When the sun rose and shed it's light on the travelers, Tip and Liir were peacefully asleep beside each other, as if they were lovers. The Pumpkinhead looked at them, and almost didn't want to wake them, but they had a journey to do.
Once awake, the two boys rubbed the sleep from their eyes, put their magical blankets back in Liir's bag, bathed in a little brook, and then ate a portion of Tip's bread and cheese and Liir's dried apples.
When they were thus prepared for the new day, the slow-aging boy said, "Let us start at once. Nine miles is quite a distance, but we ought to reach the Emerald City by noon if no accidents happen." So the Pumpkinhead was again perched upon the back of the Saw-Horse and the journey was resumed, with their two dear fathers on either side of them to make sure Jack didn't fall off.
Tip and Liir noticed that the purple tint of the grass and trees had now faded to a dull lavender, and before long this lavender appeared to take on a greenish tinge that gradually brightened as they drew nearer to the great City where the Scarecrow ruled. Tip had to admit he was somewhat nervous about meeting his best friend's father, especially since Jack wouldn't stop calling him and Liir their fathers.
Liir was also nervous, but more so than his friend. His parents had repeatedly told him about their histories, and why they had to flee Oz. Liir grew frightened that he would be recognized as the son of both the traitorous Fiyero Tigelaar and the Wicked Witch of the West. Afterall, he was almost the spitting image of his father, who had publically declared his love for the wanted Elphaba. And Liir was SURE his father would be furious if he showed up at the Emerald City palace with runaway best friend; a Pumpkinhead who called him 'father'; and a walking, talking sawhorse. Or at least, give him a stern lecture he didn't want to hear. It amazed him why those thoughts hadn't occurred to him before.
The little party had traveled but a short two miles upon their way when the road of yellow brick was parted by a broad and swift river. They were puzzled how to cross over, since Liir's broom couldn't fit the Saw-horse; but after a time he discovered a man in a ferry-boat approaching from the other side of the stream.
When the man reached the bank Tip asked, "Will you row us to the other side?"
"Yes, if you have money," returned the ferryman, whose face looked cross and disagreeable.
"But I have no money," said Tip.
"None at all?" inquired the man.
"None at all," answered the boy.
The man turned to Liir, "What about you?"
"A little." The young sorcerer answered, "But I fear it won't be enough for all of us."
"Then I'll not break my back rowing you over," said the ferryman, decidedly.
"What a nice man!" remarked the Pumpkinhead, smilingly.
The ferryman stared at him, but made no reply. Tip was trying to think, for it was a great disappointment to him to find his journey so suddenly brought to an end.
"We must certainly get to the Emerald City," he said to the boatman; "but how can we cross the river if you do not take us?"
The man laughed, and it was not a nice laugh. "That wooden horse will float," said he; "and you can ride him across. As for the pumpkinheaded loon who accompanies you, let him sink or swim it won't matter greatly which. As for the other boy, he may come."
At this, Liir glared and balled his fists, "If you will not take my family, then you will not take me."
"Don't worry about me," said Jack, smiling pleasantly upon the crabbed ferryman; "I'm sure I ought to float beautifully."
Tip thought the experiment was worth making, and the Saw-Horse, who did not know what danger meant, offered no objections whatever. So the slow-aging boy led it down into the water and climbed upon its back. Jack also waded in up to his knees and grasped the tail of the horse so that he might keep his pumpkin head above the water. Liir took out his broom and muttered a spell that made the ferryman's shirt and trousers see-through.
"Now," said Tip, instructing the Saw-Horse, "if you wiggle your legs you will probably swim; and if you swim we shall probably reach the other side."
The Saw-Horse at once began to wiggle its legs, which acted as oars and moved the adventurers slowly across the river to the opposite side. So successful was the trip that presently they were climbing, wet and dripping, up the grassy bank.
Tip's trouser-legs and shoes were thoroughly soaked; but the Saw-Horse had floated so perfectly that from his knees up the boy was entirely dry. As for the Pumpkinhead, every stitch of his gorgeous clothing dripped water.
Liir, who was completely dry thanks to his broom, quickly dried them with his magic.
After being properly thanked, the group continued on their journey. While they did so, Tip asked his friend, "So Liir, when you told that ferryman we were your family, did you mean me?"
At this, Liir grew flustered again. He wanted to tell his friend, but couldn't, not completely. "Of course! My mom said that friends can be like family, so did my dad."
Tip giggled. "Why do I get the feeling you're not being completely honest?"
"I don't know." Liir lied with a bright red face.
At this, a mischievous idea popped into Tip's mind. He quickly made his way next to his friend, and clasped his hand. Liir's heart raced. Sure, they'd held hands before, but, not like this. "I think you do." He merrily sing-songed.
Liir's throat went dry. Was this it? He hopped he wouldn't be friend-zoned.
Tip giggled again. "You know, we do make a nice family." He released Liir's hand and wrapped his arm around him, "A bit unusual, but nice." He then pointed to himself, Liir, Jack, and the Saw-horse, "Father, Papa, older son, younger son." He then returned his hand to Liir's side, "Family."
"Yeah." Liir said, barely paying attention as his arm, on its own accord, wrapped around Tip. "Family."
As they walked, Tip thought of more ways to push his friend. Finally, he said, "You know, I'm not sure how the meeting with your da-The Scarecrow, will go, but, I do know, once we enter the Emerald City, I'm never leaving!"
"Never?" Liir asked, heartbroken.
"Well, not never," Tip answered, "when old Mombi dies."
"Who knows when that will be?" Liir asked.
"You'll still visit, right?"
"You know I can't do that!" Liir loudly whispered.
"And why not, dear Papa?" Jack asked.
"L-long story." Liir answered, "I'll tell you later."
"Ok." Jack merrily replied.
"I know. But, maybe, if I had a... special someone?" Tip's tone said it all.
"D-do you have a crush on me?" A dumb-founded Liir asked at last.
Tip simply giggled, and kissed the corner of his friend's mouth, dangerously close to his lips. "What do you think?"
Liir blinked. Then, showing that he had inherited his parents impulsiveness, grabbed Tip and gave him a passionate kiss. Tip, although a bit surprised, didn't object, and eventually kissed back.
When the two finally came up for air, they stared at each other. Eventually, they started laughing.
"What's so funny?" The Saw-horse asked, but the boys didn't reply.
"I think it had something to do with them pressing their mouths together." Jack suggested.
"Why would that be funny?"
"I have no idea."
The boys, meanwhile, had somewhat managed to compose themselves, and Tip asked, "I had no idea you'd be that passionate."
"Neither did I!" Liir laughed, "It just happened." Then, he calmed himself to just a smile and said, "I've had a crush on you for a long time."
"How long?" Tip asked with a laugh.
"Remember when I had to reset your legs and right arm after Mombi beat you that one time?" Liir asked.
"Yeah, can't remember what I did to deserve that." Tip replied.
"Well, after I did, I realized what might've happened if I wasn't there. I began thinking of all sorts of things, then, I thought what would happen if you lived with me. And the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to be with you."
Tip smiled again, "I think I was always in love. I'm not sure, I just like being with you." Tip gave Liir another kiss, "And I like kissing you, and touching you, and just being affectionate."
Liir chuckled. "Guess this means we're together."
Tip's smile widened. "Guess it does."