The witch's cottage door was open when Dorothy arrived. She found Billinia cornered by the black cat in the dusty corner of the cottage. Dorothy immediately rushed in between them, picking up a nearby broomstick and waved it in front of the cat.
"Shoo! Go away! Leave my chicken alone!"
The black cat hissed at her, but he turned his back, with tail up, and walked away.
"Are you alright, Billina? It didn't hurt you, did it?" Dorothy asked, worried.
"No, you got here just in time," panted Billina. "Oh, thank you, Dorothy. I thought I'd become a chicken dinner for sure."
Dorothy smiled. Then she looked at the broomstick that she held. "This broomstick looks very familiar."
"That's because it's a witch's broomstick, my dear," stated Billina. "You've seen the Wicked Witches of the East and West use them."
"No, Billina. I mean, I think I've seen this broomstick before."
"Caw, caw! Hey! Want the tour of the witch's cottage?"
Startled, Dorothy and Billina turned around, and saw a black crow perched on an old skull's head on the table.
"Oh! You can talk!" Dorothy gasped in surprise.
"Yeah, I can speak. Mombi taught me," said the crow. "Whatcha' doing here, hot stuff?"
"I just came to get my chicken and…" Dorothy started before the crow cut her off.
"I was talking to the lady chicken. What's up, hot stuff?" He clicked his tongue at Billina, giving her a flirty smile.
"I was chased by that gruesome cat," huffed Billina, immediately disgusted with the crow hitting on her. "And don't call me hot stuff! Ugh, first the rooster and now a crow."
A violent scratching noise rattled at the basement door in the very room Dorothy was in. She looked over at the wooden doors that lead to the basement. The scratching noises reminded her of how Toto would scratch the door to be let inside the farm house, but it was almost like sharp metal being dragged against the floor.
"What's that?" Dorothy gasped.
"Relax, they're just Mombi's new helpers. They don't do much," chuckled the crow. Then he asked in a sly voice, "You want to take a peak?"
Dorothy looked at the basement door, warily and nervously.
"Don't open it, Dorothy," warned Billina. "It could be a trap."
"No, it isn't. Go ahead! Take a look. Open the door. Don't be afraid," encouraged the crow.
So Dorothy unlocked the basement door with a key she found on the table and opened the door, halfway so she could peak inside.
Suddenly, long, hairy, clawed arms reached out from the darkness, screeching wildly and howling menacingly. There was something about the screeching and the howling that sounded familiar to Dorothy, like she had heard it before. One of the arms caught hold of Billina by the neck and tried to drag back into the darkness. But Dorothy grabbed the chicken shouting, "Oh, let go! Let go!" Using the broomstick, Dorothy whacked the hairy arms back into the darkness, slamming the basement door and locking it, and dropped the broomstick to the floor with a clatter.
"Oh, my goodness. That was close." Billina panted in shock. "I told you not to open the door, Dorothy. What were those things anyway?"
"They sounded like monkeys. Could it be those flying monkeys again?" Dorothy wondered aloud.
"Not monkeys, kiddo," the crow cackled, rudely. "They sound bigger and more lethal, but they're not quite ready for the action they're about to get. As soon as Mombi comes back, you'll see what she's about to do to them."
"Forget it! I've seen enough!" declared Dorothy, scowling at the crow. "This is a horrid place, just like Jack said! C'mon Billina, we're leaving!"
With the chicken in her arms, Dorothy turned and headed for the door, but she froze in her tracks when someone came to the door, and the crow cawed excitedly when he knew who that person was.
"What's your hurry, my dear? Stay and chat awhile," said the witch called Mombi. Dorothy remembered Glinda telling her that only bad witches were ugly, yet Mombi seemed more uglier than the late Wicked Witch of the West. She dressed in a black robe and dress with a black pointed hat, had short messy red hair, and a face with a long nose and chin, covered in warts, and long boney hands also covered in warts.
"I-I'd like to, but I really can't s-stay," Dorothy gaped as she felt her blood run cold, once again feeling that old childhood fear of being confronted by a wicked old witch.
"It isn't often that I receive company," the witch said, coming into the cottage and approaching Dorothy.
"This isn't really a visit, I just came to get my…"
"You must be hungry, my dear. Let me get you something to eat."
"N-No, thank you. I already ate from a l-lunch pail t-tree," Dorothy stuttered, moving back into the room, clutching Billina tightly in her arms.
"Something for your chicken then? Bird feed, perhaps?" Mombi said, reaching a warty hand to grab Billina, when the hen pecked her furiously on her the finger. "Ouch!" Mombi drew her hand back.
"Billina, stop that!" Dorothy scolded. "You wanna get us into trouble? I'm just glad Toto isn't here, or he would have snapped…"
Mombi's eyes widened when she heard the dog's name. "Toto!?" She thought for a moment on the recognition of the name. "If you have a Toto…" She glanced up at Dorothy, almost in bewilderment. "…then you must be Dorothy Gale!"
"Y-Yes, I am," replied Dorothy.
"How perfect!" Mombi clasped her hands together, pleasantly. "Now you must stay. I insist!"
"Thank you, but…" Dorothy tried to leave, but Mombi forcefully shoved her back into a nicely carved chair.
"SIT DOWN!"
The chair suddenly came to life as its yellow eyes glared down on the young girl as its strong arms caught hold of her arms.
"I keep my strong arm chair for special guests, and you are a very special guest, Dorothy," Mombi grinned evilly.
"Let her go, you old crone!" Billina clucked angrily, fluttered off of Dorothy's lap and right into Mombi's face, pecking at her. Mombi grabbed the hen by the neck and stuffed her in an old kettle over the fireplace.
Then Mombi found the broomstick lying on the floor and picked it up. "So, you were trying to steal my broomstick, huh?"
"What? No!" cried Dorothy. "I only used it to…"
"I know a rat when I see one," sneered the witch. "Can't have you stealing it again now, can we?"
"What do you mean again?" Dorothy asked, utterly confused.
Then something can back to Dorothy. A memory. The Jester had stolen the broomstick that belonged to his late sister and used it to take over all of Oz. The very broomstick that Glinda entrusted to Dorothy years ago after destroying the Wicked Witch of the West.
"The Wicked Witch of the West's broomstick!" Dorothy gasped.
"Bingo! We have a winner," said Mombi, sarcastically.
"Where did you find it? I threw it into a twister!"
"Oh, it just fell out of the sky one day six years ago. I knew what kind of broomstick it was the minute I found it. Therefore, I have you to thank for delivering it to me."
Dorothy glared at the wicked witch, who gave her an evil smirk. "You used the broomstick to destroy the Yellow Brick Road, didn't you!?"
"Exactly," Mombi chuckled, cruelly. "And as for your friends, I'm afraid they're in grave danger."
"How would you know?"
"Because I put them in danger, or rather, the nomes did. If I recall correctly, you have lots of friends who are in danger. Too bad you didn't return to Oz to save them in time. Some friend you are to them."
It was a rather nasty shock for Dorothy to take it all in. All the friends who loved and cared for her were in trouble. She could feel the tears burn in her eyes. "How could you do that to them!? They haven't done anything to you! Why!?"
"It's all part of my revenge, Dorothy," replied Mombi. "You've killed some people whom were very close to me."
Dorothy raised a confused eyebrow. "What?"
"I'll give you some hints." Mombi said, as she went through an old chest searching for something until she found a photograph. "You are famously known for slaying evil, right? You like to bring the house down on them, or give them a real splash, or have them blown away?"
The witch moved her hand to the top of the photograph so Dorothy could get a good look at the people in the picture. Dorothy felt her heart stop when she recognized the first two persons she recognized in the photo. The Wicked Witch of the West and the Jester. The Jester had put two fingers up behind the Witch's head as the Witch gave him a look of annoyance. The third person in the photograph looked like a witch, dressed in a mixture of red and silver with a black pointed hat, striped stockings down on her feet with the ruby slippers, while she flashed a smile with teeth as sharp as knives. Dorothy realized that this must be the Wicked Witch of the East when she recognized those striped stockings and magic slippers. Mombi was in the photograph too, all four of trying to pose for their picture to be taken.
"That's right, dearie," announced Mombi, pointing an accusing finger at Dorothy. "They are all my cousins, and you killed them!"
"But the first two were accidents!" pleaded Dorothy. "And the Jester jumped into the twister to go after the broomstick!"
"Oh, really?" Mombi smirked, dubiously. "You know, during all those wretched years following my cousins' deaths, I've been wanting to meet you ever since your last visit to Oz, when you destroyed the Jester and helped that miserable Scarecrow to steal the throne of Oz."
"The Scarecrow is not mis-"
"He will be, when the Nome King gets through with him! Things have changed, my dear. But if you had come back sooner, you could've saved that straw head and all your friends!"
The loud screeches and howls erupted from the closed doors of the basement, shaking violently and claws scratching among the wood. Using the broomstick, Mombi swing the broom onto the door with a loud bang. This made the creatures hiding in the basement suddenly go quiet. "You'll have to excuse my new pets, dearie. They get cranky when left alone in the basement for too long. But as soon as my brew is complete…"
"W-What's in there?" Dorothy asked, scared.
"Baboons, my dear," answered Mombi. "I plan to transform them into Flying Baboons. The Flying Monkeys want to keep to themselves and they are useless to me. These baboons are much larger, stronger, and lethal than the monkeys, and will become quite useful to me when I seize control of the rest of land."
Dorothy felt a chill run down her spine as she thought about how terrible these flying baboons must be. She thought about the Scarecrow and couldn't bear to think of the kind of trouble he could be in.
Mombi seemed to know what she was thinking. "And as for your straw man king, when the Nome King is done with him…..there won't be enough of him left to stuff a mattress!"
Dorothy glared daggers at the wicked witch, and lashed out at her, furiously. "How could you think of hurting Scarecrow!? He's the kindest, gentlest, and smartest creature in the world! And I don't know who this Nome King person is, but if he lays one hand on Scarecrow, I will destroy him, on purpose!"
Mombi cackled, amused by the girl's temper. "Oooh. Feeling a little brave now, are we? Shame you won't ever see him again, my pretty. Because I have a special demise planned for you. And as for the chicken, perhaps I'll roast her up for dinner tonight." Looking down at the fireplace, she could see that there was no firing burning. "But first, I need some firewood to get my plan started." Mombi cupped her hands to her mouth as she yelled, "JACK! JACK PUMPKINHEAD! WHERE ARE YOU!?" No answer from the pumpkinheaded man. "Ugh! Where is that lazy louche? I'll fix him too if he doesn't obey me!" Mombi grumbled, while heading out the door. "I'll be right back with a nice load of firewood. Coming, my pet?"
The crow cawed loudly in response as he flew out the door following his mistress.
Dorothy struggled desperately in vain to free herself from the armchair's strong arms, but they held her down firmly and tightly to the seat. Giving up, Dorothy sighed in despair. "Looks like I'll never see Scarecrow again. Oh, why do I get myself into these predicaments?"
"Psst!"
Dorothy gasped and looked over to the open window. "Jack!"
Jack Pumpkinhead put a finger to his lips and he climbed inside through the window. He picked up an old black feather and used it to tickle the armchair's nose.
The armchair let out a loud sneeze. "AH-CHOO!" And it fell backwards onto the stone floor.
Dorothy had fallen to the floor with the armchair, but she was free. Jack helped her stand up, then she opened the lid of the kettle and grabbed Billina. Jack climbed back out through the open window and Billina fluttered out, but Dorothy remembered the magic broomstick and attempted to get it so Mombi wouldn't use it anymore.
But when Mombi's shadow loomed up on the door, Dorothy had no choice but to leave without the broomstick, as she would be caught and captured again. She turned back to the window and tried to climb through. Luckily, Jack pulled her through the window just in the nick of time.
"All right, my pretty! You'll be finished soon!" But when Mombi placed the pile of wood down on the floor, she froze when she saw the empty armchair lying on the floor. "What!? She's gone! But how?"
"That pumpkinhead did it!" the crow stated, pointing to the open window.
"That ungrateful squash!" Mombi growled. Then she picked up her cousin's broomstick. "At least they didn't take this broomstick with them. They won't get far as soon as I get them."
The broomstick flew right out from the cottage through the open door, with Mombi riding on it. She scoured through the forest searching for the escapees.
Below on ground, Dorothy, Jack, and Billina ran as fast as they could to get away from the pursuing witch. Jack's long legs made him look clumsy whenever he ran, but he still kept his pace as he kept his grip on Dorothy's wrist to get her as far away from Mombi as possible. Dorothy held Billina tightly in her arms as the chicken squawked in terror.
The shadow of the wicked witch fell over the escapees as she cackled wickedly. Like a hawk circling its prey, Mombi swooped down and reached out to catch hold of them. But as if luck was on the good side, Mombi crashed face first into a tree.
Jack only looked back to see what happened when he tripped over a rock and fell on his stomach. As Dorothy went to his aide, she discovered an underbrush hidden in the forest. With Jack's arm over her shoulders and neck, Dorothy carried him all the way to the underbrush until they were completely hidden within the thick bushes and shrubbery.
Around that time, Mombi had regained herself after recovering from her accident. Flying much higher above the forest so not to get hit in the face again. She unknowingly flew over Dorothy, Jack, and Billina as they remained silent and huddled close together as the witch passed over them. But she could not see them or find them, so Mombi had no choice but to return to the cottage.
"I know your there someplace!" Mombi shouted at the forest below her. "Well, go ahead, fools! Go to the Emerald City! A lot of good it will do when the Wheelers catch you!" With a last cackle, Mombi disappeared into the horizon.
"She's gone. You can come out now," said Billina, poking her head out from the bush and walked out.
"Thank you, Jack. I don't know what could have happened if you hadn't been there." Dorothy embraced the pumpkin man with a grateful and warm smile.
"Oh, gee." Jack blushed a bright red face. "I was just helping my new friend."
"So what do we do now?" Billina asked, now trying to consider what to do next.
"Yeah. Mombi said your friend the Scarecrow is in trouble and we can't save him," added Jack. "And who is this Nome King guy? He must sound really mean."
"Guys, don't worry," assured Dorothy. "Scarecrow was in trouble before when the Jester captured him, but I rescued him in time. I'm sure I can do it again."
"But something bad might happen to you, Dorothy!" Jack stated, worriedly. "Mombi might catch you and destroy you!"
"Jack…" Dorothy started calmly. "You mustn't be preoccupied when things look gloomy for us. Everything will look better if you try thinking about good things, like rescuing Scarecrow and my friends." She looked over at the distant broken Yellow Brick Road that would lead them to the Emerald City, with a very determined look.
(Dorothy)
Lately life is like a dream
I watching it through a smoky screen
Finding ways to sleep away
Til I can be with you someday
In the darkness you call my name
But only an echo came
I can hear you
I'm only following your voice
As if in a dream, Dorothy could imagine the Scarecrow smiling and reaching his gloved hand out to her, beckoning her to come to him as she runs to him, as everything goes in slow motion.
I'll travel through the night
I'll follow the fireflies
The wolves may call
My head may fall
Your voice will guide me through it all
I'll smile through the pain
I'll search 'til I forget my name
To find you
With a song to keep me warm
And your voice to guide me home
But as soon as she reached the broken Yellow Brick Road, the Scarecrow's image disappeared. Dorothy nearly tripped on a loose brick when she reached the spot he had been standing. She felt discouraged to have lost him, or so she thought.
Could've sworn I saw you face
But I guess that I see you every place
People say I've lost my mind
I'm starting to wonder if they're right
But my heart knows it can't be wrong
When the wind blows
I know that song
I can hear you
I'm following your voice
But Dorothy suddenly puts on a passionate and hopeful expression as she imagines the Scarecrow wrapping his arms around her in a loving embrace, almost feeling the warmth in his embrace.
I can fell the beating of your heart
Stay right where you are
I'm coming back to you
And your face is constant in my mind
Bathed in starry light
Wait for me, Scarecrow
When Jack and Billina reach her side, Dorothy turns and smiles genuinely at them, and they smile back at her. Then Dorothy linked arms with Jack, and the two of them began skipping merrily along the Yellow Brick Road, with Billina trotted along ahead of them.
I'll travel through the night
I'll follow the fireflies
The wolves may call
My head may fall
Your voice will guide me through it all
Dorothy felt as if she back in childhood, skipping along this very road with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, or back when she traveled this road with Wiser, Marshal Mallow, and China Princess.
I'll smile through the pain
I'll search 'til I forget my name
To find you
With a song to keep me warm
And your voice to guide me home
Author's Note – Next chapter will be when Dorothy, Jack, and Billina meet Woodenhorse. His backstory is the same as in Journey Back To Oz. I hope you liked the song I put in for Dorothy. To Find You is sung by Lea Michele. When I first heard the song I thought it fitted Dorothy perfectly when she was on her way to rescue the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion. When Dorothy run to the Scarecrow before he disappears reminded me of Sora running to Riku before the waves of the ocean crash down on him.