Chapter 15

I do not own anything from the Wizard of Oz. The movies, books, or anything else related to the story. I own my OCs.

"Dorothy, you shouldn't go. You still need to heal," Khali said to the auburn haired woman who was lacing her boots.

Dorothy looked up to Khali and smiled slightly. She had really appreciated Khali's help, and her new friendship with the shape shifter. She hoped they would be able to stay in contact once this was all over.

Without Khali and the rest of the shape shifters there was a good chance Dorothy would be either captured, dead, or lost in the jungle by now. Dorothy did have the map, but that didn't mean it was completely accurate.

"Dorothy, please. You can't do this alone," Khali pleaded.

Dorothy took a deep breath, and stood looking at her new found friend. Dorothy was already mourning her loss, and knew she would have to tell Scarecrow. She knew in her logical mind she should head back to Mifkit and seek help, but they said they would be here in two weeks if they went missing. They should be on their way by now.

Dorothy took about a week to recover. The shape shifters were very suspicious of her at first, but when some began to find out who she was, they began to warm up to her.

Khali stood with her hands crossed at her chest. She had on a simple white and brown dress, and boots. Her golden blonde hair was tied back in a simple bun. Her green eyes were the most potent that Dorothy had ever seen, and seemed to have that slight glow to them even in daylight.

She had stayed human the whole time Dorothy was sick, but when Dorothy felt better she had turned into a cat. Dorothy was amazed what these people could do.

These people came in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The clan was very close, and came together to help Dorothy out. Dorothy was grateful for not only feeling safe while she healed, but also how supportive they had become.

Dorothy walked over and gave her new friend a hug. As friendly as Khali was, her brother was still stand offish towards Dorothy.

Dorothy wondered why. She hadn't been able to properly thank Boren for saving her life.

When Dorothy was walking around outside after a few days Boren had stood just watching her, but barely spoke.

"Khali, you have no idea how grateful I am for you. I will never be able to repay what you did for me," Dorothy said hugging her tightly.

Khali shook her head. "You have been through so much already."

Dorothy felt some tears burn her eyes, but she needed to be strong.

"I haven't seen my husband in months. Even if he is dead, I need to know. I am willing to risk my life for it. I no longer..." Dorothy took a deep breath..."I no longer have another to worry about except Scarecrow."

Khali nodded. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and the women separated. Khali went to answer, and let her brother in.

Boren looked on at Dorothy, and nodded.

Boren was a very handsome man. He had golden blonde hair that was short, but the bangs still fell in his green eyes, which he was constantly pushing out of his face. His face was rugged, and he kept a shadow of beard and mustache. He was lean with slight muscles showing through his blue shirt. He wore brown pants with sword at his side, and black boots. Dorothy could have taken him for a pirate.

Boren looked her over confused. "What are you doing?"

Dorothy reached for her bag. It was recovered after the other clan members brought her here.

"I am leaving. I can't wait for reinforcements to get here, because I don't know if they will or how long," Dorothy said standing there waiting for Boren to move.

"Are you going back to Oz?" He asked.

Dorothy shook her head. "No. I am finishing my journey and going to Aglas," she said.

She noticed Boren blocked the door.

Boren looked over at Khali who shook her head slightly.

"Khali. May I have a moment with the Savior?" He asked.

"Dorothy," Dorothy corrected.

Khali nodded, and left the home.

Dorothy sighed, she knew she wasn't a prisoner so what was the problem? Why did they care what she would do now?

"Listen. There is no way I can ever repay you enough for saving my life, but if I am not considered a prisoner then I should be free to go," she said.

Boren looked at her a little sharply, but regained his composure.

He then thought for a moment, and asked, "Would you take a walk with me? After all, it is almost nightfall, wouldn't it be better to leave in the morning?"

Dorothy sighed again. If she sat around any longer than she would think about what she just lost, and what she was losing now, and she didn't want to.

But, deep down she knew the shape shifter was right.

She dropped the bag, and said, "Alright."

Boren smiled slightly and said, "Good choice."

Dorothy and Boren walked out of the door, and people were doing their work as they walked around the village. Some people waived to them.

"You really have a wonderful place here," Dorothy said to him.

"Thank you. We worked hard for our peace," Boren said looking straight ahead.

Dorothy scoffed a little. "I know that feeling."

Boren led her to a small river, and there was a bench there. He motioned for her sit down, and Dorothy admired the beauty of the lush green forest, and the clear blue of the river. This place would rival Oz.

She had to admit that she felt soothed by the running water.

"I want to get straight to the point," he said looking over the water.

He then turned and looked at her, and Dorothy almost caught her breath, as his eyes seemed to focus on her lips for a moment.

"Of course," she answered.

"Are you really who you say you are?" He asked.

"How do you want me to answer that?" Dorothy asked sharply.

Boren leaned back and smiled a little. "However you want," he said.

"I can't prove it. Everything about my story has since been destroyed save for a plaque located in Munchkin City in Oz," she answered.

"I remember hearing that story. The little girl who fell from the sky, and with the help of her three friends, and a witch she killed two witches on her own," he said.

Dorothy couldn't help herself, but she laughed. "That is definitely not all of it."

"May I hear it?"

Dorothy was a little annoyed, but told him everything that she remembered.

Boren sat and listened intently asking questions from time to time.

"So, you are able to time travel?" He asked.

"So, you are able to shift into an animal?" Dorothy asked smiling.

Boren scoffed, but smiled. "Very good, Savior."

Boren looked away in thought and asked. "So, you end up coming back, and you married King Scarecrow, and killed the witches brother. So, it was him that came through here a few months ago."

Dorothy lowered her head. "Yes."

"But, he looked human..."

"I told you how that happened," Dorothy answered.

"What planet are you from?"

"Earth."

"This is unbelievable," he said.

"I really don't care what you believe. If I am not a prisoner what does it matter where I am from? I could be from Mars for all you know," she said.

"Where?"

"Never mind."

"Why did I save you?"

"I don't know, but like I said, I am forever grateful," she said.

Boren looked down at the ring on Dorothy's finger. He noticed the emerald.

Boren looked down and back up at her. "There is no way I cannot believe you."

Dorothy blinked and asked, "Why?"

"Your ring. Only a Queen would be fit for that ring," Boren said.

Dorothy blushed, and covered it with her other finger.

"You look uncomfortable with it, Dorothy."

Dorothy took it off her finger, and held it out to Boren. "This can be replaced. My unborn child who I lost, and my husband cannot."

Boren laughed slightly, and pushed it back at her. "That is not what I meant, Dorothy."

Dorothy blushed again, and put it on her finger. "What did you mean?"

"You seem embarrassed by its wealth," he said.

Dorothy looked down at it and said, "I am not embarrassed by it at all. It is just I am a farm girl, and this kind of wealth was always foreign to me."

"Is that why you never became queen?"

Dorothy nodded. "Among other things. Are you going to tell me your story?"

"Not just yet. I want to know what you think you're doing by leaving and trying to go to Aglas yourself."

"My husband and my friends," Dorothy answered. "Am I a prisoner?"

"As I said, no," he answered.

"Then why are you stalling me?"

"Because you have no idea what you are walking into," he said to her.

"I would have if I had been captured," she said.

"Maybe, but remember my people were slaves once to Aglas. Ordaran is just as bad as his father. He would beat you down, and maybe sell you if you're lucky, and if he really liked you, then he would keep you for his own pleasures," Boren said.

Dorothy rose from her side of the bench. "Thank you for the warning."

Boren rose with her, and narrowed his eyes. "Do you think you can save your husband?"

"I have to try," she said stubbornly.

Suddenly, Boren put his hands on her shoulders and shook her a little. He was trying to knock some sense in her. She was stubborn.

Boren didn't know how or why, but Dorothy Gale was making him feel things he hadn't felt in ages. He kept telling himself that she was married, and her dedication to her husband was something that anyone could envy.

There was something about this woman from another world that stirred his senses. He tried, and tried to stay away from her the week she recovered.

But, he would go and check on her just to get a look. For some reason, he did not want her to leave. He hated himself for it. He knew he should just let her go, because it was none of his business, but there was something about her.

She was definitely not of this world. He could tell by the look of her. She was different in the way she carried herself, and presented herself.

He found himself strangely attracted to her. Khali told him that she did not even flinch when she changed into a cat. In fact, she had been fascinated. He knew she was used to being around other creatures, but none that could change physically.

Dorothy looked down at his hands, and back at him straight in the eyes, and said, "Please let me go."

Boren took his hands from her shoulders and held them in the air.

"I will do as you ask, and spend one more night here, but I will leave as soon as the sun rises," Dorothy said.

Boren wanted to shake her again and make her think about what she was doing.

Actually, he just wanted to kiss her, and feel those pink lips on his. The Scarecrow King had made the right choice waiting for her to come back.

He hated that he was attracted to a married woman, and the wife of a King on top of that. He never had any issues with Oz. In fact, he had not heard a bad word about the straw man, but the King had also made enemies. Ordaran included.

He could see a change in her after the loss of her child. She was now more determined, and not doubtful of her mission.

One way or another she would go. Boren kept thinking that he shouldn't care. That it was her problem. Not his, but she had no idea that trouble that she was bring upon herself.

"Do you even know the layout of the area?" He asked her.

Dorothy shook her head. "No, but I am sure I can find out."

Boren laughed. "How? By dressing as of one of Ordaran's whores?"

Dorothy blinked for a moment. "If that is what I have to do."

Boren laughed aloud again, and knew he was upsetting the King's wife.

"They would eat you alive, Dorothy Gale. You are too sweet for that place," he said.

Dorothy sighed. She had enough. "Alright then. What do you suggest?"

"You stay here till your friends get here," he said, and he meant it. "I know King Oran, and I will make sure he knows you are here."

"That is not an option."

"Then what is?"

"Thank you for your concern, Boren. I am going to get a good night's sleep, and then head out at sunrise," Dorothy said walking away.

Boren did not stop her. He knew he had to make another plan.