusion as if he could not contemplate how she had gotten away.
"Off you go now," Dorothy waved him off like an obedient dog and he obliged with a bemused expression on his face. "What a narrow escape," She wrinkled her nose in distaste after him, "Believe me, if you remembered the Adonis waiting for you back in OZ then you'd be thanking me right now." She laughed deviously.
Relena raised one eyebrow at her, "Adonis?"
Dorothy grinned and dismissed the matter with a wave of her hand. "Have you managed to remember anything?" She inquired instead.
"No."
"Tsk, well you're not trying hard enough," Dorothy said reproachfully.
"Well it's not easy," Relena defended, sounding exasperated. "I've tried and tried again but every time my thoughts stray beyond this place and venture on leaving, it physically begins to hurt."
Dorothy stopped, "There's no doubt in your mind about leaving? You don't want to stay?"
"Why would I?" Relena said sadly. "This isn't real. It would be wrong to live a lie."
Dorothy stared at her speechlessly for a moment, and then broke out into a wide smile. "Well that's a start at least. I've underestimated you." She clapped her hands and laughed gleefully.
"Regarding?" Relena asked, looking on in bemusement.
"Really Miss Relena," Dorothy hid her laughter behind her hand. "You are one of those rare individuals who chooses what's right above your own selfish desires. How pure your heart must be," She cooed in admiration. "A 'White Dove' indeed."
The woman spoke in constant riddles, thought Relena, pursing her lips in annoyance. And then there was that slight lilt again that mocked her.
"What now then?" Relena said coolly.
Dorothy smirked, "I can't help you any further. You have to remember."
"I'm getting tired of hearing that over and over again."
"Well then maybe it's time to move ahead."
Relena sighed. She fixed a permanent smile on her face and kept searching the ballroom as the party went on.
"Relena!"
She whirled around and saw a sea of faces. Shadows wandered in between. That's it! She pushed her way toward them.
"Miss Relena where are you heading in such a hurry?"
"Come and dance with us!"
Apologises and excuses were thrown carelessly as she kept going. She saw a figure of a shadow moving between the people. It felt as if she was swimming toward it but the water was rising. Were there so many people at my party? She realised where she had felt this way before and stopped abruptly, gasping. Something flashed by her and slashed a ribbon on her dress. Quinze pulled his arm back, a grimace on his face.
"Damn you," He muttered and reached out for her arm. Relena snatched it away and pulled back. He swung at her desperately but a hand caught came out of nowhere and grabbed his wrist.
"Care to dance?" Dorothy asked.
"Y..you!" Quinze cursed.
"Miss Relena I believe you were going somewhere?"
Relena left them and searched for the shadow. She closed her eyes and strained above the noise of the ballroom to hear that lost voice again. She frowned when it didn't work. Where are you? She shouted in her mind, I'm coming. There. She heard something stir like a stray breath amidst silence. She held onto the sound of it and told it she wanted to leave. Don't stop, just keep going. She mentally kept chanting to herself.
"Relena..."
I'm coming.
"Relena!"
Relena turned reflexively and caught sight of her mother and father making their way towards her. She slowed before she could stop herself.
"Where are you going in such a hurry dear?" Mrs Darlian asked with concern.
Don't…she's not real. Relena bit her lip, unable to think of what to say. "I can't explain," She shook her head. "I just need to go right now."
Mrs Darlian raised her eyebrows, "You cannot leave your party dear."
My party never took place.
"I can't stop." Relena said in a strained voice, turning to leave hurriedly.
"Wait Relena," Adrian appeared and took hold of her arm. "At least let me escort you."
"Relena, you must let us come with you," Her friends echoed.
"No!" She said forcefully, breaking free from Adrian's grip. Everyone started at her outburst.
Relena took a deep breath and calmed herself. "Please stay here," She rectified. "Enjoy the party in my absence." She turned and fled.
"Wait a minute, Relena!" Mrs Darlian called and stepped after her. Mr Darlian gently pulled her back and shook his head when she stared at him questioningly. She let go and sank into the comfort of his arm, "I have never seen such a severe expression before," She said worriedly.
Forgive me. Relena begged as she ran. I don't want to leave but I cannot stay. I know…somehow I know that I need to go back, something is waiting for me.
"Relena..."
...Or someone. She focused on the voice. I'm coming.
She had run out onto the street and down the road. Her heart began to pound but she simply used the pain to fuel her progress. The more it hurt the closer she must be, she reasoned. She let that guide her but her feet already knew her course, sure and confident in their footsteps as they led her to her destination. They echoed eerily as they clapped on the ground for the street she was on was completely deserted. There were no cars or people like there should be. Only a thin mist clouded the air, obscuring distant things into vague shapes. When she felt she would have to stop and give up, one of those vague shapes materialised into the shadowy figure she sought. It was drifting away and she could not keep up. Her lungs were not getting air fast enough even though she was gasping for breath.
"Wait!" She managed to yell out.
The figure dithered for a moment and, indistinct in the mist though it was, Relena saw it lift its head.
"Relena..."
Relief washed over her that she was close enough to physically vocalise a reply. "I'm com…" She started when a cold, shrivelled hand clamped over her mouth and drew her back. Quinze pressed his face close. There was blood running down the side of his face. "What are you doing?" He looked incensed.
"Mmmph!" Relena protested, her eyes wide in startled expression.
"Why are you making this hard?" Quinze fumed, "Stupid girl!"
Relena struggled to get out of his grasp, her free arms scrabbling wildly at Quinze to make him let go. She twisted and saw to her horror, the shadow begin to fade, its lost voice still calling her faintly. She pushed herself towards it, straining to break free and follow. Despite his feeble appearance, Quinze managed to hold her firmly. She frantically reached into her sash and her fingers closed around the object she had secured there. The shadow stopped fading and pulsed slowly back into life. With one hand pressed tightly over her face, Quinze raised his other hand and brought a knife close to her throat. Her widened at the sight of it and she tried to shake him off. Dorothy. Relena shouted, the blood rushing out of her head. Dorothy help!
There was a chink and Quinze stiffened with a gasp. Relena looked down and saw a smooth thin blade angling past her shoulder, missing her neck by inches. It was lodged through Quinze's throat. The rapier was withdrawn from his neck, leaving a gaping wound that ran red with blood. Dorothy stood, wiping the blade on his shoulder as he fell to his knees. Her expression was emotionless and yet she exuded a fury that was chilling to the bone.
"You bastard," She said coldly, "You thought you could escape me?"
Quinze blubbered like a fish, his hands clutching at his neck. Relena put her hands to her mouth and gasped as he grabbed Dorothy's silver gown desperately. Dorothy stared straight ahead mercilessly.
"No more games Quinze. After all these years, I've finally given you what you deserve. You betrayed me and gave Une information about this realm that was forbidden to her. Your actions led to the deaths of many dream spirits and you used your skills at her whim. For this there is no mercy."
Quinze sank downwards, his eyes rolling upwards. He shattered into dust before hitting the ground, the particles washing away until all that was left was a puddle of darkened blood. Dorothy smiled grimly, a picture to be feared. "Ah sweet revenge. You ought to try it yourself Miss Relena, it does make the blood run cold."
She held up the rapier and uttered a single word. It glowed and shrunk into a wand with an ice crystal set atop it. After the delivery of swift retribution, Relena could still feel the torrent of anger from her that Quinze had unleashed but it was tightly controlled. Dorothy, Relena concluded, was not a force to be reckoned with. "Thank you," She rubbed her bruised shoulders.
"You are admirable for holding out until I came," Dorothy reluctantly offered the praise stiffly; her manner indicating she did not offer it so lightly.
Relena clutched the tin soldier tight as it stared solemnly up at her. "Without your help I wouldn't even be here now."
Dorothy smiled then, "You are sweet Miss Relena. We could stand here and praise each other all day but your memory is getting away."
"Quite," Relena agreed, springing to her feet. She avoided the stained ground with a shudder and headed off after the figure.
"I'm coming, wait!"
The figure grew clearer but was still too shadowed to be able to make out who it was. The closer Relena drew to it, the more familiar it felt. It was a man, shuffling forwards so slowly, like its energy had been drained. It kept calling but her replies elicited no response from it. She reached out when she was close enough but her fingers hesitated. The familiarity was overwhelming and it pulled at her but she was afraid. This was a leap into the unknown and, although waiting for her on the other side was her own memories, she did not know what would happen to her once she remembered.
Relena took a deep breath and plunged in, her fingers touching the man's shoulder. He stopped and turned, causing her to gasp as recognition flooded her body.
Heero…
Her mind exploded, like the bursting of a dam. Her memories surfaced all at once, the street around her bursting into life as they overflowed her consciousness. She relived all the events leading up to this dream in the space of a few seconds. Receiving a hopeful letter from Milliardo; sitting alone on a long train journey to Kansas; meeting Milliardo, Noin and the boys; finding Toto; Heero kissing her under the stars; Une trying to take Toto from her; Running away from her home with him and being caught in the twister; landing in a magical world; beginning a journey fraught with fearful encounters; new friends beside her; running through a midst of poppies; falling asleep…
Relena groaned as her head felt heavy. She tilted her head up to look at Heero warily. This was the strongest memory of her subconscious? He stared with his deep eyes, straight into her soul but at the same time seemed to be completely unaware of her. He looked lost, just like the sound of his voice when he had called her.
"Heero?" She said tentatively.
His eyes snapped to hers and she thought she would burst with their intensity. Then he did something that was certainly not in any memory she possessed. He bent and cupped her face tenderly.
"I'm searching for you," He said in a deep voice, bringing his face close. He faded before he could touch her lips and Relena was left in the empty street. The street lamps began to dim and the grey buildings around her began to recede into the mist.
"Time to say goodbye," Dorothy's voice broke through the gloom. She nodded solemnly across the street.
Still dazed, Relena turned to look and saw her parents under the last unlit street lamp, standing on the very edge of her fading dream. She stared sorrowfully, feeling slightly guilty at the sacrifice she made. Reminding herself that they were nothing more than a dream her gaze turned resolute. "I couldn't stay…it wasn't right. I love you both so much but staying here…" She spread her arms out, "Staying here wouldn't take away that you're gone. It wouldn't take away the reality of what happened and I…" She took a deep breath, "I'm moving on because I know that I can't have you back."
"I'm sorry," She added in a whisper.
Mr Darlian smiled and nodded proudly in reply. He raised his hand in farewell, relief etched across his features. Mrs Darlian clutched his arm with a sad yet happy smile. Relena waved in return, her eyes welling up as the darkness encroached closer and they faded within it.
"Come!" Dorothy called sharply as the last remnants of the dream world began to fade. Relena rubbed away her tears roughly, turned and took hold of Dorothy's outstretched hand. Dorothy yanked her upwards and Relena plunged into the surrounding darkness.
She surged upwards with a gasp, resurfacing from the depths of her mind. Her hands collided against a hard wall and she wrapped her arms around it, grabbing on to reality greedily. Resting her head against the cool metal, she couldn't contain the sobs that racked her body. She was emotionally and mentally drained, like a cloth that had been wrung so tightly it was a faded shadow of its former self. Arms circled her stiffly and she raised her head in surprise.
Tinman stared down at her, his eyes flickering with concern. "You okay?" He intoned.
Relena looked at him in shock, her arms still locked around his neck. She flushed slightly and lowered them in embarrassment.
"Glad to see you back good looking," Scarecrow stuck his face between them, smiling at her widely with relief in his eyes.
Relena looked at them both carefully in turn, as if rediscovering them. "I couldn't remember," She said hollowly, putting a hand to her head. "I forgot where I was, who you were…"
Tinman lifted her chin up so she faced him, "But you remember now?" He asked seriously.
"Yes," She flicked her eyes back up to meet his gaze, "I remember."
"We thought you weren't going to wake up ever," Scarecrow babbled on. "But then that scary woman appeared and told us to wait."
"Dorothy," Relena nodded, trying to squeeze out of Tinman's arms. He held on to her firmly, refusing to let go.
"It's good to be back," Dorothy commented. She returned the three stares she got and casually flicked her wand over her shoulder, putting her hand on her hip. "Not that I didn't like your world Miss Relena," She smirked, "The joys of the upper class with parties and whatnot. But there are certain things worth returning for." Her eyes gleamed. "Your friend seems to be in a bit of trouble."
Relena turned to see Tinman struggling to move his arms back and release her. His shoulders creaked in protest. Scarecrow pointed and laughed. "Her tears went and rusted your joints!"
Tinman shot him a glare as Relena emitted a stream of apologies and reached for the oilcan.
A wail cut through the air, startling her out of her skin.
Lion rose to his feet unsteadily, his eyes looking crazed. "Where are they?" He roared. "Where are my clan?" He sniffed the ground, pacing agitatedly left and right. "They were standing here!"
"The rest of your friends have been released now that you've broken the spell," Dorothy frowned. "It is not always pleasant to be woken from a nice dream."
Toto staggered towards Lion, making a sound halfway between a growl and a whine, trying to get his attention.
"Get out of my way!" Lion roared, "I must find them!"
With a few squeaky creaks, Tinman managed to jerk his arms away and Relena slipped through. She stumbled towards Lion, her feet refusing to stand properly, and grabbed his face, levelling it down to hers forcefully. "Lion, it was a dream. It wasn't real."
"No!" He shook his head wildly but Relena pressed her cheek against his fur, holding on tightly. "I need them! Without them I have nothing, no purpose!"
That's not true," Relena stroked his mane, soothing the terrified animal inside. "You still remember them don't you?"
"Yes," Lion said sadly, beginning to relax under her comforting strokes.
"Well as long as they live on in your heart you will always have something to guide you, to keep you going. Your clan would want you to move on and even the smallest part of you should not look back. I know it hurts," She whispered, remembering her parents standing across the street, fading away.
Lion closed his eyes and Relena felt a shudder pass through him as he accepted her words and let go. He sank to the floor, burying his head beneath his paws to hide his grief. Relena let go of him and rolled on her back against him, staring at the sky.
"Wuff!" Toto clambered over her and she sat up, bending over and wrapping her arms around his small body. He gave a mournful whine and nuzzled his head under her chin.
"Do dogs dream too?" She wondered aloud, threading her fingers in his fur and holding him close. Toto didn't answer but moved back and sat on his haunches, staring at her closely. His eyes were a darker shade of green than normal, deep with thoughts that she couldn't begin to comprehend. There was something about the way he stared at her, a melancholy look that pulled at her heart. It was amazing how a little dog like him could express such a strong emotion like that. It made her wonder what she would hear if he could speak.
"I wish I could understand you properly," Relena sighed.
He tilted his head at her curiously and then growled in a pleased tone, reaching forward and licking her chin with a soft and tender touch.
Dorothy turned away from the sight, pursing her lips and shaking her head. She cast her gaze over the field, eyeing the swaying poppies dancing in the breeze. It wouldn't be long before they began drawing the others back into sleep again.
Behind her, Relena yawned tiredly.
Giving the poppies a suspicious look Dorothy turned to get the others up and moving when she noticed a poppy beside her foot quivering erratically. The red petals arched out and shrivelled, leaving the black centre exposed. This also began to sag and hang limply. Eventually it sank to the ground and the black centre seeped into the soil, spreading across the ground. More poppies nearby began to follow in the same manner.
It was when the surrounding blades of grass began to whither and die that Dorothy's face turned serious. She raised her silver wand to the sky and closed her eyes, focusing her power through it. The ice crystal on the tip glowed like a beacon and the air turned cold. Slowly, snowflakes began to fall, fluttering lightly to the ground. Dorothy felt the strain almost immediately, the effort of bringing snow here pulled severely on her reserves.
"Get up the lot of you and start moving." She barked. "Come on up!"
"What's the matter Dorothy?" Relena asked, blue eyes wide in confusion.
As the others struggled to their feet, Lion lifted his head from underneath his paws. He followed everyone's gazes to Dorothy, standing straight as a rod, wand pointed at the sky.
"What is she doing?" He asked grumpily.
"Look," Scarecrow pointed. A dark, ominous looking patch had developed nearby, spreading in a radial direction. The snow tried to cover it but the flakes that touched it melted and became sickly looking ooze that blackened. The rate of snowfall was barely keeping up with the increasing pace at which the dying land was spreading. The poppies across the field swayed hypnotically, stubbornly shaking the flakes off their petals and breaking free.
Relena was almost captured by their dance again. She rubbed her eyes and forced herself to look away. Toto simply buried his head into her arms refusing to look.
"I'm trying to buy you all some time here," Dorothy muttered, gritting her teeth. "Standing around is really getting you somewhere." She managed to sound sarcastic, even in her strained voice.
Relena blinked sleepily, "But what about you?"
"Touching," The corners of Dorothy's mouth lifted into a smile even as she small beads of sweat began to form on her forehead from the effort. "Always the caring soul Miss Relena. Don't worry about me just go! I can't keep the snow coming forever and you need to clear the field."
There was a small burst of golden light and Quatre strode forward, reaching up and winding his arm around Dorothy's raised one. Tendrils of gold electricity crackled up the silver wand. Dorothy made to pull away but he grabbed her around the waist with his other arm, holding her in place. The skies burst with snow and the flakes fell heavier.
"You need the power," He said adamantly, "Don't be stubborn Dorothy!"
"Fine!" Dorothy huffed.
"Quatre…" Relena swayed. Toto barked sharply and nipped her chin, snapping her awake. Tinman came to her side and hoisted her up into his arms.
"Get her out of here!" Quatre yelled through the thick onslaught of falling snow. Tinman didn't hesitate, carrying her and Toto away.
"This way!" Scarecrow called, leading them on ahead.
Tinman's joints began creaking terribly as he ran. The snow melted and ran into the cracks on his tin body. His movements started to stiffen and Relena tried to position the oil can and steadily manoeuvre the oil into his joints.
"Here," Lion roared, racing along them. "Put her on my back and quickly clear this field before you rust up again."
Tinman released his hold on her and she clutched Toto tightly with one hand as she was placed on Lion's back while he was still running forwards. She grabbed his mane tightly with her other hand to prevent herself from toppling off the other side.
Tinman's hand gently brushed against her cheek before he disappeared into the onslaught.
"Hold on tight!" Lion advised, his voice containing a touch of weariness. His paws crunched through the snow with his great strides and Relena found herself holding for dear life with both hands, preventing Toto from falling off by cushioning him with her arms.
Through the falling snow Relena could make out the shape of tall spires looming in the distance, drawing ever closer as they ran.
Were they going to reach the Emerald city at last? She wondered with a glimmer of hope.
TBC
A/N:
Character Equivalents:
Adrian: Relena's classmate (you know, the blond guy who gets his ass kicked by Heero in fencing. I don't know his name so just made one up)