A/N: Because some people couldn't wait and the previous chapter left people hanging here is the next. I'm sorry I promised shorter chapters but this one turned out a little longer than intended. We are now 1 chapter away from the end.
CHAPTER XXV – I'll Miss You Most of All
When Trowa spotted the distant circular shape in the sky, he felt his chest become empty as his heart fell away. He blinked but the obscure shape was unmistakeable as it floated away up into the stars; out of reach.
"Well they've left earlier than scheduled," Dorothy's voice sounded distant to his ears and Quatre's reply was indistinguishable. He hadn't even noticed that he'd begun to back away until the prickly leaves of the bush he'd walked into brushed against his face and woke him up from his stupor. By then he'd lost sight of Quatre and Dorothy but above him he could still make out the hot air balloon faintly. Then the darkness swallowed it up and it was gone. He turned around and felt numb. It was okay, this was eventually how it would be, and he'd always known that. Time to go back to how it was, was his thought, but even as he thought it his chest hurt and he suddenly felt again the boundless freedom of grass beneath his paws and the joy of being in her company. He backed out of the bush and wandered in the garden for a moment. The shadow of an old tree fell across him and he looked up the angled, gnarled trunk, some distant memory stirring him. He went and stood beneath it, staring up through the branches. He jumped and grabbed one of the thicker ones, hoisting himself up. He leaned against the trunk and ran his hand along the leaves sprouting around him. It felt different against fingers compared to paws but not unpleasant. It wasn't enough of a distraction; he could still see those creeping tears and that hurt expression. He sighed and buried his head in his hands. Some great king he would be.
It was hard to tell how much time passed as he fell into a restless daydream full of haunting memories. In this quiet, isolated part of the garden it was easy to pick up the quiet sound of feet crunching against the grass. He was disinclined to move, hoping they would pass him by. Eventually someone would have come to look for him but he was in no mood to be found right now. He wondered if he should climb higher and disappear. The footsteps circled about, as if they were looking for something, and eventually became louder until they stopped by the trunk of the tree below him. Curiosity got the better of him and he looked down, only to find Relena standing on the grass beneath the bough he was sitting on, tilting her head curiously at him likewise.
"There's something about this tree that drew me here," she said softly, wondering. Then she glanced up at him briefly before blushing and turning aside. "I was looking for you."
Was this a dream or was he hallucinating? Perhaps he had fallen asleep in the tree? He quickly pinched himself to make sure. Ouch. It was real enough all right. He jumped nimbly down onto the grass beside where she was standing. She immediately backed away nervously, fidgeting with her fingers and avoiding his gaze. He pretended not to notice and tried to act casual. Tried. "You were supposed to be on the balloon? I thought you had left…"
"Yeah, I was supposed to have been," She nodded in agreement, staring at the grass. "Treize said we couldn't wait and that the winds were favourable. They were preparing the balloon and there was…well, one of the restraints got loose. The balloon started to get away. Treize and Aînée got on but…I didn't make it."
A flurry of emotions flew through him all at once. At first he felt relieved then he was struck with sadness and regret. Then he wasn't quite sure what to feel. He had to be careful not to make her run away again. "Does that mean you are trapped in Oz now? I'm sorry for that; I know how much you wanted to get home."
The hollowness he felt inside must have carried across in his tone because she looked up finally and met his eyes for a brief second. "I wanted to get home, yes, but not without talking to you first," she said firmly. Then, she seemed to realise she was looking at him and turned away again, reddening. "There's some unfinished business between us that we need to deal with."
"Unfinished business?" he wondered. "Let me guess, someone has impressed upon you the need to reconcile with me. Was it Quatre, or perhaps it was Cathy?" He turned away too and faced the tree, "you don't need to force yourself."
"That's not what I meant," her stricken voice called out behind him. There was a pause, "if you must know then Princess Catherine asked me to reconcile with you yes. But I'm not here because she asked me to. I'm here because..." her voice trailed off. It was really hard resisting the urge to turn back and see what kind of expression she was holding. There was a sound of a soft intake of breath. "I'm here because I can't bear feeling like this anymore. Nothing feels right, not even going home in the balloon felt right. Not like this."
He turned around slowly. She looked pale but her cheeks were flushed. Her eyes were lowered and her eyebrows were drawn in consternation. Her hands were clenched and the wind was whipping her golden hair around her face. He didn't know what to say, all he could do was stare at her.
"I'm sorry for running away earlier," she continued with difficulty. "You were trying to…explain and make things right but I wasn't ready to hear it." She rubbed her arm uncomfortably, "it's really awkward isn't it? I never imagined in my wildest dreams that you were anything more than a dog. Sure there were strange and unusual things about you but I didn't really want to see them or think too deeply about them. It made you special that you were my smart, mysterious little puppy. You were something that was only mine and it gave me strength. Now that I know you were always…like this, it feels like those memories are wrong somehow…"
"I thought you might feel that way," Trowa said quietly. He could feel her hurt and he ached inside. "I often wondered if I should leave or maybe try to communicate to you that I was human. But whatever we had, in that moment, I selfishly wanted it to carry on. What kept me going was the thought that, even though I was a dog, the joy we had spending time with one another was real, the solace we found in each other was real, the comfort we had in knowing there was another with the same emptiness and loneliness was real. Does my form truly matter that much?" He could see from the way her expression changed that his words made her think.
"It shouldn't have to," Relena eventually admitted. "But it makes a difference. I can't help feeling Toto is more familiar and real to me…than you." She saw his expression and it must have been quite raw because she immediately became apologetic. "I'm sorry but when I see you that familiarity isn't there. Perhaps if I had seen you as a human first then it wouldn't be so hard but the image of Toto lingers."
Trowa ran a frustrated hand through his hair, "it wasn't exactly my choice to appear that way to you first. Damn it all, if I had the power or the means I would have done anything to have met you as a human. As it is, it's outside of my control but I am the same person Relena. I just don't know how to make you see that." His strong reaction startled her a little but he couldn't hold himself back any further. It was hard enough fighting the strange urge to dart forwards and nip her leg to get some sense into her. "One thing I've learned about you is that sometimes you focus so hard on something that when it doesn't work out the way you expect you drift away. You did it to everyone on the farm and now you're doing it to me."
She looked really upset and for a moment he wanted to take it back, but he was hurting too. "That's..." she opened her mouth to say something and then closed it again. Great, he was making her cry, or at least, her eyes were beginning to look as if they were about to burst. He felt like a jerk. "That's not fair," she said quietly.
"No it wasn't," Trowa agreed, "I'm sorry." There was an awkward moment of silence, then Relena spoke again.
"I want my puppy back. I keep thinking, any minute now, he'll come running back to me. Then I see you and I realise he's gone. I don't mean to hurt you by saying that but I want to be honest. I know this wasn't something you wanted or were in control of. But how do I make this feeling go away?" she said helplessly.
"It will go away once you understand that Toto is actually right here," Trowa sighed. He became thoughtful all of a sudden and turned toward her. "If you could realise that we're the same then maybe...will you try?"
She looked at him doubtfully, "what do I do?"
He held out his hand. "Close your eyes for a moment. It's not what you can see, you need to focus on what's truly there." She was looking dubious. "I won't do anything," he promised. Then he turned away and closed his eyes, "there, now you don't have to feel uncomfortable."
"This is silly," he could hear the embarrassment in her voice.
"It's worth a try. Can you not at least try?"
In truth, he turned away and closed his eyes so he didn't have to face her refusal. He didn't want to see the look on her face that would accompany it either. He wondered if she had already vanished and he'd missed the sound of her footsteps over his thundering heart. He almost jerked when he felt her fingers tentatively sliding over his hand until hers was firmly in place. His head snapped back to look at her in surprise. Cheater, he thought childishly, you're looking. He closed his eyes again but in that moment he'd captured everything. She had her eyes squeezed shut and her brows were set firmly together. But her lips were pressed into a determined line. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly; there was his brave, fearless Relena.
Her hand was shaking, and it was tense. After a little while, he felt her relax a little. "I still think this is silly," she mumbled, "but you do feel like Toto." Thank goodness for that, he wouldn't have known what to do if he didn't feel like Toto. "You're nowhere near as furry though," she added and he let out a laugh. She let go of his hand and he opened his eyes to look at her at the same time she opened hers. She put her hand over her heart curiously. "It's strange; I felt so anxious and troubled. Now I feel a lot calmer. That's just like Toto too."
They faced each other silently for a moment. A strong gust of wind buffeted them about and Trowa took hold of her arm gently. "Here, take shelter by the tree." The branches and leaves of the large tree protected them from the wind. They leaned against the trunk side by side. Trowa considered his words carefully, "so you don't hate me any more?"
"I didn't hate you," Relena said, sounding guilty that she'd given that impression. "I was confused and hurt; I said some things that I didn't mean. I've done that once before to others too," she remembered sadly. "I do understand how things are for you and how much it hurts you that I'm...being distant like this. I'm sorry for what I said."
"You don't need to apologise. I'm just glad you're talking to me again," he said contentedly. "That's enough for now. With time things will get better. I know it's not what you wanted but now that you're here to stay there's so much we can-" he stopped, catching sight of the way she suddenly went pale. "What is it?"
"You know I can't stay," Relena said uneasily, "you know I've always been trying to get back home. It's where I belong and if there's even a slight chance of going back I would take it."
"What are you talking about?" his heart lurched, "what chance?"
She wrung her hands nervously, "I could try to…use the slippers. Summon a tornado to take me back."
"Are you out of your mind?" Trowa burst out, alarmed. He calmed himself down and coughed into his hand, "I mean, that sounds really dangerous…and unwise." He frowned, "is it really worth putting your life on the line for that slim chance? Does nothing you've built here matter?"
"That's not true," Relena protested, "everything I've built here matters. But you of all people have seen what I left behind. I fought against everybody for you and chose you over them. That's how I left it and it hurts me inside every time I think about it. I know what would happen if I didn't return and I couldn't stay in Oz living with that. I need to go back and make things right."
"Yeah," Trowa said darkly, muttering under his breath, "those guys and…him." He shook his head, "but you sacrificed so much to restore Oz. If anybody should be part of the revived kingdom it should be you. I would go so far to say you've earned your place on the throne more than my claim through lineage."
"I'm no queen," Relena laughed and it was full of the absurdity of the notion. He sighed, she had no idea at all of what she was, or what she could be.
"Okay, maybe not queen but something," he insisted, "you should be part of the palace in any case, maybe some form of authority."
She shook her head, "we were all part of this journey together. I didn't help Oz by myself, I had everyone's help and you'll keep it going without me." Her voice hitched a little but she swallowed and continued. "Don't you see? It's not me; it was never any one of us alone. Even I was powered by all of you: my clever Scarecrow, my compassionate Tinman, my brave Lion, my bold Hilde, and you never left my side either. Your voice…I heard it from the tower when I was falling. You saved me."
"And yet you gave me shelter at your own risk, braved a tornado, a falling house, a witch and every danger that Oz could throw at you in return. You also saved my people, my kingdom and my sister. The scales are not exactly tipped toward me here." She didn't reply and there was silence, the wind caressing them gently as it passed.
"Now that I think about it, your journey started even before you met me," Relena explained. "If you want to talk about who started this chain of events then you did. You were the first and then you found me. Then we found the others and we went on our journey. After all, who knows what you've suffered and endured to be here? The witch had been chasing you long before she came after me."
"That's not the point..." he started and then stopped, "I don't think we're going to get anywhere like this. It doesn't matter who started what or did what; I don't think you should leave and I think you should stay," he said with a frown.
"Are you going to stop me if I go?" she said softly. He didn't reply and his frown deepened. "We're never alone," she wondered aloud, "That's what home is. I think I understand it now. I've realised that you don't have to leave things behind. They stay in here," She pointed to her heart, "And here is home. You see it too, I know it. We don't have to be incomplete any more, or forget what we've been through because it's here. I don't think you could've stayed on the farm anymore than I can stay here. We belong somewhere else; where our place in this world is meant to be."
"You mean to say you're not going to run in circles any more," Trowa mused. Relena gave him a curious look. "It's nothing," he quickly dismissed. He took a deep breath after a pause, "I don't like it and I think it puts you in a lot of danger. But I know you, once you set your mind on something nobody can stop you. On another note, if there's anybody who could pull off such a crazy venture, it's you."
"Thanks," she gave him a warm smile and her eyes shone with it. He basked in that glow, realising how much he had missed it. She always made him feel like he could take on the world; that was her power. But she would not stay and, although he knew it would turn out this way, it still hurt harder than any physical pain he had ever experienced, not even when he had been in the clutches of the witch.
"If you won't stay then I'll just have to follow your example," Trowa said obstinately, "I'll be the kind of king that gives everyone hope, just like you do."
"You'll be a good king," she stared straight into his eyes and smiled at him. Suddenly she tilted her head, "your eyes...they're the same as when you were Toto," she observed. "I guess you're right; I never looked hard enough." She reached up with her other hand and flicked the long fringe hanging over his eyes, "this was the reason for that little tuft on Toto's head I guess." She had moved closer without realising it. She looked up at him, "you're very tall…how come you turned into such a little puppy?"
"I don't know," Trowa responded, feeling his mouth go dry. He never imagined she would ever come this close and it was kind of wreaking havoc with his senses. That and, having looked up at her countless times when she held him, it was secretly pleasing that he could look down at her for once. It didn't even last half as long as he wanted. Relena broke the spell immediately by breaking her gaze and moving away.
"We ought to go back to the others," she was saying. "Then I have to make preparations, I'll say my goodbyes and then I'll attempt to summon the tornado."
Trowa inwardly sighed, "I really don't like this."
She pursed her lips, "wouldn't such a thing be dangerous for the Emerald City? Perhaps I should go somewhere far before I attempt it."
"I'm not sure," Trowa admitted, giving in. She was indeed relentless when she set her mind on something. "It would surely be carrying you home and away from the city? You'd be best off heading to the edge of the south lands. The witch always summoned her tornadoes from there for some reason. Perhaps it is closest for entering your world."
"How did you ever come to Kansas?" Relena wondered.
"That is a long story," Trowa said reluctantly, "and one that I don't exactly want to recall right now. Let's just say I was so desperate to get away from the witch that I did the unthinkable and entered the Great Desert." He shuddered, "if she hadn't swept me up with the tornado and thrown both of us into your world I would probably have died. Funny that, she constantly talked about wanting me dead but she never let me die."
"Oh," said Relena. "I'm sorry Toto; I brought up bad memories." She suddenly put a hand to her mouth, "sorry! I called you Toto," she gasped with further realisation, "I've been calling you Toto...in front of everyone." She put her face in her hands in horror, "oh how embarrassing! It's Trowa right? No wait, it's your highness actually..." she became flustered. After having made so much progress Trowa became worried she was going to relapse into being nervous around him again. He grabbed her hand gently by the wrist.
"Your name for me is and always will be Toto," he gave her a severe, reprimanding look. "That's the name you gave me and it's a name that no one else but you can use. It sounds good when you say it. If I have to suffer being called poochy or runt then I better well hear something pleasant once in a while to counter balance it."
She blinked in surprise, blushed and said, "I don't know, it doesn't exactly suit a king your highness."
"Don't," Trowa gave her a warning look, "don't address me like that." He groaned, "but you're going to aren't you? And now you're not going to say 'Toto' any more."
Relena looked at his dejected face and burst out laughing suddenly. Had he ever seen her laugh so freely before? She looked so carefree and beautiful this would be a moment he would capture and remember when she was long gone and all he had were memories of her. It suddenly felt really unfair, the world, fate, the way things had to be. He stepped forward, before he could stop himself, and reached out, putting his arms around her and hiding his face in the soft hair falling over her shoulder. Her laughter died into a gasp and she stiffened. "You should stay this way forever," he whispered softly, full of emotion. "You're full of so much hope and inner strength. When I think of you I feel like I can pull myself through any darkness. I know you never meant for any person but a simple dog to hear those private thoughts back on the farm, but every secret expression and word shared that no one was meant to see are the most precious things to me. I'm so sorry for everything I've put you through because of it but I wouldn't change any part of it. I would come to you as Toto a thousand lifetimes over if I had the chance."
She was trembling, "I…" she said and he heard that wavering uncertainty in her voice.
"Don't," he stopped her with a warning, "don't say anything please. In the end I'll always return to Oz, my home, just as you'll return to yours. I just want you to know I'll never forget you, ever, Relena." As a human his senses were far duller than when he was a dog but she still smelled like Relena, felt like Relena and it was an immense relief to acknowledge that. He could've stayed like that for hours, holding her just to relive those wonderful memories, if it wasn't for the fact that he realised he was breaking every rule of propriety. If Hilde was here he would've never heard the end of it. He paused for a second, "I also need you to know that I do still forget I'm not Toto and can't do things like this anymore. Maybe Hilde was right, I was closer to you than I should have been and this is probably very wrong of me but I can't seem to let go." He gave an embarrassed laugh, "This is awkward." He forced himself to let go and stepped back. Rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly while Relena stood frozen in place, her face bright red. "I'm...sorry," he said, not really feeling sorry at all. That had been totally worth it.
"It's all right," Relena slowly regained her composure. Her face was still flushed. "I also want you to know that I'll never forget you either Tro...Toto."
Trowa grinned, "That's better."
There was a sudden frantic rustling in the nearby bushes that was not caused by the wind. As they looked towards it there was an explosion and a flurry of leaves. Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion fell out and landed on top of each other on the grass. Relena coloured again and Trowa let out a groan.
"We were staying behind, we were," Scarecrow was restraining an outraged Hilde while Lion was babbling and making excuses.
"Were you watching all this time!?" Relena was scolding them. "I can't believe you all..."
It hadn't escaped his notice that during this whole exchange Tinman was continuously glaring daggers at him. He sighed, so much for that peaceful moment.
Arrangements were made to prepare a caravan which would take her to the border of the South Lands. Everyone wanted to accompany it and see her so they all entreated her to stay for the coronation at least. It was Trowa's big day after all and while the city feasted and celebrated, the caravan could leave the city quietly. Relena had to agree because it meant she could spend a little more time with everyone. Everyone was one big happy group all over again and everything seemed right and good. Catherine couldn't contain her happiness, "Thank you for restoring Trowa," she gushed, "he's back to his usual self, if not a little stronger."
"Don't thank me," Relena asked, "I didn't do it for the good of the kingdom or by your request. I did it for him and I did it for me so we could move ahead."
"Of course," said Catherine with a smile, "whatever your reasons were I'm just glad everything's all right."
The time before the coronation she spent in the company of her friends. It was hard to imagine leaving them but in her dreams she continued to see Zechs and golden fields waiting for her in the distance. When she woke she could still feel the corn stalks brushing her face.
When the day of the coronation came, everyone dressed up. Catherine had arranged for a beautiful sheath gown for her of a light pastel green colour. Scarecrow wore a newly stitched velvet jacket and Hilde wore a sparkly purple tutu dress. Lion's mane had been curled and styled in an extravagant manner. He wore his medal clipped to his mane. Tinman also wore his heart pocket watch and had intricate patterns engraved on his arms and breastplate in honour.
The courtyard of the palace was opened to the public and they arrived in droves. Soon the courtyard and the streets beyond were filled with crowds of people. Guards were positioned everywhere to keep everyone in line. A stage had been built and decorated on the side of the courtyard where the palace was. Catherine stood upon a cube shaped podium in the centre in an olive ball gown, silhouetted against the warm sun. Relena and the others were lined up along the side. Catherine started by giving a speech about the events leading up to this day and how Oz was now liberated. She made Relena reluctantly step forward and have everyone cheer for her as the hero of Oz. She was graciously bestowed with the title 'White Dove' and was forever welcome to enter Oz and pass through its lands. Once they saw her step forward the crowd went crazy with cheering, cries of 'thank you' and some happy sobbing. Relena was relieved when she was permitted to step back.
The succession ritual began. Trowa was led out of the palace by an entourage of decorated guards onto the stage. He wore a white tunic that was heavily embroidered with green leaves and plain white trousers. Catherine stepped down from the podium and he stepped upon it. A heavy, dark velvet robe was placed about his shoulders by Catherine. He knelt and a crown, studded with emeralds, was placed on his head. For the second time the crowd went crazy.
Trowa was expected to begin his rule with a few kingly decrees to solidify his position. He started by dissolving the guardianship over Oz. Quatre and Dorothy were relieved of their positions as keepers of the lands but were welcome to continue protecting those lands they had watched over for so long. Instead, they were to become part of a council that would sit under the king, and they would be Trowa's advisors. Catherine would sit on the council and pass down her knowledge of ruling. Scarecrow was also to be made part of the council and he was appointed as Chief Advisor. Lion would be captain of the guard and form again the king's personal army of guards. As part of the council, his 'wisdom' would be welcomed. Tinman was also placed upon the council but he was to journey west for a while and establish a home for the tin constructs. He would represent all oppressed and minor races of Oz often overlooked and ensure that those who fell under the power of the witch were welcomed back into society with a chance for redemption. Hilde was not forgotten and she was named one of many ambassadors which would ensure good relations between the kingdom and all races of Oz. And so, after much celebration and revelry, the coronation ended. The city continued to celebrate but the following night, just before dawn, the caravan prepared to escort Relena and her friends left the city quietly.
Now it was morning and the grassy hills rolled by as the carriage bumped and bounced along the uneven road. Relena sat in her plain blue dress with her blue ribbon binding her hair, staring at the huge desert in the distance drawing ever closer. She realised she hadn't really thought much about how to conjure up a tornado or how she was going to get home. Somehow, she had just felt it would work out but now she was here she was not so sure. The caravan stopped and a small contingent of guards filed out, forming a loose perimeter to protect the caravan. She stepped out of the carriage and a footman helped her step down upon the ground. She looked out and saw everyone she held dear in this land waiting for her ahead, a short distance from the edge of the desert. Relena took a deep breath and began to walk.
Catherine was the closest and first person she came to and stopped. Catherine bowed her head respectfully. "Oz will never forget you Relena and I think you will not forget Oz so soon either. May you find happiness wherever you go."
"Thank you ," Relena said gratefully, clasping the princess regent's hands in thanks.
"I shall miss you Miss Relena," Dorothy, her next encounter, looked genuinely sad. "You were the most interesting thing I've had to watch in a long time."
"I'm glad I could provide you some form of entertainment Dorothy," Relena sighed.
"The best," Dorothy laughed delicately. "I am disappointed in your decision to leave Oz; there was such potential in you to reach great heights. But you are a shining ray wherever you go regardless so it is our loss and a gain for your world."
"I don't exactly want to be seen as a shining ray," Relena made a face.
Dorothy smiled and it was full of pity, "that's always been part of your appeal. But it seems power and leadership comes to you regardless. I doubt you will ever escape its clutches." A shiver passed through Relena as she said that. Then Dorothy smirked and dispelled the ominous air, "but for now head home back to that dashing eye candy searching for you, remember?"
Relena blushed, "Goodbye Dorothy."
"See you around in your dreams," Dorothy gave a playful wave as she walked past. A few paces away, Quatre stood with a frown on his face as he stared across the Great Desert. When she put her hand gently on his shoulder he turned and gave her a concerned look.
"No matter what happens Relena, you must keep the magic flowing once you start moving between worlds."
"Have I ever let you down before?" she put on a brave face and winked.
"Not once," Quatre smiled. "If anyone can do it you can."
Her smile faded, "from the start you've been encouraging and believing in me. I couldn't have got here without you Quatre."
"Ha that's what you think," he chuckled, "but it's always been in you all along. If I helped out somewhere along the way then I'm glad." He raised his hand and brushed away her fringe, his fingers tracing across her forehead. She felt a tingling sensation trickle down inside of her. "Any protection of mine won't last beyond the borders. But they say the thought counts and my thoughts go with you Relena, wherever you go."
She swallowed a lump in her throat, "Thank you for everything Quatre." A small ache developed in her chest as she walked past. It was hard fighting back the tears as Hilde flew at her, wrapping her little arms around her neck and hugging her tightly.
"I'm going to miss you terribly Relena," she confessed.
"I'm going to miss you too Hilde. Now that you're an Ambassador I guess you'll be staying in the Emerald City? You'll be too busy now to miss me."
"I'll be around the Emerald City a lot yes," Hilde brightened up, "I'm going to be travelling between the fairies and the Emerald city to keep peace and good relations. I think I'll make a temporary home in the city though…"
"…and stay close to Scarecrow?" Relena teased.
"No! Because there's lots of work to be done of course! But yes," she put her hands behind her back sheepishly, "that too." Relena held out her hands and Hilde flew into them. She gently brought her close to her cheek and nuzzled her. "I won't ever be too busy to miss you, Relena," Hilde sniffed.
Relena couldn't trust herself to respond without bursting into tears so she simply opened her hands and let Hilde fly up and away before she walked on. When she saw Lion she stifled a sob and raced forward, falling to her knees before him and throwing her arms around him. "Oh Lion," she sobbed, burying her face in his mane. "I'm going to miss your mighty roar and your airs and graces now that you're Captain of the Guard."
"It is a position of utmost honour and demands respect after all," Lion rubbed at his eye sorrowfully.
"That it does," Relena smiled. She kissed him on the cheek. "I know you'll be a worthy captain. I'm sure your ancestors must be proud of you."
"That does it," Lion coughed and had to turn away, causing her to let go. "You had to go and bring up the ancestors. I would never be able to face them if it weren't for you Relena. I'll always be my bravest and fiercest for you." He stalked off suddenly, coughing and harrumphing.
There was a cool hand on her shoulder. She turned and there was Tinman. He held out his hands to her and helped her up. They felt as cold as ever and she traced over their scars one last time. His eyes were flickering terribly and his expression was grim. "I think I understand what Treize meant," he muttered softly under his breath. "It feels like my whole body is torn apart."
"I'll miss you Tinman," Relena said softly. She reached up and cupped his cheek, "Not all feelings hurt like this."
"I know," he responded mechanically, "I have lots of happy memories to remind me…of you."
She blinked back but couldn't stop the tears escaping. "Don't be too proud to ask someone to oil your joints if they rust up okay? And you've got a big heart so don't let me take up all the space, leave some for Scarecrow, Lion and the others."
"There'll always be a portion of it that's only for you," he stated sadly.
She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek, "Goodbye," she whispered and let go of his hands. When she did she felt his grip tighten for a moment, there was a grinding sound as his face contorted, and then he let go.
"Goodbye," he whispered. For a moment it seemed as if some other words lingered on the air between them. But Tinman turned his back to her and she couldn't hear, or see them spoken.
"Are you ready good looking?" Scarecrow said softly, tapping her arm.
She sniffed and turned to look up at him. Then she broke out crying and threw her arms around his neck.
"Hey, there now," Scarecrow laughed, "this is sounding more like a funeral. It's not goodbye; it's just another journey Relena but this time we can't go with you."
"I don't even need to say how much I'll miss you Scarecrow," she wept. "You…you promise you'll keep everyone together? Keep Oz going strong and don't leave Trowa's side please. He needs you."
Scarecrow gently removed her arms from around him and gave them a comforting squeeze, "don't you worry about a thing: I'll make sure the ol' tin can is oiled, I'll keep stroking Lion's ego, and I'll make sure poochy gets all of the wisdom from this," he tapped the side of his head. "I won't let all your hard work go to waste."
"Thank you," Relena wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. "Goodbye."
"I told you it's not goodbye. Till next time," he winked.
Last of all there was Trowa. She was close to the desert now, the grass ahead began to give way to the sand, but it still sprouted up stubbornly in patches. Trowa was staring out dubiously, his eyes reflecting whatever nightmares he had faced out there.
"You shouldn't be here," she reprimanded, "it makes you uneasy being this close."
"And miss this parting?" he turned and gave her a pained smile, "nothing could keep me away from it."
She looked into those green eyes, "I don't really know how to return to the farm without you."
"I don't really know how to stay in Oz without you either," Trowa returned. "But I think Scarecrow has a pretty good view in that this isn't a goodbye. Somehow I can't stop feeling that you were made for Oz Relena, and Oz was made for you. I don't think this is the last we've seen of you. That gives me hope, enough to keep on going at least. Until that time, know that you will always be in my thoughts. You don't ever need to feel alone or lost again, just think of all of us. We'll be constantly thinking of you."
"I will." The tears were falling again, "I won't ever forget you, I promise."
"Please don't cry," he looked distressed. She shook her head, stood on her toes and kissed him softly on the cheek. His fringe brushed against her face and felt soft as fur. He looked at her with startled eyes when she pulled back. "See you later Toto," she whispered and stepped past, tears streaming down her face.
She didn't look back as she walked on but she felt the presence of everyone behind her, watching her leave. It was time to summon the storm and it seemed poetic justice to do so when there was already a storm brewing inside her. She stopped and took a deep breath. "Wake up slippers," she muttered, tapping her heels together. Not that it meant anything to do that, but it got her psyched up to do what she had to do. The slippers glowed in response, the ruby light flickering from the heel to the tips of the shoes. She clasped her hands over her heart, "this has to work; there's no room for failure you hear me?" The glow began to increase as she concentrated on what was beating inside her chest. "I see you all, those of my heart, and every one shall give me strength. Now help me get home." There was a flash and she felt the light of the slippers encase her. It billowed out like fire and swirled around her. She swallowed down her nervousness, "here goes." She closed her eyes and began to walk. The slippers began to sink into the sand as she took each step and the oppressive presence of the desert began to bear down on her. All of sudden she felt something, out there, many things, watching.
"There's no place like home," she said in a clear, firm voice. As her slipper stepped on the sand there was a peal of thunder and the wind began to swirl from underneath her, rising up toward the sky. Even though her eyes were squeezed shut she felt the light through her eyelids. The dark presence of the desert grew.
She put another step down, "there's no place like home." This time the thunder that emerged rumbled and reverberated for a long while. The wind increased and she felt buffeted from all sides. Steadfastly, she continued walking. Now she felt the weight of the twisting winds around her and the force of their movement and the scale began to strain her. She clenched the hands still pressed over her heart. This was it.
"There's no place like home," she almost shouted over the howling wind. The skies rumbled and sand grains flew at her face. Her eyes remained closed because she was afraid the mere sight of what was happening around her would somehow hold her back. The wind was twisting and swirling around her. She felt it pushing and pulling at her from the edges but she was in the eye of the storm. She opened her eyes at last and beheld the towering tornado spiralling high into the sky above her. The sand being thrown up made it impossible to see anything. She finally spared a quick glance back to everyone watching but there was nothing, only sand swirling around. Perhaps that was for the best. She now needed to move and quickly but the tornado was heavy, heavy and wild as if she held a feral cat in her arms and it was struggling to get away. This was bad. Somewhere ahead, she suddenly felt something dangerous lurking and every bone in her body began tingling with warning.
This was not good, she needed to move now, but it was as if her feet were locked in place. She felt a pain in her hands and realised she was clenching her fists so hard, her nails had dug into her palms and drawn blood. The sight of it seemed to propel her at last. She stamped her foot shouted out:
"TAKE ME HOME!"
It was as if the wind drowned out her voice for a second. Then there was a roar and the tornado erupted with a red glow. Relena was suddenly lifted into the sky and she had to close her eyes again because the wind and sand was battering against them. She had a sensation of spinning and guessed that the tornado was carrying her. That dark, lurking presence drifted away and faded until the hairs on the back of her neck could settle down again. She felt sick though and her mind was ambling. She wished for a house or a broomstick perhaps, anything to make it feel better. She kept repeating over and over again in her mind, "take me home, take me home, take me home…" so she could focus and keep the tornado going, that and to avoid throwing up.
How fast could it travel she wondered. How far away was Kansas? It hadn't taken that long to come to Oz, she remembered, but how would she know when to stop? She had a vision momentarily of being trapped in this state for hours until her strength gave out and, even then, she still landed in the desert where all manner of horrible things would crawl through the sand and eat her up. No, "take me home," she cried out hoarsely; she mustn't think and just speak.
But it was getting harder. Harder and in too short a time too she thought. She felt her mind giving out again and renewed her mantra. But there was a tugging, something pulling at her, not physically but somewhere inside, where she summoned the slippers from in fact. She felt it pulling at her feet too. It was as if it wanted to drag her back to Oz. Ahead, she felt as if something was pushing her back, like a barrier. It became so strong she began to struggle against it. The winds swirling around her began falter hesitantly. "No keep going," she urged as she kicked and flailed. The red slippers suddenly slipped off her feet. "Hey!" she tried to grab them but they were gone, spiralling down into the void beneath her. The weight on her chest began to lift. The magic power had gone and like a heavy box that one cannot hold and drops, everything began to fall. The winds began to groan and die out. "No!" Relena screamed. She was going to die. To make it this far and yet fail on the last leg was too much. She was falling but it seemed that some traces of her magic lingered for vestiges of wind buffered her as she descended. The clouds opened up above her and the tornado began to give up and dissipate. How far was she from the ground? Would the ground be desert or the grassy fields of Kansas? It was neither: she fell through something hard and it cracked beneath her. She was surrounded by wood, which splintered and broke with her passing. She hit bare, hard ground and her breath was knocked out of her. Dust rained down around her. She couldn't move and everything was hurting. Her mind, now released from the tornado, felt dizzy and flighty. She couldn't seem to grasp hold of her thoughts and they kept flying away, far away. She watched them flutter away on the wings of her dying tornado and felt darkness swoop in and take its place.
TBC
A/N: No new Character Equivalents in this one. Read and Review Please! :)