Chapter 39

I do not own anything from Wizard of Oz.

Dorothy sat there reading that book that Scarecrow bought her while she was in the hospital to Loila and Lorna. All three women giggled at the words much to Scarecrow's amusement.

Lorna's eyes widened in shock at the words as Dorothy read to her and Loila. "I didn't know your world was like that Dorothy," Lorna said blushing profusely.

Loila sat there with a mischievous smile on her face. "Is that a bad thing?" She asked looking over at Lorna annoyed by her sister's lack of imagination.

Dorothy gasped and started laughing hysterically at the sisters very different reactions to the book.

"Maybe you and Scarecrow can explore that a little more," Loila said that to antagonize her sister and make her blush more, but instead made Dorothy clear her throat in embarrassment.

Scarecrow chuckled. He was actually pretty curious what else was in that book, he admitted to himself smiling.

After their reunions with their friends the couple was now holed up right outside of Emerald City in Tin Man's cottage.

No one knew that they were alive, but their closest friends.

They were getting everyone together secretly now. Lion and Tin Man were patrolling the area so there were no spies around. Things were very intense right now. The rest of the royal guards were being watched very closely and that meant Lion and Tin Man.

Tomorrow the council would meet with the people of Oz to decide what Oz's fate would be after the death of the queen and the supposed "death" of Scarecrow and Dorothy.

However, Scarecrow had something he needed to do tonight, and he made sure Dorothy would stay here with the others. She was still recovering, so he would not risk her still fragile health.

Oscar walked in and said, "Scarecrow, Dorothy. We're ready."

Tin Man had secured another location where they could move around and speak with Oran in secret.

The couple stood, and left Loran and Loila with the book. They could only read a little of Dorothy's language, so they were sounding out the words making Dorothy giggle a little despite the tense situation.

Dorothy put on her hood, and so did Scarecrow. They were to meet with Oran. Oran had to make sure he was safe enough to meet with them to give them an update on the council's decision. He was the new head, but his power was still only decided by votes.

Tomorrow would be a deciding factor on Scarecrow and Dorothy's fate.

Glinda and Leandra hugged Dorothy, and all the women had cried when they first spotted Dorothy and Scarecrow through the portal.

Scarecrow told a still recovering Khali about her brother's heroics, and she began to cry.

"I am going to go release him tonight," Scarecrow said to her.

"Scarecrow whether you believe this or not, when he threw me it was not as bad as it looked. He didn't have a good grip on me, and I kind of dramatized it," she explained.

"I really don't think he meant to kill Ami, and King Jonah, but it happened," she finished.

Scarecrow nodded. "He is still your brother, and I understand your loyalty. He either leaves Oz forever or dies. It will be his choice. We can't risk him staying here. He will be executed for his crimes."

Khali nodded understanding.

They came upon the wooded area where Tin Man and Lion appeared with Aslan giving an all clear. Oran came out of the woods and lowered his hood.

He looked Scarecrow up and down in the low light of the lanterns and shook his head in disbelief when he spotted Dorothy.

"The gods smile on you two," he said smiling as they shook hands, and Dorothy embraced him.

"What has the council decided?" Scarecrow asked.

"They will agree to an interim governing body, but it has to be members of the council being the heads, with Oscar and Glinda advising. However, the Fairy Kingdom is making a big stink about Ozma, and demanding a replacement come from them," Oran explained.

"Is the council actually going to agree to this?" Scarecrow asked angrily.

Oran put a hand on his shoulder. "You know I voted no, but if the Fairies threaten war they might, and I am already outnumbered by them. They think I am betraying them by disagreeing with everything."

"This country can't afford another war," Oscar said in frustration.

"We've been through enough, haven't we? You wonder why the people are so angry, this is why," Tin Man added.

"You know if you step up, then this will all end," Oran said to Scarecrow.

Scarecrow turned and looked back at Dorothy. "I will make my decision when I see it for myself. I am hoping to have more faith that the people of this land can make the right decision and not listen to the council. Sorry Oran, we are still a sovereign nation like yours."

"Dully noted, understood, and agreed," Oran answered.

"I am going to send an ambassador to the Fairy Kingdom to try to calm things, but they are not believing that you are dead either, and are demanding justice on you," Oran said.

"They can stand in line. Anyway, nothing you are telling me is unexpected."

"I have to get back to the castle before I am missed," Oran said looking around.

"Actually, I am going with you," Scarecrow said.

"Oh? Are you sure you want to chance it?"

"Who knows that place better than me?"

Oran scoffed and nodded waiting for Scarecrow to say goodbye.

The rest of the group retired for the night as to not draw suspicion, and quickly scattered.

"I want to come with you," Dorothy said insistent.

Scarecrow raised his eyebrow at her. "You are still not your best. Besides, if I need rescuing I need you to do it."

Dorothy smiled slightly despite hating being separated from her husband again.

Tin Man and Khali waited patiently for Dorothy to join them.

"Just do me a favor," she finally said resigning to Scarecrow's wishes.

"What?"

"Just let him go. He saved both of us," she said looking back at Khali.

"I will do my best," Scarecrow said.

"I love you." Dorothy said trying not to tear up.

Scarecrow kissed her, and then he was gone with Oran into the night.

"Come on, he will be fine," Tin Man said to Dorothy who stood and stared into the woods.

…

"Are you sure you want to release him?"

"He saved both myself and Dorothy so I have to for his own life," Scarecrow answered Oran as they made their way through the tunnels.

Oran shook his head and laughed a little. "You are too honorable sometimes, but…."

"But what?"

"You have no idea how happy I was to find out that you were both still here with us," Oran said sincerely.

Scarecrow smiled. "Thanks."

"So, how was Dorothy's world?"

Scarecrow shook his head in amazement. "You have no idea of the things they can do. She was pretty close to death, and they saved her."

"You're going to leave aren't you?"

"Yes."

Oran thought for a moment. "Can I talk you out of it?"

Scarecrow stopped and turned to the other king. "How much more can I take? Since the Fairy Kingdom wants my head, how much more can I put Dorothy through? It is not fair on her, and certainly not fair on Oz."

Oran nodded. "If you let me talk to them then maybe…."

"Oran you know just as well as I do that won't happen," Scarecrow said interrupting.

They reached the secret door to the jail cells, and Oran drew his sword with Scarecrow.

"I know, but I thought I would try," he said to Scarecrow.

Scarecrow didn't answer him. He peaked through the door, and found a couple of sleeping guards, but it appeared to be pretty empty.

Scarecrow made some hand gestures to a nodding Oran, and both men entered the jail cells.

….

They were easily able to overthrow the guards without making any noise. Scarecrow was careful not to hurt them. He was lucky; none of them had recognized either of them.

Boren watched silently as two hooded men took out the guards, and swallowed hard. It was obvious they were coming for him.

He no longer had shape-shifting powers, so he could not defend himself.

The two men spoke in whispers for a moment, and one of them slipped back through a secret door silently.

The other one was still shadowed in the darkness.

"Who are you?" Boren asked trying not to show the fear in his voice as the one that was left turned and stared him down.

The man put his gloved finger to his mouth, and opened the door. He then put the sword up to Boren's chest, and said in a whisper, "Get out."

Boren put his hands up and did as he was told. "Where do I go?"

"The door I came through," the man said.

"If you're going to kill me then just get it over with," Boren said stopping as he exited the jail cell.

The man suddenly grabbed him by the neck, and Boren could have swore he caught a glimpse of his face, but wasn't sure.

"I am not going to kill you unless you give me a reason to," the man whispered angrily.

Boren nodded furiously, and turned as they made their way through the tunnel, and then out to the wilderness.

Boren's heart pounded in his chest and his breathing was quick. His body was tense as they walked.

He had no idea who this was, but he appreciated that he was out of that jail cell.

"Stop," the man ordered seemingly satisfied that they were far enough into the forest.

Boren suddenly spotted a horse come out of the woods, and realized it was Scarecrow's horse Kronos.

He turned to look at the man again, but was stopped by the sword in his face.

Scarecrow?

Before Boren could say anything else a knife was at his throat, and he began to cry out, but was silenced by a hand over his mouth.

"I don't know why I am doing this, but like my wife says there has been enough death," the voice whispered.

Boren's eyes widened in shock as Scarecrow spoke into his ear.

They were alive after all. Their bodies hadn't been found after the fall, so there had been whispers they had survived.

"You are alive. Is Dorothy all right?" Boren asked as he took in the news of who his rescuer was.

"She is recovering. I am doing this for her and Khali. I should kill you for what you did to Ami, but I know Ami would not want that either," Scarecrow said still holding the knife to his throat.

Boren could not believe that both Scarecrow and Dorothy were alive. How those two survived things he would never know.

Boren was suddenly released from Scarecrow's grip, and fell to the ground.

"What do you want from me then?" Boren asked rubbing his throat as he tried to stand.

"You are going to live if you get on my horse right now, and leave Oz forever. Kronos is a seasoned warrior, so if you try anything he has orders to kill till you are dead," Scarecrow said.

"Well….."

"If you don't agree then there will be consequences. You will be executed for killing a guard of Oz, and a king. You do realize you murdered a king right?" Scarecrow asked shaking his head.

Boren knew he had no choice. Scarecrow was letting him go, and he could have easily killed him.

Kronos snorted in the background.

However, Boren wanted to try to bargain. "May I just see Dorothy and my sister?"

"Haven't you done enough Boren?" Scarecrow answered with a question obviously very agitated with him.

Boren lowered his head in shame. Ami and that King were haunting him.

"Yes, but…."

Scarecrow raised his sword. "I am giving you an out. Are you going to take it or not?"

Boren knew had no choice and had to go.

He looked over at Kronos who was fitted with supplies for him.

"I will do as you ask, since we are now even," Boren said.

Scarecrow raised his sword again. "We are not even, my friend. You helped take my child's life remember? So, I would be justified, but Dorothy would not want that. She still cries about it."

Boren bristled at the mention of Dorothy's loss.

"I never meant to hurt her. I was only doing as I was told to protect her, but I loved her too," Boren said.

Scarecrow laughed bitterly. "If that is your idea of love, then I really wouldn't want to be the object of your affections."

Kronos snorted again angrily.

Boren knew he had no choice. Scarecrow was ready to run him through, and he was making Scarecrow angrier by procrastinating.

He looked at Kronos who looked at him in disgust, but bent down a little so he could mount his back.

"Tell my sister, I love her. Tell Dorothy I am sorry," Boren said as he climbed Kronos.

Scarecrow sheathed his sword.

"Go, before I change my mind," Scarecrow said.

He watched as Kronos took off into the night with Boren. He didn't know if it was a mistake to let him go, but he knew had to do it.

Scarecrow heard voices in the distance as guards began to look for Boren.

Covering his head, he blended into the night.

….

Dorothy waited for Scarecrow to return. It was almost dawn before she caught a glimpse of him walking up to the cottage as the others slept besides Tin Man.

Dorothy ran out of the door and into his waiting arms.

Khali and Tin Man came out and waited for the news.

"He is still alive, but Kronos has orders," Scarecrow said.

Khali nodded sadly not saying anything, and both her and Tin Man went back into the cottage.

Dorothy cupped Scarecrow's face and said, "You look tired."

Scarecrow smiled at her and said, "We will still have a long day ahead of us. Did you get any rest last night?"

Dorothy shrugged. "On and off. Will this be the last time we are separated?"

Scarecrow laughed slightly. "At least it was only for a night."

Tin Man and Khali left not a short time later.

Scarecrow and Dorothy made their way slowly to Emerald City.

People and creatures were gathering around the poppy fields on the outside of the city to see what was going to happen to Oz.

Dorothy found it easy to blend in and not be recognized as they made their way through the gathering crowds.

She was shocked at how many citizens came for the news today.

Thankfully, the rain had begun so keeping their hoods up was a blessing in disguise.

They made their way into the city without any issues, and no one gave them a second glance.

There was a huge stage that was set in front of the castle, and Dorothy spotted their friends right away.

They stood there and spoke amongst themselves for a little while as the crowds quieted down.

Scarecrow just stared ahead, but squeezed Dorothy's hand in reassurance.

Scarecrow and Dorothy smiled slightly as they started off with a "memorial service" for the couple. Dorothy wanted to throw off her hood and reveal herself as she could hear sniffles in the background.

Glinda made a beautiful speech, which brought Dorothy to tears, but she could see the twinkle in her eyes as she read it.

Glinda choked up as she finished, and went back into the crowd. All was quiet now.

Oscar took the helm and began to speak.

"Citizens of Oz. Through this sad time we must get to business. After speaking with the council of the realm we have decided to place an interim governing body consisting of myself, King Oran advising, and other members of the council along with my wife Glinda, until we can decide on where to go from here. However, we…."

The crowd began to protest and disagree with one another.

Dorothy and Scarecrow stayed quiet and looked around.

"We don't want anymore royalty here!"

"Scarecrow was our one and true King! We don't want anymore!"

"Tell them to leave! They are not citizens of Oz!"

"Remember what Ozma did to us! Scarecrow could not save us!"

Oscar tried to calm the crowd, but they began to get restless.

"The wizard is a traitor!" One person yelled.

Oscar looked completely shocked, and the crowd starting to yell and scream more obscenities.

Scarecrow pulled Dorothy closer to him.

Oscar continued to speak in the background, but they were not having it. Glinda tried to calm them, but it was not to be.

"They are going to riot," Scarecrow said lowly.

Dorothy began to panic a little as her and Scarecrow was starting to be pushed around.

Soldiers and guards began to gather to subdue anyone who charged the stage.

More and more they began to push each other around. Dorothy could see fights beginning to break out.

Glinda tried a few things, but Oscar pulled her back.

Dorothy looked around as Scarecrow as trying to keep people away from them.

Finally, Dorothy had enough. She let out a frustrated sound, and began to move letting go of Scarecrow's hand.

Scarecrow turned to see Dorothy had pulled from his grasp, and was making her way through the crowd.

"Dorothy!" He yelled as people and creatures were fighting each other. He pushed them out of his way.

Dorothy was stopped, but was able to get through some of the rioters.

He followed as close as he could wondering what she was going to do.

She reached the stage and began to argue with the guards. Finally, Oscar cleared them and helped her up there. They spoke for a moment before Dorothy removed her hood and looked over the rioting people.

Some people began to do double takes when they spotted the savior.

Dorothy took out the pistol that she thought she had lost, but Oscar had found.

The shots popped like fireworks as she fired the gun into the air.

Some screams were heard through the crowd as Dorothy fired the shots. The onlookers began to gasp and whisper as they spotted the savior up on the stage.

Dorothy turned to the crowd and yelled, "Stop this madness!"

Scarecrow stopped at the side of the stage as the attention was now focused on Dorothy Gale the Savior of Oz.