The Wizard of Oz
Dawn was walking around Primerose’s winter cottage. Harley, a surprising friend of Primerose, was visiting that day. He was singing a song.
“We're off to see the Wizard, The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
You'll find he is a whiz of a Wiz! If ever a Wiz! there was.
If ever oh ever a Wiz! there was The Wizard of Oz is one because,
Because, because, because, because, because.
Because of the wonderful things he does.
We're off to see the Wizard. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
“What are you singing Harley?” Dawn asked.
“Why don’t you know silly? It’s from the Wizard of Oz! Like, you know, the movie?” Harley said. “Any smart person with a brain would know about it.” And he bounced away.
“Weirdo. Of course I’ve seen the Wizard of Oz. But it’s just not common to sing it…” Dawn said to herself and laid down in bed. She had been training all day with her Mamoswine. The Grand Festival was soon, and on top of that, she had to earn one more ribbon. She was laying on the top of her bed, when suddenly, there was a horrid gust of wind blowing around the house, and then glass windows started to break. Dawn screamed, but then remembered that except for Harley and the servants, she was alone in the house. “Harley are you around?”
There was no answer. Dawn screamed more but still no answer. Suddenly, it felt as if she were being lifted off the ground, defying gravity. She ran to the window, but found that she couldn’t get very close to it because of the amazing wind. It was blowing around like a cyclone. “This isn’t good!” Dawn cried. “Harley!!!” She cried one last time, and before she could call again, a pink bauble fell off of a shelf and landed right on her head with a hard clunk. Everything around Dawn went dark after that…
When Dawn opened her eyes, she found herself on the floor of the room she was sleeping in. Sunlight came through the windows, which were still shattered. She went to them but gasped. “We’re so not in Snowpoint City anymore.” She whispered. “Where are we?” She went out the window, figuring Harley had gone out already. Well, wherever she was, the land around her was certainly beautiful. Everything was bright and colorful. The trees and grass were bright green and the flowers were amazingly bright with color.
Suddenly, a bubble was in front of her, glowing and it grew and grew and grew some more. “Why hello.” It spoke.
“Who are you? Or, rather, where are you?” Dawn asked.
“Oh, right, how rude of me! I’m not done yet, please hold on, and I shall explain.” The bubble seemed to say. Finally, it formed into a woman, who had long brown hair, like in pigtails, only a lot longer. She wore a red dress with a large silver crown and had a large silver wand with a star shape on it. “I am May, the Good Witch from the North. Welcome to Munchkinland, a city in our great land of Oz!”
“Oh, well, nice to meet you. I’m Dawn.”
“I see you have strong powers, Dawn because you have just dropped a house on the Wicked Witch of the East, Alanna.”
“Oh no! I killed her?!” Dawn gasped, when May pointed out the feet of a body. Ruby slippers that sparkled were on her feet.
“Yes, but do not worry, Dawn. You did us a great favor! She was very very evil.”
“I didn’t mean to do anything though! I landed here after a cyclone. I want to go back to Snowpoint City!” Dawn said. “Can you help me?”
“Munchkins!” May called, ignoring Dawn for a moment. “Come out and greet the one who saved you. Come on, be nice.”
Little people, who looked strangely like Pokémon appeared. Four stepped forward. The one who most closely resembled a Mawile spoke first. “I am the Mayor of the Munchkins. You are certainly wonderful. Please take our prized tin can for a reward.”
Dawn forced a smile. “Oh thank you.” She managed to say.
The one that looked like a Pachirisu without a tail came forth. “I’m from the Lollipop guild! Take this lollipop as a reward!” he spoke. Again, Dawn forced a smile and thank you.
The last two came forward, but only one spoke. Both resembled Roserades. “You did a great service, especially to the Flower Guild. Please take this bunch of Dawn Flowers as a reward.” He said coldly, as if in reality, he did not care. But these Dawn greatly appreciated, and they did smile lovely. Then, the Munchkins began to sing
“Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The
Wicked Witch!
Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead.
Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed.
Wake up, the Wicked Witch is dead. She's gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Wicked Witch is dead!”
Then, out of nowhere, a horrid puff of smoke appeared in the middle of the town. “No no it’s the Wicked Witch of the West!” the Flower Guild leader spoke. “Your singing roused her!” he snapped. Out of all the Munchkins, he appeared to be the coldest and yet the most talkative. The other Munchkins ran towards their houses.
May seemed to have anticipated this. “Hello, Primerose. Come to pay respects to your sister?”
“So the blasted singing is true then? How dare they sing my sister’s death! Oh Alanna! Well, next in line for the slippers is me, so let me just…”
But May giggled and flicked her wand. “Oh, what slippers? Those black ones?”
Primerose turned, and Dawn now had a good view of her. Her skin was green, and her hair pink. She wore a black pointy hat and dress. “What are you looking at? My green skin and pink hair, right? Well, I didn’t ask for the skin! It runs in the family!” Then she turned back to the feet but the ruby slippers were gone. “What did you do to them?! They are rightfully mine! Give them back May!”
“But they aren’t meant for you. For you are more wicked than Alanna was. Look Dawn now has them, and they fit her well.” May said. Dawn looked down, and saw that her shoes had been replaced by the ruby slippers.
“But how…”
“She stole them!” Primerose cackled. “Well, give them back!!!”
“Oh no,” May said, “you know the rules. You can’t have them unless she is dead. And you’re powers are useless here in Munchkinland, plus we have a whole lot of witnesses who can slip off and run down south…”
“Enough!” Primerose cackled again. “Anyone who goes down south is out of their mind! Anyone who tries to bargain with that witch is simply crazy! Besides, that little pretty brat cannot stay in Munchkinland forever! And when she leaves…” Primerose cackled even louder than before. “I’ll get you my pretty!” and she vanished just like she came.
“Oh no!” Dawn moaned. “I didn’t ask for this!”
May smiled sadly. “Of course not. She’s just mostly upset that Alanna was flattened by your house. But, in reality, the only one who can help you is the Wizard of Oz.”
“Oh, and how do I get to him?” Dawn asked.
“Just follow the yellow brick road. And don’t let, no matter what, Primerose get those ruby slippers. They are very powerful and if she gets them, that’s the end of Oz as we know. I must go now, and bargain with the Witch of the South.”
“Who is the Witch of the South?” Dawn asked.
May hesitated. “Just a relative who is very greedy.” Dawn knew there was more to the Witch of the South than that, and looked at May expectantly. “No Dawn, please, don’t ask!”
“But why? What’s so wrong with her? Why do you have to ‘bargain’ with her?”
“Please.” May begged.
“Alright.” Dawn gave in.
“Just follow the yellow brick road. And good luck!” May called and then vanished back into the bubble she came from. Dawn stood in place, somewhat dumbstruck, but the Munchkins brought her out of it.
“Are you going to go now, or are you hungry?” the Lollipop Guild representative asked.
“No, I should go now.” Dawn said. “I’ll find food along the way, like from trees or so. So, I have to follow the yellow brick road…”
“Follow the yellow brick road!” the Mayor said.
“Follow the yellow brick road!” the Lollipop Guild representative said.
“Follow the yellow brick road!” said the Flower Guild representative.
Soon, all the Munchkins began to sing as Dawn walked along the yellow brick road:
“Follow the Yellow Brick Road. Follow the Yellow Brick
Road.
Follow, follow, follow, follow,
Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
Follow the Yellow Brick, Follow the Yellow Brick,
Follow the Yellow Brick Road.
You're off to see the Wizard, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
You'll find he is a whiz of a Wiz! If ever a Wiz! there was.
If ever oh ever a Wiz! there was The Wizard of Oz is one because,
Because, because, because, because, because.
Because of the wonderful things he does.
You're off to see the Wizard. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!”
Dawn blinked. Harley sang that last verse before! She wondered what had happened to him. He clearly got away before Primerose or May could find him. She decided he must have wandered along and she’ll meet up with him later. Then something else occurred to her. Why did everyone here remind her or have the same names of people she knew? Another, very strange thing. It must be coincidence. After all, some names are more common than others.
Dawn walked along looking around to make sure Primerose the Wicked Witch from the West wasn’t around. She was no out of the safety of Munchkinland. Soon, she found herself at a crossing. There were three paths before her, and all of them were part of the yellow brick road. “Now what way?!” Dawn hissed. “Why isn’t there just a map of Oz somewhere?”
“Oh, well, I can’t answer that for you, but the left path seems nice.” Said a voice.
“Who said that?” Dawn looked around. All that was around was a Scarecrow in a field of corn. Dawn turned away.
“Or the path to the right is nice. Or you could take both ways to explore!” said the same voice. Dawn turned back and saw that the Scarecrow was pointing in two ways.
“You said that?” Dawn gasped.
“Well of course!” said the Scarecrow. “I am alive… I guess.”
“What do you mean, you guess? Can’t you decide on anything?”
“No.” said the Scarecrow.
“What do you mean no?”
“I don’t have a brain!” he moaned. “A pretty girl like you, yes, you know you have a brain. That’s how come you can go from place to place. All I know is that I’m bound to my field by this pole, which isn’t very comfy because I’m brainless and not scary enough to scare crows away.”
“What on earth do you mean?” Dawn asked. Just then a crow, that looked similar to a Murkrow, appeared and landed near the Scarecrow.
“Shoo!” said the Scarecrow. The crow just laughed and took some corn and flew off with it. “Oh, see! What kind of Scarecrow am I? The kind without a brain!”
“But how can you talk, if you don’t have a brain?” Dawn asked. She felt confused.
“I suppose it just comes naturally. After all, everyone and everything talks in its own way, doesn’t it? By the way, I’m pretty sure my name is Harley, Harley the Scarecrow.”
Harley?! Was this another coincidence too? Yes, Harley is a common name after all. “I’m Dawn. Would you like some help getting down?”
“Why, that would be most kind of you. Can you reach? I’m pretty sure I’m high up here.”
Dawn tried to reach but failed to reach the Scarecrow’s neck. “Nope, I can’t.”
“Oh, in that case, I’m fairly certain that there’s a nail back there and if you just pulled it out I should slip down.” He said. Sure enough he did. He tumbled down and bounced up. Some of his straw fell out of his body. Dawn screamed. “Oh don’t worry! It’s just straw. It doesn’t hurt in the least.” He stuffed himself back and skipped around. “Ah that’s so much better. You are so kind, Dawn. Where are you off to?”
“I’m going to see the Wizard of Oz, so he can send me home.” Dawn said. Then she had an idea. “Maybe he can give you a brain!”
The Scarecrow smiled. “Yes, maybe he can! Imagine what I could do with this brain! I could do almost anything.”
Dawn smiled, and together they sang:
“We're off to see the Wizard, The Wonderful Wizard of
Oz.
We hear he is a whiz of a Wiz! If ever a Wiz! there was.
If ever oh ever a Wiz! there was The Wizard of Oz is one because,
Because, because, because, because, because.
Because of the wonderful things he does.
We're off to see the Wizard. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!”
They had decided to take the path to the north, and it took them through a deep wood. They walked and talked about their lives, especially Dawn’s. The Scarecrow’s life was simple: he hung off the pole and tried to scare crows away and since he couldn’t think for himself, he failed horribly. Soon they came near a small cottage in the woods. Something shiny in the forest had caught Dawn’s eye. And then came a sound. “Mmmmpme.”
“Did you say something, Scarecrow?” Dawn asked.
“No, but if I had to guess, that shiny statue might have.” He said and he was right. A statue that was silver, probably made of tin, was standing with an axe in its hand.
“Mmmmpme!” it seemed to say. Its lips were rusted together, as was the rest of its body.
“Look, there is oil in his bag!” Dawn said and they began to oil him. Soon, he was walking around and smiled.
“Oh thank you.” He said. “I am Gary the Tin Man.”
“I’m Dawn, and this is Harley the Scarecrow. How did you end up like this?” Dawn asked.
“It’s simple really. I was trying to chop a tree when it began to rain. And then I rusted in place. I stood like that for a whole year.” Said the Tin Man sadly.
“Well, your perfect now! Now you can finish your job!” said the Scarecrow eagerly.
“Oh, I’m perfect am I? No I’m not. Just bang my chest.” Dawn hesitated at that. “Go ahead, Dawn, bang it.” She did.
“Wonderful! What a lovely echo.” Said Scarecrow happily.
“It’s empty.” The Tin Man said.
“What do you mean it’s empty?” Scarecrow asked.
“The tinsmith forgot to give me a heart.”
“No heart?!” Dawn and the Scarecrow said at once.
“That’s right. No heart. And my, how I wish I had one. Everyone has a heart. They need it to feel emotions and empathize and sympathize. Some may choose to ignore their heart, but I would take care of my heart and use it to feel everything I could!” the Tin Man sighed.
“Well, we’re going to see the Wizard of Oz.” said the Scarecrow. “Maybe he can give you a heart!”
“Oh, do you think so?” the Tin Man said with hope in his silvery eyes.
“Of course!” Dawn said. “Quick now, back to the yellow brick road.”
But before they left that clearing, a cackle was let open into the air. “I found you, pretty face! Hand over the ruby slippers and I’ll let you and your friends go.” They turned. Primerose was on her broomstick and had a fireball in her hand. “Hurry, I might slip.” She said.
“No, never!” Dawn said.
“You leave her alone!” the Scarecrow said. “If those are her ruby slippers, then she has ever right to keep them. You don’t deserve them as it is.”
“And who are you to speak, O Brainless one?” Primerose snapped. “Ten seconds before I throw! Plenty of time to think it out.”
“No Dawn don’t do it!” the Tin Man said. “I may never had to worry about ruby slippers before, but I do know that it must be hard to have a prized possession taken away from you.”
“Oh yes, I know that feeling all too well. Well Dawn, what have decided?” Primeorse snapped.
“No! You cannot have them!”
“Okay then.” Primerose flung the fireball at the Scarecrow. Dawn screamed, but the Tin Man shoved the Scarecrow away. “Huh, what an annoyance! But you cannot dodge twice in a row!” she threw two at once towards the Scarecrow this time. Again the Tin Man saved him. “Stop interfering! This is nothing personal, just a way to make Dawn give up her slippers. The other alternative, Dawn, is to give yourself over willingly.” Dawn raised her eyebrows. “Of course you won’t. Stubborn.”
The Tin Man began to swing his axe near Primerose. She raised an eyebrow. “I have to go for awhile. But be warned, next time we meet, I will hit harder and you will die!” She flew away on her broomstick, cackling. “Beware, Dawn. Beware! I will get you in the end. The crystal ball from the Witch of the South tells me so. And it never lies!”
Dawn and the others watched her fly higher and higher. They decided to press on faster than before. They decided to sing the same song as before to keep their minds from wandering:
“We're off to see the
Wizard, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
We hear he is a whiz of a Wiz! If ever a Wiz! there was.
If ever oh ever a Wiz! there was The Wizard of Oz is one because,
Because, because, because, because, because.
Because of the wonderful things he does.
We're off to see the Wizard. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!”
They soon came to area full of various signs. They read: “Beware! Turn back now!” “Primerose, the Wicked Witch of the West lives here!” and “She will kill you if you don’t go turn back now!”
Dawn, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man shivered at the signs. They were now on the Witch’s property.
The area smelt like a swamp, yet pink and red roses grew all over the place, wild and free, although their thorns were larger and dripping some mystery ooze, probably poison. They then came to a large house made of candy. “Is that part of the Witch’s property?” the Scarecrow asked.
“I don’t know. I think so.” Dawn said.
“It looks good!” the Tin Man said. “Who knew she had a sweet tooth?”
“Maybe, but let’s not stick around to find out.” Dawn said and they continued on, although a bit reluctantly.
They soon found that they were clear of the swampy smell and feel and the poisoned rose thorns. That meant they were free of the Witch’s property. But then they came to a small tiny sign that they nearly missed. “Beware! Lions, Tigers and Bears!”
“What does that mean?” the Scarecrow asked.
“Oh, I know what that means,” said the Tin Man, “it means that there are a lot of wild Lions, Tigers and Bears.”
“Oh dear. Are they nice?” Dawn asked.
“Then the sign would be pointless then, wouldn’t it?” the Scarecrow asked.
“You’re right.” Dawn sighed. They continued forward with no signs of Lions, Tigers or Bears. But suddenly, Dawn heard a faint something or other. It sounded like a muffled roar. “Did either of you say something?” Dawn asked. When both shook their heads no, she sighed. “No, of course not.” The muffled sound came again. “Now for real! Who is saying that?”
“I did.” A giant Lion popped out of the bushes. “I’m Drew the Lion.” He growled a little and came close, threateningly. The group backed up. He came closer, but he didn’t growl. If anything, he looked ready to run away. Dawn slapped him across the cheek. “Ow! Why did you do that?” he pouted. He suddenly didn’t look so threatening.
“Because you were threatening us Until the… end! You didn’t growl when u got closer the second time.” Dawn said.
“Of course not! I’m perhaps the biggest coward you’ll ever meet. I’m not just any old Lion. I’m a Cowardly Lion!” he moaned. “I’m sorry to have scared you. I even scared myself just then.”
“Oh you poor thing!” Dawn said, stroking his furry mane. “We’re going to see the Wizard of Oz. You should come with us! I’m sure he could give you courage.”
“Do… do you really think so?” the Lion asked.
“Yes, I do.”
“Wonderful!” the Lion said. “Let’s be going then.” So, for the last time, they sang their faithful, cheerful song:
“We're off to see the
Wizard, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
We hear he is a whiz of a Wiz! If ever a Wiz! there was.
If ever oh ever a Wiz! there was The Wizard of Oz is one because,
Because, because, because, because, because.
Because of the wonderful things he does.
We're off to see the Wizard. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!”
Soon, the yellow brick road made a few twists and turns and they came to a poppy field. A giant Emerald City was on the other side. “That must be his home!” the Tin Man exclaimed.
Unknown to them, Primerose had secretly flown here a long time before them and had readied a spell that would poison the poppy field. This was her land after all. She could do what she wanted with it. But of course, she could only use that argument if another person stalked on her land. “A few steps more then I shall activate the spell.” She thought.
“Oh isn’t this field lovely?” the Lion said skipping around.
“Gotchya where I wanted you!” thought Primerose. She silently let out her spell.
“Is it me, or does the air feel funny?” Dawn asked.
“It does seem different.” The Scarecrow did admit.
Suddenly, Dawn felt weak. Then came a familiar cackle. “Ha! You fell right into my trap! You thought I went home, so you snuck through the area! But in reality, I gave you free passage so you could come here! My backyard! This is, after all, my property. Now, Dawn, be good and hand yourself over, and I’ll clean the air.”
“This is your property?” the Tin Man gasped. “It’s too nice to be yours.”
“So is my house isn’t it?” Primerose retorted. “Why are the good guys always most stupid?” she muttered to herself. “Look, just give yourself up Dawn!!!” she snapped. She was beginning to lose her mind from the stress. She strained a little with her mind and then she began to fly off. “Ugggh now look what you’ve done to me! I’m going crazy! I can’t focus on getting those slippers! I’ll retreat for now!” she roared and flew off. The air was still slightly heavy, but not as bad as before.
Dawn and the others skipped as fast as they could. They finally reached the gates of Emerald City. It was a giant set of doors, taller than any door Dawn had ever seen. The Scarecrow was the only one tall enough to bang the door handles so he did so, and which brought a gatekeeper out through a small circle in the door. “Yes yes, what is your business?” he asked impatiently. He had the slightest look to a Flygon.
“We came to see the Wizard!” said Dawn.
“Yes, as soon as we can! Please let us in!” said the Lion.
“Wizard? You came to see the Wizard? Well, sorry to disappoint you, but the Wizard never sees anyone. Why should he change his mind for you?” the gatekeeper snapped, then closed his door.
The Scarecrow banged again.
“May, the Good Witch from the North told us he could help us!” Dawn shouted.
The door opened again. “Oh did she now? Where’s the proof?”
“Proof? We don’t have any…” Dawn said dejectedly.
“Well, then never… Wait, are those… Yes, they are! Those are the ruby slippers! Why didn’t you say you had them? That changes everything! Please please, come in, come in! Welcome to Emerald City! Hey, taxi! Come take these guests to the Wizard!” A horse-drawn carriage came up to them, which a rider who looked very much like an Ivysaur was leading.
“Oh thank you!” Dawn called.
“Think nothing of it. Thank May for the slippers.” Said the gatekeeper.
Emerald City was the most beautiful city Dawn ever saw. And also the most green. Everything was made from emeralds or other green stones. All of the people looked like small, green Pokémon. Finally, they arrived at a large palace. The doors opened when the taxi stopped. Two small guards, who resembled Gallades. They waited until the taxi went away and then said: “The Wizard was not happy to hear that you wanted to see him. So please, make it fast and do not ask for much and do whatever he asks.” They spoke in perfect unison to make their point clear.
“Is he that harsh?” asked the Lion.
“He can be very.” Said one guard.
“Oh no! Maybe deciding to visit the Wizard was a bad idea.” Said the Lion, shivering. Dawn patted him.
“It’s too late for that idea now.” Said the second guard. “The Wizard will be more upset that you decided to leave now after you bothered him to start with.”
“Oooh.” Moaned the Lion. “He sounds worse by the minute!” he began to look around and began to panic. Dawn had to comfort him again and again as they closer to the room.
“Here we are. Now remember, do whatever he says and don’t ask very much. If you defy him he will get…” the first guard trailed off.
“Let’s just not go there.” The second one finished. They opened the door. “Master!” the second guard continued to talk. “They are here to see you.”
“Let them in.” said a cold voice. Dawn felt the Lion shudder up closer to her. Her dark sapphire hair began to entangle with his golden curls. “Why have you come here of all places?” said the cold voice at the group.
“We heard from May, the Good Witch of the North, that you can help us!” Dawn said. “Oh please, Mr. Wizard, show yourself!”
“Yes yes!” said the Scarecrow eagerly. “Let’s see your Gloriousness in all your glory!”
“You dare ask to see me? You are very bold, and foolish. But very well, if it will keep the peace.” A giant purple head floated above them. “I am the Wizard of Oz, as you already know.” Dawn opened her mouth to protest that they didn’t need a history lesson, but the Wizard seemed to know that. “Silence, O Homeless one. It is time for me to do some talking.
“I am a cousin to the Witches, and I despise them all. May the most. She is too good for her own good. Just look at what she did with your case! Perhaps I play favorites, but the Witch of the South is my favorite cousin of all. She is neither good nor evil, and will do whatever the highest payer wants. That’s the way to go, in my eyes, although I don’t strictly follow that philosophy.
“Now, many have tried to come to me to ask for things, and none of them ever got what they wanted. I’m not sure, but you lot have a different feel than the others, that’s almost convincing enough to let me do whatever you want. Almost. There’s more than just a change of feel that will make me change my stiff ways.”
The Tin Man stepped forward. “Oh I think I can understand what you’re trying to say Mr. Wizard, sir.”
“Oh, you do, do you? Please explain then.” Said the floating purple head, narrowing his eyes.
“You’re very lonely, yet you don’t want to appear weak, so you send everyone away. You’re so tired of it all, you might allow yourself a bit of change to see if it was for the better or for the worse. You don’t want to look like your Witch cousins.” The Tin Man said.
The Wizard seemed to calm down. “For a heartless one, you seem to understand everything you observe quite clearly.” For a few minutes, the floating purple head kept his eyes shut, his face devoid of emotions, as if he were meditating. “Alright, I’ll make a deal with you. Bring me Primerose the Wicked Witch of the West’s broomstick and her Pink Sapphire Rose Wand.”
The small group huddled together close. “Go and get her stuff?” the Scarecrow repeated. “You want us to march up to her house and just ask for her stuff? You know she’ll refuse!”
“No… you shouldn’t have done that.” Dawn hissed.
“SILENCE!” came the deafening roar. “Did my guards not warn you to do whatever I ask? If your answer is no, then just say so and stop wasting my time. If your answer is yes, then I recommend you get on with it. I acknowledge the fact that it won’t be easy, and you just can’t march to her house. Do what you have to. You will probably have to kill her for the things. I’m being generous. The Witches wouldn’t be as decent enough to give you a choice! And that includes May. Think of it, Dawn. Did she ask you if you wanted to do this?”
“No, she did not. She just told me, and off I went.”
“Exactly what I mean! She has that effect on everyone so badly. So, take your choice. Yes, or no.”
They looked at each other. The Lion shook his mane to indicate no, but the other three nodded. “We’ll do it!” said Dawn.
“Then that’s settled.” Said the floating head.
But the Lion was upset over this choice. “I’m too scared! I can’t go there!” then he went by a green window and jumped through it breaking the glass.
“That’s going to leave a mark.” Muttered the Wizard. “GUARDS! Fix this window at once. Now, you three, be off and don’t return to me unless you have the broomstick and the Pink Sapphire Rose Wand.”
The three ran outside to find the Lion rolling around, surrounded by the green glass crying. “Why did you all agree to it?” he moaned when he saw them come.
“Because we have to! You do want your courage, don’t you?” the Scarecrow asked.
“Well, yes, but do we have to get what we want this way? Couldn’t you talk him into it?” came the series of sniffles.
“We were lucky to get this much out of him, Drew.” Said Dawn. It was considered impolite to call others by their first names, but Dawn knew that that would get the point across. “Drew, Gary and Harley, we have to do this to convince him that we are worthy enough of what we ask for. If we aren’t worthy, then why did we bother to come all this way? Remember, May hinted to me that Primerose can have a nice side, and so has Primerose. She showed us mercy twice. I don’t really believe in luck, and I’m yet to feel anything special out of these ruby slippers. I think we got here on our own power.”
“Dawn, you are probably right.” The Tin Man said. “I bet that Primerose wants them just because they sparkle like ruby diamonds with a small touch of pink sapphire.”
“Besides, you heard the Wizard, the Witches wouldn’t give us this kind of offer. And notice that May the Good Witch from the North hasn’t come to us since Dawn started her journey.” The Scarecrow said.
“And if we do this, then maybe I’ll have the courage I need to become King of the Forest!” the Lion said, suddenly eager. “Let us be off then, friends.”
So they began their march and explained to the gatekeeper why they were leaving so soon. “Oh is that why? Well, that certainly is a daunting task. But, I’m grateful that the Wizard actually wanted to listen to you. Ever since he arrived here, he hasn’t been the most sociable.”
“How did he arrive here?” the Tin Man asked.
The gatekeeper shook his head. “It is forbidden to say. And the Wizard has spies everywhere.”
“Why? Doesn’t everyone like the Wizard?” Dawn asked.
“Everyone has an enemy, little girl. Some people want the Wizard out, saying our old way of life was better, but others argue that the Wizard brought this Golden Age. Either way, you better be quick and careful about the job.” Said the gatekeeper. “Good luck!” he called then shut the doors.
“It seems this Wizard has brought many issues with himself.” The Scarecrow said.
“That Witch of the South is a mystery of her own.” Dawn said softer.
They marched back through the poppy field and down the Lion’s pathway to the Primerose’s true property. They soon found the candy house, and they went inside. It wasn’t very large, and it looked like it was just a living quarter house, not a giant torture chamber like Dawn had originally thought. She brushed her sapphire hair out of her eyes so she could see clearly. They heard a cackle from the basement.
“Oh, come in come in Dawn! It’s so lovely to see you! You made a smart choice to come here yourself, for you see, I was planning on bringing my Flying Ambipoms with me!”
“She knows we’re here!” the Lion said, and jumped.
“Show some courage man!” said the Scarecrow. They walked to the basement. They saw two little children with Primerose, a boy who was in a cage and eating a large wad of candy and a girl who sat next to him also eating food, but not candy. It looked like spinach mixed with carrots in a bowl. The boy was a lot chubbier than the girl.
“You think that I’m too busy feeding these darlings to notice you? How silly. I’m a Witch! I know everything. I know how you went to the Wizard, and how he wanted you to get my broomstick and Pink Sapphire Rose Wand! And I’m sorry to disappoint you, but number one: I won’t let you have my broomstick and number two: I no longer have the Pink Sapphire Rose Wand.”
“Then who does?” Dawn asked.
“Why, how silly! The Witch of the South!” Primerose said, skipping around. “You silly little dears! Do you know anything about that Wizard at all?”
“No, we don’t.” said the Lion.
“Now, I’m sure I know what you’re thinking, ‘Why should we listen to Primerose at all? She did try to kill us.’ I have to say, you’re right. Under the normal circumstances, you should never trust me. But, this is one of the few times that isn’t normal.”
“So you’re asking us to trust you right now?” the Tin Man asked.
“Yes, and you may chose to believe me or not. The Wizard, as he probably told you is my cousin. But in reality, he isn’t. Like you, Dawn, he ended up here by accident. He cannot even do any form of magic. You think he can send you home, give you a brain, a heart and some courage? Bah, he’s a good talker because he can’t. He can’t perform any magic at all. The only thing magical about him is his transportation mode.”
“Which is?” Dawn asked.
“I’m not at liberty to tell you. He does have spies and children make the best spies.” She said looking at the chubby boy and skinny girl.
“Why are you feeding the boy and girl different things?” the Lion asked spitting out of nervousness.
“Ew! Keep your filthy spit to yourself! Because the boy was skinnier than the girl and candy does fatten one faster. And they were trying to eat my house. The boy ate the most. If he loves candy that much then he’ll get more candy than he could ever eat!” Primerose cackled, the stopped herself. “Sorry, that’s an old bad habit.” She shook herself and took a drink of brew from a pot.
“So May lied when she said that he could help us?” Dawn asked, tears starting to form in her eyes.
“Yes, but… You may think I hate my cousin, but in reality I don’t. I just hate that she gave you the ruby slippers. She had a reason why but I don’t know what.”
“So what do we do now since we can’t get what we want?” asked the Lion.
“Well… I’m not really sure for you.” For once, Primerose seemed harmless, and even likeable. Tears were flowing from her amber eyes. “If only Alanna were still alive! She could tell you everything to get what you want!”
“Perhaps the Witch of the South could help us?” the Scarecrow asked.
Primerose sniffed a little. “I guess she’s your next option. But be warned, you better go there with the highest priced objects you have. She is very close the Wizard, so…”
“So?” the Tin Man asked gently, wrapping his arms around her.
“Get off of me! You’re so cold.” Primerose said drying her tears. “So, I shall go with you.”
“What?!” Dawn and the Lion yelled at the same time. As helpless as she looked, they didn’t trust her.
“Circumstances require us to work together. Maybe you don’t realize it, but Oz has become rather changed, even since you have entered. I never felt pity for anyone before, and now I do. In fact, let us put the ruby slippers aside for a while. Before you leave, Dawn, we shall talk about that situation, because there are two facts that cannot be ignored: you aren’t part of my family so you cannot just inherit them and your house did flatten and kill Alanna.”
“Alanna was your sister, wasn’t she.” The Tin Man asked, still feeling compassion for her.
“For a heartless being, you sure have a lot of compassion and empathy. Yes, she was my sister and we were very close.” Primerose whispered. “But that shall all come later. Come, let us be off.” She then turned to the boy and girl. “Don’t leave. I shall attend to you when I come back. The Flying Ambipoms will get you if you leave.” The nervous children nodded.
They began going backwards along the yellow brick road, until they reached the road that lead to the place where Dawn met the Scarecrow. Primerose pointed the way, which was to the right. “This way which leads down South.”
Dawn sighed to herself. This wasn’t going the way she planned. But at least, for now, no one was after her and about to kill her. She smiled at the thought of being able to see more of Oz before she could leave. But then she had to wonder. Did anyone back in Snowpoint City know what happened to the house?
Meanwhile…
“I see, and you want me to make that happen? What are you going to pay me with? … I see. Well, that’s very acceptable. And they’re on their way to me right now? Why, that’s even more convenient. Don’t worry, I shall make them feel quite welcome… Hahahahahahaha!”
