SCENE 4

Lights come up on Emerald City. A pair of citizens are dancing from stage left to stage right, and cheering the death of the wicked witch. Toto, Brain, Heart and Courage follow the pair and stop mid-stage.

HEART
That certainly was a grand parade. The colors were so vibrant. I've never known the Emerald city to embrace such a rainbow of colors.

TOTO
It was certainly the best parade I've ever seen. Nothing can compare to how majestic everyone looked.

BRAIN
The scarecrow looked so rugged, like he could take on anything the world threw his way.

HEART
The blacksmiths worked extra hard on the Tin Man. After how he looked last week, I'd have sworn it wasn't him.

COURAGE
Yeah, they all looked great. I just wish the hair stylist had let up a tad on the mane. I don't appreciate my lion looking like a wuss.

TOTO
No one will remember how he looked. They will only remember the role he played in this epic event.

COURAGE
That they will. And I will spend my days reminding everyone I meet of Dorothy's intelligence, her caring soul and her strength of character. Her size masks her strength.

TOTO
The kid can certainly impress when asked.

BRAIN
Are you and Dorothy planning on sticking around? There are more wonders in the land of Oz that we'd love to show you.

TOTO
I believe the Wizard is planning on taking us home as soon as possible.

HEART
Don't you have a few days to meet Mary?

TOTO
Are you telling me you've found her already?

HEART
Not exactly. We have a great lead and I'm optimistic it will pan out.

COURAGE
You shouldn't delay any longer.

HEART
Don't worry. Once the parade is over and we've said our good-byes we'll be on our way.

BRAIN
Do you need any company?

HEART
I'd never turn down a friend. What about you Courage? Care to join us?

COURAGE
Sorry, buddy. We're heading back to the grasslands to pay a visit to some old friends.

TOTO
What about your research, Brain?

BRAIN
I'm presenting my results tomorrow at the University. If they like what I've done so far, the research department plans on hiring another researcher to keep my efforts going while I take a much needed break.

TOTO
A better break than you took after graduation?

BRAIN
Much better. Last time I was too focused. I didn't take the time I needed to really see Oz. There is so much to do, so much to explore.

COURAGE
You'll have to say hi when you swing through the grasslands.

BRAIN
I won't forget.

HEART
I don't know what we're going to do once we find Mary?

TOTO
Isn't that enough?

HEART
Is it?

COURAGE
Yeah, it should be. This is the woman you wouldn't stop talking about the entire journey.

HEART
And I won't stop talking about her until the day I die. But I've spent so much time searching. I have to wonder if there will be an empty void once I've found her.

BRAIN
There doesn't have to be a void. The anticipated end of a long journey often brings up thoughts of depression. But they are only temporary. Once you find Mary you won't even remember these feelings. You won't have time.

COURAGE
You'll have everything you ever wanted. Your life will be full.

TOTO
Unless you've discovered there is more you want out of life.

COURAGE
Why would he want more? I don't want any more. I've helped defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. What more is there?

TOTO
Are you so sure? Are you prepared to base the rest of your life off one victory over a witch?

COURAGE
People have based their lives off less.

TOTO
You don't seem like one of those people.

HEART
The Tin Man will want to go back to work. Even with Mary in our life he will have this urge to do something. He can't help himself. And I don't want to return to the woods to chop trees. I've seen too much to squander our life with a mechanical pursuit. Perfection can still be monotonous.

TOTO
Then you should suggest something else.

HEART
But what should I suggest?

TOTO
Anything. Anything that makes you happy. And don't worry about making a bad decision, because you can always change your mind.

BRAIN
You can always travel with the Scarecrow and me until you figure out what to do.

HEART
Thanks for the offer. I'll let you know once we've found Mary and my emotions aren't so mixed up.

COURAGE
What's so bad about living your life as a hero? Adoration is wonderful.

BRAIN
That would be such a waste. And here I thought fighting your entire life was a horrible concept.

COURAGE
Hey, I can do whatever I want with my life.

TOTO
I think that's the point. You can do whatever you want so don't stop doing something.

COURAGE
I'm not stupid.

TOTO
You are if you base the rest of your life off this one event. You'll always have this victory, this honor, but there is so much more you can do, so much more you can accomplish if you set goals for yourself.

COURAGE
People will love me forever.

TOTO
You've earned their respect, true. But it's what you do in the future that will hold their respect for the rest of your life.

COURAGE
Yeah, okay. So what should I do?

TOTO
You should lead. You should inspire those around you to make their lives better, to make the entire community better. You can bring out the best in people; give them what they need to change their own lives.

COURAGE
That doesn't sound very easy.

TOTO
It isn't. It's a good thing you have the strength to see it through.

COURAGE
Thanks.

BRAIN
We'll never forget you Toto.

TOTO
I'll never forget you guys either.

DOROTHY
(off-stage)
Oh no, we can't leave yet. Toto's not here. We can't leave Toto. Toto? Where are you Toto?

TOTO
Oh no, I'm late. Good-bye everyone. I hope to see you again.

BRAIN, HEART AND COURAGE
(as they leave stage left)
Bye.

Toto runs in place as townsfolk enter stage right and block his path.

TOTO
Hey, watch it. Will you move it? I need to get through.

Toto exits stage right and the lights dim on the stage, but they don't go out.

DOROTHY
(off-stage)
Oh, there you are Toto. I couldn't leave without you.

TOTO
(off-stage)
There goes the balloon.

DOROTHY
(off-stage)
Don't leave us here.

WIZARD
(off-stage)
Sorry, nothing I can do. I hope you make it home some day.

DOROTHY
(off-stage)
Oh, Toto, how are we ever going to get home?

GLENDA
(off-stage)
Why Dorothy, you had the way home all along. The slippers you wear...

Stage goes black.