A/N: This one is a shorty. I've come to a lull in both my stories...it's kinda annoying. I keep finding awesome ways to finish a chapter, then I realise it's too short, but can't be bothered to do anything about it. I guess it comes from laziness...but...if you knew the kinda things I had to juggle about in my life, you'd be greatful I had time at all to write this. Hell, I'm not complaining, but I'm a little annoyed at myself for getting so behind. I was supposed to be up to chapter 16 next week....goes to show how much schedules affect my life...oh well
Disclaimer: Disclaimed
Elphaba stood up to the desk, swallowing hard. The courtroom was empty, deep brown wood lining the walls. Several pews were set up, but they were all empty. Elphaba was surprised, she expected all of Oz to be there. She had showed up by herself, not wanting Fiyero, Liir or Glinda to watch what was happening in the trial. It would make more sense, if they pretended they had no idea what was going to happen.
A young man in his twenties had led the young witch in, accompanied by two German Shepherds. Whether they were just animals, or Animals, Elphaba couldn't tell.
"Wait here. The court shall be summoned. Miss Glinda made it sure to us that you would not get an audience, so we are obliging, for now. As soon as your fate is decided, we shall let people in, mostly official people, and guards, obviously. Don't try anything; both of these dogs have been trained in the strictest sense. They'll stop you, and they'll hurt you," he said solemnly. "Thank you for your patience."
The young guard walked out, and Elphaba had to stifle a laugh. Sure, she was in a courtroom, knowing that she would be held guilty, and would have to leave, but still. The boy was young, and he wouldn't smile; he barely looked at her. She did feel slightly bad for him, being trained so hard at such a young age, but she couldn't help herself. When she was sure he was gone, she turned her attention to the dogs.
"Hey, are you Animals?" Elphaba asked them, and the one with an entirely black face flicked his ears up ever so slightly.
The movement was so subtle, that Elphaba wouldn't have seen it if she wasn't concentrating hard. Trying not to startle them, she stood up. The other dog turned and snarled at her, his wide eyes staring her down. She sat again, taking in a breath.
"Hey…you're a Dog, aren't you? Can you talk? Or are you like the others – doomed to be without speech?" it was a long shot. The flick of the dogs ears could've been a fly, or an itch, but the next movement confirmed Elphaba's theory
Ever so slightly, the dog twitched his left ear, turned around and sat facing Elphaba. He winked, and gave a short bark, making the other dog turn and face her. The look in his eyes made Elphaba certain that he was an Animal, so she continued talking.
"I take it you weren't allowed on the council either," Elphaba murmured, and the dog shook himself all over.
Elphaba smiled, and she checked her bag once more, making sure that everything she needed was in there.
"I'm sorry I can't talk to you," a very quiet voice spoke, and Elphaba looked up. The dog was moving his lips ever so slightly, and Elphaba smiled.
The dog sitting next to him growled, staring at the black-faced dog angrily.
"Shut up," he hissed
Elphaba was surprised. She thought the black faced dog was the only one who could talk, seeing as he was the only one who showed a reaction.
"She's safe. You've heard her case, she did nothing wrong." the black-faced dog said angrily, and then turned to Elphaba. "It's okay, he's just moody,"
"This is great. I can't believe I'm talking to guard dogs. What are your names?" Elphaba asked
"I'm Jasper, and moody over here is Casper. We were born in the same litter," the black faced dog explained.
"Well, nice to meet you," Elphaba exclaimed, "How did you stay hidden…do the others know what you are?"
"Negative….I mean," Casper shook his head to clear it."No…we've remained silent, only talking to each other. It' strange talking to someone now….strange – but nice,"
Elphaba smiled and leaned back against the wooden backrest.
"You worried?" Jasper asked and Elphaba nodded slightly.
"You should be…but don't worry. If you want us to do anything…" Jasper muttered, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. "We can create a diversion…all of the guard dogs are Animals…they'll listen to us,"
Elphaba grinned and explained the plan to the two Dogs, and they nodded enthusiastically.
"Will do…so if you get sentenced guilty, we'll stir up the dogs, you'll make your escape, an-" Jasper went over the plan again, but was cut off by Casper.
"Someone is coming," he hissed, and Elphaba sat down quickly, trying to look bored. The dogs whipped around and sat up straight, looking like they'd been there the whole time.
Two guards walked in silently, stepping towards Elphaba. One held a treat down to both of the dogs, patting them affectionately.
"Stand up," one said, and Elphaba complied, standing up straight.
The guards exchanged a look, and stood on both sides of her while the jury piled in. Elphaba scanned the crowd, not recognizing many. Boq caught her eye and looked away guiltily, before sitting and occupying himself with another person.
"All rise," a guard said curtly, and a tall dark figure stepped into the courtroom.
Everyone fell silent as he walked up to his desk. Power exploded from him, and Elphaba could feel it. She wanted to cry out, but she held her tongue while he sat.
"You may sit," his loud, strong voice said, and the court immediately sat without a word.
Elphaba watched him with almost a sneer. He held magic within him, and judging from the lack of response – either people didn't know, or people didn't care. Elphaba suddenly panicked. He could probably stop her if she tried to escape. He was powerful, she could tell, but if his magic was strong enough, she could be in a whole lot of trouble.
A/N: Thought I'd leave it there, considering you won't be hearing from me in a little while. I gotta go to my dad's a lot these next months, cuz my mum doesn't want me around anymore, and so getting to rehearsals and stuff is going to be hard enough, but because my dad lives out in the countryish, we get limited internet access, and plus with all my chores/practise etc, I won't get time to write. I'll try as much as possible though. I've already got some more chapters of CATS written, so that'll come a lot more frequently, as I'll upload them as soon as I get the computer...Anyways...hope you enjoyed