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Chapter Text

Kansas U.S.A - Gale’s Farm 

17th of June 2002 - 4:00 AM

In the middle of Kansas-countryside, right over the green hills and fields, there lived a wooden old-farm house with a old crooked-fence surrounding it, an old barn where most of the animals live, and a spinning windmill. 

The sky is still black, but with a bit of light peeking out in the far distance. An hour to go before the sun rises, the farmer and his wife, who are still asleep, will soon be getting up and start their usual daily routine around their beloved farm, with three other farmers helping them out. 

Everything on the farm is so quiet and peaceful. All the farm-animals sound asleep in there homes, waiting for their friend, the cockerel to wake up and get everybody out of their pits with his loud ‘cock-a-doodle-doos’.

As the entire unsuspecting Gale’s Farm slept, a mysterious short figure wearing a emerald-green hooded cloak, which is hiding its face, gracefully coming out from the shadows. 

The hooded-figure is quietly walking up the road before stopping in front of the gate. Bringing its hand out, which suddenly began to sparkle and twinkle in red and green tiny-stars, the small-cloaked figure summons the gate to open itself, which it suddenly did. After the hooded-figure enters and summons the gate to shut itself again, it quietly walks up towards the front door, while carrying a basket with a wrapped-bundle inside. 

Now standing at the front porch, the hooded-figure looks all around its surroundings to make sure nobody has seen or followed it, luckily there’s nobody about. 

Letting out a sigh of relief, the hooded-figure went down on it’s little knees while carefully placing the basket on the door-step. Nestled in the bundle, sleeping peacefully…was a baby beautiful girl. 

The small-cloaked figure sadly-smiles down at the sleeping baby, while gently stroking her soft rosy cheeks with its tiny finger. 

When it notice the sun slowly peeking out from over the horizon, the hooded-figure took out a letter from inside its cloak and placing it inside the basket. 

Then it unclip something from around its neck, and brought out a silver chain medallion, with tiny emerald-gemstones letters, O and Z in the centre. The hooded-figure carefully places the medallion round the baby’s neck without waking her up, then leading down to whispering something before softly kissing her on the forehead. 

Then if by magic, the small-cloaked figure vanished into thin air, leaving the baby behind on the door step. 

An hour later. As the morning ray of sunlight shines down on the entire farm, and the cockerel starts to crow, the baby girl in the basket begin to stir, stretching her tiny little hands and feet out of the blanket. On top of her right foot reveals a light-brown birthmark, in the shape of a heart. 

It wasn’t long until the farmer and his dearly wife suddenly woke up by the sound of a baby’s cry outside their house. When they found the basket with the baby inside crying on their doorstep, they couldn’t believe that somebody would just abandon a poor little thing like take. 

Without thinking, the farmer’s wife carefully took the baby out of the basket, and held her safety in her arms while rocking her and getting her to stop crying. When the baby stopped crying, she let out a small giggled when the farmer made a funny face, which also made his wife chuckle in amusement. 

After awhile of adoring the beautiful baby girl, the farmer and his wife took pity on her, and decides to adopt her as their very own. As the couple happily turns round to head back inside with their newest member of their family, the emerald-O.Z medallion around the baby’s neck began to twinkle brighter from the sunlight reflecting it.

Chapter Text

12 years later

Liberal, Kansas - 4th of October 2013 - 7:55 AM

One beautiful autumn morning. As the cockerel continues to crow for the entire Gale’s Farm, a small black terrier wearing a green dog’s collar, name Toto, is sitting on the front porch, scratching himself while waiting for his mistress to come out the door. 

When he heard the door open, Toto wagged his tail and woofed happily at his beloved owner and best friend.

The young preteen girl of age 12 has auburn-brown hair that’s braided in two ponytails, big bright sky-blue eyes, light freckles all over her sweet-cheeks, and smiling pink lips. She wears a blue and white checkered short-sleeve shirt, with a blue dress over it, brown farm-boots with blue stars on them, and a silver medallion around her neck, with the emerald-O.Z printed on it that always shines and sparkles in the sunlight. And her name is Dorothy Gale. 

After closing the door behind her and putting on her favourite school-bag over her shoulder, Dorothy notices Toto coming up to her, she happily went down on her knees to greet her beloved dog. Patting his head, Dorothy giggle in amusement as Toto starts licking her face. When enough ‘morning kisses’ from her little pet dog is enough, Dorothy gets back up on her feet and walks down the path, and out the front gate, with Toto happily walking beside her.

Moments later. As they walk together down the dusty-road, Dorothy signs happily whilst feeling the warmth of the morning sun, and seeing the beautiful different colours of the autumn-leaves drifting around her in the gentle breeze. Toto barks as he tries to catch one leave, but tumbles down on his front paws when he missed it. Watching him do that, Dorothy giggles in amusement before looking at her surroundings in wonder. When they come to a fork in the road, they turn left, carried on, going over the wooden-bridge, and coming up slowly towards the edge of town. 

The town’s always quiet at this time in the morning, the shops are still closed, and the people who live there are at home getting ready for the day. 

Every day is always the same thing for Dorothy. While Toto went off to a nearby rubbish-bin to leave his ‘mark’, Dorothy eyes wonders from shop to shop, tree to tree,  and empty street to empty street.

Dorothy

Little town, it’s a quiet place 

Every day like the one before

After he finished doing his own business, Toto runs back to Dorothy, who is looking up at the time on the clock tower that says 7:59 AM. 

Dorothy

Little town, full of little people

Waking up to say…

When the clock chimes after the time changes to 8:00 AM, all the people comes out of their home, greeting each other while heading off to work and school. 

Townsfolk

Hello! Hello!

Hello! Hello! Hello!

On her way to school, Dorothy watches all the shop-owners opening and setting up their shops and businesses. The farmer’s market starts to get busy, the hairdressers working their magic on people’s hair, and customers buying their early morning coffee and pastries from the cafes before heading off to work. Wondering through the town square, Dorothy and Toto went over to the nearby bakery to buy two homemade sandwiches and a cookie for lunch later. 

Dorothy

There goes the baker with his tray like always

The same old bread and rolls to sell

After paying for her lunch, Dorothy wave goodbye to the kind baker and his wife, along with their baby son in her arms. When she and Toto made it to the front entrance of school, there are kids of all ages going inside the building, with the headteacher telling each child to go straight to their classroom. On her way up to the front door, Dorothy grabs hold of the flagpole and smiles down at Toto while swinging herself around it - Toto woofed happily at her. 

Dorothy

Every morning just the same

Since the morning that we came

To this poor, provincial town

“Good morning, Dorothy!”. Looking behind her to where the voice is coming from, Dorothy smiles when she saw her favourite music and dance teacher, down on his hands and knees searching for something in the grass. “Good morning, Mr Evans!” Dorothy greeted as she and Toto went over to him, “Have you lost something, Sir?”. Looking up to face her, Mr Evans reply, “Yes. My spectacles. I’ve dropped them while I was putting my car-keys away, and now I can’t find them anywhere” he kept moving his hands all over the grass to try and feel for his spectacles. “Don’t worry, Sir. Toto can help you find them in no time” Dorothy said while getting down on her knees to her dog’s level before scratching his head, “Go on, Toto darling. Please, help him find them”. Toto woofed before going around sniffing for Mr Evans’s spectacles. Especially he found them. Toto pick them up in his mouth, and proudly brought them back to Mr Evans. “Oh, good boy! Thank you for finding them, Toto!” Mr Evans smiles happily with petting Toto’s head, then turn his attention to his favourite student, “And thank you Dorothy for helping me. You are very kind”. They both stood back up. “You’re welcome, Sir” Dorothy smiles back, picking Toto up into her arms, “Anyway. I better get to class before the bell rings”. “Yes, please do. You don’t want to be late” Mr Evans proudly said whilst walking with her to the entrance. 

Running up the steps, Dorothy gently place Toto down at the side of the door, telling him, “You wait right here for me, Toto. I’ll see you at lunchtime, okay?”. Her dog nodded happily, watching her going into her bag, bringing out his doggie bowl and pouring some water in it for him. 

Before going inside the building, Mr Evans stopped in his tracks when he noticed something sticking out of her bag, and he smile when he realised what it is, “You’re going to the library again after school?” he asked with interest. Looking back at her teacher with so much happiness in her heart, Dorothy answers, showing him the book she was borrowing from the local-library, “Yes, Sir. I’ve just finished the most wonderful story, ever!”. “Already, Dorothy?” Mr Evans chuckles “What’s the story about?”. Putting the book back inside her bag, “Oh, you would enjoy it, Sir” Dorothy explains dreamily while entering the building “Its a story about a girl in a blue dress adventuring Wonderland”. “Sounds magical. Maybe I’ll try reading it sometime” Mr Evans said with a friendly smile, “Have fun in your lessons, Dorothy”. “Thank you, Sir. See you later!” Dorothy waved before going into the classroom.

Dorothy is always so kind to others, and a very cheerful girl. Her family loves her very much. Everyday after school, she and Toto would go and visit the library - which is one of her favourite places in all of Kansas. She chooses and borrows any kind of books they have and starts reading them. Dorothy also likes to help her family out around the farm, or playing with her little dog. Ever since she was little, Dorothy has the most beautiful voice like an angel, and can dance with so much beauty and grace, and ever so often, she would sing and dance for her family to enjoy, which puts a smile on their faces. 

But sadly in school, Dorothy never has any friends to play or talk with, except Toto and the three farmers helping at her family’s farm, and her teachers. As Dorothy went over to her desk and sat down, she hardly notice her classmates glancing at her. 

Group of School Boys

Look there she goes, that girl is strange, no question

Dazed and distracted, can’t you tell?

Its true. After she sets her bag down, Dorothy rest her chin on her hand and looking out the window, dreamily, before lesson starts. 

Group of School Girls 

Never part of any crowd

‘Cause her head’s up on some cloud

Everybody in Class 

No denying she’s a funny girl that Dorothy

The reason why the kids at her school don’t want to be friends with her is because they think she pretty odd. Every so often in class, they see her daydreaming about other things, like going on crazy adventures and far away places, et cetera. 

When she heard the door open, and all her classmates immediately sits down in their places, Dorothy comes back into reality, watching her English teacher begging the lesson. 

The kids in school weren’t the only ones who find Dorothy rather strange, some of the locals around town also think the same thing. 

Whenever they see Dorothy walking by daydreaming, singing her heart out and dancing like a ballerina in public, or reading through all the books with her little dog, the people just walk away from her, shaking their heads in annoyance. But their are some people, like her teachers, the baker and his family who adore her.

As the day continues on till its late afternoon, the market in town got busier then ever before. The fishmonger greeted one of his elderly regular customers whilst serving them. 

The Fishmonger

Hello! Good day! How is your family?

The older woman nodded politely, smile sweetly at him and the woman at another stall next to his, who is selling fresh flowers. 

The Older Woman  

Hello! Good day! How is your wife?

Near the school. Outside their family’s shop, two brothers in their mid 20s were selling fresh eggs and homemade apple cider from their family’s farm. A middle age cranky woman came up to them with a basket in hand. 

The Woman  

I need six eggs!

Inside a jewellery shop, the owner is helping a young businessman decide which engagement-ring to give to his girlfriend. But the businessman shook his head when he saw the price. 

Businessman

That’s too expensive!

As the sound of the school-bell rings at the end of the day,  all the kids burst out of the front door, feeling glad that the weekend is here. Some of the children ran down the path towards the ice cream shop with their friends, while others got on their bikes or skateboards to go to the park, hang out with each other, or just ride home. 

When all the kids were finally out, Toto got excited when he spotted his mistress coming out the front door, stretching her arms out while doing a little twirl. 

Dorothy

There must be more than this provincial life!

By the time she saw Toto running up to her, Dorothy manage to catch him when he jumped up in her arms, and starts licking all over her face, making her laugh. “Ok, Toto! Okay! I’m happy to see you, too!” Dorothy laughed while putting Toto down, then emptying his bowl and putting it in her bag, “Come on, I’ll race you to the library!”. Toto barked excitedly as he and Dorothy ran towards their favourite place.

When Dorothy and Toto went inside, the librarian, who’s a very kind woman in her mid-50s came over to greet them “Well, well, well! If it isn’t my favourite bookworm in town. And her cute little doggie” she pat Toto’s head. “Good afternoon, Ma'am” Dorothy greet politely while rooting in her bag to give back the book, “I’ve come to return the book I borrowed”. Gladly taking the book from Dorothy, “Finished already, huh?” the librarian ask while watching the girl going over to one of the bookshelves. “Oh, I couldn’t put it down. Toto and I were enjoying the story to much” Dorothy explained before reading each title on all the book-spins, “Have you got anything new to read?”. The woman chuckle whilst placing the book back on its shelf, “Not since yesterday, my dear. But you can read any of the old ones if you like”. “I’d love too. Wanna read the same one again, Toto?” Dorothy ask her dog, who happily woofed while wagging his tail. 

“Let see…” brushing her fingers on each and every book on the shelf, Dorothy eventually found the one she wanted, and took it off the shelf to show the librarian, “I’ll borrow this one, please”. Taking the book from Dorothy to have a better look, the woman recognises the slightly worn-out red book with its golden title and small pictures on the front cover. “Classic Fairy Tales?” the librarian chuckled “Again? You read it like 10 times already”. “Well, its my favourite. And Toto loves it too” Dorothy explains dreamily, picking Toto up and spins around with him on her tip-toes, like she’s doing a ballet dance, “It has everything that I ever dreamed of. Far away places, talking animals, daring sword-fights, witches and wizards, magic spells, and a prince and princess falling in love”. As Dorothy dances with Toto all around the library, her medallion swings side to side, and shimmering when the sun light coming in through the window hits it. The woman laugh in amusement. When she stopped dancing, Dorothy carefully place Toto back down. 

Going up to Dorothy, the woman gave her a warm smile while giving the book back to her. “If you like it that much, Dorothy, you can keep it” the librarian said, as she walks Dorothy and her dog to the door. Surprised by the woman’s words, Dorothy look down at Toto for a moment, then face back at the woman, “Really?” Dorothy ask “Are you sure? I can’t possibly…”. “I insist” the librarian nodded whilst opening the door for them. “Oh, thank you, Ma'am! Thank you very much!” Dorothy smile brightly while going out the door. Toto woof happily to the woman, and following his mistress. Giggling at her dog, “Toto says ‘Thank you’, too” Dorothy explained. The librarian chuckle in amusement,“You are both very welcome. Please, come again like you always do” the librarian said, watching them leave, “Say ‘Hello’ to your Aunt Em and Uncle Henry for me”. “I will! Bye, and thank you again!” Dorothy wave to her whilst walking away with Toto.

As she walks down the streets with her dog beside her, the people around town were doing their own thing, until they saw her going into the park. 

Office Workers

Look there she goes, the girl is so peculiar

Their Boss

I wonder if she’s feeling well

The two happily walking up the path, passing a group of mothers chatting with each another while pushing their babies in their prams, young children and teens laughing and playing in the play-area, and an elderly couple sitting on the bench, feeding the ducks. 

Some of the locals in the park saw Dorothy walking across the grass, and sitting herself down against a big old oak tree. Toto sat down next to her as she pulls out her book from her bag, opening the first page and starts reading it to him. 

Group of Mothers

With a dreamy, far-off look

Kids on Bikes And Skateboards

And her nose stuck in a book

Everybody in The Park

What a puzzle to the rest of us is Dorothy

Bringing her knees up close to rest her book on, Dorothy let out a dreamy sigh when she turn the next page. Smiles at Toto, who looks back at her excitedly wagging his tail. 

Dorothy

Oh, isn’t this amazing?

It’s my favourite part because you’ll see

She shows him a lovely illustration-page of Cinderella in her beautiful ball-gown, dancing and falling in love with the handsome Prince. 

Dorothy

Here’s where she meets Prince Charming

But she won’t discover that it’s him ‘til chapter three

Minutes later. Rumours about Dorothy had been spreading around town. Walking back towards the town square, Dorothy and Toto didn’t take much notice of everyone watching them. Inside the hair and beauty salon, the two owners and their customers saw Dorothy walking past. 

Hairdresser And Makeup-Artist

Now it’s no wonder that her name means ‘God's Gift’

Her looks have got no parallel

Outside his cute little flower shop, with all kinds of beautiful autumn plants and flowers on display, the Florist whispers to his boyfriend when they saw Dorothy and her dog talking to the friendly man selling them donuts.

Florist

But behind that fair facade

I’m afraid she’s rather odd

Florist’s Boyfriend 

Very different from the rest of us

After paying for two donuts for herself and Toto, Dorothy thanked the kind man, who proudly waves to her as she walks away. The locals around Dorothy and Toto whisper to one another.

Townsfolk

She’s nothing like the rest of us

Yes, different from the rest of us is Dorothy

Meanwhile. Outside the edge of town. After coming back from the office, a tall and unpleasant woman is standing in her garden, outside her dark creepy old house, with her horrible looking old black cat in her arms, watching the people in town doing their own thing. 

She has a very stern face with a long pointed-nose, and black hair tied up into a bun, wearing a black hat with a big bow. She also wears a grey suit-skirt and jacket with a black shirt, black high-heels, and a grey longline formal coat. The woman is very strict, serious, selfish and unkind. The woman’s name is Miss Almira Gulch.

Clicked her tongue in disgust, Miss Gulch spotted Dorothy playing with Toto all around the town square. And the two sat down to eat their donuts. 

“Look at her. The little brat and her mangy-mutt, having the time of their lives like there’s no tomorrow!” Miss Gulch muttered between her teeth, stroking her cat very roughly, which causes it to miaows in annoyance and jumps out of her arms. The old black cat walks away from her. 

Miss Gulch carries on, “She’s been a thorn in my side, ever since the Gales brought her into their filthy-old farm house, 12 years ago. They do nothing but loving her and spoiling her rotten”. Keeping a sharp eye on Dorothy and Toto, who are now talking with an elderly couple, Miss Gulch slowly walks up to the fence. “Oh, that Dorothy Gale! Thinking she’s like the ‘Queen of Sheba’, instead of the weird, no good little daydreamer she is now!” Miss Gulch spats “God, I hate her so much! Every day while she’s in her own silly world, she lets that stupid dog loose to go after my cat! Well, I had enough…I simply must think of a way to teach that girl a lesson! But how?!”. Now standing by the fence, Miss Gulch ponders and ponders, placing both hands on the wood and digging her sharp-nails into it. 

Miss Gulch

Right from the moment when I met her, saw her

I said ‘I hate her’. Ow, my nail!

She broke a fingernail from gripping the fence to hard. Miss Gulch took out a nail-file she always carrie with her, and began filing down her broken nail in annoyance. Looking back at Dorothy hugging Toto in her arms, Miss Gulch smirks when she thought up a wicked idea.

Miss Gulch

Here in Kansas, there’s only she

Who isn’t well-mannered, as me

So I’m planning to kill that dog to ruin Dorothy Gale

Not to far from Miss Gulch’s place right up the road, a brown horse was happily trotting along, pulling a red, green and yellow fortune teller’s wagon. After a long journey around some parts of the world, a cheerful, middle aged man with a snowy-white moustache is humming to himself, riding his horse along the road to find a nice spot to make camp. 

The man wears a black fedora hat on his head, a white shirt with a bright red tie, a brightly mixed coloured vest with gold buttons, brown trousers and shiny brown shoes, and a long black coat. 

On the side of the man’s wagon are brightly-coloured, painted-large-words that reads…

PROFESSOR MARVEL 

ACCLAIMED BY THE CROWNED HEADS OF EUROPE

LET HIM READ YOUR  PAST - PRESENT - AND FUTURE IN HIS CRYSTAL 

ALSO JUGGLING AND SLEIGHT OF HAND

When they come up to the fork in the road, Professor Marvel stops his horse, looking up at the signpost that reads…

Liberal - Topeka

As he’s thinking which road he wants to take, Professor Marvel’s eyes move towards the very end of the left road, and spotted Miss Gulch standing outside her house. Looking very closely at Miss Gulch from where he is, Professor Marvel’s spine shivered nervously when he saw the unpleasant-diabolical look on her face. 

Professor Marvel

Oh, my goodness!

Isn’t she scary?

So old, and ugly 

Just like a Witch

In that moment. His horse, Sylvester spotted Miss Gulch’s scary old cat in the distance. When it notices the horse watching him, the cat hissed back at him before going into town. Sylvester panicked from the wicked old black cat scaring him. Thinking Sylvester got scared of Miss Gulch, Professor Marvel did everything he can to calm him down. 

Professor Marvel

Whoa boy. Down boy 

I know Sylvester

She’s such a tall, dark, mean and cranky old …..

“WILL YOU SHUT UP THAT ANIMAL OF YOURS, YOU OLD FOOL?! YOUR GIVING ME A HEADACHE!” Miss Gulch shouted in rage at Professor Marvel, when she heard his horse panicking. Professor Marvel look back at her in fear,“S…SORRY, MA’AM!” he replied back nervously, knowing now that he doesn’t want to travel past her house and make her even more angrier. Once he managed to get Sylvester to calm down, Professor Marvel orders him to go straight down the right road - and they did. 

Back in the town square. Miss Gulch’s black cat wonders around the area, hissing in annoyance and avoiding each and every person walking past him. 

When she notices how busy it’s getting, Dorothy decides its time to head back home. So without wasting any more time, Dorothy picks Toto up and holds him safely in her arms before making her way out through the crowd. Everyone around her are so busy in their own thing. 

An Old Man in Wheelchair 

Hello

Customer in a Cafe  

Pardon

Waitress

Good day

The Butcher  

Yes, but…

Customer in The Butchers  

You call this bacon?

Old lady 

What lovely flowers

Moving her eyes elsewhere while pushing her with through the crowd, Dorothy is getting tired of the same old thing she overhears what these people are saying, day after day. 

Customer in The Food Store  

Some cheese

Fabric Salesman

Ten yards

Spice Maker

One pound

Customer in The Fruit And Veg Shop  

Excuse me

Food Shop Owner  

I’ll get the knife

Delivery Man Carrying Boxes

Please let me through

Cranky Women 

This bread, it’s stale

Cranky Man

(Those fish, they smell)

Baker

Madam’s mistaken

Fishmonger  

(Well, maybe so)

When she finally made it out of the crowd, Dorothy held Toto up to face back at her, while dreamily spinning him around on the spot. 

Dorothy

There must be more than this provincial life!

Watching the girl putting her dog down before walking straight towards the archway, Miss Gulch held her head up high, crossing her arms, and swiftly turn to walk towards her front door. 

Miss Gulch

Just watch, I’m going to end my pretty and her dog’s life!

All the people in town suddenly stop what they’re doing, watching Dorothy and Toto making their way out of town.  

Townsfolk

Look there she goes

That girl is strange, but special

A most peculiar little girl 

Watching Dorothy and her dog through the crowd, Miss Gulch’s black cat made its way towards the wall and jumps over it to rejoin his mistress. 

Toto huffed in annoyance when he noticed the people behind them is watching his beloved mistress. But Dorothy didn’t take any notice of them when she and Toto made it out of town. 

Following his best friend, Toto look confuse with he suddenly smelled something familiar, and starts stiffening around the area. 

Townsfolk

It’s a pity and a sin

She doesn't quite fit in

‘Cause she really is a funny girl

A sweetheart but a funny girl

She really is a funny girl

That Dorothy!

Thinking she heard somebody calling her name behind her, Dorothy looks back over her shoulder to see what’s going on, and all the town’s people immediately went back to their daily routine. Thinking she’s just imagined it, Dorothy shrugged while turning round and carrying on walking. 

Just as they made their way up to the wooden-bridge, Dorothy jumps in fright when Toto suddenly starts barking violently. “Toto, what are you barking at?” Dorothy ask, turning round to see what’s making her dog bark, and her eyes widen when she found out why, “Oh no!…”. 

To answer her question, Dorothy panicked when she saw Toto barking and growling at Miss Gulch’s black cat, who is miaowing and hissing back at him. The nasty-old-cat almost scratches Toto with his claws, and Toto barks in annoyance and starts chasing it all around Dorothy’s legs. “No, Toto! Please, stop!” Dorothy tried to break up the ‘Cat and Dog’ fight. 

But her dog didn’t stop chasing the cat, he began chasing the cat over the bridge, and right towards Miss Gulch’s place. Panicking, “Toto, wait! Come back!” Dorothy ran after him to stop him from going anywhere near Miss Gulch’s garden.

But it was to late. Miss Gulch was sitting on her front porch,  busy rechecking some stuff from work on her laptop, until she looks up when she heard two animals fighting nearby. “What now?!” she grumbled in annoyance. Then right at that moment, her cat came back, running all around her garden like mad, with Toto still chasing behind him. “HEY, YOU STUPID DOG! GET OUT OF MY GARDEN!” Miss Gulch stood up in rage, dropping her laptop on the floor til it smashed - broken in half. 

By the time Dorothy made it to the front gate, with sweat pouring down her face, and catching her breath, she found  Toto chasing Miss Gulch’s cat through the flower beds, and all around the vegetable patch. “Toto, please! Leave the cat alone!” Dorothy called out to him from the other side of the fence. 

When Dorothy saw Miss Gulch coming down the steps, she gasp in horror when notice the woman carrying a rake in both hands. “WATCH OUT, TOTO!” Dorothy screamed. When he heard his mistress calling out to him, Toto stops chasing the cat, looks back, and got scared when he saw Miss Gulch coming towards him with the rake held up high above her head. “YOU ALWAYS COME INTO MY GARDEN AND CHASE AROUND MY CAT EVERY DAY! NOW, YOU SHALL PAY!” Miss Gulch shouted in rage, ready to strike the poor dog “TAKE THIS!”. “NO! PLEASE, DON’T HURT HIM!” Dorothy covers her eyes. She can hear Toto yelping and the rake hitting something. 

When she move her hands away from her eyes to see what’s happening, Dorothy sigh in relief when she realised that Toto had dodged out of the way before the rake hit him, and ran straight under Miss Gulch’s legs. “WHY YOU LITTLE!…” Miss Gulch grinds her teeth, trying with all her might to pull the rake out of the grass. Dorothy opens the gate, “Toto, come here!” she cried. Toto ran away from the horrible woman and towards his mistress. “Run, Toto! Run!”. And with that said, Dorothy and Toto ran away as fast as they can from Miss Gulch’s house. 

Watching them running straight down the dusty road, Miss Gulch angrily shakes her fist at them, shouting, “You can’t escape me, Dorothy! I know where you live! Just you wait! I’m gonna go fetch the Sheriff to get you, and you’re little dog too!”. 

Chapter Text

The two carried on running down the dusty road, getting as far away from Miss Gulch before she can do any more harm to Toto. As they ran, Dorothy kept looking over her shoulders several times to make sure that woman isn’t following them.

After awhile, they stop for a minute to catch their breath. Looking back at the way they came from, Dorothy got down on her knees to be level with her dog. “She isn’t coming yet, Toto. Did she hurt you?” Dorothy ask worriedly while checking Toto’s back for any signs of injuries. Her dog woof in response. “She tried to, didn’t she?” Dorothy hugs Toto protectively while gently rubbing under his chin, “Come on, we’ll go tell Uncle Henry and Auntie Em”. Dorothy carefully places Toto back down before they started running again. 

When they finally made it back home, Dorothy enters the farm yard and finds her beloved Aunt and Uncle by the old chicken coop. 

Aunt Em is a very kind-hearted woman in her early 40s, with grey eyes, wearing blue-spectacles, and light-brown hair tied back in a low bun. Around her neck is a pink heart shaped locket. The working clothes she’s wearing is a dark-cyan colour t-shirt, a light blue longline-denim-jacket, dark blue jeans and green wellington-boots.

Uncle Henry is a very proud and cheerful man in his early 40s, with dark blue eyes, wearing reddish-brown glasses, and bald with lighter-brown hair on the sides. The working clothes he’s wearing is a pale purple shirt underneath a red and brown flannel shirt, pale green trousers and brown boots. 

At this time of year in autumn, everyday is always very busy for everyone on the farm, with the harvest and everything - but today has been the busiest. Aunt Em is counting the chicks while transferring them into another coop. And Uncle Henry is marking down how many chicks they have on a checklist-clipboard. 

“Auntie Em! Uncle Henry!” Dorothy ran up to them “Auntie Em! Just listen what Miss Gulch did to Toto!”. But her Aunt wasn’t listening, “Dorothy, please. We’re trying to count” she said while trying to gather up as many chicks that were trying to escape. Dorothy protest, “Oh, but Auntie Em, she tried to hit him over the…”. “Don’t bother us now, honey” Uncle Henry interrupted her “This old coop is about to fall apart, and we’re likely to lose some of our chicks”. “Aw…oh, the poor little things” Dorothy picks up one chick to hug it against her cheek, before following after her Aunt who is putting the other chicks in the new coop, “Oh, but Auntie Em. Miss Gulch tried to hit Toto right over the back with a rake. Just because she says he gets into her garden and chases her nasty old cat every day”. Aunt Em is still not listening as she took the chick from her Niece, putting it in with the rest of them, and going back to her husband to get some more chicks. “But he doesn’t do it every day!” Dorothy carries on “Just once or twice a week, and he couldn’t catch her old cat anyway! And now she says she’s gonna get the sheriff!…”. “Dorothy, enough! We’re very, VERY busy!” Aunt Em told her. Realising her Aunt and Uncle don’t have time for her, “Oh…alright” Dorothy said in disappointment, and sadly walks away from them to find her closest three friends. Toto follows his mistress.

“Poor kid. And her Miss Gulch and other kind of troubles” Uncle Henry says in pity to his wife, “You know what, Emily. I know it’s hard for our Dorothy not being able to make any friends at school. But she could at least try, and then she ought to have somebody to play with”. “I know…” Aunt Em spoke to her husband, “But we all got to work out our own troubles, Henry”. They both nodded in agreement, and carried on with their work. 

Meanwhile. Outside the barn, three helping farmers, Hunk, Hickory and Zeke were working together to try and fix a broken wagon for the horses. 

Hunk is a smart and pretty clumsy skinny man, with dark blue eyes and light brown hair. Wearing a farmers straw hat, a pale green flannel shirt with a brown vest, working gloves, dark grey trousers and brown boots. 

Hickory is a very kind-hearted and very sensitive person, with grey eyes and black hair. Wearing a grey flat cap, blue flannel shirt with a farmers coat, blue jeans and grey wellington-boots.

Zeke is thought to be the bravest big-man on the farm, with brown eyes and ginger hair. Wearing a cowboy hat, brown flannel shirt, black trousers with a belt buckles and cowboy boots. 

Zeke and Hickory are using all their might to keep the back of the wagon up, while Hunk is down on his knees reattaching a loose screw underneath the wagon. “How’s she coming?” Zeke asked, with sweat pouring down his face. Hickory is struggling, too. “Take it easy” Hunk said, until he flinched in agony when his finger got caught, “Ow! You got my finger!”. “Well, why don’t you get your finger out of the way!” Zeke laughed. Hickory just rolled his eyes. Zeke and Hickory let out a sigh of relief when they lowered the back of the wagon in place. “There you are, right on my finger” Hunk complained while sucking on his sore finger. “Well, you should be lucky it wasn’t your head” Zeke said while picking up a bucket full of pig’s food. Standing up onto his feet, Hunk roll his eyes at him saying, “Ha, ha, ha…very funny, muscle-man”. He went on to do some more work on the wagon, while Hickory went away to do something else. 

Just as Zeke is about to go and gather up all of the pigs, Dorothy came over to him. “Zeke…” she spoke in worry “What am I going to do about Miss Gulch? Just because Toto chases her old cat…”. “Not now, kid. I got them pigs to get in” Zeke told her before walking away. 

Hunk came up to her with a hammer in his hand, saying, “Now listen here, kiddo, you ain’t using your head about Miss Gulch. Think you don’t have any brains at all”. “I have SO got brains!” Dorothy seriously told her friend, placing her hands on her hips. “Well, why don’t you use them?” Hunk asked while placing a free hand on her shoulder, “When you come home, don’t go by Miss Gulch’s place. Then Toto won’t get in her garden, and you won’t get into any more trouble. See?” he turn round to do some more work on the back of the wagon. Dorothy shook her head at him, “Oh, Hunk, you just won’t listen that’s all”. Looking back at her over his shoulder, Hunk reply, “Well, your head ain’t made of straw you know. Ouch!” he accidentally hit his finger with the hammer, sucking it in agony. After seeing that, Dorothy immediately covers her mouth to stop her from laughing at him, feeling sorry for him getting hurt, while walking away. Toto gave Hunk a amused smirk whilst following his mistress. 

Dorothy went over to Hickory, who’s busy on some kind of machine he’s working on. “Oh! Gosh, it feels like my joints are rusted!” Hickory groaned while stretching his arms out. When he notice Dorothy at the corner of his eye, Hickory gave her a comforting smile, saying, “Hey, Dorothy, don’t let Hunk kid you about Miss Gulch. She’s just a poor sour-faced old woman, who hasn’t got any heart left in her”. “I know, Hickory…” Dorothy sadly said, looking down at her feet while twiddling with her fingers, “But no matter how many times I tried to be kind to Miss Gulch, she still hates me, and tries to hurt poor Toto”. Placing one hand on her shoulder, and the other ruffling Dorothy’s head to make her giggle to cheer her up, Hickory softly spoke with a warm smile, “You know, you should have a little more heart yourself…and have pity on her”. Knowing her friend is right, Dorothy give him a small smile, “Well…I try and I have a heart” she said. Gently patting her shoulder, Hickory goes back to his machine, “Now, come look at this” he said, encouraging Dorothy to come over, “Here’s something that REALLY has a heart. This is the best invention I ever invented”. Come over to look more closely at this ‘Invention’ of his, “What is it?” Dorothy asked with curiosity. Toto sniffed it for a moment, then felt confuse with an eyebrow up. “It’s to break up winds, so we won’t have any more dust-storms” Hickory explains “Can you imagine what it’ll mean to the section of the country? I’ll show you”. He turns on the green-switch, and the machine begins to sputter. Dorothy and Toto watched in amazement as Hickory stood there, feeling proud for all his hard work. “It works perfectly, now” Hickory said proudly before explaining everything to them, “Here’s the principle. You see that fan there, that sends up air currents into the sky. These air currents…”. He got interrupted when his invention suddenly began to malfunction slightly. “Oh my goodness!” Hickory gasp in shock, until some oil came spurting out of the machine and right all over his face. 

Taking a few steps back, Dorothy and Toto try their best not to laugh at Hickory while he wipes himself clean with a handkerchief. Looking at the state of his now-broken-invention, “MY BABY! What the heck happened to my beautiful creation?!” Hickory shouted in annoyance “Hunk, Zeke! Did one of you mess with it while I wasn’t looking?!”. “I didn’t break it!” Hunk called out to me from the wagon. “Don’t look at me, knucklehead!” Zeke said in annoyance while guiding all the pigs towards the pigsty. Dorothy and Toto left poor Hickory alone to try fixing his invention.

“Hey, get back here!” Zeke told off some the pigs that were trying to escape, and getting them straight inside the pigsty, “Go on! Get in there before I make a Sunday roast out of ya!”. When the last pig went in, Zeke immediately shuts the gate behind them and locks it. Dorothy and her dog came over while Zeke starts feeding the pigs. After taking off her school bag and putting it down next to Toto, Dorothy climbs up onto the railing of the pen, with her arms out, and slowly walking on it like a balance-beam. Still feeding the pigs, Zeke notices her and says, “Listen kid, are you going to let that old-Gulch-crow try to buffalo you? She’s nothing to be afraid of. Have a little courage, that’s all”. “I’m not afraid of her” Dorothy said to her friend while keeping her balance. Putting the empty bucket down, Zeke carries on explaining while acting all brave and mighty, with his head held up high, “Then the next time she squawks, walk straight up to her and spit in her eye. That’s what I’d do”. Then right at that moment, Dorothy gasp when she lost her balance and fall right into the pigsty. Her foot got caught in the wire, and she screams in fright when the pigs starts gaining up on her. “HELP! PLEASE HELP ME, ZEKE!” Dorothy cried out to him in panic, “GET ME OUT OF HERE!”. Zeke reacted in shock and horror, quickly jumps over the fence and into the pigsty to rescue Dorothy.

When they heard Dorothy’s cries for help, Hunk and Hickory rushes over while Zeke untangles her foot out of the wire. Then he immediately picked her up in his arms, and carries her out of the pigsty. Hunk and Hickory help both of them out. “Are you alright, Dorothy?” Hickory ask in worry. “Your not hurt, are you?” Hunk asked her while checking for any injuries. “Yes, I’m alright” Dorothy nodded “I fell in and Zeke…”. 

Turning their attention to Zeke, who is gasping for air while wiping the sweat off his brow with a handkerchief. His body is shaking like mad, his face look white as a sheet, and he had his free hand placed over his beating-heart. Seeing how scared Zeke looks in that moment, Hunk and Hickory  began to bust out laughing at him. “Why Zeke, you’re just as scared as she was!” Hunk laughs while teasing him, “What’s the matter? A little old pig make a coward out of ya?”. Zeke looks back at them in annoyance. Pointing his finger at  Zeke, “Look at you, Zeke! You look like a scaredy-cat!” Hickory laugh so hard, with tears streaming down his face. Feeling sorry for her friend, Dorothy comforts Zeke while telling the others off, “Leave him alone, you guys! Its not nice to laugh at Zeke! Don’t you see he’s shaking like a leaf?”. “Sorry, Dorothy. We were only kidding” Hunk said to her with his hands up in defence. “Yeah…sorry” Hickory said, until he learns in closer to Zeke, “But seriously. You look like you’ve just wet yourself!”. He and Hunk bust out laughing again. Getting very annoyed, Zeke shouted with his fists out at the ready, “Oh, I’ll show you who’s wetting themselves, Hicky-boy!”.

Right before Zeke can do anything, Aunt Em came over with a plate full of crullers, and broke up the squabble. With one hand on her hip, “Hey, what’s going on here, huh?!” Aunt Em seriously ask each men, “What’s all this jabber-wapping when there’s work to be done?! I know three shiftless farm-helpers that’ll be out of a job before they know it!”. “Well, Dorothy was walking along the…”. Hickory tried to explain, but got interrupted by Aunt Em, “I saw you tinkering with that contraption of yours, Hickory! Now you and Hunk get back to that wagon!”. “All right, Mrs Gale” Hickory walks away, then stops and turns back round while doing a victory-pose, “But some day, they’re going to erect a statue to me in this town and…”. “Well, don’t start posing for it now” Aunt Em told him. Hunk and Zeke laughed in amusement. “Here. Help yourselves to some crullers” Aunt Em offers them a cruller, “You boys can’t work on an empty stomach”. Hunk, Hickory and Zeke eagerly took one each. “Gash, Mrs Gale. Thank you” Hickory gave her a thankful smile while eating his cruller. “How very thoughtful of you. They look and smell delicious” Hunk said proudly while sniffing the sweet scent of his cruller. “Thanks. There freshly fried just now” Aunt Em said. “Thanks, Mrs Gale” Zeke spoke “But you see, Dorothy toppled into the pigsty and…”. “It’s no place for Dorothy inside the pigsty!” Aunt Em told him “Now you get back on feeding those pigs before they worry themselves into anaemia!”. The three farm-helpers went back to work.

As she helps herself to a cruller, Dorothy tries again to get her Aunt to listen about her troubles, “Auntie Em, really. You know what Miss Gulch said she’s going to…”. Knowing her Niece’s imagination-habits, Aunt Em interrupts her, “Now Dorothy, stop imagining things. You always get into a fret over nothing”. “But I’m not imagining things!” Dorothy argue “Auntie Em, please listen to me! Miss Gulch said…”. But Aunt Em wasn’t listening, “Now you either help us out around the farm, or find yourself a place where you won’t get into any trouble”. Aunt Em rushes back to the chicken coop, leaving poor Dorothy alone with Toto.

Munching quietly on her cruller and sharing it with Toto, Dorothy wonders inside the barn in frustration. Her dog trots beside her. After kicking an empty can, Dorothy sighs hopelessly while sitting down on a pile of straw, and Toto sat beside her feet. “It’s not fair! Why won’t anyone listen to me and help me?” Dorothy said in frustration, til she suddenly thought of something, “Do they think I’m odd, too? Just like everyone else did in town?”. Looking outside the barn-doors, watching her Aunt, Uncle and friends being so busy with their work, then she thinks about the kids in her school, and the townsfolk doing their usual routine. “You know something, Toto. I’m not really sure I fit in with everybody here. There’s no one I can really talk to” she said sadly. Seeing how upset his friend is, Toto licks Dorothy’s hand to try and comfort her. Giggling in amusement from Toto’s tongue tickling her, Dorothy gave him a small smile while gladly petting him, “You don’t think I’m odd. Do you, Toto?”. He happily shakes his head at her while wagging his tail. 

After a moment, Dorothy’s smile dropped when she stood back up on her feet, “Nobody will understand me…or listen to me…I’m in REAL trouble already”. Feeling worried and frustrated, Dorothy quickly walks out of the barn with her dog following behind her. 

Dorothy

Nobody understands me
Nobody even listens

She leans against the fence, looking far out at a funny-looking scarecrow, scaring away the crows flying over the cornfield.

Dorothy

Nobody wants to help me
Might as well talk to scarecrows
But what about Toto?

She turns around to watch her Aunt and Uncle, who are working faster to transfer each chick from one chicken coop to the other. In that moment, Dorothy sigh while thinking about her other past troubles. 

Like that one time, two of the girls at her school were teasing her by putting gum in her hair. She tried to tell Aunt Em about them while showing her the gum in her hair. But her Aunt was stressing out through piles and piles of bills on the table.

Aunt Em

Not now, we’re having a crisis

Dorothy

(They did this to me in class) 

The other time, Dorothy got mad when she saw a little boy pulling to hard on Toto’s tail. With her poor little dog safely in her arms, she knocked on her Aunt and Uncle’s bedroom door. After Uncle Henry opened the door, Dorothy told him what happened, but.

Uncle Henry

Not now, your Aunt’s in a state

Dorothy

(You don’t understand)

Every single time she tries to speak with them, they always say to her…

Aunt Em and Uncle Henry

Later, honey
You’ll just have to wait

Back to the present. As her Aunt and Uncle are busy talking to each other while carrying two crates full of chicks to their car, Dorothy crosses her arms in disappointment, giving Toto the last piece of her cruller.

Dorothy

Nobody understands me

Aunt Em

(We can’t afford to lose one chick)

Dorothy

My little dogs in danger

Uncle Henry

(You take these out to the car)

Dorothy

Should’ve been born a chicken
Then they’d have paid attention

Dorothy and Toto slowly walk away from the fence to the big pile of hay in the centre of the farm. 

Then right at that moment, Dorothy and her dog stopped in their tracks when they found Hunk, Hickory and Zeke laughing while planning something. “I have an idea, guys! Shall we do what we did last time to Miss Gulch?” Hunk asked with a amusing grin. “You mean when we were watering the crops?” Hickory chuckled, remembering the funny time they had. “And then we turned the hose on her!” Zeke laugh so hard with tears in his eyes, “Yes, we should!”. While laughing with his friends, Hunk did a funny impressive of Miss Gulch, “I’ll get you and that girl and her little dog too!”. 

As the three carried on laughing, neither of them noticed Dorothy angrily coming up to them. “It’s not funny, you guys!” Dorothy shouted at them “You play anymore tricks, you’ll only make it worse!”. After her outburst, the trio stopped laughing. “Relax, kiddo” Hunk spoke calmly to her “Miss Gulch is not going to hurt you or Toto”. Hickory nodded in agreement, “That’s right. She just wants to give you a fright, that’s all”. “Yeah!” Zeke said while elbowing Hickory, “And you know what, her bark’s worse than her bite!”. Dorothy felt offended and angry as she watches her friends laughing again and continued on joking with one another. 

When she had enough, “Come on, Toto. We’re not wanted here” Dorothy said to her dog and storms off. Getting annoyed at the farmers, Toto growled at them, shutting them up by brushing dirt in their faces with his back paws, and running after his mistress. 

Coughing and cleaning the dirt off themselves, Hunk, Hickory and Zeke look back and saw Dorothy running away from them. Realise they’ve upset her, “Dorothy, wait!” Hunk called out to her, “We’re sorry! We were only kidding around!”. But Dorothy didn’t stop or look back, she just ran out of the farm and went towards the fields, with Toto following behind her. 

A few minutes later. Out on the grassy fields, and on the hilltop by a single-tree, Dorothy sat there feeling lonesome, with Toto sitting beside her, comforting her. Sadly smiling at him, Dorothy pets her dog, saying “You’re the only one who ever listens to me, Toto. And you are the only friend I ever love”. Toto woof happily at her in repose. Now gazing out at the world around her, Dorothy looks up at the clouds, and saw one cloud making a sharp of 4 people holding hands. “Oh, I wish I have some friends” Dorothy sadly mutters “Ones who will talk to me, love me, and understands me” then she starts fiddling with her medallion. 

Looking at the beautiful emerald-O.Z like she always does, Dorothy ponders why she has this necklace. When she was 5 years ago, she asked her Aunt and Uncle if they gave it to her. They were silent at first, until they shook their heads. She even asked them where her parents were, but they didn’t reply to her question. No matter how many times she ask about her Mother and Father, like who they are or what happened to them, Dorothy sometimes feel sad that she never knew much about them, and strangely enough, her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry never had any photos of them to show her. Thinking they might be dead or still alive, and possibly the ones that gave it to her, Dorothy softly whispers, “Whoever gave me this necklace, MUST have loved me”. As Dorothy’s eyes fixed a on the medallion, Toto tilt his head at her with curiosity. 

Sighing in frustration, letting go of her medallion, Dorothy close her eyes while resting her head back against the tree, “Gosh, Toto! After everything that’s been going on, there’s gotta be somewhere we belong!” she said. 

In that moment, Dorothy thought back to what her Aunt Em said to her. “Find yourself a place where you won’t get into any trouble”. Opening her eyes, “A place where there isn’t any trouble” Dorothy spoke softly in wonder “I wonder if there is such a place, like the one in my dreams. There must be…”. When she noticed her dog looking at her with confusion, Dorothy smiles as she explains to him, “I know this sounds crazy, Toto. But ever since I was very little, I’ve been hearing this beautiful lullaby while having the same dream every night…about a place. And every about it seem so real”. Toto woof happily to her - saying he believes her. 

Stroking her little friend’s head, Dorothy looks around in wonder, “It has to be real, Toto” she carries on “It’s not a place you can get to by a boat, a train, a car or a plane”. With her free hand holding onto her medallion again, Dorothy sighs dreamily as she looks up at the sky, “It’s far, far away…behind the moon…beyond the rain…”.

Dorothy

When all the world is a hopeless jumble 

And the raindrops tumble all around

Heaven opens a magic lane

As she stands up, Dorothy places her right hand on the tree, still looking up at the sky. Wagging his little tail, Toto happily sticks his tongue out while listening to her.

Dorothy

When all the clouds darken up the skyway 

There’s a rainbow highway to be found 

Leading from my window pane

To a place behind the sun

Just a step beyond the rain

Moving away from the tree, Dorothy slowly took a step forward. Toto watches her with curiosity and wonder. 

Dorothy

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high 

There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby

She went back to hug the tree while looking up at the lovely bright colours of the autumn leaves still on each branch. 

Dorothy

Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue

And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true

Moving away from the tree, Dorothy walks further and further till she’s halfway down the hill. 

Dorothy

Someday I’ll wish upon a star 

and wake up where the clouds are far behind me

When she made it down to the bottom of the hill, Dorothy went over to a rusty old hay-rake that was abandoned. Toto jumps onto the seat of the rake, and sat down while letting Dorothy pet him. 

Dorothy

Where troubles melt like lemon drops 

away above the chimney tops

That’s where you'll find me

Sitting herself down on the front of the rake, looking up at the sky, Dorothy is starting to feel a little better. As the bright feeling her heart slowly warms up, and thinking about all the wonderful adventures she wants to go and see, Dorothy wishes so deeply in her heart for all her dreams to come true.

Dorothy

Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly

Birds fly over the rainbow 

Why, then, oh why can’t I?

She smile grow brighter when she saw two bluebirds twisting and flying up towards the beautiful ray of sunshine, peeking out from behind the clouds . 

Dorothy

If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow 

Why, oh why can’t I?

Dorothy let out a dreamy sigh, hoping her dream will come true. Now smiling back at one another, Dorothy and Toto lean in closer to rest and rub their foreheads together, while Dorothy is happily giving her beloved dog lots of loving. 

As the two were focus on each other, they never notice the medallion around Dorothy’s neck suddenly began to glow so slightly brighter in a lighter green colour.

Chapter Text

As the day became dusk, colours of the sky is a lovely shade of red, orange and yellow. Coming up the dusty-road towards the Gale’s Farm, Miss Gulch is riding on her bicycle, with a basket attached to it, behind her. 

Hickory and Zeke are busy mending the hole on the top of front porch, and Hunk is helping his boss repaint the fence white. Whistling happily while painting, Uncle Henry stop what he’s doing when he saw Miss Gulch pulling up in front of his house. Even Hunk, Hickory and Zeke stopped what their doing, watching the strict and unpleasant women climbing off her bike. 

After she unfastened the basket from her bike, “Mr Gale!” Miss Gulch sharply called out to him. Hunk quickly opens the gate and held it wide open for her. Putting his paint-brush down, Uncle Henry politely greets her, “Good evening, Miss Gulch. What can I do for you?”. Now standing in between the gate, Miss Gulch seriously glare at him, “I want to see you and your wife right away about Dorothy” she said. “Dorothy?” Uncle Henry said in confusion, “What is it had she done?”. “What’s she done? Oh, I’m all but LAME from the bite on my leg!” Miss Gulch moves her left leg in a lame way, acting like she was seriously bitten. Having to put up with this wicked-old hag for years, the three farmers roll their eyes at her in annoyance. Hunk, who is still holding the gate, tries to act like he didn’t understand the situation, “You mean she bit you?” he asked. Miss Gulch furiously face him, “No, her dog!” she snapped. Eyeing back at his friends on the  porch  in amusement, “Oh! She bit her dog, eh?” Hunk smirked, letting go of the gate. It slam shut against Miss Gulch’s behind, which startled her. “Ugh…no!” she grumbled in annoyance at him. Hickory and Zeke cover their mouths, trying hard not to laugh after seeing what they friend just did to Miss Gulch. When he saw the unpleasant-serious expression on his boss’s face, Hunk nervously clear his throat. Shaking his head at the three farmers, Uncle Henry place his hands on his hips, “Hunk, why don’t you go and help the others out, while I talk with Miss Gulch”. “Yes, Mr Gale” Hunk said, nodding to his boss in respect before headed over to help his friends. 

When Uncle Henry led Miss Gulch to the front porch, the door opened, and Aunt Em came out with a basket full of clean washing. She was about to hang out the washing when she saw Miss Gulch coming up the porch-steps with her husband following her. “Oh! Good evening, Miss Gulch” Aunt Em politely greeted, until she noticed how unhappy the woman looks, “Is something the matter? You seem upset. I know, why don’t you stay and join us for supper? We’re having beef stew and dumplings, tonight. A bit of comfort food will help you feel better”. “No thank you. I don’t have the appetite, Mrs Gale” Miss Gulch said in frustration, “But I’m MORE then upset! I am so shaken in terror from that ferocious attack of your Niece’s vicious dog, that I may never eat again!”. After they finished fixing the hole, Hunk, Hickory and Zeke, who are eavesdropping, were either face-palmed or rolling their eyes in annoyance at the dramatic woman. Facing her husband for a moment, Aunt Em sighed to calm herself before looking back at the woman, “Please, come inside. And we’ll have a proper talk” she calmly said whilst holding the door wide open for them. Climbing down from the top of porch, the three farmers brush the dirt off themselves before following Miss Gulch and their bosses inside the house. 

Sitting on her bed with Toto lying beside her, Dorothy was happily reading her book that she got from the library, until she heard the door knocking. “Dorothy” its her Aunt outside the door. Dorothy felt worried in that moment, her Aunt’s voice sounded a bit serious. “Yes, Auntie Em?” Dorothy replied while closing her book and placing it down on the bedside table. “Could you please come out into the living room for a moment?” Aunt Em called back. Wondering what’s going on, Dorothy and Toto face each other in worry. After taking a deep breath to calm herself, Dorothy jumps off her bed, saying, “I’ll be out in a minute”. 

Feeling glad to hear that, Aunt Em walk back into the living room. With her basket beside her, Miss Gulch is sitting perfectly straight, like a posh lady, quietly drinking a cup of tea that Aunt Em had made for her. Behind her, Uncle Henry is resting his back against the wall, cleaning his glasses before putting them back on. The three farmers stood together beside the front door, with their hands in their pockets. Once Miss Gulch had finished, Aunt Em took the cup off her and putting it in the dishwasher, “I’m sure my Niece didn’t mean to upset you in any way. Dorothy is still just a child, you know. She’ll apologies to you as best as she can” she calmly said with a small smile, sitting herself down opposite the woman. “I’m beyond apology, Mrs Gale” Miss Gulch grumbled, “I’ve already laid an official complaint with the town’s Sheriff”. Cupping his mouth with one hand, Zeke leans in close to whisper to his two friends, “I thought the Sheriff was sober”. Hunk and Hickory just shrugged.

Soon after, Dorothy came out of her room, and enters the living room with Toto in her arms. But when she saw Miss Gulch glaring-daggers at her, Dorothy tightly holds her dog protectively away from her. 

Drew back in fear in her seat, “Aaah! That dog’s a menace to the community!” Miss Gulch angrily cried, sharply pointing her finger at him. Remembering what she almost did to him earlier, Toto is frighten of the horrible woman. Knowing perfectly well that she’s lying to everyone, “That’s not true!” Dorothy said in defence while stroking Toto’s head to comfort him. Ignoring the little girl, Miss Gulch angrily faces back at Aunt Em, “As an act of public service, I’m taking him to the Sheriff to make sure he’s destroyed!” she said. “Destroyed?! Toto?!” Dorothy gasp in shock, “No, you can’t! You mustn’t!” she went over to her Uncle and her friends, “Uncle Henry! You all won’t let her take Toto away, will ya?”. Smiling warmly at their young friend, Hunk, Hickory and Zeke shook their heads in response. Smiling calmly at his Niece, Uncle Henry gently place his hand on her shoulder, saying, “Of course we won’t, sweetheart. Will we, Emily?”. Going back to her Aunt, “Please, Auntie Em” Dorothy pleaded, “Toto didn’t mean too. He didn’t know he was doing anything wrong. It’s my fault that it happened. I’m the one that ought to be punished, I let him go in her garden. You can send me to bed without supper, if that makes you feel better…”. Holding her Niece’s hand to calm her down, Aunt Em faces the woman opposite, saying, “You hear how sorry she is, Miss Gulch. Surely, if she promises to give your place a wide berth…”. Miss Gulch immediately cut her off whilst angrily pointing her finger at her, “If you don’t hand over that dog, I’ll bring a damage suit that’ll take your whole farm! There’s a law protecting folks against dogs that bite!”. “How would it be if she keeps him on a lead?” Aunt Em argued in defence, “He’s really gentle…with gentle people that is”. Miss Gulch looks offended in that moment, but she’s not giving up that easily. “Well, that’s for the Sheriff to decide” she calmly took out a piece of paper from her pocket, and hands it over to Uncle Henry, “Here’s his order allowing me to take him. Unless you want to go against the law”. Everybody in the room is quiet, watching Uncle Henry walking around back and forth while reading the paper to himself. 

“Uh…yes…” Uncle Henry said with a frown on his face. “What’s it say, Henry?” Aunt Em asked in worry. Turning back to his wife “Just what she says” Uncle Henry said in disappointment, before facing his Niece, “I’m sorry, Dorothy. But you gotta have to hand him over”. Shocked by what he said, “WHAT?! NO! PLEASE, NO!” Dorothy cried, hugging Toto. Aunt Em felt terrible in that moment, she knows how much Dorothy loves her dog…but the law is the law. “We can’t go against the law, Dorothy. I’m afraid poor Toto will have to go” she said sadly. Feeling pleased by the Gale family’s decision, “Good. I’d knew you see reason” Miss Gulch stood whilst picking up the basket and opening the lid, “Put him inside this, so he can’t attack me again” she held it out for Dorothy to put the dog in. Poor Toto starts whining in fear in his mistress’s arms. But Dorothy refuse to give up her beloved dog, “Oh no, no, no! I won’t let you take him!” she angrily shouted at the woman while slapping the basket away from her, “You go away and leave us alone, or I’ll bite you myself, you wicked old witch!”. “Dorothy!” Aunt Em told her off. But her Niece didn’t stop. Taking a step back from Miss Gulch, who is coming up towards her to try and grab her dog, “I won’t let you hurt Toto! You can’t take him away from me!” Dorothy dodges away from her, keeping a tight hold of Toto while running for the front door. “Stop her!” Miss Gulch shouted. She was almost there to grab the door handle when Hickory blocked her way out, then Hunk and Zeke grabs her by the arms, holding her back to keep her from running away. “It’s no use running, Dorothy” Hickory said while shaking his head at her. Feeling shocked and betrayed, hot tears start to build up in Dorothy’s eyes, “Hickory…I…I thought you were my friend” she gasped. “He is your friend, Dorothy” Hunk spoke softly “We all are”. “You can’t fight the law, honey. Some things are bigger than all of us” Zeke said. When the three farmers turn her back to their bosses and Miss Gulch, Dorothy cry while watching her Uncle coming up to her. “Let me have him, Dorothy” Uncle Henry sadly said with his hands out, waiting for her to hand Toto over. Hugging her poor little dog, “Uncle Henry, Auntie Em! Please, don’t let her take him!” Dorothy pleaded, looking from her Uncle to her Aunt. Standing up from her seat, “Put him in the basket, Henry” Aunt Em said with her head down in shame. 

As Uncle Henry gently takes him out of his desperately pleading mistress’s arms, Toto whispers in fear and sadness whilst being put inside Miss Gulch’s basket. With tears pouring down her face, Dorothy starts forward to try and get him back, but Aunt Em catches her and holds her back. Watching her fasten the lid, Dorothy’s lips tremble when Miss Gulch gave her a pleased, but evil-triumphant expression, before heading out the front door with Uncle Henry following behind her. Aunt Em turns her sobbing Niece around to give her a small hug, then pulls her back to stand with the three farmers. Hunk, Hickory and Zeke try their best to comfort her, but Dorothy sobs angrily while breaking away from them. 

Leaving her poor Niece in the three farmers care, Aunt Em marches out the front door, standing with her outraged-husband on the porch, looking fiercely down at Miss Gulch, who turn around to face her after coming down the steps. “Almira Gulch!” Aunt Em spoke up in anger, “Just because you own half the country, doesn’t mean you have the power to run the rest of us! For 23 years I’ve been dying to tell you what I thought of you! And now…well, being a Christian woman, I can’t say it!”. Miss Gulch’s mouth hung wide open in shock, as she watches Aunt Em angrily goes back inside the house to try and comfort Dorothy. “Well I can!” Uncle Henry angrily said to her, “If you don’t wanna hear it, you can peddle your dirty parkers of yours off my land!”. Outrage by this kind of behaviour, Miss Gulch angrily storms out the gate, and refasten the basket to her bike. “I don’t take kindly to that kind of talk, Mr Gale!” she spat at him, “Just remember, I have friends in high places!”. “Then why don’t you climb on your broomstick and go visit them!” Uncle Henry argued. 

Watching out from one of the windows, the three farmers snatched, laughed, and pointing their fingers at the annoyed-woman climbing on her bike, and starts peddling back down the way she came from. They immediately stopped laughing when they saw the stern look on their boss’s face. “You got the horse hitched to the wagon yet?” Uncle Henry seriously asked, with his arms crossed. Zeke looked a little scared in that moment, “Uh…ne…nearly done, Mr Gale” he said nervously. “Nearly ain’t good enough!” Uncle Henry shouted at them, making them flinch, before looking up at the dark clouds, “You three get it done right now! There’s a storm brewing on the horizon, goddammit!”. He grumble to himself, walking away to do something else.

Back inside the house. Aunt Em is busy checking the stew that is slowly cooking on the stove, and the three farmers came back after finishing their job - Uncle Henry returned a few minutes after them. Still standing in the same spot for like 10 minutes, Dorothy never took her eyes off the front door, and haven’t spoken a word since Miss Gulch took her dog away…and very soon…have him put down. 

Allowing the tears to drip down her face, Dorothy was about to go back to her room, when she felt her Aunt’s hand on her shoulder. “Dorothy, please stay and eat with us” Aunt Em spoke softly, “I won’t let you go to bed on an empty stomach”. But Dorothy roughly moves away whilst turning around to face her, “I’m not staying with you! And I don’t wanna eat with you!” she sobbed angrily “You should’ve believed me when I tried to tell you that Miss Gulch was coming, but neither you or anybody would listen to me! If you really loved me, you wouldn’t let Toto go!”. “She had an order from the Sheriff. What did you expect us to do? Wave a wand and make it disappear?” Aunt Em argued. Tightening her fits, looking straight at her Aunt in the eyes, “Well, you could’ve tried at least!” Dorothy cried angrily. Uncle Henry rushes over and stood in between his wife and Niece, “Alright. Calm down, you two” he said calmly. But Dorothy ignored him, and marches straight towards Hunk, Hickory and Zeke, with a cold glare in her eyes. “You!…” she angrily points her finger at Hunk, “You just stood there like you were stuffed or something!”. “I’m sorry, Dorothy” Hunk tried to apologise, “I…just…I just couldn’t think of anything to stop that woman”. “You never do!” Dorothy cried, before turning to Zeke, “And you! When you met that woman, you were just scared of her like a coward instead of standing up to her!”. “But it wasn’t my place to interfere!” Zeke tried to get her to understand. Now facing up at Hickory, “And you!” Dorothy cried angrily, “Your the worst of all! You said to have a heart, but you were heartless enough to let her take Toto away and have him destroyed!”. Feeling hurt by her harsh words, Hickory sadly spoke up, placing a hand on his chest, “Oh please don’t say that, Dorothy. It already feels worse after seeing Toto gone. Now, you’re making me feel more terrible inside…and it feels like my heart had already shattered”. “I don’t care!” Dorothy shouted with more tears pouring out of her eyes, “I hate you guys! Your not my friends anymore! I never wanna see any of you, EVER AGAIN!”. And with that said, Dorothy swiftly turns round and went straight into her room, slamming the door in their faces. Listening to the poor girl crying in her room, everyone in the living room felt hurt, and sigh in disappointment. 

Meanwhile. Feeling so please with herself that her evil plan actually worked, Miss Gulch kept her eyes on the road as she carries on riding her bicycle straight to her house. But while she’s not looking, Toto manages to open the lid, then quietly climbs out of the basket, and quickly running back to the Gale’s Farm. 

All alone in her room and sitting on the floor beside her bed, still crying in heartache, Dorothy’s eyes became red and puffy as she sadly looks down at her poor Toto’s empty bed. Instead of turning on the lamp, Dorothy had took out a small candle she had in one of her drawers, and lighten it for her dog. “Toto was the only friend I had in the world” she sobbed “And know, I have no one to talk to…no one to play with. Now he’s gone, and I’ll never see him again!”. Looking up at the red and orange evening sky outside her window, Dorothy got up onto her knees, facing her bed while putting her hands together. She closed her eyes, allowing the tears to drip down her cheeks, praying. 

Dorothy

God…our Heavenly Father

Oh, God…and my doggie friend 

Who right now is in heaven

Opening her wet eyes, Dorothy sadly looks at small candle flickering on her bedside table, before looking up at the ceiling.

Dorothy

May the light

Of this flickering candle

Illuminate the night the way

Your spirit illuminates my soul 

Closing her eyes again, and bringing her head down into her praying-hands, Dorothy wonders if Toto’s soul is right now in this room…somewhere.

Dorothy

Toto, can you hear me?

Toto, can you see me?

Toto, can you hear me in the night?

Toto, are you near me?

Toto, can you hear me?

Toto, can you help me not be frightened?

Opening her eyes whilst turning to look out the window, she can see some stars peeking out from behind the grey clouds. 

Dorothy

Looking at the skies

I seem to see a million eyes

Which ones are yours?

Where are you now that yesterday

Has come and gone

And closed its doors?

Dorothy turns around and sits back down on the floor, resting her hands on her knees, and her head back on the edge of the bed. She shuts her eyes tightly, letting all them sad emotions pour out.

Dorothy

The night is so much darker

The wind is so much colder

The world I see is so much bigger now that I'm alone

As she sat there in misery, Dorothy thinks about the time she first met Toto. 

About 3 years ago, when Dorothy was 9 years old, she remembered waking up early on Christmas morning, excitedly jumping out of bed to go and open all her presents that Santa Claus had left for her. When she came into the living room, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and the three farmers were all sat round by the Christmas tree, happily waiting for her. As Dorothy got closer to the presents, she noticed one of the bigger boxes in the front is moving, and making a squeaky sound. Curious, she got down on her knees to read the tag, and smiles at everyone when she realised the presents was from them. Taking off the red ribbon and opening the lid, Dorothy gasp in surprise when she found a small black terrier puppy inside. After thanking her Aunt, her Uncle and all her friends for giving her the best present, Dorothy gently takes the puppy out of the box to hug him, and she started giggling when the puppy was happily licking her face. After opening the rest of her presents, Dorothy plays with her new puppy with everyone…and named him Toto. 

Opening her eyes again, she looks up at the ceiling. 

Dorothy

Toto, please forgive me

Try to understand me

Toto, don't you know I had no choice?

Can you hear me praying

Anything I'm saying

Even though the night is filled with voices?

Sitting up, Dorothy moves her attention back to her beloved dog’s bed. Thinking about the happy times she and Toto spent together. Like playing hide and seek in the barn,  laughing and chasing each other around the fields, or sat down quietly in the shade whilst reading a story together. There were other times like helping everyone around the farm, and help someone find their lost item.

Dorothy

I remember everything you taught me

Every book I’ve ever read

Can all the words in all the books

Help me to face what lies ahead?

The trees are so much taller

And I feel so much smaller

The moon is twice as lonely

And the stars are half as bright

Dorothy’s lips starts to tremble as she lets those sad emotions build up inside her. 

Dorothy

Toto, how I love you

Toto, how I need you

Toto, how I miss you

Kissing me…goodnight

Couldn’t hold it in anymore, Dorothy cries into her knees. 

Suddenly, Dorothy looks up when she heard a dog’s barking coming outside. And to her surprise, Toto jumps in through the window, and landed on the bed, happily facing her. “Toto darling! Oh, I’ve got you back! You came back! And I’m so glad you’re alright!” Dorothy is so overjoy to see Toto, hugging him lovingly, and letting him lick her face happily, “You got away from that horrible woman, you clearly little dog!”. 

And that’s when she realise Miss Gulch will soon find out Toto had escaped, and she will come back for him. “She’ll be coming back for you any minute” Dorothy said in worry, hugging her dog. She knows her family wouldn’t do anything to stop that evil witch. So, in order to keep Toto safe, she’ll have to take matters in her own hands. “We’ve got to get away!” Dorothy seriously told him, “We’ve got to run away! And we’re never, ever coming back!”. After fetching her suitcase and placing it on the bed, Dorothy began throwing in several clothes and items in it. One of her socks suddenly flew right on Toto’s face - he shook it off in annoyance. 

Sometime later. When nighttime fell, the Kansas-sky became much darker and cloudier than ever before. With her suitcase in hand and her carry-on bag over her shoulder, Dorothy and Toto slowly walks down the dusty road, following the street lights and leaving behind their footprints. As they cross over the bridge, right over a small brook, Dorothy stops in her tracks when she spotted a fortune teller’s wagon, with brightly coloured large-words reading…

PROFESSOR MARVEL 

ACCLAIMED BY THE CROWNED HEADS OF EUROPE

LET HIM READ YOUR  PAST - PRESENT - AND FUTURE IN HIS CRYSTAL 

ALSO JUGGLING AND SLEIGHT OF HAND

…and a campfire burning. Dorothy can hear a man’s voice humming a happy tune inside. She was warned to be careful and never talk to strangers, but Dorothy is to curious, that she and her dog approaches the wagon. 

Professor Marvel came out of his wagon to cook some hotdog-sausages over the fire, until he saw Dorothy and Toto. “Well, well, well, house guests, eh?” he chuckled whilst pulling a sausage on a stick “And who might you be, young lady?”. Dorothy approaches him to introduce herself, as he sat down by the fire and cook his sausage. “No wait, don’t tell me” Professor Marvel said, then took a moment to think, “Let’s see, you’re…you’re travelling in disguise”. Dorothy shook her head while putting her suitcase down. “No? You’re, eh…you’re going on a visit. No, that’s not right either. You’re…” Professor Marvel notice her suitcase, “You’re running away”. “How did you guess?” Dorothy asked. “Ha, ha! Professor Marvel never guesses, he knows! Now, why are you running away? No, no, no, don’t tell me” Professor Marvel proudly smiles at her while thinking out loud about what she’s thinking, “They, uh…they don’t understand you at home. They don’t appreciate you. You wanna see other lands, big cities, big mountains, big oceans!”. Dorothy look so amazed in that moment, “Why, it’s just like you could read what was inside of me” she said with bright smile on her face. Professor Marvel chuckled, “It is my trade, my calling. See what it says on the side of my conveyance” he said wisely, pointing at the sign on his wagon. 

Smelling the deliciously cooked meat, and feeling so hungry, Toto snatches the sausage off the stick Professor Marvel is holding, and happily eating it. Dorothy saw what he did, “Toto, that’s not polite! We haven’t been asked yet!”. “Ah, it’s alright. He’s perfectly welcome. As one dog to another, huh?” Professor Marvel chuckled in amusement, grabbing another sausage and cooking it over the fire. 

He offered her a seat and a hot cup of tea, which she gladly accepted. “Now, let’s see, where were we, um? Oh, yes! You wanted to go home, right?” Professor Marvel asked. Shaking her head sadly, “Oh, no…I’m not going back home” Dorothy said, “Nobody understands me, listens to me, or even cares about me. They won’t even miss me”. “Oh, come now, my dear. I’m sure they would miss you. They’re probably worried and searching for you right now” he said with encouragement. “No, they wouldn’t! Honestly, Professor!” Dorothy began explaining, “You see. Everybody thinks I’m odd, because I’m not normal like them”. Professor Marvel gave her a warm smile, “I understand how you feel, my child. I felt the same way when I was your age” he spoke wisely, “Besides, there’s nothing wrong about not being normal. You ARE, who you choose to be”. “Thank you, Professor. I’m glad someone understands me” Dorothy said, before continuing her story, “Anyway. On my way home from school, Toto got into Miss Gulch’s garden while chasing her horribly old cat. She tried to hurt him with a rake, but Toto quickly get away. And Miss Gulch came into our house, lying to everyone by telling them that Toto had bitten her on the leg. But Toto didn’t bite her, he just dodged her. He such a good boy, he wouldn’t hurt anyone, and he’s the only friend I have. But my family never listens to me, and was going to let that woman take him away and have him destroyed. But Toto got away from her…we ran away from home…and here we are”. Professor Marvel felt pity on the poor lgirl and her little dog, “Oh, that is a very sad story, Miss…eh?”. “Dorothy” she politely stood up to do a little curtsy, “Oh please, Professor. Can’t we go with you? I would love to go and see all the cities, mountains, ocean and others beautiful places you mentioned”. “You do?” Professor Marvel said in surprise before she nodded. He seriously thought for a moment, “Well…I never do anything without consulting my crystal first” he said as he stood up, “But before I do! Sit tight, my dear, and I’ll show you something! Something wonderful!”. 

Professor Marvel happily went over to his wagon, and with a flourish, he opens the side, and a dazzling array of curios is revealed. “Ta-da!” he said in a dramatic way. The shelves are full of many valuable objects from different parts of the world, and magical lanterns that stood above all the beautiful objects. “Oh, Jiminy Crickets!” Dorothy gasped in amazement. When he saw the magical display, Toto dropped his half-eaten sausage as his jaw dropped in surprise. “Oh yes indeed!” Professor Marvel laughed “And now, mirabile dictu et curibus pluribus unum! Or to use the vernacular. Behold Professor Marvel's Magical Lantern!”. Just like a projector, the lantern lit up on a white sheet that is hanging on the branch of a tree nearby. “To see the wonders of the world, you won't need to go too far from home” Professor Marvel smiles at Dorothy, as he brought out some slides from inside his wagon, “Not too far at all”. 

Professor Marvel

Dorothy, there are other ways

To see the world, so shift your gaze

To this extravagant appliance

Mainly magic, slightly science

With a sparkle in her eyes, Dorothy smiles at him in wonder. Toto sat down, happily wagging his tail while watching the kind and wondrous man with his mistress.

Professor Marvel

With no stressful travel plans

As you don't have to move from Kansas, see?

The unabridged assembled wonders of the world

He starts putting slices in the machine. Then beautiful images of the sea, the mountains, the icebergs and the rainforests appeared on the screen, like a movie theatre. 

Professor Marvel

Fly the coop and cross the ocean

Time and distance set in motion

Grab this chance to wander yonder

All the earth is ours to ponder

From the poles to the equator

No one could provide a greater view

Bringing out his cane, Professor Marvel pointed at the amazing images from Egypt, ancient or modern. 

Professor Marvel

There's the Nile, now some don't give a hoot

That it's the longest river

But we know in miles of course it's four-one-eighty

Seas to source

It's nature at it's most prolific

Pyramids are quite terrific too

Giggling, “Yes, they are!” Dorothy nodded in agreement. 

Professor Marvel

So welcome to the waiting wonders of the world

He sat down by the fire, giving Toto a little pat on the head. Then he looks back and smiles warmly at Dorothy, gently placing a hand on her shoulder, explaining things to her.

Professor Marvel

Sometimes we may feel something simply can't be real

Like a road beneath your feet that's paved with gold

I would be inclined to maintain an open mind

For truth is very strange if truth be told

Agreeing with him, “You bet!” Dorothy said, waving a finger at him. He immediately stands up and pointing out more images on the screen.

Professor Marvel

There's old popacatepetl

New York City, glass and metal

Everest unconquered mountain

Over five miles high and countin’

Here's the arctic pole and polar bears

And northern lights and solar flares

A myriad exquisite wonders of the world 

More and more slides continue on moving as he happily explains every parts of the world to her. 

Professor Marvel

Imagine red and blue on the mountains of Peru

And Sahara sands of yellow burning white

In jungles black and green fearsome creatures never seen

Other than right now…

“Oh! That's not right!” Professor Marvel gasped in shock. On the screen is a black and white photo of him when he was 3 years old, happily sucking his thumb, and having a bubble bath while playing with some rubber ducks. Seeing that, Dorothy covers her mouth to hold back her laughter. Toto is giggling in amusement. Feeling embarrassed with himself, Professor Marvel quickly took out that slide, “I’m so sorry, that was from my private collection” he explained while putting it away, before clearly his throat, “Moving rapidly along”. 

Professor Marvel

We don't have to take it slowly

Here's Tibet, remote and holy

Angel falls in Venezuela

Eiffel Tower, humpback whale

A moment feeling all the thrills

Of being near the seven hills of Rome

He dreamily spins around the campfire, making Dorothy giggle. Until he stops in his tracks when noticed how much darker the sky looks tonight.

Professor Marvel

Oh so many sights to savour

This has merely been a flavour

Maybe time for one more wonder

Very strange it looks like thunder…

Seeing how dark the night-sky looks, Professor Marvel suddenly notice a storm coming up on the horizon. Realising there’s going to be a tornado coming in their area any moment, he needs to play his game right in order to make sure Dorothy goes back home to her family, safely. “Now, my dear. I’ve told you about my wondering world…it is time I told you yours” Professor Marvel spoke with a bright-warm smile, holding his hand out to her, “Come inside, and I’ll look into your future”. Without any second thoughts, Dorothy gladly accepted his hand, and follows him inside the wagon - her dog followed. 

As they entered the small room, there’s a small table with a crystal ball in the centre. The inside is decorated with dark people curtains with gold stars painted, magical chimes hanging on the ceiling, and more valuable objects on small shelves. Taking her shoulder bag off, Dorothy sat down by the table, looking at the room in wonder. And Toto lay down beside her. 

After taking off his hat and placing it on the hook, Professor Marvel starts lighting some candles to bring out the mood. When he finished, he sits down opposite her, putting on a fortune teller turban. Picking up the crystal ball in one hand, and circling his free hand over it, “This is the same genuine, magic, authentic crystal used by the priests of Isis and Osiris in the days of the Pharaohs of Egypt. In which, Cleopatra first saw the approach of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony…and so on and so on” Professor Marvel explained, “Now Dorothy, hold out your hands for me”. Dorothy did as she was told. “Good” Professor Marvel proudly nodded, gently placing it in her hands, “Then hold the crystal ball in both hands. And it’ll help me look into your future”. Doing as she was told, and being careful not to drop it, Dorothy’s eyes were fixed a on the beautiful crystal, seeing the pretty shades of rainbow colours made from the candlelight. “And now, you better close your eyes, my child, for a moment. In order to be better in tune with the infinite”. When Dorothy shuts her eyes, Professor Marvel quickly picks up her shoulder bag, and roots inside. “Perfect. Keep them closed, focus on the crystal ball in your hands, and try reaching into the infinite. Because we…” he pulls out a photograph, and studies the picture of Dorothy and her Aunt, “We can’t do these things without reaching out into the infinite”. He puts the photo back, and her bag back where it was. “Alright, you can open your eyes now” he said, gently taking the crystal ball off her, and carefully place it back on its stand, “And now, we’ll gaze into the crystal”. 

Dorothy watches him quietly as he looks deeply into it. “Ah, what’s this I see?” Professor Marvel spoke, “A house…with a picket fence. And a barn with a…weathervane…of a…of a…a running horse”. “That’s our farm!” Dorothy said. “Ah, yes” Professor Marvel nodded, “Oh! I see a woman sitting on the edge of the bed. She’s wearing a light blue longline-denim-jacket…blue-spectacle, and…uh…and her hair is tied back into a low bun”. “That’s my Auntie Em” Dorothy answered. “Oh yes…her…her name is Emily” he said. “That’s right” she nodded “What she doing?”. “Well, I…I can’t quite see. Why, she’s crying” Professor Marvel said, “Someone has hurt her. Someone has just about broken her heart”. Dorothy look surprised in that moment, “Why…why would anyone do that?” she asked. “Well, I don’t know. But it’s…someone she loves very much…someone she’s been very kind to…someone she’s taken care of in sickness” Professor Marvel explained while looking down at the crystal ball several times. Dorothy thought for a moment, putting the pieces he’s telling her all together, “Well…I had the measles once, and she stayed right by me every minute” she said, before shaking those thoughts off, “But that was when I was 5 years old. She doesn’t care about me at all, now. And I don’t care about her”. “Oh! Well that’s not what the crystal says” Professor Marvel said. “But Miss Gulch was going to kill Toto!” Dorothy brought Toto up onto her lap, and hugged him protectively, “And she did nothing to stop her!”. “I don’t see any of that in the crystal, Dorothy” Professor Marvel wisely smile at her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder, “All I see is a woman who does the best she can…misses you terribly…and wishes to have you in her arms safe and sound”.

Professor Marvel

But the point that I'm conveying

Is you see it all while staying home 

And home is one of many wonders of the world

The unabridged assembled wonders of the world

Allowing Professor Marvel’s words sink in, and the feeling of understanding in her heart, Dorothy realises she can’t just run away from all her troubles…and leave behind the people she loved. When she made her mind, Dorothy smile sweetly at Professor Marvel while happily stroking Toto under his chin.

Professor Marvel and Dorothy

Professor Marvel's patent wonders of the world

But her smile didn’t last long, she still feels worried about what might happen if she goes back, “But if I go home…they’ll give Toto back to that evil witch” she said in worry. “Isn’t there anyone you can trust? Maybe look after your dog for awhile, until everything settles down?” Professor Marvel suggested. Dorothy thought for awhile, until an idea came to her, “I can give him to Hunk. He’s one of our helpers on the farm. He’ll hide Toto and keep him safe” she said. “That’s a good idea, Dorothy” Professor Marvel proudly nodded. Agreed with his mistress, Toto happily woofs before licking her face. Professor Marvel chuckled in amusement while watching the little girl laughing at her dog kissing her. “Okay, okay, boy! That’s enough!” Dorothy giggled, before Toto finally stopped licking her. Toto happily jumps off her lap, wagging his tail. 

Catching her breath and smiling amusingly at Toto, Dorothy felt pleased with herself for coming up with a better solution to keep Toto safe. Facing back up at the kind man opponent her, Dorothy thankfully smiled at him for helping her understand. 

Now curious to know what’s going on with her Aunt, “What she doing now, Professor?” Dorothy asked. “Let’s see…” Professor Marvel looks back in his crystal ball, until he acted all shock, “What’s this?! Why, she’s…she’s putting her hand on her heart! She’s…she’s dropping down on the bed!”. Couldn’t believe what she’s hearing, “Oh no, no, no!” Dorothy gasped in shock and worry. “That’s all. The crystal’s gone dark” Professor Marvel said to her, until he heard the sound of wind blowing very loudly outside, “Oh dear. It looks like a storm’s blowing up”. But Dorothy wasn’t listening, she stands up in panic, “You don’t suppose she could really be sick, do you?” she asked in worry before grabbing her bag, “Oh, I got to go home right away!”. She was about to leave when Professor Marvel ask in worry, “Are you sure, Dorothy? It’ll be dangerous to run back down the road in this weather”. “I know, but I have to get to her right away! Come on, Toto!” Dorothy rushes out of the wagon, picking up her suitcase, then she and Toto starts running and looking back at the kind man who is watching them leave, “Goodbye, Professor Marvel! And thanks a lot!”. “Goodbye, my dear! And please be careful on your way home!” Professor Marvel wave back to her worriedly.

Not to far from where he is, the town’s alarm suddenly went off, and Professor Marvel can hear the faint sounds of people panicking, and hurriedly rushing to the storm shelters. Without wasting any more time, he rushes over to his horse, Sylvester, who is panicking in that moment. “We better get under cover, Sylvester! There’s a storm blowing a whopper…to speak in the vernacular of the peasantry!” Professor Marvel said to his horse, before worryingly looking back at the way Dorothy and her dog went, “Poor little kid. I hope she get’s home all right”. Then Professor Marvel and Sylvester went off elsewhere to find shelter from the storm.

Back on the farm. It didn’t take long for the tornado to arrive, sweeping across the Kansas prairie and sucking up various objects in its path. With so much dust and tumbleweeds blowing everywhere, Uncle Henry and the three farmers were struggling to set all the scared animals free, and driving them safely away from the farm. Looking inside the barn, “Hunk, hurry and get them horses loose!” Uncle Henry ordered before setting the last group of chickens free. Trying to free all the horses as fast as he can, “I’m trying!” Hunk cried out to him, “But I need Hickory’s help!”. Looking around the area, “Where’s Hickory?! Hickory!” Uncle Henry called out to him. “I’m over here, Mr Gale!” Hickory wave to him, standing by his invention that he manage to fix, “Now, let me show you what my machine can do on that tornado!”. “Forgot about your invention, and help me!” Hunk called out to him in annoyance. Rolling his eyes at him, Hickory ran inside the barn, “Fine! But I’m warning you, YOU’LL be sorry!” he said while pointing his finger at his friend. “Hurry, everyone! HURRY!” Uncle Henry panicked. The horses were galloping out of the barn, when Zeke came up over to his boss in terror, pointing up at the sky. “It’s a twister, it’s a twister! And it’s coming straight towards us!” Zeke cried while holding his hat so it doesn’t blow away. 

After she discovered Dorothy wasn’t in her room, or anywhere else in the house, Aunt Em panicked as she came out the back door, searching around for her beloved Niece. Cupping her hands around her mouth, “Dorothy! Where are you?!” Aunt Em called out to her in the storm, “Dorothy!”. 

Approaching the Gale’s Farm, Dorothy gasp in horror when she saw the tornado moving closer to the house. With the wind so strong, tumbleweeds, trees and dust blowing everywhere, Dorothy notice Toto is struggling to move. Putting her suitcase down and decide to leave it behind, Dorothy picks Toto up in her arms, and ran as quickly as she can through the storm to get to the farm.

“Come on everybody, in the storm shelter!” Uncle Henry cried while he and the other three ran as fast as they can through the strong wind. By the time they made it to the storm shelter, Zeke was opening the doors when Aunt Em rushes over to them. “Henry! Guys! I can’t find her!” Aunt Em cried in panic and worry, “I can’t find Dorothy, she’s somewhere out in the storm!”. “Oh no! We gotta find her!” Hunk cried in worry. “Yes, let’s hurry and look for Dorothy!” Hickory said. Zeke nodded in agreement. Even though Uncle Henry wanted to search for his Niece as well, but he noticed how dangerously close the tornado is coming. “There’s nothing else we can do…except pray for her safety!” Uncle Henry said while gently dragging his wife, who is calling out Dorothy’s name, straight inside the storm shelter. Facing back at Hunk and Hickory in worry, Zeke says, “Oh, I hate to think what will happen if she got caught in that twister!”. Feeling sorry for leaving their friend behind, and praying for her safety, the three farmers got inside the shelter with their bosses, and shutting the doors behind them before locking it.

Forcefully kicking the gate open, Dorothy kept hold of Toto tightly in her arms while running up the porch, forcing the front door to open before heading inside the house. “Auntie Em! Auntie Em, where are you!” Dorothy cried as she quickly searches around each room. And that’s when she realise that everyone must be in the storm shelter. Dorothy rushes out the back door, shielding her eyes from the wind blowing dust in her direction, she and Toto saw the tornado coming towards them. Dorothy ran over to the storm shelter, and frantically tries to open it. “Auntie Em, Uncle Henry!” she called out to them, “Hunk, Hickory, Zeke! It’s me, Dorothy! Please open up!”. Because of the strong wind and loud banging noises outside, nobody can hear Dorothy.

The tornado is coming nearer and nearer, Dorothy has to find shelter for both her and Toto, quickly. The house is the only place opened for her, she ran back inside, and struggling to shut the door behind her, due to the strong wind. Toto is terribly frightened, he jumps out of his mistress’s arms and ran straight into her bedroom. “Toto, wait! Come back here!” Dorothy cried in panic, chasing after him. 

Toto hides underneath her bed when she enters the room and shuts the door behind her. Panicking while searching for Toto everywhere, feeling terrible frightened as he is, Dorothy wonders what will happen to them if the tornado hits them. “Toto! Please, don’t hide from me now!” Dorothy called out to him, but her dog was to scared to come out. 

Suddenly right at that moment, the window frame came loose and struck Dorothy hard on the back of her head. With a surprise cry, she collapse onto her bed, beginning to feel very dizzy. Groaning in agony and watching the ceiling spinning above her, Dorothy’s eyes began closed. 

With Dorothy now unconscious, and Toto still hiding under the bed, the tornado is very close to the house and ready to wreak it, along with a poor little dog and his mistress in it.

Until…the medallion around Dorothy’s neck starts to glow brighter then ever, lighting up the room green. Then sparks of emerald-stars came flying out of the emerald-gemstones O.Z, swirling around the room for a moment, making its way out the window, and circling around the entire house, creating some sort of shield surrounding it, protecting the unconscious little girl and her dog inside.

With the sound of creaking and snapping, the house began to pitch, twisting on its axis and rising forcibly off the ground. And finally, the entire house spun around and around, all the way up inside the tornado. 

Chapter Text

By the time she regain consciousness, Dorothy can feel her dog’s tongue licking her face. Opening her eyes, “Oww…my head…” Dorothy groaned in agony, while rubbing the back of her head from where she was hit. She looks up at Toto, who seems worried about her…and look rather confused. Just as she’s about to ask him what’s wrong, Dorothy notice a greenish glow surrounding them, and felt a sudden warmth on her chest. Moving her eyes to see where the light is coming from, “What?!” Dorothy gasp in surprise, when she saw her medallion freakishly glowing around her neck. Shocked as her dog, Dorothy lightly touches it with her finger tips, “Wh…what is this?! What’s going on?!” she asked in horror and confusion.

Suddenly, Dorothy yelped in surprise when she felt the whole house moving. Ignoring her medallion, Dorothy turns to the open window, seeing bits of hay and rubbish flying about, and a strong gust of wind coming inside. 

As Dorothy sat up in bed to have a better look outside the window, she couldn’t believe what she’s seeing. Different kinds of wrecked objects and living things were flying right past them. Broken pieces from an old barn, trees, a chicken coop, a picnic basket, a big sack of straw, an oilcan and a stuffed lion teddy. Dorothy and Toto face each other in confusion, before watching more stuff flying outside. A sweet old lady is happily knitting in her rocking chair, with her white cat on her lap, then noticed Dorothy and wave to her. Dorothy suddenly waved back before the old lady flew away. When he saw the cow flying out there, Toto ran up to the window-from a starts barking at it, until he got scared by the cow’s very loud moo, and immediately hid behind his mistress. Dorothy comforts Toto while watching more things pasting them. A broken fence, tractors, broken glasses, a bag of marshmallows and a china tea set. Dorothy carefully stood up, move towards the window without losing her balance, and held on tightly to the headboard. They saw a pumpkin flying round in a circle, which made Toto feel slightly nauseous, a rocking horse, a clock made of copper, a tiger statue and a moose‘s head. Feeling like he couldn’t take any more of this dizziness and weirdness, Toto went under the bed-covers. Two men were happily rowing in a boat when they saw Dorothy, they wave to her before rowing away. 

Wondering what’s going on, Dorothy leans forward to peek downwards, and gasp in horror when she saw what is happening to them. “Toto, we must be up inside the tornado!” she cried to her dog, who poked his head out of the covers. When she looks out the window again, Dorothy gasp when she saw a familiar woman riding on her bicycle, “Miss Gulch!”. The woman is floating nearer to the window, still riding her bicycle and acting like nothing’s wrong. As Miss Gulch leans forward on her bike, lightning suddenly strikes, and she suddenly changing. Her bike transformed into a broomstick. Her smart clothes turns into a black dress, cloak and pointed hat. And her human-like face is now green, warty and hideous like a witch. Shocked, after seeing that horrifying transformation, Dorothy gets under the covers with Toto, and hid her face down on the mattress. They can hear the cackling of the witch outside, as she disappears into the twister. 

The house continues spinning faster and faster along with the tornado. Screaming wildly in her bed, Dorothy holds Toto protectively in her arms as the house rock side to side. Now whirling out of the tornado, the house spins round as it falls down, down, down from the sky…and then…CRASH! The house landed on the ground with a load thud.

After a frightening ride, Dorothy recovered from the sudden shock of being dropped, and slowly sat up in bed. “I think we’re safe now” she said while looking around the room. Her dog wriggled his way out of the covers, Toto was feeling dizzy from all that spinning and swaying, but after a moment, he was alright. Looking at the messy state of her room, Dorothy gasp when she suddenly remembered the sudden glow coming out of her medallion. She looks and  realises it’s not glowing anymore. Covering her medallion with her palm, “What happened? Why was my necklace suddenly glowing?” Dorothy mumbled in confusion “Or did I just…imagined it?”. Placing his front paws on her lap to get her attention, Toto wimped in confusion, wondering why her medallion was glowing earlier. Realising she wasn’t the only one who saw what happened, “I don’t know, Toto” Dorothy shook her head before, then stood up, “We’ll worry about it later. But right now, we need to find out where we’ve landed”. Turning her attention to the window, which is now blocked by something big, but she can see light peeking in through the gaps, and hear the lovely sound of birds singing. As she picks up her bag and place it over her shoulder, “Come on, Toto. Let’s go outside and see where we are” Dorothy gently picks her dog up and carries him in her arms. Opening the door whilst pushing a fallen-down-chair out of the way, Dorothy walks out the room, seeing the rest of the house in a terrible state as she went towards the front door. 

When Dorothy opens the door fully, allowing the ray of warm sunlight in, she shields her eyes from how bright it is out there. A moment later, Dorothy remove her hand away from her face, and looking at their surroundings, she and Toto couldn’t believe their eyes. Dorothy gasps in amazement, and Toto’s eyes widen in wonder. 

The tornado had dropped them in the midst of a bright-colourful village, with beautiful high mountains surrounding the area. The village houses were all tiny, and built on different levels. In the centre of the village square, made to look like a spiral, are two bright coloured brick roads going to two different directions, one red and the other yellow. A beautiful small bridge going over a stream, with lily pods floating and different coloured fishes swimming in it. The trees, bushes and freshly cut grass were different shades of green. The village is full of gorgeous flowers, when a gentle breeze passes through, a lovely sweet scent fills the air. The birds sang sweetly, the butterflies were fluttering happily, and the sun shines beautifully in the clear blue sky.

Placing her dog down, Dorothy slowly walks out of the house to look more at their surroundings, and Toto follow beside her. Feeling confused to where they are, Dorothy is mesmerised by the beauty of this magical new world. Toto is sniffing one of the flowers nearby, until his nose began to itch, and he sneezed before catching up with his mistress. “Toto…” Dorothy spoke while looking at the flowers, “I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”. Toto woofed in agreement. Turning slowly around to look at the strange architectural, “It’s nothing like I ever seen. I wonder what kind of place this is?” she said with an eyebrow up. Looking up at the blue sky, Dorothy’s eyes sparkle when she saw a beautiful rainbow over the horizon, “Why, Toto!” she smiled in amazement, “We must be over the rainbow, in a land somewhere beyond the rainbow!”. Her dog woofed happily, until he barked when he spotted something behind her. “Toto, what are you barking at?” Dorothy asked in wonder before turning round to see what is. 

Flying high in the sky is a large bright pink bubble. Watching it in wonder, Dorothy and Toto took a few steps backwards as the pink bubble gracefully floating towards them, and landed right in front of them. The bubble vanished, and in its place stood a proud and beautiful tall woman. 

The mysterious woman had bright blue eyes, blonde curly-hair with a pink flowery-crown on her head, and sweet smiling pink lips. Her wide-hoop-dress is pink, with balloon long sleeves, pink flowers and pearls sawn in to it. And in her hand is a magic wand with a pink sparkling star on top.

Shocked by that, “Ok…now I know we’re not in Kansas” Dorothy said to her dog, who looked as stunned as she is. Moving closer to Dorothy, the beautiful woman gracefully bowed to her, “Greeting, young witch” she smile welcomely at the little girl. “Uh…” Dorothy felt confuse in that moment, but she politely curtsy to the woman, “He…hello, ma'am”. Smiling sweetly, the woman ask, “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?”. “Witch? Me?” Dorothy points to herself in confusion, “Why no, ma'am. I’m not a witch, I’m just an ordinary human girl”. “Oh. Well is that the witch?” the woman pointed her wand at Toto, who just looks at her, dumbfounded at being referred to as a witch. “No, this is Toto. He’s my pet dog” Dorothy answered, “What makes you think I’m a witch?”. The woman cheerfully giggled, “Oh well, I’m a little muddled” she explained “The Munchkins have summoned me, because a ‘New Witch’ has just dropped a house on the Wicked Witch of the East”. “Witch of the what?” Dorothy asked with an eyebrow up, “What witch?”. Even her dog thinks this woman is crazy. “The ‘East’, my dear. She’s there under the house” the woman pointed her wand to the bottom of the house, “And that’s all that’s left of the Wicked Witch of the East”. There, underneath the beams of the front porch are two black and white stripy feet with ruby-red shoes sticking out. 

In shock and horror, Dorothy gasp with both hands over her mouth. When he saw the feet of a dead witch, Toto hides behind his mistress’s legs in fright. Dorothy couldn’t believe what she had done, “Oh no! I am so sorry, ma'am!” she apologised to the woman, “Will she be alright?! I swear, I didn’t mean too! My house got caught in a twister and…!”. But the beautiful woman didn’t look upset, instead she look very pleased with Dorothy, “Oh, so it was you who destroyed the wicked” she spoke calmly, “Don’t worry, my dear, there’s no need to apologise. You see, she was the Wicked Witch of the East, and she was very, VERY evil. And to answer your question, well…she looks fairly dead to me”. Facing back at the girl, the woman tilt her head to one side, “Now, I didn’t quite catch your name, my dear child”. Smiling back at the kind woman, Dorothy politely introduce herself, “My names Dorothy Gale, and I come from Kansas. The house I was in got caught in the tornado, and blew me and Toto away from our home”. Smiling warmly at the young girl, “Well, Dorothy Gale of Kansas” she spoke with open arms, “Let me be the first to say, welcome to the Land of Oz”. Dorothy and Toto look each other in wonder and confusion. “Th…thank you, ma'am. But, uh…what is Oz?” Dorothy asked. The woman giggle cheerfully to the little girl, “Here. Come with me and I’ll show you” she walks over to the edge of a cliff. 

Curious, Dorothy and her dog follows the woman from behind, then stood by the edge of the cliff, looking out at the beautiful view of this new world, as far as the eye can see. “Behold, Dorothy! This is the Land of Oz, a magical world you’ve just dropped in from the sky” the woman proudly explained. Dorothy’s eyes sparkle in amazement, “It so beautiful” she said softly. Toto woofed in agreement. “Now, Oz is divided into 4 countries, the East, the West, the South and the North. One for each town, village and city in every direction” the woman proudly explained, “Your in Munchkin Land. Its in the eastern part of Oz, where we are now. And so, the Munchkins want to know if you’re a good witch or a bad witch?”. “But I already told you, I’m not a witch at all” Dorothy said, “From what I’ve read in all those fairytales in story books, witches are mean, old and ugly!”.

In that moment, there’s a high pitched squeals of laughter coming from all around Dorothy. She and Toto looked everywhere, but couldn’t see anything. “What was that?” Dorothy asked. “The Munchkins” the woman chuckled in amusement, “They’ve laughing because I am a witch. I’m Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. And as you can see, I am beautiful”. Dorothy look surprised after hearing that, “You are?” she gasped, and immediately curtsy, “Oh, I apologise for what I said earlier, but I never heard of a good and beautiful witch before”. “Its all right, my dear” Glinda smiled, “Only bad witches are ugly”. With open arms, Glinda happily looks back at their surroundings, “The Munchkins are happy, because you have freed them from the Wicked Witch of the East” she said joyfully. Dorothy and Toyo still doesn’t understand what Glinda means. “But if you please, what are Munchkins?” Dorothy asked, before she heard more laughter coming everywhere. “The little people who live here in Munchkin Land. And you did them great service of getting rid of their tyrannical ruler” Glinda  began calling out to the Munchkins, “It’s all right, you may all come out and thank her!”. 

Slowly following behind Glinda, with Toto beside her, Dorothy saw each and every little Munchkin, coming out of their hiding places to get a glimpse of her. Still calling out to all the Munchkins, Glinda happily held her hand out to Dorothy, who gladly accepts it. 

Glinda

Come out, come out wherever you are
And meet the young lady who fell from a star 

Glinda is leading the young girl and her dog to what looks like a bandstand, with a giant sunflower hanging high above it.

Glinda

She fell from the sky, she fell very far
And Kansas she says is the name of the star

The Munchkin Citizens

Kansas she says is the name of the star

Feeling amazed, Dorothy smiles as she watches all the cute little people slowly surrounding her, Toto and the Good Witch of the North in the village square. 

Glinda

She brings you good news, or haven't you heard
When she fell out of Kansas a miracle occurred!

Feeling so happy in that moment, the Munchkins rushes over to the bandstand, eagerly waiting for what they’re new young saviour has to say. Dorothy tries to explain to them and Glinda what really happened. 

Dorothy

It really was no miracle
What happened was just this
The wind began to switch, the house to pitch
And suddenly the hinges started to unhitch
Just then the witch, to satisfy an itch
Went flying on her broomstick thumbing for a hitch

One of The Munchkins

And oh, what happened then was rich

The Munchkins began talking amongst each other. Feeling so joyful and relieved that the Wicked Witch of the East is no more. Finally free from all those years of cruelty and slavery, the Munchkins happily dance around the village square. 

The Munchkin Citizens

The house began to pitch, the kitchen took a stitch
It landed on the Wicked Witch in the middle of a ditch
Which was not a healthy situation for the Wicked Witch! 

The house began to pitch, the kitchen took a stitch
It landed on the Wicked Witch in the middle of a ditch
Which was not a healthy situation for the Wicked Witch!

Who began to twitch, and was reduced to just a stitch
Of what was once the Wicked Witch!

Several Munchkins gone up to the bandstand and thanked Dorothy by shaking her hand or hugging her. Others gently pat Toto’s head, who happily accepted them. Glinda happily stood back, watching the young girl getting all the thankful attention. Dorothy tried to be modest and get them to understand, but after awhile, she couldn’t help but smile at these grateful and friendly little people. They’re nothing like the people back in Kansas. Back home, people usually walk away from her and talks about her being odd. But not these people in Oz, their smiling at her, respecting her, and likes her already. A coachman with two ponies are pulling a small carriage along, with a line of soldiers marching  behind, until the carriage pulled up in front of the bandstand. The Munchkins immediately clear the way for their saviour. Dorothy couldn’t believe this is happening to her, she look back at Glinda to make sure it’s alright, and she proudly nodded to her. With a big smile on her face, Dorothy picks Toto up in her arms, rushes down the steps, and the general helps her in the carriage. With Toto happily sitting on her lap, Dorothy turns her attention to two Munchkin-gentlemen coming up to her. 

The First Munchkin

We thank you very sweetly

For doing it so neatly

The Second Munchkin

You’ve killed her so completely

That we thank you…very…sweetly

They handed her a beautiful bouquet. Accepting the flowers, and smelling the lovely fragrance, Dorothy sweetly smiles at them, saying, “You’re welcome…I think”. Glinda joyfully held her hands out to get everybody’s attention.

Glinda

Let the joyous news be spread

The Wicked old Witch at last is dead!

The crowd cheered. As the carriage starts moving around the square, the soldiers began marching. The Munchkin Citizens were all clapping and dancing around with joy and laughter. While having a fun ride in the carriage with Toto, Dorothy happily wave back to some of the Munchkins who were waving to her, including the children-Munchkins.

The Munchkin Citizens

Ding-dong! The Witch is dead

Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch!

Ding-dong! The Wicked Witch is dead

Wake up you 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's the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low

Let them know the Wicked Witch is dead!

When the carriage pulled up in front of the Town Hall, the heralds came out of the building, and start blowing their trumpets. The Mayor of Munchkin Land, the Judge and his loyal advisers came out of the entrance to welcome their saviour. Taking his hat off, the Mayor greets Dorothy while helping her and Toto out of the carriage. After placing her dog down, Dorothy politely curtsy to the Mayor, then gladly joins him with all his advisers. The Mayor smile welcomely at the young girl. 

The Mayor

As Mayor of the Munchkin City

In the country of the Land of Oz

I welcome you most regally

Still unsure if the Wicked Witch of the East is truly dead, the Judge stood in between Dorothy and his leader. The Mayor stands there proudly with his hands behind his back, while listening to what the Judge and the others has to say. 

Judge

But we've got to verify it legally

To see 

The Mayor

To see?

Judge

If she

The Mayor

If she?

Judge

Is morally, ethically

First Adviser 

Spiritually, physically

Second Adviser

Positively, absolutely

Judge And Advisers

Undeniably and reliably dead!

A few minutes later, the Coroner proudly walks up the steps with a scroll in hand. Smiling at the Mayor, Dorothy and everyone, he opens the scroll - which reads Certificate of Death - to show them the results.  

The Coroner

As Coroner, I must aver

I thoroughly examined her

And she’s not only merely dead

She’s really most sincerely dead

The Mayor, the Judge and the others were very pleased by the good news. Taking both of her hands in his, the Mayor thankfully smile up at her, “My dear. The Wicked Witch had ruled over us with an iron…or most likely, an warty-green fist for years” he spoke wisely, “But thanks to you, my people and I are free from her cruelty. So from this day, you shall be known as ‘Dorothy Gale, The Witch-Slayer of Kansas’. And all of Oz will always remember you in songs and tales through years to come”. Dorothy felt so honoured for being given such a honourable title. Before she could say anything, the Mayor proudly spoke out to all his subjects, “And to celebrate this remarkable day, we shall declare this it to be ‘Dorothy Day’. A holiday in honour of this young lady who freed us all from the Wicked Witch of the East!”. 

Along with the Judge and the advisers, the crowd cheered for Dorothy, who felt so flattered in that moment. Glinda is happily clapping along to the young girl. Seeing how overjoyed his mistress is, Toto woof excitedly while wagging his tail. Feeling so flattered, “Really? A holiday for me?” Dorothy said with a big smile on her face, “I…I don’t know what to say, except I’m very honoured. Oh, thank you. Thank you all so much”. The Mayor bowed to her before turning back at all his people, with open arms. 

The Mayor

Then this is a day of independence

For all the Munchkins and their descendants 

Judge

If any!

The Mayor

Yes, let the joyous news be spread

The Wicked old Witch at last is dead!

The crowd cheered. They begin to celebrate by dancing around the village, knocking on people’s doors to wake them up and getting them to come outside. Celebrating from the top level, some of the Munchkins were happily throwing confetti in the air. 

The Munchkin Citizens

Ding-dong! The Witch is dead

Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch!

Ding-dong! The Wicked Witch is dead

Wake up you 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's the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low

Let them know the Wicked Witch is dead!

The crowd gathered round the Town Hall again, while the soldiers were doing a little march before standing in a straight line. The Mayor, the Judge and the advisers encourage Dorothy to go down the steps, which she did. Dorothy stood there nervously on the spot, until her eyes lit up when she saw three Munchkin-ballerinas gracefully dancing towards her. Watching them dance for her is so moving, and since she loved ballet so much, Dorothy felt like she wanted to dance too. The Munchkin-ballerinas dance while smiling sweetly at her.  

The Lullaby League

We represent the Lullaby League

The Lullaby League, the Lullaby League

And in the name of the Lullaby League

We wish to welcome you to Munchkin Land

They parted away whilst blowing kisses at Dorothy, who thanked them by blowing kisses back. After that, three cool Munchkin-boys with hands in their pockets, and one of them holding a big lollipop, are happily tap dancing towards Dorothy. 

The Lollipop Guild

We represent the Lollipop Guild

The Lollipop Guild, the Lollipop Guild

And in the name of the Lollipop Guild

We wish to welcome you to Munchkin Land

They gave Dorothy the lollipop, which she happily accepted and thanked them before rejoining the Mayor and the others. Toto began licking his lips from seeing how yummy that lollipop looks. Noticing the hungry expression on her little dog’s face, Dorothy gladly brought the lollipop down to Toto, and let him have a taste. Toto is happily licking it until it got all wet and sticky, and he suddenly got his nose stuck in the centre of the lollipop. Toto was struggling to break free from the sticky lollipop. Dorothy giggle in amusement, then helps Toto by gently taking it off his nose. Toto thanked her by licking her face, which is making her giggle while patting his head. The crowd came closer to the steps to praise and welcome Dorothy and her dog. The Mayor and the others smile warmly at their young Witch-Slayer of Kansas, while gently patting her on the back.

The Munchkin Citizens

We welcome you to Munchkin Land

Tra la la la la la la la la la la la

Tra la la la la la la

The Mayor

From now on you'll be history

Judge

You'll be his...

First Adviser

You'll be his...

Second Adviser

You'll be history

The Mayor, Judge, Coroner And Advisers

And we will glorify your name!

With a big smile on her face, Dorothy couldn’t believe this is happening to her. Nobody in Kansas ever praised her, talks to her, welcoming her with open arms or befriended her like this. Seeing all the love and joy around her, Dorothy felt so light, warm and much happier then ever. For the first in her life, the people in this magical land loves her, respecting her and honouring her. 

The Mayor

You will be a bust...

First Adviser

Be a bust...

Second Adviser

Be a bust...

The Mayor, Judge, Coroner And Advisers

In the hall of fame!

The Munchkins began dancing around in the square with so much joy and laughter. The Mayor and the Judge each held her hands, then gladly help Dorothy down the steps, and let her go and dance with the crowd. After dancing with some of the Munchkins, Dorothy began doing a joyful solo dance, by doing a few twirls, arm-movements, gracefully footsteps and a few ballet leaps. When they saw how beautifully she can dance, the Munchkins parted and stood in a circle, clapping along for Dorothy as she happily dance for them, in the centre of the square. 

While watching the young girl dance with such grace, Glinda suddenly noticed something shiny and swinging around Dorothy’s neck. Recognising the symbol on the medallion, Glinda’s eyes sparkled in joy and amazement, then looks at the happy young girl’s face with a proud smile. Toto was dancing around his mistress’s legs before she did a lovely twirl towards the bandstand, and stop by the steps to look up at Glinda, with a friendly smile. The Good Witch of the North graciously held her hand out to Dorothy, as she gladly slowly approaches towards her. The Munchkins carried on celebrating around them.

The Munchkin Citizens

Tra la la la la la la la la la la

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But the celebration came to an end, when the blue sky suddenly turned dark and cloudy. The whole crowd went silent and scared, while Dorothy and Glinda looks up at the dark sky in confusion and wonder. Then suddenly, thousands of small fireballs came hurtling down from the sky, and crashing into buildings and trees, setting them on fire. The Munchkins scream in panic and horror as they dodge the fireballs before finding safe places to hide. Dropping her gifts, Dorothy immediately picks up Toto and ran to Glinda, who uses her magic to shield them from the oncoming fireballs. After awhile, the fireballs finally stopped coming down, and Glinda waves her wand, and magically uses the water from the stream to quickly put the fires out. Once the fires are out and Glinda returns the water back for the animals living in the stream, Dorothy nervously looks round whilst hugging her poor little dog, and the Munchkins slowly came out of hiding, thinking everything’s alright now.

But its not over yet. Lightning bolts strikes in the clouds, and a massive fireball shot out and crashes down in the centre of the village square. The Munchkins jumped out the way in fright. The fire didn’t spread like the others did, it reminds in the centre, and its flames are burning fiercely. Then it turns into a whirling twister of sparks, and a dark shadowy-figure appears within the flames. As everyone crept closer to see what it is, the flames vanished, and standing in its place is a another Wicked Witch. 

When she emerge herself from the flames, the Wicked Witch lets out a horrifying shriek, like a terrifying vulture bird that’s ready to attack its prey. The Munchkins scream in terror as some ran away to hide, while others fell flat on the ground. The Wicked Witch had her black pointed hat on her head, her cloak is moving repeatedly by the gust of wind, and her broomstick in hand. Seeing how terrifyingly-green and ugly this evil woman’s face is up close, Dorothy realise this is the same witch she saw in the tornado, and starts to feel frightened of her. Toto is trembling in her arms, as they watch the Wicked Witch looking at her surroundings in hatred and wonder, whilst scaring all the Munchkins away.

Feeling so terrible scared as her dog, Dorothy nervously moves in closer to Glinda, who stood there bravely whilst comforting her with a hand rubbing her shoulder. “Glinda…” Dorothy spoke nervously, “I thought you said she was dead”. “Oh no, my dear” Glinda replied with a wise smile, “That was her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East. This is the Wicked Witch of the West, and she’s much worse than the other one was”. Both Dorothy and Toto were very shocked by that. “W…what?! S…s…sisters?!” Dorothy gasped in horror, as she quickly hides behind Glinda.

“What’s going on here?! And why are you all celebrating?!” the Wicked Witch shouted in rage. The Munchkins flinched in fear around her. The Wicked Witch is searching for someone, but couldn’t find them, “Where’s Nessarose?! WHERE IS MY SISTER?! YOUR SUPPOSED TO BE SLAVING AWAY YOUR MISERABLE LITTLE LIVES FOR HER!” she shouted in anger, until she spots the Good Witch of the North, she didn’t notice the little girl hiding behind her, “Glinda, where is she?!”. Pretending like she didn’t see her, Glinda giggle cheerfully at the sight of her, “Oh! Why hello, Elphaba. Long time no see. I didn’t even notice you were there”. “Whatever, you annoying pink bubble-gum” the Wicked Witch grumbled with inpatients, “Now, where is Nessarose?!”. “Yonder she lies” Glinda points her wand to the house a couple feet away from the Wicked Witch. Looking at it in annoyance, “All right, very funny, smart aleck!” the Wicked Witch thinks this is some kind of joke, “Did you turn my sister into a house?”. “Not ‘into’ a house…” Glinda proudly shakes her head, then points her wand lower, “But ‘UNDER’ the house”. The Wicked Witch looks down at the beams of the front porch, and her eyes widen when she gave a cry of shock. She found her sister’s feet sticking out from underneath the farm house. 

In rage, the Wicked Witch slowly turns round, glancing upon the terrified little Munchkins and the Good Witch of the North. “Who did this?!” the Wicked Witch hissed, “Who killed my sister?! WHO KILLED THE WITCH OF THE EAST?! WAS IT YOU, YOU LITTLE RATS?!”. The Munchkins flinched nervously by her rage. Still hiding behind Glinda, Dorothy held Toto protectively in her arms. Feeling sorry those poor Munchkins being threatened by the Wicked Witch, Dorothy knows in her heart that she can’t hide from her forever. 

Angrily coming up to Glinda, til her green face is right close to hers, “Or was it you that killed her, Glinda?!” the Wicked Witch hissed, then turning back to everyone, “SPEAK UP, OR I’LL TURN ALL OF YOU INTO RABBITS, AND FEED YOU TO MY WOLVES!”. Without thinking, Dorothy jumps out from behind Glinda, “No, please don’t! It wasn’t any of them!” she cried with her free hand out to the witch. Swiftly turns back around, the Wicked Witch look surprise to find a little girl with her dog, standing beside the Good Witch of the North. Have no of who this girl is or where she came from, but the Wicked Witch doesn’t care, “Oh really? Then WHO was it?!” she spat, causing Dorothy and Toto to flinch back against Glinda, who protectively held her close. “It…it was my fault” Dorothy spoke nervously, “I’m truly sorry. My…my house dropped on her”. In rage and disbelief, “YOU?!” the Wicked Witch points her sharp-nail-green-finger at her, “You killed my sister by dropping your house on her?! WHY, YOU CURSED BRAT! I’M GONNA…!”. Pointing her wand at the witch to keep her distance away from Dorothy, “Leave her alone, Elphaba! She’s just a child!” Glinda said bravely. “Silence Glinda! I wasn’t talking to you!” the Wicked Witch snapped, then faces Dorothy, “I don’t know how a little girl like you can be SO undeniably clumsy, but YOU HAVE CROSS THE LINE!”. “But I said I was sorry!” Dorothy cried in defence, “It was an accident, I didn’t mean to kill your sister!”. “An accident, you say? HA!” the Wicked Witch laughed, “Well, my little pretty, I can cause accidents too!”. Without a warning, the Wicked Witch circles her free hand and points her finger up to the sky, casting a lightning bolt to strike down through the centre of the farmhouse. The house was set on fire before the roof collapsed in the middle. Dorothy and Toto were horrified after seeing what she had done to their beloved home. 

Glaring back at the witch, “How could you?! That was my house!” Dorothy cried. Toto growled at her. Letting out an wicked cackle, “Not anymore it isn’t! That old thing right now is nothing but a pile of burned up wood!” the Wicked Witch said with a sickening smirk. Toto continues to growl at the Wicked Witch. Feeling like she’s going to cry in that moment, but Dorothy force herself not to cry, and angrily stood up to her, “You wicked, black and evil sorceress!”. Feeling flattered by the girl’s outburst, “Aww thank you, my pretty. That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me” Wicked Witch said with a devilish grin, “But that won’t save you, you murderer! You killed my sister! I mean look at her! Poor, old Nessarose, squashed flat like a pancake, no thanks to you!”. Just as she’s about to cast another spell to harm Dorothy and her dog, the Wicked Witch of the West got interrupted by the Good Witch of the North. “Sorry to burst your warts…” Glinda cheerfully spoke, “But aren’t you forgetting the ruby slippers?”. “The slippers?” Wicked Witch wickedly laughed when she suddenly remembered, “Of course! How could I forget my sister’s ruby slippers?! And now they’re finally mine, my powers will be much greater than ever before!’. Feeling pleased with herself, the Wicked Witch head over to the wrecked house, got down on one knee in front of her late sister’s feet, and ready to get her hands on those ruby slippers. 

But suddenly, the ruby slippers disappeared from the dead witch’s feet, and the stripy stockings drew back under the house. The Wicked Witch is shocked, “They’re gone!” she angrily stands up and walks back over to Dorothy, “The ruby slippers, what have you done with them?!”. “Why are you asking me?” Dorothy seriously asked, “I don’t know what hap…”. She suddenly got interrupted by the Munchkins’s surprise gasps all around her, even she notice the shocked and raged look on the evil witch’s face. Realising their all staring at her feet, Dorothy curiously looks down, and gasps in surprise. Her brown farm-boots had suddenly vanished, and in their place are the ruby slippers. “That’s because THEY’RE ON YOUR FEET, SILLY GIRL!” the Wicked Witch snapped whilst pointing her boney finger at them, “Give them back to me, or I’ll…!”. “You’re too late. There they are, and there they’ll stay” Glinda proudly said whilst pointing her wand at them. Dorothy was lost for words, she couldn’t believe she’s wearing them. The ruby slippers are sparkling so beautifully on her feet, and they fitted her so perfectly, as  if they had been made specially for her. Even Toto was surprised as his mistress.

“Give me back my slippers!” the Wicked Witch hissed, “I’m the only one who knows how to use them, they’re no use to you! Give them back to me! GIVE THEM BACK!”. Feeling so terrified in that moment, Dorothy nervously places Toto down, who immediately hides behind her. Before Dorothy can take them off, she was suddenly stopped by Glinda, who placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m afraid the ruby slippers have already found their new owner” Glinda told the Wicked Witch, before whispering into Dorothy’s ear, “They’re yours now, my dear. Keep tight inside of them. They’re magic must be very powerful, or she wouldn’t want them so badly”. Dorothy nodded in understanding. Sharply pointing her boney finger at her, “I’m warning you, Glinda! You stay out of this, or I’ll fix you as well!” Wicked Witch spat. Glinda giggles in amusement, “Oh, how very amusing, Elphaba! But need I remind you, that you have no power here! Now be gone, before somebody drops a house on you too!”. The Wicked Witch flinch in fear by the thought of being splashed by another house. Noticing how afraid she was in that moment, the Mayor of Munchkin Land came out of hiding, and bravely stood up to the witch, “That’s right, you heard her! Leave our village, Wicked Witch, before Dorothy Gale, the Witch-Slayer of Kansas will squash you as well!”. The other Munchkins agreed with their leader. But after hearing the girl’s name, the Wicked Witch turns back to Dorothy, with a malicious grin. “So, your name is Dorothy, huh?” she sneered, then went over to stand in the centre, glaring at every Munchkin around her, “You fools serious believe a mere little girl can defeat me? ME?! THE MISTRESS OF ALL EVIL?! Well, I’d like to see her try!”. She conjured up a fireball. Realising what she’s about to do, “No, don’t! Please!” Dorothy cried in panic, shutting her eyes tight whilst shielding herself with her arms. Toto, Glinda and the Munchkins panicked as the evil witch thros the fireball straight at the little girl. 

But when the fireball was only an inch away from Dorothy, it suddenly vanish into thin air, and a sudden emerald-green  light came out of her heads and hit the witch. Thinking why the fireball didn’t hit her, or worse, burn her, Dorothy open her eyes to see what had happened. The first thing she saw was the Wicked Witch down on the ground, groaning in rage and confusion. The Munchkins had no idea what had happened, but they were so relieved that their heroine was alright and unharmed. Looking down at her dog, Toto is glad that she’s okay. After picking him up in her arms, Dorothy looks back at Glinda, who’s smiling proudly at her. Watching the Wicked Witch slowly getting up while using her broomstick for support, Dorothy felt a sudden warmth on her chest, she looks down, and gasps when she finds her medallion glowing again. Hoping no one had notices it, Dorothy immediately hides it underneath her collar when the witch is fully recovered. 

Facing back at the little girl in rage, “Ugh, I don’t know what you did, BUT I’M NOT FINISHED YET!” the Wicked Witch shouted as she prepares another attack. Pointing her wand at her whilst protecting Dorothy and Toto, “Go! You’ve done enough harm already!” Glinda told her. Grinding her teeth in anger and frustration, the Wicked Witch finally gave up. “Very well, I’ll bide my time” the Wicked Witch spoke, then pointed at Dorothy, “And as for you, my fine lady, it’s true I can’t attend to you here and now as I’d like. But that time will come before you know it. The Yellow Brick Road will soon be painted in RED with your own blood, WHEN I’M THROUGH WITH YOU!  I WILL have those slippers, and my revenge for what you’ve done to my sister. But if you wish to stay alive, you best try to stay out of my way. Just try! I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!”. Cackling, the Wicked Witch of the West got on her broomstick, then flys away into the sky, leaving behind a trail of black smoke. 

Once the witch was gone, the dark clouds parted away, then the sun and the beautiful blue sky reappeared. The Munchkins nervously looks up at the sky to make sure it safe. “It’s all right, you can get up and come out now. She’s gone” Glinda said gently to them. Knowing the Good Witch of the North is right, some of the Munchkins got up from the ground, while others came out of their hiding places. Waving away the remains of the smoke, “Oh, sweet Oz! What a bad smell of sulphur!” Glinda said, “She always leaves some behind when she flies off on her broomstick”. The Munchkins gather round the Good Witch of the North, and poor Dorothy felt so scared and worried as she clings onto Toto. 

“Oh Dorothy, my poor dear. I’m afraid you’ve made rather a bad enemy of the Wicked Witch of the West” Glinda said, “The sooner you get out of Oz all together, the safer you’ll sleep”. “Oh, I’d give anything to get out of Oz all together” Dorothy spoke worriedly, “But Glinda, can you please use your magic to send me back home?”. Sadly shaking her head, “I wish I could, Dorothy, but I can’t” Glinda said, “You see, my magic doesn’t work outside of Oz. And what’s more, Oz is surrounded by a dangerous wasteland, known as the Deadly Desert. Nobody ever dares to go near it. If anything alive steps foot in the sand, or accidentally falls right in, will die by turning into sand”. Hugging her dog, Dorothy looks down in disappointed after hearing that, “But, isn’t there another way back to Kansas? I can’t go the way I came” she said. “No, that’s true” Glinda said disappointedly, until she thought of something, “But, there is someone who can help you. The Great and Wonderful Wizard of Oz himself!”. After hearing the name, the Munchkins bow their heads in respect. “The Wizard of Oz?” Dorothy said in amazement, “Is he good or is he wicked?”. “Oh, he’s very good, but very mysterious” Glinda explained, “He lives in the Emerald City, and that’s a long journey from here. Did you bring your broomstick with you?”. Dorothy giggled in amusement, “No I didn’t. Like I said before, I am not a witch, I am mortal” she said, placing Toto down. Glinda nodded in understanding, “Well then, you’ll have to walk. The Munchkins will see you safely at the boarder of Munchkin Land. And remember, never let those ruby slippers off your feet for a moment, or you will be at the mercy of the Wicked Witch of the West”. Dorothy nodded in understanding, “I understand, Glinda. I promise not to take them off” she said with a small smile. Pleased to hear that, “Good” Glinda proudly said, until she remembered something else important, “One more thing before you go. I must say, what a lovely necklace you’re wearing, my dear”. Dorothy’s widen in surprise. Did the Good Witch of the North saw it glow earlier? Or does she see it as a normal pendant, and likes the look of it. Without hesitation, Dorothy slowly pulls out the medallion to show it to her, “Th…thank you…”. When they saw the medallion up close, the Munchkins oooh and ahhh from how pretty it is. 

Now holding the medallion in her palm, having a better look at the O.Z emerald-gemstones in the centre, Glinda ponders and ponders for a while. Toto sat patiently, watching Glinda examine the medallion. Something else caught Glinda’s eye. Looking down at Dorothy’s right foot, right above the top line of the ruby slipper is a heart sharped birthmark. When she finished, Glinda smile sweetly at the young girl, “If you don’t mind me asking, where did you get it?” she asked. Dorothy shook her head while answering, “I don’t know…I had it ever since I was a baby”. Glinda nodded in understanding, until she felt a sudden pure warmth within the medallion. Glinda proudly hummed for a moment before saying, “I sense some fragments of magic within your medallion, Dorothy. And something tells me, your going to do great things in all of Oz”. Confused, “What do you mean, Glinda?” Dorothy asked “And what do you mean my medallion has magic?”. “I’m sorry, my dear. I haven’t the knowledge to explain” Glinda wisely says, “But by the look of this symbol, it doesn’t look like it was handcrafted by humans”. Toto woofed in confusion. Dorothy look surprised and disbelief after hearing that, “Wait…are you saying…that this wasn’t made in my world…but here in Oz?”. Glinda looks her in the eye and says, “By the look of the O.Z symbol, which spelled the word ‘Oz’…yes”. Dorothy’s eyes widened in shock, how can she carry such a valuable, magical item that is not from her world?. “But that’s impossible!” she said “If my medallion was from Oz, then how did it come to me in Kansas?”. “I honestly don’t know, my dear. But once I return to the North, I’ll try and find out some answers. And while I’m doing that, Dorothy. As you go forward on your journey to Emerald City…” Glinda points her wand at Dorothy’s necklace, “It’ll be the perfect opportunity for you to learn and explore the power of your medallion”. Toto look as surprised as his mistress. 

Looking down at her medallion in curiosity, amazement and wonder, Dorothy suddenly began to smile, “Its funny. I always wondered why I had this…and why I couldn’t bear to take it off” she said to Glinda, “But how will I know?”. The Good Witch of the North gently places her hand on her cheek, “You’ll know, when the time comes. But be careful, do not let the Wicked Witch of the West find out about your medallion. Because if she does, she’ll probably try taking it off you along with the ruby slippers. And with two magical items in her green hands, she’ll become more dangerous then ever before”. Covering her medallion with her palm, Dorothy smiles up at her, saying “Don’t worry, Glinda. I promise I’ll be careful”. Glinda felt pleased to hear that, “And one last thing to remember, you can overcome any difficulty with wisdom, love, and courage” she said before placing a sweet kiss on Dorothy’s forehead.

“Thank you so much, Glinda” Dorothy smiled, “But…how will I start for Emerald City?”. “It’s always best to start from the beginning, and all you do is follow the Yellow Brick Road” Glinda points her wand at the yellow spiral path in the centre of the village square. The Munchkins let Dorothy and her dog through before she stood in the centre of the two spirals. Looking at the road of yellow bricks, nervously, Dorothy turns back at Glinda and ask, “But Glinda, what happens if I…?”. Glinda interrupts her “Just follow the Yellow Brick Road” she vanished, then turns back into a pink bubble and gracefully flys away. As the Munchkins wave and says goodbye to the Good Witch of the North, Dorothy and Toto were amazed. “Oh my goodness! People come and go so quickly here!” Dorothy said to Toto, before the Munchkins giggle in amusement.

The Munchkins watches their young heroine, as she placed one foot on the starting point. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” Dorothy said, as she takes one step at a time around the spiral path, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road?”. Toto follows behind her. The Mayor proudly came up to her, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” he said. She thanked him before carrying on. After that, more Munchkins did the same thing. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” said the adviser. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” said the Munchkin-maid. And finally the Judge “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”. Dorothy thanked them all as she walks round and around. And all the Munchkins started dancing and clapping for her. 

The Munchkin Citizens

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!

Along with the Munchkins, Dorothy heard the musicians playing a fun, happy tune, whilst following behind her. Now with a big smile on her face, Dorothy is skipping joyfully along the Yellow Brick Road, with Toto happily by her side. The Munchkins dance and skips with her, as they follow her towards the boarder of Munchkin Land. 

The Munchkin Citizens

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!

Now at the edge of town, the Munchkins cheered and waved goodbye to their young heroine, and hope she’ll pay them a visit. Dorothy happily waves back, thanking them, and promise to come back and visit someday. Then she and Toto began their long journey to the Emerald City.

Chapter Text

Walking up a small hill while following the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy giggle in amusement at Toto as he hurriedly ran up the top of the hill, then he called out to his mistress to come up. When she finally made it, Dorothy giggles while saying, “Toto, don’t be in such a hurry, you’ll wear yourself out. Remember what Glinda told us, it’s a long walk to the Emerald City”. Toto woofed excitedly at her. “Yes, I know you’re excited to go and see the Wizard, and so am I. But we must be patient, and take our time so we have enough energy to walk” she said, then turns round to look behind them, “Wow, look how far we’ve come!”. They have walked for over a mile and a half, and they can still see Munchkin Land and their house in the distance. Dorothy couldn’t help but smile, “Oh Toto, those Munchkins were so friendly to us. Wouldn’t you agree?” she asked. Her dog woofed in agreement. After one last look at they’re house, Dorothy and Toto turns back around and carries on walking. 

While Dorothy and Toto walk side by side on the Yellow Brick Road, they notice how green the grass looks, and how beautiful the trees and flowers are around them. As they were walking, Dorothy occasionally looks down at her brand new ruby slippers, loving the way they sparkle and shine bright red from the sunlight reflecting them. Two hours had already flown by since they started their journey, and by the look of where the sun is, it’s already afternoon. 

When she notice a tree stump nearby, Dorothy thought it’s the perfect spot to take a break. “Here, Toto. Let’s rest here for awhile” she said while sitting down on the stump. Toto sat down on the soft grass, while his mistress got out there lunches that the Munchkins quickly made and packed for them. While the two are happily eating their sandwiches, Dorothy looks down at her ruby slippers. “Well, I’m lucky these shoes are very comfortable, and they fit just perfectly” she said, then looks how far the Yellow Brick Road is taking them, “It’s a very long walk to the Emerald City, and I think my old boots would have worn out by now, Toto”. After swallowing down his piece of sandwich, Toto woofs in agreement. 

After they finished their lunch, which was very delicious, Dorothy and Toto got back on the Yellow Brick Road and starts walking again. They have no idea how long it’ll take them to get to their destination, but they won’t know until they get there. The hours have flown by as they carried on walking, and the sky is slowly changing colour. They stop to admire the beautiful sunset on the horizon. “So pretty…like something out of a painting” Dorothy warmly smiled. Toto woofed in agreement, and they carried on. 

Nighttime has fallen. Dorothy and her dog stopped walking, because they couldn’t see where their going. “It’s too dark to carry on, Toto. We better stop and find a place to stay for the night” Dorothy said while finding a house nearby. Suddenly, Toto sense something, then bark while running off the Yellow Brick Road. When she saw him running off towards the hills, “Toto, where are you going?! Come back here!” Dorothy chase after him. By the time she finally caught up with him, Dorothy’s eyes lit up when she saw a house, with lights on and smoke coming out of the chimney. Realising her dog had found them a place to stay, “So that’s what you’ve been smelling” Dorothy proudly said to Toto while patting him on the head, “Good boy, Toto”. Her dog felt proud of himself. 

Moments later. Now standing on the porch, Dorothy gently knocks on the door, “Hello. Hello, anybody home?” she called. The door opened, “Yes?” an elderly Munchkin-farmer answered. When he saw the young girl and her dog, the old farmer’s eyes lit up in excitement, “Why, Dorothy! Hello and welcome!” he greeted with a big smile on his face. Dorothy look very surprise that he suddenly knows who she is. “Who is it, dear?” his wife called out to him from the kitchen. The old farmer happily reply, “Its the one and only the Witch-Slayer of Kansas, dearest pie! Come and meet her!”. When he’s wife joined him, she smile warmly at the young girl, “Dorothy Gale! Hello, it’s an honour to meet you”. Dorothy and Toto face each for a moment, then back at the elderly couple. “How do you know my name?” Dorothy asked. “We’ve heard great news about you from Munchkin Land, my dear” the farmer’s wife answered. “Yeah! You’re famous throughout the Land of Oz” the old farmer joyfully said “You’ve destroyed the Wicked Witch of the East!”. “But I didn’t mean to kill the witch” Dorothy told them. “Oh, there’s no need to be so modest. You saved us all, Dorothy, and we thank for your bravery” the old farmer smile warmly, “So, what can we do for you?”. “Well, Toto and I were travelling on the Yellow Brick Road, until it got dark. And then we saw your house. So, if it’s alright with you, may we please stay here for tonight?”. “Why, of course you can stay with us. Please, come on in, and make yourself at home” the old farmer said warmly. “We wouldn’t mind the extra company” his wife said sweetly. “Oh, thank you. You both are so kind” Dorothy smile brightly. She and Toto were welcomed into their home. 

The kind elderly couple brought Dorothy and Toto into their cosy kitchen, and the delicious smell of rabbit stew that’s cooking on the stove, fill the room. “You’re just in time for supper, dear” the farmer’s wife went over to check on their supper, “Go ahead, and take a seat”. The old farmer set up a place for Dorothy, while his wife brought out some fresh bread. As he hungrily watch the farmer’s wife putting down two bowls, one full of stew, and the other full of water for him, Toto starts eating his supper happily.

Now sitting round the dinner table with the elderly couple, Dorothy is enjoying her stew very much. “Mmm…this stew is very delicious, ma'am!” Dorothy happily said as she dips her bread in the broth. Feeling very pleased to hear that, “Why, thank you, Dorothy. I’m glad you’re enjoying it” the farmer’s wife said sweetly. After taking a sip of his drink, “So, Dorothy, where about’s in Oz are you headed?” the old farmer asked. “To the Emerald City” she replied, “I’m going to see the Wizard of Oz, and ask him to get me back to Kansas”. “What, the Wizard?!” the old farmer gasp in surprise, “But that impression!”. “Are you sure, dear? The road to the Emerald City can be dangerous?” the farmer’s wife said worriedly. “I’m positively sure” Dorothy nodded, “I wanna get home as soon as possible to make sure my Auntie Em is alright…I’m worried about her”. The farmer and his wife took pity on the poor girl, feeling all homesick and worried about someone in her family. Gently patting Dorothy’s hand to comfort her, “We understand, Dorothy” the farmer’s wife smile warmly, “If seeing the Wizard is the only way to get you back home, we hope he’ll grant you your wish”. “Yeah! And if you wish hard enough, Dorothy, it’ll definitely come true” the old farmer proudly said. Feeling so grateful to these people for their kindness, support and generosity, “Thank you…I hope he well”Dorothy smile sweetly.

When they finished their supper, Dorothy offered to help them with the dishes, which they gladly appreciated. After that, they sat round by the fireplace to pass the time. The old farmer is playing a joyful tune with his flute for Dorothy, Toto and his wife. Then they sat and talked whilst enjoying the pleasant sound of the fire crackling. With her book, that she brought with her in hand, and Toto beside her, Dorothy is reading The Giant Turnip to the elderly couple. They’ve never heard this story before, but they’re enjoying it very much. When she got to the end of the story, Dorothy close the book, and start to feel very sleepy. Feeling very tired, Toto yawned his head off. The elderly couple shows her to the guest room, then wishing her a goodnight before going to bed themselves. 

Even though she made a promise with Glinda, Dorothy just couldn’t wear her ruby slippers in bed, so she took them off, putting them inside her bag, and place it safely under her pillow. As she climb into bed, Toto jumps up and lay down by her feet. Watching him yawn and falling asleep, “Goodnight, Toto” Dorothy whispered, laying her head down on the pillow. In deep thought while staring up at the ceiling, Dorothy holds up her medallion, watching it sparkle from the moonlight coming in through the window. “I wonder what kind of magic it’ll do? And how will I use it?” Dorothy whispered in curiosity. All this thinking is making her sleepy, letting out a big yawn, and her medallion still in her palm, Dorothy’s eyes began to close, and she fell fast asleep. 

As Dorothy and her dog slept peacefully, she smile sweetly in her sleep while having a lovely memory dream. 

In her dream, Dorothy is back in Kansas, but this time she’s a 5 year old little girl. Coming out the front door one evening, with her favourite dolly in one hand, Dorothy found her Uncle Henry sitting on the porch watching the stars, “Uncle Henry” she said softly. When he heard his Niece coming over, Uncle Henry smiles back to her, “Hey, Dorothy. What’s up?” he asked while ruffling her head, which is making her giggle. “Auntie Em wants to know if you’d like to come into the house now” Dorothy said while hugging her doll. Smiling warmly at his 5 years old Niece, “No thank you, sweetie. I think I’ll sit here just a little bit longer” Uncle Henry said. Looking up at the clear night sky, Dorothy’s eyes shine when she notices how many stars there are, “Wow! Look at all the pretty stars!” she gasp in amazement, “They’re sparkly, just like Auntie Em’s pretty locket!”. Uncle Henry chuckle in amusement by her adorable reaction, “Yes, Dorothy…they do” he said while bringing her up onto his lap. Enjoy gazing up at the stars with her Uncle, Dorothy smile brighter when he pointed out each constellations, and explain to her what they all mean. Dorothy told Uncle Henry that her favourite is the gemini, cuz to her, it look like him and her Aunt holding hands. And hearing her say that really made him smile. Aunt Em came out to join them, “Well, what a beautiful night” she sweetly said while sitting with her Niece and Husband, “My, my, my. Its been a long time since I saw the sky looking as lovely, and so full of stars. Isn’t it the prettiest sight?”. In that lovely moment, something caught Uncle Henry’s eye, “Look, Dorothy! A shooting star!” he said while pointing it out for her. When Dorothy saw the shooting star, she gasp in amazement, “Wow, so pretty!”. “You know what that means, dear…” Aunt Em place her hand on Dorothy’s shoulder, “When you see a shooting star, you gonna make a wish”. “Really?! I can wish for another, Auntie Em?!” Dorothy asked excitedly. Her Aunt checked while nodding in response. Looking up at the sky, Dorothy immediately close her eyes while putting her hands together, and quietly makes her wish, “I wish to always be happy with Auntie Em, Uncle Henry and everyone”. After that, the shooting star disappeared. 

Back in the real world. “Auntie Em…Uncle Henry…” Dorothy sigh softly in her sleep, enjoying the good old childhood memory in her dream. Her dog still sound asleep at the end of her bed. 

The next morning, Dorothy and Toto had woken up bright and early, feeling refreshed and ready to start their journey again. After breakfast, the farmer’s wife had already prepared and packed some food for Dorothy and Toto, which will be enough to last them till they get to Emerald City. 

Standing outside the house, with the sun shining, Dorothy thankfully smile at the elderly couple, “Your kindness won’t soon be forgotten” she said sweetly “Thank you for everything”. “You’re very welcome, my dear” the farmer’s wife said with a warm smile, “Take care of yourself. And you as well, Toto”. The dog woof in response. “Good luck, Dorothy. And be very careful on your journey” the old farmer told her. “I will, sir” Dorothy gave the old farmer a sweet kiss on his cheek, which made him blush. After giving his wife a hug, “Goodbye, and thank you again!” Dorothy happily wave to them, while she and Toto start heading back to the Yellow Brick Road. “Goodbye, Dorothy, and good luck!” the farmer’s wife wave back to her. “Bye, Dorothy! Come back and visit us sometime!” the old farmer smiled. “I will! Goodbye!” Dorothy called out to them. After saying her last goodbyes to those kind elderly Munchkins, Dorothy and her dog had made it back to the Yellow Brick Road, and began walking to their destination.

An hour later, Dorothy and Toto stopped when they came to a three way fork in the road, with a yellow and purple signpost in the middle. What is very confusing for Dorothy and Toto is that the sign is pointing in three directions, but each signs says ‘Emerald City’. “Well, isn’t that silly” Dorothy seriously said with her hands on her hips, looking at each way. “What’s silly?”. “This sign. It’s pointing in three different…wait” Dorothy paused when she suddenly heard a voice. She looks around, but couldn’t see anyone, “Who said that?” she asked. “I did”. Realising the voice is coming behind her, “Who’s I?” Dorothy asked while turning back to see who it was. “Me!”. Realising it’s the signpost talking to her, Dorothy and Toto were shocked and amazed. The signpost has a face on, and its smiling down at them while pointing at itself with one of its signs. Dorothy and her dog’s eyes widened when they saw it moving. 

Pointed her finger at him, “YOU?!” Dorothy gasped in surprise. “Yes, me, I, you…!” Mr Signpost was pointing his sighs everything, “Oh stop it, your confusion me!”. “Wow! Look Toto, a talking signpost!” she said in amazement. Toto is sniffing him for awhile, and was planning to do his business on him, when Mr Signpost scared him by coming down to his level, face to face. “Don’t even think about it, little dog. I’m wasn’t placed here for dogs to go ahead and pee all over me!” Mr Signpost warned him before moving back up to his normal level. Toto sheepishly walks away to stand beside his mistress. “Well, I’m so confuse” Dorothy spoke “I mean, look at you pointing three different ways at once”. Mr Signpost points his signs elsewhere, “Listen, kid. Any ordinary signpost can stand at crossroads, pointing in one direction day in and day out never changing, and growing old and dull” he proudly explained, “But not me! I carry a large assortment of directions, and give people three choices. This way, that way, and anyway”. 

Reading his sighs while looking at each road, “But how can the Emerald City be that way, that way, and that way?” Dorothy asked in confusion. “Obviously, that’s impossible. Don’t you think so?” Mr Signpost said with a shrug. “Of course it is!” Dorothy seriously answered, crossing her arms, “Why do you stand there giving people wrong directions?”. Mr Signpost wasn’t pleased to hear that, “I beg your pardon, only two of them are wrong! And ONE of them is absolutely right!”. “Which one is it?” Dorothy asked while looking left, forward and right. Scratching his head in thought, “Uh…its this one. No, this one” he said in confusion, “Oh, how should I know, little girl?! I’ve never been to the Emerald City”. From all this crazy confusion, Toto starts scratching behind his ears. Shaking her head in frustration, “Well then as a signpost, you’re no use at all” Dorothy told him, with an eyebrow up. “I know, that’s the trouble. I just can’t make up my mind” he said. Facing down at her dog, who looked as confuse as she is, Dorothy just shrugged. Mr Signpost look at the ways he’s pointing in disappointment. 

Mr Signpost

Most everybody knows, the way that he or she goes
But life has treated me quite unfair

Mr Signpost stretches himself higher and higher, and swaying side to side. 

Mr Signpost

Cuz I go off in all directions
I go off in all directions
I go off in all directions
Never, ever wind up anywhere

Toto watches him spinning around, which made him feel dizzy. Toto shook his head til the dizziness finally stop.  Mr Signpost act like he was walking, then went down to Toto’s level and back up again. 

Mr Signpost

When people venture forth
They know their south from their north
They seldom carry a dime around

All his bits and pieces are now scattering and jumping everywhere, Toto watch all of his pieces flying about til all  of his pieces are reattached again. 

Mr Signpost

But I go off in all directions
I go off in all directions
Confidentially I'm just a sham

Facing down at Dorothy in misery and disappointment, Mr Signpost kept pointing his signs at each way. 

Mr Signpost

So don't get it if joint
If I just point point
And point point point
And point and point and point
Cuz even I can not tell exactly where I am
I'm lost

“Oh dear…” Dorothy said, shaking her head in worry, “I’m so eager to go and see the Wizard of Oz, and ask him to get me back home”. “Well, that road will take you there” Mr Signpost proudly points at one way, and then another way, “No, this road. Oh! There I go again!”. Letting out a heavy sigh, “Toto…” she spoke in disappointment “Looks as though we’ll have to find the Emerald City by ourselves.  And hope one of these roads will takes us the right way”. Her dog nodded in understanding. “Good idea. If you ever get lost again, just look me up” Mr Signpost proudly said “And by the way, give me a call when you do”. Looking at all three roads in front of her, Dorothy thought hard and wisely…which one is she going to pick? 

Eventually, she decided to go for the one on the left. Dorothy wave goodbye to the signpost before she and Toto began walking down the road they’ve picked. 

Chapter Text

After another few miles of walking down the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy and Toto were coming up to a massive cornfield, surrounded with picket fences. They immediately stopped in the middle of a crossroads, wondering where to go. And there isn’t another talking signpost anywhere.   

“Oh my…” Dorothy felt lost while turning round to look at each road, “Now, which way do we go?”. “Pardon me, but that way seems very nice”. She froze when she suddenly heard a voice coming behind her, she looks around, but couldn’t see anyone. The only thing in the cornfield she can see is a Scarecrow attached to a tall pole, with his left arm pointing in the left direction. 

The straw-man is dressed in old, tattered dull-blue farm clothes, with his straw sticking out of the holes, and a rope tied very tightly around his skinny waist. He’s wearing an old blue farm hat with a dull-red band, old white gloved hands, and dirty old farm boots. The Scarecrow’s eyes is covered by his hat, but his mouth and brown-triangle nose can be seen. 

Searching the area for anyone, “Who said that?” Dorothy asked nervously “Who’s there?”. Noticing something funny about that Scarecrow in the cornfield, Toto suddenly caught a glimpse of his mouth turning into a goofy grin, and his head moving slightly. Toto starts barking ferociously at the Scarecrow, which got his mistress attention. “Don’t be silly, Toto” Dorothy seriously told him, “Scarecrows don’t talk. They’re only made of straw and worn out materials”. “It’s pleasant down that way, too”. When she heard the voice again, Dorothy looks around, but still can’t see anyone. Until she suddenly notices the Scarecrow’s left arm is down, and his other arm now pointing in the right direction. “That’s funny…” Dorothy said in confusion to her dog, “Wasn’t he pointing the other way?”. Toto barks at the Scarecrow again. Dorothy shakes her head at him in disbelief, “Ah, c’mon Toto. It’s only a Sca…”. “Of course, people do go both ways”. Immediately looking up at the Scarecrow again, Dorothy’s eyes widen in surprise when she saw him crossing his arms, while pointing in both directions. There’s nobody around, which can mean one explanation.

“Wait a minute…” Dorothy curiously move a little closer to the broken picket fence to get a better look at him, “You DID say something, didn’t you?”. The Scarecrow shook his head, then under the shade of his hat, he grinned hugely whilst nodding his head. As he looks up at the young girl, the Scarecrow had bright blue eyes, and was given her a wink. Dorothy couldn’t believe her eyes, “Jiminy Crickets! A talking Scarecrow” she gasp in amazement, “Now, that something you don’t every day! Huh, Toto?!”. Her dog woofed in agreement. “Hi, kiddo!” Scarecrow smiles at her, “I like your sparkle red shoes. Where are you off to?”. “Um…thank you” Dorothy said while letting him see her ruby slippers, “And to answer your question, home is where I’m heading. Now, I have some questions for you too. What are you doing trying to make me choose which road I should take? Were you trying to do that on purpose, or can’t you make up your mind?”. “That’s the trouble, I can’t make up my mind” Scarecrow explained, before pointing his head, “I haven’t got a brain…only straw in my head. See?”. “How can you talk if you haven’t got a brain?” Dorothy asked. Scarecrow thought for a moment - or he tries too, “Uh, gee…I don’t know” he replied “But some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, right?”. “I guess so…” Dorothy said, facing down at Toto, who looks as confuse as she is. 

After how far they have come, Dorothy hasn’t spoken with anyone, except Toto for hours…so she thought it’ll be nice to make a new friend. 

Smiling back at Scarecrow, Dorothy goes into the cornfield to meet him, “Well, we haven’t really met properly, have we?” she said. Realise that she’s right, “Why, no” Scarecrow said with a big smile. “How do you do, Mr Scarecrow?” Dorothy did a polite curtsy, “I’m Dorothy Gale, and this is Toto”. Her dog woof ‘hello’ to him. Tipping his hat, “How do you do, Miss Dorothy Gale and Toto?” Scarecrow greeted politely, “And please, just call me Scarecrow”. Politely nodded, “I’m very well, thank you. How about you?” she asked. “Uh…well to be honest, I’m not feeling at all well” Scarecrow shook his head in disappointment, “You see, when you’re stuck up here on a pole all day long, it can really give you annoying problems in your back”. Dorothy took pity on poor Scarecrow, “Oh dear, that must be terribly uncomfortable. Can’t you get down?”. “Down?” Scarecrow said in surprise, “No, you see…I never figured out how because…well, you know…I don’t have a brain”. “Well here, let me help you” Dorothy said whilst taking off her shoulder bag. “Really?! You would?!” Scarecrow thankfully smiled, “Oh, thank you, kiddo. That is very kind of you”. Moving behind the pole, Dorothy is trying to figure out a way to free him, “Oh dear, I’m not sure what to do” she told him. “Of course I’m not bright about doing things…” Scarecrow spoke seriously, “But if you just bend the nail down in the back, maybe I’ll slip off and then…”. When she saw the nail, “Oh right” Dorothy immediately bends it down.

But after she did that, Scarecrow suddenly slips right off the pole. He twists his right foot while touching the ground, then stumble across the cornfield in a clumsy manner. Dorothy gasp in panic while watching Scarecrow tumble forward out of the field, and right over the broken picket fence. Then he lay flat on the grass, facing up at the blue sky, feeling dizzy while seeing stars. 

“Oh my goodness!” Dorothy and her dog rush over to Scarecrow’s side, “I’m so sorry, Scarecrow. Are you alright? Your not hurt, are you?”. Sitting up while laughing merrily, “Oh, don’t worry about me! I’m a Scarecrow, I could never feel any pain!” he happily said, before standing up, “My, it’s good to be free!”. He twirls around, loses his balance and falls down again. Dorothy screamed as he fell right down on the hard road of yellow bricks, she got down beside him to see if he actually hurt himself. Toto rush beside him and his mistress, looking up at Scarecrow in worry. “What’s the matter? Did I scare you?” Scarecrow asked her in surprise. Gently placing a hand on his left arm, “No. I just thought you hurt yourself” Dorothy replied in worry. Shaking his head, “So, I didn’t scare ya” Scarecrow looks down shamefully and sighed, “I didn’t think so”. 

Then right at that moment, a flock of crows flew down and sat on the fence behind them, cawing loudly.“BOO! SCAT! SHOO!” Scarecrow tries to scare them away, but the crows just sat there laughing at him. 

Facing back at Dorothy in sadness, “You see? I can’t even scare a crow. They come from miles around just to eat in my field, and laugh in my face” he explained. Listening to those nasty crows laughing at poor Scarecrow, Dorothy picks up a handful of stones and starts throwing them at each crow, knocking them off the fence. And Toto starts barking at them. “Leave him alone, you big bullies!” Dorothy shouted at them, throwing more stones at them, “Shoo! Get out of here! Buzz off!”. Her dog carried on barking while chasing them away, and the crows immediately flew off in panic. Watching them fly away, Dorothy gave them a warning, “There’s plenty more where that came from, should you elect to come back and bully poor Scarecrow again!”. Once they’re all gone, Toto stuck his nose up, walking back to Scarecrow and Dorothy. 

As Dorothy sat back down beside him, “There! They’re gone, and they won’t bother you anymore” she told him. Scarecrow look so sad and disappointed, “Well, at least you and Toto can scare them away, Dorothy” he sadly said, hanging his head in shame, “But I’m a failure…and I’m too stupid, because I haven’t got a brain”. Shaking her head while comforting poor Scarecrow, Dorothy gave him a sweet-friendly smile, “You’re not stupid to me, or a failure. You’re the nicest Scarecrow I’ve ever met” she said, even Toto agrees with her. Hearing her say that made Scarecrow feel a little better, “Thank you, Dorothy. And you are the nicest and sweetest little girl I’ve ever met” he smiled. “But…” Dorothy ask in curiosity, “What would you do with a brain if you had one?”. “Do?” Scarecrow proudly smiles while pointing his head, and his other hand resting on his hip, “Well, if I had a brain I could…”.

Scarecrow

I could while away the hours

Conferrin' with the flowers

Consultin' with the rain

And my head, I'd be scratchin'

While my thoughts were busy hatchin'

If I only had a brain

He tumbles back while trying to stand himself up. Finding him very funny, Dorothy giggles before going over to slowly help him up…eventually he can stand by himself. 

Scarecrow

I'd unravel every riddle

For any individ'le

In trouble or in pain

Dorothy

With the thoughts you'd be thinkin'

You could be another Lincoln 

If you only had a brain

Scarecrow gave her a goofy smile while doing a bit of clumsy movements, making her and Toto giggle.

Scarecrow

Oh, I would tell you why

The ocean's near the shore

I could think of things I never thunk before

And then I'd sit and think some more

He gets up from his sitting position, placed one hand on Dorothy’s shoulder, while his other hand over his chest. Then he begins doing a little bit of a happy dance. 

Scarecrow

I would not be just a nuffin'

My head all full of stuffin'

My heart all full of pain

I would dance and be merry

Life would be a ding-a-derry

If I only had a brain

Dorothy and Toto stood there happily watching Scarecrow doing a joyful tap dance while adding some leaps and kicks in the air. Whilst doing another leap, he clumsily fell down on his bottom. Worried he might have hurt himself, Dorothy rushed over to help him, but he happily let her know that he is fine, and carried on dancing on his knees. Scarecrow stands up before doing a one-footed spin, then he did some more spins whilst taking a few steps back, until he began to lose his balance. Dorothy watches Scarecrow clumsily fall backwards down one of the roads, and Toto chase after him, prying he wouldn’t completely fall again. 

Luckily he didn’t, Scarecrow casually walks back down to Dorothy, and did a couple more leaps and kicks, until he cried while tripping over the fence, then rolled back out from underneath. Dorothy went over to Scarecrow, who is now sitting on the grass looking dazed. He panicked when he noticed some of his stew from his chest is missing. Noticing he’s stew is right in front of him, Dorothy points it out for him, and Scarecrow thankfully smiles at her. 

Just as he’s about to get it, one of the crows came back by swooping down, immediately picks up Scarecrow’s stew, and flies off. Watching the crow flying over the cornfield in a circle, with his stew still in its beak, Scarecrow angrily shakes his fist at the crow. Annoyed, Dorothy was about to go and find another stone and throw it at the crow, but Scarecrow stopped her. Wondering what he’s going to do, Dorothy and Toto watch him taking a few steps back. Then to their surprise, Scarecrow dashes and jumps over the fence, then flew right into the field, scaring the crow away. Feeling pleased that he managed to scare a crow, Dorothy starts applauding him while Toto happily barks for him. 

After retrieving his stew and putting it back in his chest, Scarecrow jumps out of the cornfield, and rolls back on the Yellow Brick Road. He tries standing himself up whilst doing a clumsy twirl, then doing some up and down splits with his legs. As he tries to stand, but kept on falling back down with his legs apart, Toto barked whilst jumping on a massive pumpkin, but he jumps off when he accidentally knocked it out of the pumpkin patch. And the pumpkin is rolling down hill. Scarecrow wasn’t aware of the pumpkin coming at him, Dorothy tried to warn him, but it already bumped him from behind, and sending him flying through the air. Scarecrow went airborne, cartoon style, while Dorothy and Toto watch him from down below, in worry and panic.  

Scarecrow fall back safely down on the ground. But still losing his balance, Scarecrow suddenly found himself bouncing back and forth down each fences - almost like there made of elastic. He tried to stop himself from running after that last bounce, but he tumbled down while breaking through a fence. Dorothy was about to go over to see if he’s alright, but she and Toto gasp in surprise by what’s happening next. It’s like time is rewinding back, Scarecrow got back up and the broken fence fixed itself, he clumsily ran backwards, then once again, bouncing back and forth right back to where he started. 

Then Scarecrow joyfully walks back down to Dorothy’s side. Smiling proudly, Scarecrow tips his hat whilst bowing to her, and extend his hand out to her. Giggling in amusement, Dorothy did a little curtsy, gladly accepts his hand, and the two did a cheerful waltz.

Scarecrow

Oh, I would tell you why

The ocean's near the shore

I could think of things I never thunk before

And then I'd sit and think some more

Seeing his mistress having a fun time with their new friend, Toto got up on his two feet and started dancing with them. After Scarecrow tips Dorothy and giving her a little twirl, they did a couple of slow steps forward. And then Scarecrow proudly stood there smiling at Dorothy. 

Scarecrow

Gosh, it would be awful pleasin'

To reason out the reason

For things I can't explain

Then perhaps I'll deserve ya

And be even worthy of ya

If I only had a brain

He gracefully fell down on his knees like a puppet. Dorothy excitedly clapping for Scarecrow for doing such an amazing performance. Dorothy and her dog sat down with him. “That was wonderful!” she said happily while shaking his hand, “Why, if our scarecrow back in Kansas could do that, the crows would be scared to pieces!”. “They would?” Scarecrow asked in surprise, and she nodded in response, “Where’s Kansas?”. “It’s where I live” Dorothy answered, “But it’s so far away from here, even by twister. And I wanna get back there so badly, so I’m going all the way to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard of Oz to help me”. Scarecrow look surprised and amazed by what she said, “You’re going to see a Wizard?”. “Yes I am. The Good Witch of the North told me he can help me” Dorothy explained. 

After listening to her story, Scarecrow place a finger to his chin and sat there quietly in deep thought. Dorothy stood up, putting her shoulder bag back on, then smile back down at Scarecrow, “Well, I best be going now. It was nice meeting you, Scarecrow. Good luck on scaring those crows away” she waved goodbye, and Toto woofed bye to him.

Just as she and Toto were about to leave, “Wait Dorothy!” Scarecrow surprised her by tugging her arm, and pulling her back down to the ground to face him. “Wh…what is it?” she asked in wonder. Scarecrow ask, “Do you think if I went with you, this Wizard would give me some brains”. Surprised, Dorothy seem hesitant to answer, “Oh my…um…I don’t know. But even if he didn’t, you’d be no worse off than you are now”. Scarecrow pouted slightly, “That’s true…I guess…” he admitted grudgingly. Then Dorothy felt worried when she suddenly remembered something, “But maybe you’d better not” she spoke seriously, “I’ve got a Wicked Witch mad at me, and you might get into trouble”. Scarecrow’s head shot up in surprise, “Witch?! Ha! I’m not afraid of a Witch! I’m not afraid of anything, kiddo!” he looks around nervously, as he drew closer to her and whisper, “Except a lighted match”. Understood what he meant, “I don’t blame you for that” Dorothy told him. “But I’d face a whole box full of them for the chance of getting some brains” Scarecrow insisted, as he took Dorothy’s hands in his, “Look, kiddo. I won’t be any trouble if I go with you, because I don’t eat a thing. And I won’t try to manage things, because I can’t think. Besides, you’ll need someone to look out for you, in case you run into any trouble. You’ve helped me, so I wanna help you. Won’t you take me with you…please?”. Dorothy gazed deeply into his pleading blue eyes. He so desperately wants to go with her and ask the Wizard for a brain. Plus, Scarecrow is the first friend she ever made, wanting to keep her and Toto company, and protecting from any danger along the way.

Looking back at her dog, Toto is giving her the pleading puppy eyes, like he’s telling her ‘please, let Scarecrow come too’. Smiling brightly back at Scarecrow, Dorothy nods to him, saying, “Why, of course I will” then she proudly stands up. Hearing that made Scarecrow feel so very happy and excited. Jumping for joy “Hooray! We’re off to see a Wizard! Whoops!” Scarecrow lost his footing, and would’ve fallen if Dorothy had not caught him in her arms. “Oh, be careful, Scarecrow!” Dorothy laughed in amusement, “You’re not starting out with walking very well”. “Oh, I’ll try” Scarecrow said, doing his best to try and get his balance, “This is the first time I’ve ever walked, Dorothy”. With big smile on their faces, they both link each other. “To Oz?!” Dorothy happily asked. Nodding, “To Oz, we shall go!” Scarecrow said gladly. And Toto barked happily to his mistress and their new companion. Dorothy and Scarecrow joyfully skip around in a circle.

Dorothy and Scarecrow

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!

After their little dance, the duo walked side by side on the Yellow Brick Road, heading straight down the right path, with Toto happily trotting along. 

Chapter Text

Its been 2 hours since Dorothy and Toto invited their new friend, Scarecrow to come along with them to the Emerald City. While their walking together, they were trying to pass the time, like playing I spy, chatting amongst themselves, or having a good laugh. Because he doesn’t have a brain, Scarecrow has a little bit of trouble to understanding a joke Dorothy had just told him. She explains the joke to him in every detail. Eventually, he gets it and bursted out laughing.

After walking up the hill, Dorothy sat down on a boulder to rest and catch her breath, and Toto lay down. Unlike them, Scarecrow wasn’t tired at all. 

Moments later, Dorothy’s tummy starts rumbling very loudly, which made her blush with embarrassment. When he suddenly heard the rumbling sound, Scarecrow notice Dorothy hugging her tummy. “Are you hungry, Dorothy?” he asked in surprise. Facing back at him, “Yes, Scarecrow. I’m very hungry right now” Dorothy replied, “And I’m not the only one. Look, Toto’s hungry, too”. They watch Toto whining when his tummy growled. Confused, “But, I thought only crows got hungry” Scarecrow said. “All living things need to eat” she explained. “Oh. Well, I’m fine, cuz I don’t need to eat. Gadzooks!” he gasped, when he suddenly realise, “Does that mean I’m not alive?!”. Shaking her head at him, “Oh no, Scarecrow. You’re the liveliest friend I ever met” Dorothy said with a warm-friendly smile. Toto happily woof in agreement. Feeling so touched by her kindness, “Why thank you, kiddo. You are very kind. Just for that…” Scarecrow happily takes a handful of straw out of his chest, “You and Toto can eat as much of my hay as you like. And then you won’t be hungry anymore”. Toto and his mistress look amused by the straw-man, trying to help by feeding them with his straw. “Oh no, thank you. I couldn’t do that” Dorothy politely refuse. “Oh, you don’t have to worry about me, Dorothy” Scarecrow proudly spoke, “So long as I keep my legs well stuffed, I can walk to Emerald City, no matter what shape I’m in up top”. After facing down at her dog for a moment, Dorothy nervously laugh at Scarecrow, “Well, it’s a very kind offer. But, we don’t eat hay” she spoke softly. “Really?” Scarecrow said in surprise, then shrugs before putting his straw away, “Oh well, perhaps it’s just as well. You see, there’s a little mother field-mouse making a nest in here, and she wouldn’t like to be disturbed”. Dorothy giggles in amusement. 

Just as Dorothy was about to go in her bag to get hers and Toto’s lunches out, something behind Scarecrow caught her attention. At the end of the Yellow Brick Road there’s a wooden cabin, with several trees that had grown beside it. Standing up, and walking past her friend to get a better look at the trees, Dorothy’s eyes lit up when she saw thousands of big red apples, looking all bright and delicious to eat. “Oh, look!” Dorothy gasped in amazement “Apples! My favourite!”. When he saw the apples on the trees, Toto happily sticks his tongue out in hunger. Following her towards the trees in curiosity, “Apples? What are apples?” Scarecrow asked. Smiling back him, Dorothy points at the beautiful fruits hanging on the branches, “Those are apples, Scarecrow”. Tilted his head to the side while looking at them in wonder, “You mean all those little red birds hanging upside down by one leg?” he asked. Dorothy laughed in amusement, “No, silly. They’re not birds. They’re something you can eat, and taste very delicious”. Understanding all that, Scarecrow happy smile as he watch the overjoyed girl and her dog, going over to one of the apple trees. 

Feeling very hungry, Dorothy happily picks off one fruit from the branch. But before she can pick another one for Toto, the tree’s branch suddenly slaps Dorothy’s hand. “OUCH!” she cried while dropping her apple on the ground. After he saw what happened, Scarecrow rushes over to see if she’s alright. 

“What do you think you’re doing?!” the apple tree suddenly spoke in a rude tone. While rubbing her sore hand, “We’ve been walking a long way and I was hungry, and…” Dorothy suddenly looks up at the tree in surprise, “Did you just talk?”. “Did you hear that, fellas?! She was hungry!” the apple tree complained. The other apple trees around them started moving, and shouting angrily. “How would you like it if someone came and picked something off of you?!” the apple tree grumbled. Feeling a little scared, “Oh dear…” Dorothy told Scarecrow, “I keep forgetting I’m not in Kansas”. Hiding behind his mistress, Toto nervously looks up at the mad apple trees. Actually all brave, Scarecrow seriously says “Come along, Dorothy. You don’t want any of those apples. Humph!”. The apple tree looks offended by that, “What do you mean she doesn’t want any of my apples, Straw-man?” he gasped in annoyance, “Are you saying my apples aren’t what they ought to be?”. “Oh no, its not that. It’s just that she doesn’t like little green worms!” Scarecrow playfully replied, with a teasing smirk.

“WORMS?!” all the apple trees said in shock and outrage. “Oh, yes!” Scarecrow teasingly nodded, “Worms, spiders, caterpillars! And maybe a whole bunch of lice!”. “Why, you little!” the outraged apple tree reaches his long branch-like-fingers out. Dorothy screams in panic when the apple tree suddenly grabs her, but Scarecrow quickly comes to her rescue, by pulling her out of it’s grasp. Toto was barking angrily at the tree for trying to attack his best friend, when he nearly got caught by another tree. But he managed to get away safely and ran beside Dorothy, who’s stood close to Scarecrow for protection. 

Scarecrow whispers to Dorothy, with a one hand half-covered his mouth, “I’ll show you how to get apples, kiddo”. Turning back to the apple trees, Scarecrow made a funny face at them, before one of them throws an apple at him. When he got hit in the face, Scarecrow fell backwards on the ground, and Dorothy helps him up in worry. The other trees joined in by tossing all of their apples at them. Dorothy and Scarecrow were dodging the throwing apples, and Toto was barking at them, before he nearly got hit by one. By the time their apples were all gone, the trees angrily shook their branch-fists at them. 

Feeling glad that his plan actually worked, “Hooray! I guess that did it. Help yourself, Dorothy” Scarecrow proudly said while picking up some apples. “Great idea, Scarecrow. You’re a genius” Dorothy happily told him. Feeling bashful after hearing her say that, “Aww…shucks, Dorothy. I appreciate the comment, but I’m not a genius” Scarecrow said. Happily licking his lips, Toto starts munching on a big apple. Dorothy eagerly and hungrily picks up an apple she found on the grass. 

Just as she’s about to pick up another one, Dorothy froze when she notice a tin foot. Curiously, she knocks on it a couple of times, then slowly looks up to see the rest of it, and Dorothy let out a surprise gasp. 

There standing before her in the ray of sunlight, is a man made entirely out of tin. He stood motionless, holding his axe high up in both hands. The man had grey eyes, a bow tie made of tin, and his left arm was painted with red and white stripes. He also has three temperature dials, and what looks like a boiler door on his chest. His tin-like-body looks very stained, with hedera helix growing in and out of his arms and legs.

Standing herself up to have a better look at him, “Wow! It’s a man!” Dorothy gasp in amazement, “Scarecrow, come and look what I found! Its a man made out of tin!”. Looking back to where she’s standing, “Wha…?” Scarecrow said in surprise. “Yes! C’mere, and check him out!” Dorothy said excitedly before brushing off the dead leaves on the Tin-Man’s shoulder. Scarecrow and Toto rushes over, and gasp in amazement when they saw him. Scarecrow and Toto look closely at him with so much curiously as Dorothy. 

Scarecrow is helping Dorothy pull off the hedera helix, when they suddenly heard a strange groan coming from the Tin-Man’s closed jaw, “Mmmm…mrrrn! Mmmm…mrrrn!”. Dorothy and Scarecrow face each other in confusion. “Did you say something?” Dorothy asked. “Mmmm…mrrrn!” Tin-Man groaned. “If I had a brain, I would think he saying something like boiled-ham” Scarecrow said. Tin-Man’s eyes moved directly to him, “MMMM…MRRRN!” he annoyingly groaned. “Foil-man?” Scarecrow tried again. “MMM! MMMM…MRRRN! MMMM…MRRRN!” Tin-Man groaned angrily at him. “Hey! Without any brains, its hard to understand what you’re saying!” Scarecrow shouted in frustration. “Scarecrow, don’t be rude!” Dorothy told him. “Sorry…” he said, looking sheepish. “Sorry, sir” Dorothy apologised, before leaning in closer to his mouth to try and listen, “Now, what was it did you say?”. “Mmmm…mrrrn!” Tin-Man groaned. Nodding in understanding, “He said oil-can” she told Scarecrow. “Oil-can what?” he asked in confusion. “Oil-can?” Dorothy wasn’t sure, until she notice an oil-can on a tree stump. “Oh! Here it is” she picks it up, “Is this what you want?”. Moving his eyes to her, “Mrrm! Mmmm…mrrrn!” Tin-Man groaned. “Oh, I get it. He wants some oil” Dorothy said to Scarecrow. “Why? Is he making a salad?” Scarecrow asked. Giggling at him for being so funny, “No, silly. He’s all rusted and needs some oil to move” Dorothy explained, then face back at Tin-Man, “Where do you want to be oiled first?”. “Mmmr…mmmf! Mmmr…mmmf!” Tin-Man groaned. Understands him, “He said his mouth” Scarecrow said while taking the oil-can from Dorothy, and began oiling one side of his mouth and jaw, “Do the other side”. Dorothy takes back the oil-can, and starts oiling the other side. Toto sat there watching his mistress finish oiling Tin-Man’s mouth. 

Waiting in silence, Tin-Man’s rusty jaw was squeaking while he moves it from side to side, until finally, he spoke for the first time ever. “Mm…mm…mm…my, my, my goodness! I can talk again!” Tin-Man smiled, until he looks in agony, “Oh, please oil my arms and elbows”. Dorothy immediately did as she was told. When she finished oiling his arms and elbows, Scarecrow help Tin-Man bent both his stiff arms, until the axe he’s holding quickly came down, and Toto jumps out of the way in fright. “Oops. Sorry, Toto” Scarecrow apologised to the annoyed little dog. Facing up at Tin-Man in worry, “Did that hurt you?” Dorothy asked. “No, it feels good” Tin-Man sighed in relief, “I’ve held that axe up for such a long time”. “Goodness. You poor, poor thing” Dorothy took pity on him, “Well, here. Let us help oil the rest of you”. “Oh, please do. That’ll be so kind” Tin-Man smiled. 

While Dorothy starts oiling all of Tin-Man’s other joints, from head to toe, Scarecrow helps bent some of his stiff parts carefully, so he could move freely. 

After doing some stretching-exercises for his arms and legs, Tin-Man slowly walks around a bit to make sure he’s legs are still working. Eventually, “Ah, that’s much better. Thank you both very much” he said happily, sitting himself down on a log. “You’re very welcome, sir” Dorothy politely said. Facing them in curiosity, “By the way, what are your names?” he asked nicely. Doing a little curtsy while politely introduce herself and her friends, “My names Dorothy Gale. This is Scarecrow. And this is my dog, Toto”. Her dog woofed happily to him. Scarecrow bowed while tipping his hat, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr?…”. “Oh please, call me Tin-Man” he said, politely tipping his own hat to them, “Nice to meet you. The pleasure all mine”.

As she sat down beside him, “But, Tin-Man…” Dorothy spoke worriedly, “How did you ever get like this?”. Tin-Man’s smile dropped in that moment, “Its a very sad story. You probably don’t want to hear it” he said. Placing a hand on his arm to comfort him, “Oh, please tell us, Tin-Man. I love listening to sad stories” Dorothy softly said. After a moment of hesitation, Tin-Man nods while giving her a small smile. While joining them on the log, Scarecrow picks Toto up and lets him sit on his lap. 

After letting out a heavy sigh, Tin-Man begins telling them what happened, “Well…about a year ago, I used to be all flesh and blood like you, Dorothy. My real name was Nick Chopper, and I used to work as a woodcutter in Munchkin Land. Until one day, I fell in love with a beautiful Munchkin maiden, whose mother hated me. So in order to stop me from marrying her daughter, she hired the Wicked Witch of the East to put an evil spell on me. On the day I was going to propose to the girl of my dreams, my entire body was suddenly transformed into tin”. “But, why tin?” Scarecrow asked in wonder. “Because things made out of tin, or other types of metal don’t have hearts” Tin-Man explained, hanging his head down, “Afterwards, I found out that I’ve lost all of my love for the Munchkin maiden. Then the Wicked Witch and her evil mother banished me out of Munchkin Land, and I never saw my beloved again”. “Oh, poor Tin-man” Dorothy softly said with so much pity. “Thank you” Tin-man nodded before carrying on with his story, “So I’ve build my home here in the woods, and rebuild my business. But luckily for me, I met a kind old Winkie tinsmith, who fixes me up and polishes me clean. Then one day, I was chopping that tree over there, when suddenly it began to rain. And right in the middle of the chop, I rushed solid. I’ve been that way ever since”. “My. That certainly wasn’t your day, was it?” Scarecrow said. Dorothy gave him a glare to say, ‘that’s not helping’. Scarecrow shrugged at her. 

Giving Tin-Man a sympathetic expression, Dorothy gently pats his back, saying “Well, your perfect now”. In that moment, Tin-Man is having a little trouble moving his neck, “Sorry, could one of you please add some more oil to my neck” he asked. “Of course” Scarecrow picks up the oil-can, and oiled his neck. 

“Perfect?” Tin-Man spoke to her, “I may be in good shape, but look inside my chest if you think I’m perfect”. Dorothy look unsure in that moment, worry she might hurt him. “Go ahead, and look inside” Tin-Man said eagerly. With that said, Dorothy opens the small door on his chest, then she, Toto and Scarecrow peeks inside the container. But they don’t see anything. “It’s empty. There’s nothing inside you” Scarecrow said with an eyebrow up. “Exactly” Tin-Man sadly muttered, “The tinsmith forgot to give me a heart”. 

After hearing that, Toto yelp in surprise-confusion, while Dorothy and Scarecrow face each other, with their mouths wide open in shock. “No heart?!” Scarecrow gasped in disbelief. “But…I thought everyone has a heart!” Dorothy said in confusion. “Everyone, except me” Tin-Man sadly said while closing his chest-door, “No heart…all hollow”. 

Tin-Man

When a man’s an empty kettle

He should be on his mettle

And yet I’m torn apart

Just because I’m presumin’

That I could be kind of human

If I only had a heart

When Toto came up onto his lap to comfort him, Tin-Man smiles sweetly as he gave the little dog a gentle pat on the head. Dorothy and Scarecrow smiles as he carries on.

Tin-Man

I’d be tender, I’d be gentle

And awful sentimental

Regarding love and art

I’d be friends with the sparrows

And the boy who shoots the arrows

If I only had a heart

He stands up. Dorothy and Scarecrow watches him looking up at the sky, holding his axe up high whilst doing a bit of Shakespeare impression. 

Tin-Man

Picture me a balcony

Above a voice sings low

“Wherefore art thou, Romeo?!” the apple trees from earlier mocked him, and laughing out loud. Picking up a rock he just found nearby, Scarecrow throws it at one of the trees, “Oh, shut up!” he shouted in annoyance. After being hit by a rock, the apple trees shuts up. Ignoring the them, Tin-Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy and Toto can hear a heartbeat sound.

Tin-Man

I hear a beat, how sweet!

Just to register emotion, jealousy, devotion

And really feel the part 

I would stay young and chipper

And I’d lock it with a zipper

If I only had a heart

The Tin-Man began making his way towards the Yellow Brick Road, until his right knee suddenly locks itself. Scarecrow hands the oil-can to Dorothy, and she oiled Tin-Man’s knee for him. After thanking her for doing that, Tin-Man took another step forward, and then his other knee did the same thing. Dorothy immediately gave the oil-can back to Scarecrow, so he can oil the other knee. 

Feeling much better, Tin-Man walks off the grass, and starts doing a happy tap dance, using his axe as a cane. Dorothy is happily eating her apple as she stood with Scarecrow, while enjoy watching Tin-Man’s dancing performance. Toto wonders around him excitedly. During his dance, Tin-Man taps his knees, bangs on his chest, and makes a steam-whistle come out of the top of his hat. 

Amazed by that, Dorothy and Scarecrow smile at each other. Even Toto was impressed. Just as Dorothy takes another bite of her apple, Scarecrow’s eyes lit up when he thought up a brilliant idea. He whispers into her ear to share his idea with her. Dorothy smiles at him, and happily nods in agreement.

When he stops in the centre of the road, and folds his arms to lock everything in place, the Tin-Man’s body suddenly begin to lean to the right. In panic, Dorothy and Scarecrow rushes over to catch him from falling, luckily he didn’t. Then he learns to the left, and the others went to the other side to catch him. Tin-Man kept on teasing them by swaying side to side, until Dorothy and Scarecrow realise he’s just messing with them. 

Now standing perfectly straight, Tin-Man smiles at them, placing a hand on his chest. 

Tin-Man

Just to register emotion, jealousy, devotion

And really feel the part 

I would stay young and chipper

And I’d lock it with a zipper

If I only had a heart

But when he did a one-footed spin to end his dance, Tin-Man panicked when he suddenly lost his balance, falling backwards and landing on the grass, right on his bottom. 

The others rush over to him. “Oh my goodness! Are you alright, Tin-Man?” Dorothy asked. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little rusty, that’s all” Tin-Man explained. While Scarecrow went to fetch his axe for him, Dorothy oiled his joints, just in case. “But still, that was a terrific dance you did”. “Why, thank you” he chuckled. Scarecrow returned and gave him back his axe.

“You know…” Dorothy spoke, “After listening to your story, we were wondering if you would like to come with us to the Emerald City”. Tin-Man look surprised, “Emerald City? The famous capital?” he said “But, what for?”. “We’re going there to see the Wizard of Oz” Dorothy answered. “The Wizard?!” he gasped. “That’s right” Scarecrow proudly nodded, “Dorothy wants to ask him to send her back to Canvas”. “Kan…sas” Dorothy corrects him. “Oh right, sorry. I mean Kansas” Scarecrow said sheepishly, “And I’m going to ask him to give me some brains. If you like to come along with us, you can ask the Wizard to give you a heart”. “Well, gee, that’s…that’s very generous of you…” Tin-Man hung his head down, “But suppose the Wizard wouldn’t give me one when we got there”. “Oh, but I’m sure he will!” Dorothy spoke with so much confidence, “And once he gives you a heart, Tin-Man, you will feel love and other emotions again. Then you can return to Munchkin Land, and finally get marry to the girl of your dreams. And then, like they say in all love stories, you two will live happily ever after” she signs dreamy just thinking about it. 

“But if I go back, the Wicked Witch of the East would probably do more damage to me then she already did” Tin-Man said worriedly. “Oh, she won’t be bother you again, Tin-Man” Scarecrow shook his head. Confused, “Whet do you mean?” Tin-Man asked with an eyebrow up. “Oh, you haven’t heard? If I had a brain, I guess the news hasn’t reached these parts in Oz yet” Scarecrow happily explains everything that Dorothy already told him along the way, “When Dorothy arrived in Oz, her house squashed the Wicked Witch like a bug. And she freed all of the Munchkins in Munchkin Land”. Tin-Man looks back at her in surprise and amazement, “You killed the Witch?”. “I didn’t mean too. It was an accident” Dorothy explained, “And because of that, I’m now in grave danger. You see her sister, the Wicked Witch of the West got so angry at me. She’ll probably do anything to stop me from reaching the Emerald City”. Toto licks his mistress’s hand to comfort her. Gently placing his hand on her shoulder, “Don’t worry, Dorothy. I promise to protect you, and I will. I’ll make sure to keep you safe from that horrible old Witch’s so-called-hocus-pocus” Scarecrow said with a friendly smile. 

Hearing that from her friend made Dorothy feel so much safer, “Thanks, Scarecrow” she said sweetly. “Not a problem, kiddo” he said proudly, looking back at the tin woodman, “So what do you say, Tin-Man? Wanna come with us and see the Wizard?”. After a moment of thinking, “Well, it’s a long journey to the Emerald City, and it’ll be very dangerous, especially with the Wicked Witch out there” Tin-Man seriously explained, “But what if it starts raining on the way? What if I accidentally fall into a river or something?”. “But you’ve just been saying how much you wanted a heart” Scarecrow seriously said with his hands on his hips, “We’ll take your oil-can with us, just in case you need it. And, with you and your axe in hand, you can protect Dorothy from damage, too”. Tin-Man didn’t look to sure in that moment, “Well…I don’t know” he said. 

Dorothy took hold of his hands to have him face back at her. “Please, Tin-Man. This could be your last chance to get a heart you’ve been wishing for. Don’t you want to feel love, and reunite with your girlfriend again?” Dorothy said softly with encouragement. After a while, Tin-Man stands up onto his feet, and smile at his new friends, “Alright! I’ll go with you!” he said. “Great!” Dorothy and Scarecrow cried happily at the same time. Toto woofed excitedly.

After packing the oil-can into her bag, Dorothy stood in between Scarecrow and Tin-Man, and they all linked each other. Facing her new friends with a bright smile on her face, “Are we ready, guys?” Dorothy asked. “Ready, kiddo!” Scarecrow replied. Toto barked happily in response. Tin-Man nodded excitedly, “Onward to the Emerald City!” he cheered. Stepping back onto the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy, Scarecrow and Tin-Man were joyfully skipping along. 

Dorothy, Scarecrow and Tin-Man

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!

When they finished their little dance, the trio and their little doggy friend began walking together down the Yellow Brick Road, and into the Dark Forest. 

But in that moment, just hiding high in the trees is a black winged monkey, with a scary green face, sharp fangs, and Elves-pink-hair. The Flying Monkey, named Nikko, was watching the young girl and her friends disappear into the Dark Forest, and then he flew out of the trees. With a sickening grin, Nikko is  flying towards West, eager to inform everything he saw to his mistress.

Chapter Text

Through the darkness and eerie mist of the Dark Forest, the three travellers and the little dog were walking slowly and cautiously, as they nervously listen to the strange noises all around them. When she looks up, and notice some of the big trees have a scary face, Dorothy stops in her track, gripping tightly onto Scarecrow and Tin-Man. 

“I don’t like this forest” Dorothy said, trembling in fear “It’s…it’s dark and creepy”. Shaking like a leaf, Toto hides behind Scarecrow. “Of course, I’m not very bright, but I think it’ll get darker before it gets lighter” Scarecrow said nervously. Facing back at him, Tin-Man says,  “Oh, don’t make it worse! I’m so scared out of my wits, my knees are shaking like crazy!”. He wasn’t wrong, his knees were literally shaking and clanging against each other, making a very loud racket. “Stop banging your knees, Tin-Man!” Scarecrow told him, “Anything that might be living here could hear you!”. “I’m sorry!” Tin-Man apologised, and managed to stop his knees, “I wish we had a light to help us see in the dark. Does anyone have anything? Like an oil lantern, or maybe a box of matches?”. “Aah!” Scarecrow panicked after hearing that, “No! No matches! Anything but matches, if you please!”. Confused, “Why not, Scarecrow?” Tin-Man asked with an eyebrow up. Scarecrow look deadly-serious at him while pointing at himself, “I’m made of straw. Straw and fire…are…not…friends”. Realising what he meant, “Oh! Right…sorry” Tin-Man looked away sheepishly. 

Looking around at their surroundings for a moment, Dorothy turns to Tin-Man and ask, “Do you suppose we’ll meet any wild animals?”. “We might” he answered. Dorothy gasped, and her dog nervously whimpers. “Animals…that eat straw?” Scarecrow asked nervously. Tin-Man thought for a moment and reply, “Uh…some animals do, but mostly lions and tigers and bears”. “Lions?!” Dorothy gasped. “A…and t…t…tigers?!” Scarecrow said in a shaky tone. “And bears!” Tin-Man nodded nervously. Feeling more scared then ever, Dorothy held on tightly to her friends whilst looking around nervously, “Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my!”. The others are just as scared as Dorothy, they walk very slowly, looking around the forest for wild beasts that might come out to get them. While doing so, Dorothy, Scarecrow and Tin-Man are repeating the same words over and over again, “Lions and tigers and bears!”. “Oh my!”. “Lions and tigers and bears!”. “Oh my!”. The quicker they say it, the faster they walk down the Yellow Brick Road in panic.

Suddenly, they all jumped in fright when they heard a very loud roar, almost like thundering. They had no idea where the sound’s coming from, for it could be anywhere. With his axe at the ready, Tin-Man stood in front of the others to protect them. “What kind of animal is that?!” Dorothy panicked, gripping onto Scarecrow’s arm. Toto hid behind his mistress. “A…a huge one, I’ll tell you that!” Tin-Man replied. They jumped after this unknown animal roared  again. “Sc…Scarecrow!” Dorothy hides behind him, “I…I’m frightened!”. Trying to be brave, “D…don’t be afraid, Dorothy! I…I’ll protect you!” Scarecrow’s eyes suddenly widened when he spotted something, “Gadzooks! Look!”. 

Jumping out from behind the two fallen-tree, and growling at them is a massive and masculine Lion, with a bushy mane and a goatee on his chin. 

The vicious, wild King of Beasts leaps down from the fallen-trees and bushes, snarls at them. Dorothy screams in fright and went to hide behind a nearby tree, while her dog went to hide under a bush. Standing on their guard, Scarecrow and Tin-Man were trying to be brave, but the Lion pounce forward, causing them to tumble backwards on the ground. The beast growls at the intruders, making them tremble in fear. 

When he stood up on his hind legs, the Lion is much taller than Scarecrow and Tin-Man. “Put ‘em up, put ’em up!” the Lion sneered at the two, with his big paws up, “Which one of you first?! I’ll fight you both together if you want! I’ll fight you with one paw tied behind my back! I’ll fight you standing on one foot! I’ll fight you with my eyes closed!”. He growls at Tin-Man who is shaking like a leaf, “Oh! Pulling an axe on me, huh?!” then he growled at Scarecrow, who is trembling on the spot, “And you sneaking up on me?! Why you little…grrr!”. “That’s enough!” Tin-Man cried, “We don’t wanna fight you or sneak up on you! Go away and leave us alone!”. The King of Beasts turns back to him, “Oh, what’s the matter? Are you scared of me? Hey, how long can you stay fresh in that can?” he laughed in amusement, then glares his vicious brown eyes back to him, “C’mon and fight, you shivering junk yard!”. He turns his attention back to Scarecrow, “How about you?! Put your hands up, you lop-sided bag of hay!” he spat. “Now that’s getting personal!” Scarecrow told him. “Y…yes, Scarecrow. Get up and teach him a lesson” Tin-Man encouraged him. “Wha? Why me, Tin-Man?” Scarecrow asked in shock, “What’s wrong with you teaching him a lesson?”. Snarling, the Lion face the tin-woodman for a reason. Nervously eyeing the King of Beasts, Tin-Man replies, “W…well, I hardly know him”. 

Without thinking, Toto came out of his hiding spot, and decided to confront the Lion by barking and growling at him. But the King of Beasts wasn’t intimidated by the little dog, “I’ll get you anyway, peewee!” he growled-viciously. Frightened, Toto tries to run away, but the Lion immediately pounced and caught him by his tail. Poor Toto was whining in panic whilst trying to break free from the Lion’s big paws. 

“TOTO!” Dorothy screamed, fearing her dog may have gotten hurt, she rushed out from behind the tree to go and save him. When they notice her running towards the Lion, “Dorothy, no!” Scarecrow and Tin-Man cried in worry. When the Lion noticed her coming at him, Dorothy raise her hand up. “Don’t you dare hurt my dog!” she shouted whilst slapping him very hard on his big nose, making him flinch whilst letting go of Toto, and leaving him taken aback. “Shame on you!” Dorothy told off the stunned Lion, picking poor Toto up safely in her arms and giving him protective comfort. 

But to everyone’s surprise, the Lion suddenly cry like a big baby. Helping each other back on their feet, and watching the young girl standing up to the crying Lion, Scarecrow and Tin-Man were exchanged perplexed expressions. Scarecrow leans in closer to his friend and whispers, “Either Dorothy must be very brave…”. “…Or that giant kitty-cat is acting like a crybaby” Tin-Man whispered back with a shrug. 

Crying his eyes out while facing up at Dorothy, “Why did you do that for? I didn’t bite him!” Cowardly Lion sobbed. “But you tried too!” Dorothy frowned while stroking Toto, “It’s bad enough picking on a straw-man and a guy made of tin, but when you go around picking on poor little dogs!”. “Well, you didn’t have to go and hit me, did ya?” Cowardly Lion rubs his sore nose, “Is my nose bleeding?”. “No, it isn’t” she shook her head. Scarecrow and Tin-Man joins her side as they silently watch Cowardly Lion sitting there, crying, and using his tail to dry his eyes. “My goodness, see what a fuss your making?” Dorothy spoke, “When you go around picking on things weaker than you are!”. “I couldn’t help it!” Cowardly Lion sobs, “It’s because of all the animals in the forest, even the weakest ones pick on me. Cuz I’m a…I’m a…”. “A great big coward!” Scarecrow and Tin-Man angrily said at the same time. Nodding to them, “Exactly!” Cowardly Lion sobbed, “Surely you’ve heard that all lions are suppose to be brave, right, kid?”. Dorothy, Toto and their friends looks at each other in wonder and confusion. “Well…yes, they are” Dorothy replied with an eyebrow up, “In all the books I’ve read, they are known as the King of Beasts”. “Well, not me! I’m always afraid of everything” Cowardly Lion explained whilst drying his eyes with his tail, “I haven’t had any courage at all. Sometimes, I even scare myself. Look at the circles under my eyes, I haven’t slept in weeks”. “Why don’t you try counting sheep?” Tin-Man suggested. “That doesn’t do any good, I’m afraid of them” Cowardly Lion sobs, “Oh, I’m so terribly ashamed of myself! I’m sorry for picking you! I’m so sorry!”. 

In a moment of silence, except the sound of the poor beast crying, Dorothy begin to feel pity on him. After she gently place Toto back down, Scarecrow and Tin-Man surprisingly watch Dorothy going up to Cowardly Lion, and going down on her knees to be at his level. With tears streaming down his face, Cowardly Lion looks back at her in wonder. Pulling her handkerchief out of her shoulder bag, Dorothy gave him a warm-friendly smile whilst gently drying his eyes. A little surprised by the young girl’s gentle touch, Cowardly Lion eventually calmed down after realising her kind she was. “It’s alright…I forgive you” Dorothy said softly before standing back up, and holding her hand out to him. Hesitated, Cowardly Lion look down at her waiting hand, then look into her caring, sparkling eyes. After awhile, he gave her a small smile while accepted her hand, and she helped he stand up. 

Feeling so touch by the young girl’s kindness and understanding to the giant cat, Scarecrow proudly smile at her. But Tin-Man still wasn’t unsure. 

After brushing the dirt off himself, Cowardly Lion face down at her, “Thank you, miss, uh?…”. “Oh, I’m Dorothy Gale, sir” she did a little curtsy, then introduce the others to him, “And these are my friends, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Toto. What’s yours?”. Feeling a little embarrassed by that question, “Well, everyone calls me ‘Cowardly Lion’…so, I guess that’s my name” he replied. When Dorothy picks her dog back up in her arms, Toto comforts Cowardly Lion by placing his tiny paw on his big one. Seeing Toto facing him with his big bright puppy eyes, Cowardly Lion thankfully smile at him, “I’m sorry I scared you, little guy” he said, patting the little dog gently on the head. Toto happily woof in response, like he saying he already forgives him. Dorothy smile sweetly at the animals getting along with one another, then place her dog back down.

Joining Dorothy’s side, Scarecrow is in deep serious thought, or trying too, “There’s just one question…” he spoke “Is this whole cowardly thing the reason why you attacked us?”. Cowardly Lion shook his head saying, “No. It was all because of her”. Confused “Her who?” Dorothy, Scarecrow and Tin-Man asked at the same time. “The Wicked Witch of the West”  he answered, “She’s the reason why I became a coward in the first place. The Witch has been causing trouble around here, scaring off every animal in the forest. She even has a pet Flying Monkey called Nikko. And I tell ya, he’s very scary. She uses him as a spy, and makes him and his army do whatever she orders them to do”.

Suddenly, his eyes widen in horror when he just thought of something, “You…your not WITH the Witch, are you?” he asked in fright. Waving her hands at him, “Oh no, we’re not working for her” Dorothy quickly explained, “We’re just harmless travellers”. “Really?” he said in surprise, until he nervously points his finger at Tin-Man, “Then why does HE have an axe?”. Looking annoyed at him, “I happen to be a woodcutter” Tin-Man said, then threatens him by holding his axe up, “But if I weren’t, I’d use it to put your head on a wall, scaredy-cat”. Shaking his fist at him, “Hey! Watch the name calling, rust-bucket!” Cowardly Lion argued. Tin-Man felt offended by that, “How dare you!” he gasped in frustration while storming over to him. As the tin woodman and the giant cat argue with each other, Scarecrow and Dorothy watched them with unamused glares. After he and Dorothy seriously eye at each other, Scarecrow heavily sighed while shaking his head, going over in between them and separated the two. “Pack it in, you two!” Scarecrow told them off, before turning his attention to Cowardly Lion, “Now look, we are not the enemies, and we’re not working for the Wicked Witch. We were just on our way to the Emerald City to see the…”.

In that moment, Scarecrow’s eyes lit up when he just thought up something brilliant, “THAT’S IT!” he said with a big smile on his face. Everyone face him in wonder and confusion. “What is it, Scarecrow?” Dorothy asked. Smiling proudly at her, Scarecrow explains, “Well you see, kiddo. All three of us lack something we wish we had, right? Well, maybe the Wizard of Oz can help him too”. “Oh, Scarecrow! That’s a wonderful idea!” Dorothy smiled in agreement,  facing back at Cowardly Lion, “Why don’t you come along with us?”. “Y…you want me to go with you to the Emerald City?” Cowardly Lion said in surprise, “Wh…what for?”. Scarecrow proudly answers, “We’re on our way to see the Wizard of Oz. I’m going to ask him to give me a brain, Tin-Man is going to ask for a heart, and Dorothy is going to ask him to send her back home to Kansas. So maybe you could ask him to give you some courage”. But Tin-Man wasn’t sure about Scarecrow’s idea, “Are you sure you wanna let him come, guys? I mean…he did attacked us…”. “It was all just a misunderstanding, Tin-Man. And I totally agree with Scarecrow” Dorothy said. Feeling ashamed, Cowardly Lion starts fiddling with his tail, “Well, wouldn’t you guys feel degraded to be seen in the company of a Cowardly Lion?” he ask “I would. And I still am!”. Toto, Dorothy and Scarecrow shook their heads, but Tin-Man nodded. Annoyed, Scarecrow glared at Tin-Man while smacking the back of his head. After a heavy sigh of annoyance, the tin woodman reluctantly agreed. 

“Oh gee, that’s awfully nice of you” Cowardly Lion smiled, “And…I’m sorry again for giving you such a hard time. It’s just that…my life has been simply unbearable. Even my own family has disowned me”. Turning his back on the others, Cowardly Lion took two steps forward, “When I was just a little cub…” he explains while opening his arms out high, “My father took me to the top of a very high mountain, waved his paw around and said ‘One day, son, all this will be yours’. Oh, I was terrified!”. “Why’s that?” Scarecrow asked. Facing back at them with a sheepish expression, “I’m scared of heights!” Cowardly Lion replied in a high pitched tone. Tin-Man rolled his eyes at him. 

Dorothy walk up to him to give him some comfort, “Oh well, it’s all right now. The Wizard’ll fix everything” she said sweetheart. Smiling back at her, “Why, thank you, Dorothy” Cowardly Lion said, now acting all proud and mighty, “At least you’ll be safe if I come with you”. “How’s that?” Tin-Man asked. “No self respecting wild animal will come anywhere near me” Cowardly Lion spoke proudly with his paws on his hips, winking at Dorothy “And I’ll make sure that evil, old Witch and her minions doesn’t come anywhere near you”. 

Cowardly Lion

Yeah, it's sad, believe me, Missy

When you're born to be a sissy

Without the vim and verve

But I could show my prowess

Be a lion not a mouse

If I only had the nerve

Waving his tail around, Cowardly Lion did a silly dance around his new friends, making Dorothy and Toto giggle in amusement. Then he stood between Scarecrow and Tin-Man, wrapping his arms around them.

Cowardly Lion

I'm afraid there's no denyin'

I'm just a dandelion

A fate I don't deserve

But I could change my habits

Never more be scared of rabbits

If I only had the nerve

Now standing in the centre, Cowardly Lion is doing a mighty king pose, while the others bow down to him in respect. 

Cowardly Lion

Oh, I'd be in my stride

A king down to the core

And then he roared, creating a loud echo which scared away the birds and squirrels who were living in the trees. 

Cowardly Lion

I could roar the way I've never roared before

And then I'd grrrr!

And roar some more

He brought his fists up and acting like he’s punching something. Then the others join his side. 

Cowardly Lion

I would show the dinosaurus

Who's king around the forest

A king he better serve

I'd be brave as a blizzard…

Tin-Man

I'd be gentle as a lizard…

Scarecrow

I'd be clever as a gizzard…

Dorothy

If the Wizard is a Wizard who will serve

Holding each other’s hands whilst looking up at the sky peeking through the trees, Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and their new friend Cowardly Lion, smile hopefully that they will definitely get their wishes soon. 

Scarecrow

Then I'm sure to get a brain

Tin-Man

A heart

Dorothy

A home

Cowardly Lion

The nerve

Now linking each other, smiling excitedly at one another, the group began dancing and skipping along the Yellow Brick Road. All four of them are filled with so much hope and joy that the Wizard will grant them their wishes. 

Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion

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!

As Dorothy and her new friends laughed and happily skip down the Yellow Brick Road, her medallion began to glow lightly whilst swaying side by side round her neck.

Meanwhile. In her chambers with Nikko now by her side, looking deeply into her crystal ball, the Wicked Witch of the West cackled as she saw Dorothy and her friends walking through the Dark Forest. “So, you’ve made some new friends to protect you from me, huh, my pretty?” the Wicked Witch smirked, “Well, that won’t stop me from putting an end to you! I must think of a dangerous plan to put them into their doom. Mmm…let’s see. What kind of danger shall I set up for them?”. Nikko was trying to suggest some ideas to his mistress, but the Wicked Witch couldn’t understand his sign language or the noises he’s making. “What is it your trying to tell me, Nikko?” she tried to guess what he’s trying to say to her, “Turn them into frogs? No? Send in a giant troll to whack them with it’s club? No, that’s not it. Throw them into the Deadly Desert?”. Every time she tries to guess, Nikko would shake his head at her and carried on explaining. 

After awhile of guessing and listening to the annoying high pitch noises coming out of Nikko’s mouth, the Wicked Witch had enough of his silly nonsense. “ENOUGH!” she shouted in rage. Frightened of her outburst, Nikko immediately shuts up. “Ugh! I can’t tell what you’re trying to say to me! I…DON’T…SPEAK…MONKEY!” the Wicked Witch spat. The Wicked Witch was about to punish Nikko by casting a spell on him, until suddenly thought of something, “Hold on a minute!…”. Looking into her crystal ball again, the image was zooming miles across Oz, until it stopped. 

In the other part of the forest, the Wicked Witch saw what looks like a very large bear’s paw print, planted within the dirt. “Mmm. A Kalidah’s paw print. Those fools will soon be in the Kalidahs territory within a day” the Wicked Witch devilishly smirked, “That’s perfect! Tomorrow, I will head over there, wait for Dorothy and the others to arrive…and finally, I’ll send one of the Kalidahs to finish them!”. The Wicked Witch of the West raise her hands up high and doing a evil cackle. 

The Wicked Witch cackle is echoing everywhere. Thunder and lightning strike outside the castle. The army of Winkies were marching, the army of wolves were howling, and Nikko and his army of Flying Monkeys were flying around like mad.

Chapter Text

In the northern part of Oz, where everything’s covered in a  blanket of snow, and dark all the time with the northern lights dancing in the sky, the Good Witch of the North’s castle was built on top of the highest mountain. The castle is made of pink crystals and pink gemstones. When the moonlight comes out from behind the clouds, the beautiful castle shines and sparkles on top of the mountain - like a star shining on top of a Christmas tree. 

Inside the castle. Sitting in the library, with the gently glow of candlelight flickering, Glinda is at her desk looking through piles of books and scrolls that she took out from  the shelves, hoping to find some answers about Dorothy’s birthmark and the medallion. 

No matter how many books she’s read, the Good Witch of the North couldn’t find a single clue. “Sweet Oz! This is so frustrating, I should have everything information about Oz stored in here. That wonderful feeling of pure magic within Dorothy’s medallion felt so familiar” Glinda seriously said, “And that heart shaped birthmark on her right foot…I know I’ve seen it somewhere before. But where?”. Sitting proudly on her perch, a beautiful red Glinda-Bird with a pink peacock-like tail, is flapping her wings to got her mistress’s attention. Since Glinda doesn’t have a crystal ball like the Wicked Witch’s, her Glinda-Bird keeps her posted. 

Smiling sweetly to her dear friend, “Show me what it is you want to inform me, please” Glinda said politely. Gracefully forming her tail into a circle, the Glinda-Bird magically reveals an image of Dorothy, Toto and their companions, walking through the woods. “How wonderful! It seems our dear child has made some new friends, and brought them along with her” Glinda smiles proudly, “That’s good. She’ll need all the help she can get to make it safely to the Emerald City…the journey can be very dangerous for a little girl”. Her Glinda-Bird nodded hopefully to her mistress. 

Back in the Dark Forest, Dorothy and her little dog, Toto are following the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City with their new friends…Scarecrow, Tin-Man, and Cowardly Lion. Knowing they still have a long way to go, they just couldn’t wait to see the Wizard. 

When she finally saw a bit of pink and orange sky though the branches of trees above them, Dorothy realise its going to get dark really soon. “I think we better stop to make camp, guys. And hopefully find a dry spot to sleep on” she suggested. “I agree with you, Dorothy” Cowardly Lion nodded nervously, “We’ve been walking for ages, and we still haven’t made it out of this forest. And I fear something lurking in the darkness may jump out and attack us, while we’re sleeping”. “Don’t worry, pal” Scarecrow gently pats his shoulder, “The Tin-Man and I never sleep. So, we’ll keep watch every night”. 

Suddenly, everyone stop in their tracks when Tin-Man stopped moving in front of them. “What happened, Tin-Man?” Dorothy asked “Why did you stop?”. “Is there something wrong with you?” Scarecrow asked with an eyebrow up. Looking down at his left foot in worry, Tin-Man reply, “I think I’ve just stepped on something”. His friends look down at his foot in curiosity. “Well, lift up your foot, so we can see” Scarecrow said. When Tin-Man did as he was told, they saw what looks like a squashed tiny black bug. Scarecrow got down on one knee to have a closer look, “I think you’ve stepped on an insect” he said. After hearing that, tears started pouring out of his eyes, “Oh, that’s terrible!” Tin-Man sobbed, “I didn’t see it! The poor little thing!”. Toto was sniffing it in curiosity, when Cowardly Lion joined Scarecrow’s level to have a better look at the squashed bug. “Oh, I’m not really sure that is an insect. There are a lot of things you find on the road, you know” Cowardly Lion explained. Pointing his thumb at the tin woodman, “The Tin-Man’s very sensitive” Scarecrow said. Tin-Man cried sadly while shaking his head at them, “No, it’s just that I don’t have a heart! So I can’t feel love and tenderness, or any other kind of emotions! And therefore, I have to be extra careful about what I do! Oh, I feel just terrible and…mmmm…mrrrn!” he struggling to open his mouth. 

Looking up at him in worry, Dorothy ask, “What’s the matter?”. “Mmmr…mmmf! Mmmr…mmmf!” Tin-Man groaned in panic, pointing at himself. Wasn’t sure what’s going on, Cowardly Lion turns to Scarecrow and ask, “What’s up with him?”. Puzzling for a while, until Scarecrow smiled when he realised what the problem is. “I think I know” he said while standing up, “He’s tears must have run into the hinges of his mouth, and caused them to rust shut”. “Mmm…mmm!” Tin-Man nodded at him. Smiling in relief at the tin woodman, Dorothy brought out the oil-can, “Well then, you need some oil” she said. After Dorothy gave him some oil, Tin-Man opened his mouth while letting out a heavy sigh. Feeling much better, “Thanks” he said to his friends.

A few minutes later. They made camp inside an abandoned cave, which is well hidden with ivy, and Toto was the one who found it while wondering around doing his business. Dorothy and her dog stayed inside the cave, placing big rocks in the middle, making a circle for the campfire. Scarecrow is collecting dried up pine cones to use as log starters. Tin-Man is chopping down dead trees for firewood. And Cowardly Lion has gone elsewhere, hunting for something to eat. 

Back in the cave, Tin-Man was getting the fire to burn, when Cowardly Lion came back with three dead pheasants to roast on the fire. When dinner is ready, Dorothy and Toto sat together sharing one roast pheasant, while Cowardly Lion happily eats the other two. Since Scarecrow and Tin-Man don’t need to eat, they just sat there chatting amongst themselves, and Tin-Man occasionally checks to see if the fire is still going. 

After she finishing eating, Dorothy looks around the cave in curiosity, “I wonder what kind of animal used to live in here?” she asked. After he finished his two pheasants, Cowardly Lion sniff the air for awhile, until he realises what this cave was used for, “According to the faint scent I can pick up. This must be one of the old hiding places for animals in bad times, and a great secret too”. Making sure there aren’t any rain drops or wet areas, Tin-Man sigh in relief “Well, it’s dry and that’s the main thing” he said. When she notice the straw-man is sitting a few feet away from them, “Scarecrow, come and sit with us” Dorothy said. Waving his hand at her, “No thanks” Scarecrow politely declined, “If I get to close, you’ll have a much bigger fire, and quite a lot less of me”. “Oh right. Sorry, I forgot” Dorothy apologised. After walking and talking with Scarecrow for a whole day, she sometimes forget he and Tin-Man are not real human beings. Enjoying the company of her new friends, Dorothy’s smile grew as she starts giggling. 

Wondering what their little friend’s giggling about, “What’s so funny?” Scarecrow chuckled. Even Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion were curious. “Oh, nothing…” Dorothy smiles at him “It’s just that…this is so incredibly. I’ve always wanted friends to talk and hang out with”. Her friends were a little surprised by that. “But, don’t you have any friends back in this so called Kansas of yours?” Cowardly Lion asked. Bringing her knees in close to her chest and looking into the flames, watching them flickering, “I don’t have a lot of friends” sadly shaking her head, “Nobody wants to be friends with me”. Her friends were surprised. “What? Why?” Tin-Man asked in worry. Looking back up at them, “Guy…” Dorothy hesitates for a moment, until she finally ask, “Do you think I’m odd?”. Scarecrow to Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion were godsmacked by that question. “What?!…Odd?!…You?!” her friends gasped in shock at the same time. “Dorothy. Why would you think that? And why wouldn’t anyone in Kansas be friends with you?” Scarecrow asked in surprise and worry. 

She looks from Scarecrow to Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion, who are very worried, and wanting to understand her more. Toto nudges his head against her hand, trying his best to comfort her. 

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, “Long story short…” Dorothy began explaining, “Back home, everything’s always the same. People are always doing the same old routine every single day. Like waking up every morning to greet each other. Rushing out to go to their destination, like work and school. Markets, shops, cafes, and other businesses being so busy all the time. Some of folks in Kansas are very nice to me, and my family too. But not everybody wants to be closer to someone like me…everybody thinks I’m odd”. “What?!” her friends gasped in shock. Scarecrow came over to sit by her, but still keeping his distance away from the fire, “That’s horrible! Why would they think you’re odd?!” he said while wapping his arm around her shoulder. “Because…I’m not normal. I never liked doing those boring things they always do…I’m different to them” she explained, “The only things that’s keeps me going is my love for musical talent. I love to sing and dance. And ballet has always been my favourite dance. Sometimes, I like to entertain the elderly and the younger kids, but the other folks ignore me. In my school, some of the kids bully me and make fun of me, cuz they always see me daydreaming in class. But I couldn’t help myself. I’ve always daydream about going on adventures to some far away places…like ones I’ve never seen or been to before. And that’s way I don’t have any friends…cuz to them…I’m odd”. 

Listening to her sad story had made Tin-Man cry, “Oh, you poor, poor girl! Those big bullies! How can they do something terrible like that to you!” he sobbed while grabbing Cowardly Lion’s tail, drying his eyes and blowing his nose with it. Felt disgusted, Cowardly Lion immediately snatches his tail back, “Hey, tin-can! My tail is not for anyone to use as a hankie! Yuck! That’s disgusting!” he complained. Ignoring his friends, Scarecrow’s expression softens as he turns back to Dorothy, “Despite them being unfair to you. You still want to go back to Kansas?” he asked. She nodded in response. “I see” Scarecrow understood, “You must be missing your poor Mother and Father, huh?”. Dorothy looks down at her hand, “I never knew my parents” she said softly. The others stopped arguing when they heard her say that. Scarecrow felt pity for her, “Oh, I’m sorry, kiddo” he apologised, “If I had a brain, I wouldn’t have…”. Realising what he meant, “Oh no, Scarecrow! I’m fine, really. I still have a family. My Uncle Henry and Auntie Em are the only close family I have” Dorothy said, “It’s just that I don’t know who my Mom and Dad are. I don’t even have a picture of them. Sometimes I hopefully wonder if they’re still alive. Thinking they probably got lost somewhere else while trying to come back for me. Or maybe they have died…I don’t know” she pulls out her medallion to show her friends, “And this necklace is the only clue I have ever since I was a baby”. Scarecrow to Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion were astonish when they saw the silver medallion with its emerald-gemstones-O.Z, glittering so beautifully from the firelight reflecting. 

“Its beautiful, Dorothy!” Tin-Man gasp in amazement. Cowardly Lion’s eyes sparkle when he says, “That medallion is so sparkly and shiny! Just like the ruby slippers on your feet!”. “Thanks” Dorothy blushed, “So back to my question. Do you think I’m odd as well?”. Her friends chuckled, facing her with a comforting-friendly smile. “No, of course not” Scarecrow proudly answered, “Your not odd, Dorothy. To us, you’re a very special person with a kind heart, a lot of amazing talents, and full of hopes and dreams”. Dorothy’s eyes widen in surprise by that, “Really? You think I’m special?” she gasped softly. Giving her a little playful squeeze, “Yep! And that’s not all” Scarecrow proudly said, waving his free hand at Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion, “You’ve got friends now, kiddo. We’ll always be your friends. Right, guys?”. “That’s right, Straw-man!” Cowardly Lion gave a big thumbs up, “You’re our special friend, Dorothy. And don’t you forget it”. “You got it” Tin-Man gave her a wink. Hearing them wanting to be her friends had really put a big and brighter smile on Dorothy’s face. “Oh, gee! Thanks, you guys! I’m so happy to finally have friends like you, that I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!” she cried with so much joy in her heart. 

In that touching moment, the whole place became brighter all of a sudden. Looking down at her medallion, Dorothy and her friends gasp in surprise and amazement when they saw it glowing - more brighter than ever before. But that’s not all, Dorothy cried in surprise when she found her hands glowing and sparkling with tiny stars swirling out of her hands. “What’s happening?!” Dorothy gasped, “I’ve never seen my hands doing this before!”. Tilting his head in curiosity, Toto watches his mistress examine her now-glowing-hands in wonder. When the magical-glow from her hands and medallion stopped, her friends couldn’t believe their eyes. “Wow! That was incredible!” Scarecrow said in wonder. “I’ve never seen magic like that before!” Tin-Man gasp in amazement. “Gosh, Dorothy! Does your medallion always glow like that? And how did you do that with your hands?” Cowardly Lion asked. “Well, my medallion glowed twice when I first arrived in Oz. But that’s the first time I’ve seen my hands doing that. I don’t know how I did it” Dorothy explained. “Did the Good Witch of the North mention anything?” Scarecrow asked. Remembering something the Good Witch had told her, “Well, Glinda did say she sense some magic within my medallion. And she even told me that I will do great things in all of Oz” Dorothy explained, “And that’s not all. While heading to the Emerald City, she suggested that I try and learn how to use my powers from my medallion…but I don’t know how”. 

Feeling pity for her, Scarecrow turns to Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion, who are thinking the same thing as he is. The three proudly nodding in agreement. “No worries, kiddo” Scarecrow smiled “We’ll help you figure out a way to learn to use your powers. And get you safely to the Wizard to send you back home”. “You will?” Dorothy said with a hopeful smile. Now sitting beside her and placing a hand on her free shoulder, “Of course we will” Tin-Man smiled, “Because we’re friends, and friends help each other”. “That’s right” Cowardly Lion proudly said, as he joins the group by sitting behind Dorothy, “You’ve helped us. Now it our turn to help you”. Toto barked excitedly whilst jumping on his mistress’s lap. Feeling touched, Dorothy smile at each of her friends sitting with her. 

Tapping their feet in rhythm, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion were swaying in their seats while smiling warmly at their dear  friend.

Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion

You’ve got a friend in me

You’ve got a friend in me

Scarecrow

When the road looks rough ahead

And you’re miles and miles from your nice warm bed

Tin-Man

You just remember what your old pals said

‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me

Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion

Yeah, you’ve got a friend in me

Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion slowly move away from Dorothy and Toto, as they stood together whilst swaying side to side, smiling at their little friend and clicking their fingers. Smiling at her little dog, who is licking her nose, Dorothy giggles in amusement, and watching their friends doing a little dance number. 

Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion

You’ve got a friend in me

You’ve got a friend in me

Cowardly Lion

You’ve got troubles, we’ve got ‘em too

There isn’t anything we wouldn't do for you

We stick together, we can see it through

‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me

Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion

You’ve got a friend in me

The trio each took a step forward, expressing themselves to the young girl and her dog. 

Scarecrow

Some other folks might be a little bit smarter than I am

Cowardly Lion

Bigger and stronger too, maybe

Tin-Man

But none of them will ever love you the way we do

Scarecrow offers his hand out to Dorothy, who gladly excepts it, and Toto jumps off while his friend is being pulled out of her seat. Dorothy is laughing in amusement while being twirled around by Scarecrow, dipped by Tin-Man, and lifted up in the air by Cowardly Lion. The other two dance around Cowardly Lion while he held on to their little friend sitting on his shoulder, giving her a little twirl.

Scarecrow

It’s us and you, kiddo

Tin-Man

And as the years go by

Cowardly Lion

Our friendship will never die

Having the fun night of her life, Dorothy kept on laughing while being spun round and around by one of her friends, till she was quite dizzy with happiness. By the time they stop spinning, Cowardly Lion carefully place her back down on her feet, and they all sat back down with her. 

Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion

You’re gonna see, it’s our destiny

You’ve got a friend in me

You’ve got a friend in me

You’ve got a friend in me

Dorothy had never felt this happier in her life, feeling so glad to have such wonderful friends, who loves her, cares for her, understands her, and making her laugh and smile. “Oh, guys. You’re the best and wonderful friends in the whole entire world!” she cried with open arms, “Group hug!”. And with that said, the 4 friends wrapped their arms around each other for a big group hug of warm-friendship.  

After awhile, the group pulls away when they heard Toto woofing excitedly. Dorothy turns to him and ask, “What is it, boy?”. Toto happily woofed a couple of times before sticking his head inside her shoulder bag. The others watched him in wonder, until Toto came back out with Dorothy’s book in his mouth. Going up to his friend, Toto puts the book down in front of her. Smiling at her dog in amusement, “You wanna bedtime story?” she asked. Happily sticking his tongue out, Toto nods in response. Chuckling at her dog while giving him a gentle pat on the head, Dorothy picks up the book when Scarecrow curiosity ask, “What’s that you got there?”. Even Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion were just as curious as him. Smiling at her friends, “Its a book of fairytales. It has all my favourite stories inside” Dorothy said whilst hugging the book, “Reading is one of my favourite hobbies, cuz its the only comforting get away from all my troubles. And each and every story has everything that I ever dreamed of”. Smiling with interested, “Like what?” Scarecrow asked. Dorothy stood up, doing impressions whilst explaining, “Magic. Action. Adventure. And romance. Every time me and Toto sit and read together, I always feel like I’m part of each and every story”. “Aww, how sweet!” Tin-Man cried “Can you please read us a story?”. “Yeah, please read one to us!” Scarecrow said. “Of course!” Dorothy said excited, “And I know just the perfect one. Cinderella”. The others look confused, because they never heard of that story before. Cowardly Lion nervously grab hold of his tail, “It won’t be a scary story, would it?” he asked. Giggling at him in amusement, “No, Cowardly Lion. I promise you it’s not a scary story” she said sweetly. Feeling relieve to hear that, “Well…alright then” Cowardly Lion said.

Eventually. Cowardly Lion lay down on ground for Dorothy to sit comfortably by him, with Toto beside her. After Tin-Man added some more wood in the fire, he and Scarecrow sat back down to listen to their friend - Scarecrow still kept his distance away from the campfire. Resting her back against Cowardly Lion, Dorothy opens the book to its first page, looking up at her friends to see if they’re comfortable and paying attention. Smiling at them, Dorothy looks back down at the page, clearing her throat, and began reading, “Once upon a time…”.

As the story went on, and simply listening to Dorothy’s soothing and gentle-sweet voice, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion were enjoying the story of Cinderella very much. Toto sat there wagging his tail, happily listens to his mistress. High above them, some fireflies were flying around, glowing, and making the cave a little brighter. 

By the time she got to the final part of the story, “And they lived happily ever after. The end” Dorothy smiled at her friends while closing the book. “That was a lovely story, Dorothy. If I had a heart, I would feel it fluttering by now from every romantic scenes” Tin-Man said dreamily. “You’re right, kid. It wasn’t scary at all” Cowardly Lion proudly said, “I like the part where the Fairy Godmother turns the pumpkin into a carriage, and Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful dress”. “Watching and listening to you read that book with so much passion, makes me want to read too!” Scarecrow happily said, before pointing at his head, “Maybe when I get a brain, I wish to read all kinds of books every day”. “Well, Scarecrow. As the wiseman always says, ‘Reading is good for the mind” Dorothy said while putting her book back in her bag, “And I happy you all love the story. It mean so much to me, cuz it’s one of my favourites”. Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion smile sweetly at her, until she began to yawn. 

“Tired?” Scarecrow asked. Feeling very tired, “Yes. Its been a long day. I going to sleep, if that’s alright” Dorothy said. Even Toto is feeling sleepy. Scarecrow and Tin-Man nodded to her in understanding. 

But just as she’s about to snuggle up to Cowardly Lion, he started trembling and looking around anxiously. His friends seem worried. “What’s the matter with you?” Tin-Man asked in annoyance. “I don’t think I’ll ever sleep tonight. Remember when I told you I haven’t slept in weeks?” Cowardly Lion sniffed, “Its became I’m afraid of the dark, and fear something scary in the shadows might jump out on us any minute”. “Nothings going to jump out on us!” Scarecrow shook his head at him, “You said so yourself, this hiding place is very secretive”. “Dorothy and Toto won’t be able to sleep with you being the scaredy-cat you already are!” Tin-Man said with his arms crossed. Shutting his eyes tight and covering his ears, “I can’t help it!” Cowardly Lion cried. 

As the straw-man and the tin woodman annoyingly rolled their eyes at the trembling, giant cat, Dorothy felt sorry for him. “Don’t worry. Every will be fine as long as we’re together” she smile sweetly as she gently strokes his mane, making Cowardly Lion purr and feel a little relax. Toto comforts Cowardly Lion by resting his chin on his big paw. “Sorry for being such a pain, Dorothy” Cowardly Lion apologised. “Yeah, you should be” Tin-Man mumbled. In that moment, Scarecrow elbowed him to shut him up. Tin-Man glare back at him, and was about to say something when Scarecrow shushed him by placing his finger to his lips. Shaking her head, “Your not a pain, Cowardly Lion. Everyone get scared sometimes, even I do” Dorothy said. 

Looking up at the fireflies, Dorothy spotted a hole in the ceiling, and she can see stars shining in the night sky. Looking back at her doggy-friend, who is smiling at her and already knows what she’s thinking, Dorothy smiles back and nods at Toto. “You know…” she smile warmly at the giant cat, “Whenever me and Toto get scared, there’s this lullaby that I always been hearing in my dreams. And I find it smothering and very relaxing. So I sing it occasionally, and it really helped us feel better”. Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion watch her in wonder and interact. “Well, if it helps Cowardly Lion sleep, will you please sing to us, kiddo?” Scarecrow asked nicely. Tin-Man nods while smiling at her. “Please?” Cowardly Lion said shyly. “Of course” she said to all her friends. 

Still happily stroking Cowardly Lion’s mane, Dorothy began singing this beautiful lullaby she hears in her dreams every night. 

Dorothy

Sun goes down and we are here together
Fireflies glow like a thousand charms

Dorothy, Toto and their friends watch the fireflies gracefully dancing high above them. Smiling back at Cowardly Lion, Dorothy wraps her arms around his mane, and gave him a warm-comforting hug. 

Dorothy

Stay with me and you can dream forever
Right here in my arms

In that touching moment, her medallion glowed again, and a gentle pure magic comes out of her hands. When he, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Toto saw this happening, Cowardly Lion began to feel himself very calm and much more relax than before. This kind of magic he’s feeling doesn’t hurt, Dorothy’s surprising, discovered powers feel so very gentle, like she’s giving him so much love, warmth and comfort. Looking back at his two friends, he nods and smiles at them, letting them know it’s alright. Understanding their friends, Scarecrow and Tin-Man proudly nodded, as they happily watch the young girl unnoticeably using her powers. Cowardly Lion smiles at her, before closing his eyes while getting used to this wonderful magical feeling. Eventually, the medallion and her hands stopped glowing.

Feeling so warm and fuzzy by the beautiful melody, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion smile sweetly at her. “What a beautiful song” Scarecrow sighed “Where did you learn it?”. Dorothy seriously thought for a moment, until she shook her head saying, “I don’t know. Ever since I’ve heard it in my dreams when I was little, I’ve always just known it”. “Well, Dorothy, it really helped me I’m feeling so much calmer, thanks to you” Cowardly Lion smiled, as he began to yawn, “I’m feeling sleepy now…good night, fellas. See you in the morning”. Watching him fall fast asleep, “Is there any more to it?” Tin-Man whispered, so he doesn’t wake his friend up. Dorothy nodded, before carrying on for the others to listen. 

Dorothy

It's magic, when you are here beside me
Close your eyes and let me hold you tight

Carefully moving away from the sleeping giant cat, Toto goes up to Dorothy and sits on her lap. After what they say a moment ago, Scarecrow and Tin-Man proudly winked each other, before watching the young girl lovingly hugs her dog. 

Dorothy

Everything, that I could ever need is
Right here in my arms…tonight

Smiling up at her with those big bright eyes, Toto gently pats his paw on her chest, like he’s asking her to carry on. “You want me to sing the other part too?” Dorothy whispered. Toto happily nodded in response. Dorothy quietly giggles, “But, Toto. You know I don’t remember all the words”. “Please, sing it for us, anyway” Tin-Man smiles at her, “I would like to hear it”. “Me too. How does it go?” Scarecrow asked. Stroking Toto’s head, Dorothy thought for a moment while looking up at the stars, and says, “Well, it goes something like this…”. 

Dorothy

La la la, la la la
Stars begin to climb

She looks back at her friends, and gave them a bright smile. Scarecrow and Tin-Man smile sweetly back at her while listening to her sing beautifully.

Dorothy

La la la, la la la
La la la la la
La la la la la

When the song ended, Dorothy began to feel very sleepy. She and Toto started yawning. “I’m going to sleep now. Good night, Scarecrow…Tin-Man” Dorothy softly said to them, while she and Toto lay down beside Cowardly Lion, and fell fast asleep. Imagining he has a heart, “Oh, Scarecrow. Our dear sweet Dorothy truly is very special. Wouldn’t you agree?” Tin-Man whispers with a warm-touching smile. Nodding to his friend in agreement,  “Yes…she’s a special kid” Scarecrow softly whispered, watching the sleeping little girl, “Good night, Dorothy…sweet dreams”. 

After awhile of watching their friends sleeping peacefully, with the fire keeping them warm. Tin-Man was adding more wood to the fire when Scarecrow whispers, “Since you and I don’t really need to sleep, Tin-Man, let’s look for food. I bet the forest is full of good things for the others to eat. Come on, let’s go out and take a look”. “Alright” Tin-Man immediately grabs his axe. Knowing the others will be alright in the cave, Scarecrow and Tin-Man headed outside, searching for any nuts and fruits around the area. 

Chapter Text

After hours of searching round the forest, Scarecrow and Tin-Man had managed to find food for their friends. Scarecrow is filling his hat with all kinds of nuts, while Tin-Man has an arm full of fruits and berries. 

When dawn arrived, the early-morning sun shines down through the trees. “Think we have enough for everyone, Scarecrow?” Tin-Man asked, noticing how much food they’ve collected. “I’m sure we do” Scarecrow replied, “Let’s head back to the cave. The others might be awake by now”. Just as they made their way back, Scarecrow stopped in his tracks, when two red flowers that had grown nearby caught his attention. “Wow! Aren’t these flowers pretty?” he smiled in amazement as he picks them, “And we both know just the person who’d love to have them”. “Good idea” Tin-Man agreed with a big smile on his face.

Back in the cave, Dorothy, Toto and Cowardly Lion were still asleep. The fire went out hours ago, leaving nothing but ash and smoke. When the sun peeks in through the gaps, Toto awakens with a big yawn and doing a little stretch. Once he’s fully awake, Toto goes up to his mistress to wake her up. By the time she feels her dog tickling her by licking her knee, Dorothy started giggling, waking Cowardly Lion up too. While Dorothy yawned, stretched her arms and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, Cowardly Lion sat himself up while yawning and stretching his arms and legs. ““Good morning, Cowardly Lion” Dorothy greeted him with a warm smile. Smiling back at her, “G’morning, Dorothy. Did you sleep well?” Cowardly Lion asked. “Very well, thank you” she replied sweetly, “How about you?”. Feeling fully refreshed, “Amazingly well! Thanks to you, I slept much better then I did before” he said happily. Giggling in amusement, “You’re welcome” Dorothy said, stroking Toto on the head. 

In that moment, “Rise and shine!”. They turn their attention to Scarecrow and Tin-Man, with their hands full of delicious food - plus Scarecrow’s hiding something behind his back. “Look. We’ve brought you breakfast in bed” Tin-Man said proudly. “And…these!” Scarecrow happily brought out the flowers he was hiding to give to Dorothy. Standing up on her feet, “Flowers, for me?!” she gasped in surprise. The two happily nodded. “There beautiful! Aw, you two are so sweet. Thank you” Dorothy happily accepted the flowers from Scarecrow, before placing one flower in her hair, “How do I look?”. “You look pretty, Dorothy” Scarecrow said. “It looks good on you” Tin-Man happily nodded. “Here, Cowardly Lion. This ones for you” Dorothy place the other flower in his mane, “Oh, Cowardly Lion, you look absolutely adorable!”. Scarecrow giggled. Seeing the flower in his mane, and hearing his friends commenting how adorable he is, Cowardly Lion blush with a sheepishly smile. “You certainly do!” Tin-Man chuckled “Cute as a kitten!”. Sounding like a cat, “Miaow, miaow, miaow” Cowardly Lion and his friends started laughing in amusement.

Meanwhile. After spying on the little girl and the others through her crystal ball, the Wicked Witch cackled while using her dark magic to summon her broomstick. With her broom in hand, she went over to the window. Looking back over her shoulder, “Jester! Make sure my monkeys don’t leave a mess, when I return!” the Wicked Witch spat at her little brother, who is dressed in a jester’s colourful costume, and riding around on a unicycle. “Yes, Elphaba…” the Jester bowed his head in misery to his older sister. Cackling from the back of her throat, “Kalidah’s territory, here I come!” the Wicked Witch hops onto her broomstick, and flies around the castle, before flying off to where she will set her trap for Dorothy and her friends. 

Back on the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy, Toto and their friends continue on their journey. Feeling excited to get a brain from the Wizard, “Come on, fellas” Scarecrow, who is walking ahead while waving back to his friends. “This road is endless. I hope we get there soon” Dorothy told her two friends walking beside her, “Oh well, mustn’t give up”. “Oh, I’m so excited about seeing the Wizard. Aren’t you?” Cowardly Lion asked the tin woodman. “Yes I am, Cowardly Lion” Tin-Man replied, “If I had a heart, you’d hear it pounding right now”. 

By the time they came out into an open area of the forest, Scarecrow suddenly stopped in his tracks with one foot up, looking down where he’s standing, “Gadzooks!” he gasped in fright. Dorothy gasp in horror on the spot, when she saw where Scarecrow is. Looking back at her over his shoulder, “Dorothy…I…I think we have a problem!” Scarecrow said nervously. When he and Tin-Man caught up with her, “What’s the matter, kid?” Cowardly Lion asked. “Look!” she replied, pointing her finger to show them where they are. They found themselves by a gorge, with no bridge to cross or anything. But what scares them most is how dangerous close the straw-man is. “The road sure ended in a hurry, didn’t it?” Scarecrow said, trembling on the spot with his foot still up. “Scarecrow, be careful, you’ll fall!” Dorothy cried to him. Peering over the edge, Cowardly Lion tremble in fear, “Oh, and its such a long way down!” he said. “Come back! Get away from there!” Tin-Man called out to him. Toto barked in agreement. “Oh, stop yelling at me, fellas! You’re making me nervous!” Scarecrow told them, “Just calm down while I step away from the edge!”. He slowly and carefully took a few steps back, safely away from the edge to join his friends. In relief, everyone let out a heavy breath they were holding in.

Looking back at the gorge, then to his friends, Scarecrow ask, “What do we do now? We don’t have any road to follow”. “We do, Scarecrow. But look, the Yellow Brick Road is on the other side” Dorothy pointed the road on the other side of the gorge. “Oh my!…” feeling terrified in that moment, Cowardly Lion nervously took a step back, “M…maybe we should go back and find another way around, don’t you agree?”. “No, Cowardly Lion. There must be a way to get across this place” Tin-Man told him. “I’m sure there is” Dorothy said, “Maybe If we talk about our ideas, we’ll hopefully come up with a solution”. Scarecrow and Tin-Man nodded in agreement, except Cowardly Lion, who stood back trembling in fear whilst playing with his tail. 

After thinking for a while, the tin woodman suggests, “How about I build us a bridge?”. “Build a bridge?” Scarecrow said in surprise, “Oh, that’ll take ages, Tin-Man. Are you sure it’s a heart your missing and not a brain?”. “Scarecrow, Tin-Man was just trying to help. Be nice” Dorothy told him. The straw-man felt ashamed of himself, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. If I had a brain, I’d come up with a plan much faster” he said, until he heard an eagle flying above them, “Like, if we had wings like that eagle, then we could fly across”. Turning round to face the giant cat, “How about you, Cowardly Lion? What do you think?” Dorothy asked. “M…my idea is to scary to tell you” he replied nervously. Feeling hopelessly, “Oh, it’s hopeless. We’ll never make it to the Emerald City. Our dreams will never come true” Dorothy sign in disappointment. The others are just as disappointed as Dorothy, they were so excited to go and see the Wizard, and now there’s no way across the gorge…they give up.

Suddenly, Scarecrow look back at Dorothy, and his eyes widen in surprise when he noticed something, “Dorothy, look! Your necklace is glowing!” he cried while pointing it. Tin-Man, Cowardly Lion and the little dog gasp in amazement. Confused, “Again?” looking down at her medallion, Dorothy’s eyes widen in surprise. Her medallion is glowing much brighter then ever before, but what surprised Dorothy and her friends that it’s levitating. “Wh…what’s happening?” she asked in wonder. The medallion’s glow faded, and it landed gracefully in her palms. 

Then right at that moment, Dorothy’s head shot up when she heard the faint sounds of galloping. “Do you guys hear that?” she asked. Confuse, her friends quietly listen to whatever it is she’s hearing, until they finally heard it. “What’s that?” Tin-Man asked worriedly, taking his hat off and puttin’ the nozzle to his ear so he can hear better. Feeling nervous, “It sounds like a horse…” Dorothy answered. Shaking like a leaf, Cowardly Lion slowly turn his head towards the bushes behind them, as the sound got louder, “It’s…it’s coming this way!” he cried, hiding himself behind the tin woodman, who had his axe at the ready for the danger coming. Dorothy picks Toto up in her arms while Scarecrow pulls her behind him to keep her safe, waiting for whatever’s coming their way. 

To their surprise, a black horse with a white streak came out of the bushes, with its rider on its back, and jumps over the travellers. Watching them fly over their heads, Dorothy can see the rider looks to be a Chinese soldier, dressed in a dark-green armour, wearing a helmet that’s hidden its face, and a golden sword attach to its belt. 

As the horse landed gracefully back on the ground in front of the gorge, the soldier jumps off in a Martial Art style whilst draw its sword, and stood there proudly with warm-smiling eyes at the group. “Who…who are you?” Scarecrow asked nervously, “And what do you want?”. Being the coward he already is, “Please, don’t hurt us!” Cowardly Lion said behind Tin-Man. After having a better look at the soldier and its horse, both look very familiar, Dorothy felt like she saw them somewhere before, until it finally hit her. Moving from behind Scarecrow, who watch her in worry, “Pardon me” she step towards the stranger, “But…are you…who I think you are?”.

The soldier place the sword down in the grass, before taking off it’s helmet. Smiling proudly at the little girl and her dog is a beautiful Chinese woman, with dark eyes, smooth creamy coloured skin, and black shoulder-length hair, “Why, hello there” she greeted. Dorothy couldn’t believe her eyes, out of all the Disney films she grew up watching all the time with her Aunt and Uncle, one of her favourite Disney Princesses is is actually standing there, in the flesh. With a big smile on her face, Dorothy place her dog back down, “Oh my goodness! Your Mulan! And your real! Oh, I love you so much! I’m…I’m…I’m a big fan!” she cried in excitement. Jumping in excitement, Toto woofed happily. “Why, thank you, Dorothy” Mulan chuckle in amusement, “I’m am very pleased to finally meet one of my biggest fans”. That took the little girl by surprise, “You know me name?” Dorothy gasped. “I sure do. And I know all about you and your friends” going down on one knee so she can stroke Toto behind his ear, Mulan carried on, “I  know your on a journey. Your all headed to the Emerald City, to ask the Wizard of Oz to grant each of your wishes”. Dorothy felt so amazed by this woman. 

With no brains, Scarecrow has no idea who this woman is, but both Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion seem surprised and familiar as their young friend. “If I had a heart, I’d be jumping with excitement right about now!” Tin-Man squealed with a big grin on his face. Leaning closer to his metal-friend, “Who is that?” Scarecrow asked quietly. Realising his friend wasn’t alive long enough to know about her story, “That my friend is Fa-Mulan. She’s known as the very first female warrior, that all the legendary songs and tales have heard of throughout the Land of Oz. When I was a boy, still flesh and blood I mean, my father told stories about her to me all the time” Tin-Man proudly explained, before smiling at their friend talking happily with the woman, “And it looks like our dear Dorothy is familiar with Fa-Mulan in her world, and very happy to see her”. Watching her laughing happily when Mulan’s horse playfully nudges her face, Scarecrow nodded in agreement, before he and the tin woodman went over to join Dorothy and her dog. As he and Scarecrow politely bowed while taking their hats off, “Oh, Fa-Mulan, it is a honour to meet you” Tin-Man greeted, “Your a legend throughout the Land of Oz”. Bowing her head to them, “The pleasure’s all mine” Mulan proudly said. 

In that moment, Dorothy and her friends felt curious in that moment. Facing the Chinese woman in wonder, Dorothy ask, “So, what are you doing here?”. Pointing her finger at the medallion round the girl’s neck, “You’re medallion brought me here, Dorothy” Mulan answered. After hearing that, Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion were surprised. “My necklace?” she said while holding it in her palms, “It brought you?”. “That’s right…” placing a hand on the girl’s shoulder, Mulan explain, “It links all the Princesses and other-beings from different worlds that ever were. And when the owner of the medallion is in trouble, a friend will come to help”. Scratching the back of his head, “So, it can do more then just make her hands glow and sparkle?” Scarecrow asked, with an eyebrow up. Mulan nodded. “Then you must know what other magic it can do!” Tin-Man said hopeful. “I’m afraid I don’t. The only magic me and the others know is just being summoned, and help those in need” Mulan explained, “The rest of Dorothy’s powers is for her to learn and figure out himself”. Dorothy and her friends nodded in understanding. 

“Well, since you’re here, Mulan, can you please help us?” Dorothy pleaded. “That’s what I’m here for” Mulan chuckled “So what’s the problem?”. Walking over to the edge of the gorge to show her, “Well you see, we’ve been trying to figure out a way to get across this gorge” Scarecrow explained “But there’s no way we can get to the other side”. “It’s impossible” Tin-Man finished. “Do you know a way to get access?” Dorothy asked. “Let me see” proudly humming to herself whilst looking at the gap separating the Yellow Brick Road, and turning back to see the Cowardly Lion trembling in fear, Mulan finally answers, “There is one solution to solve your problem. And the answer is right behind you”. As Dorothy, Scarecrow and Tin-Man turn their heads around, they saw Cowardly Lion looking terrified. Looking around in confusion, “I don’t see anything that’ll help us” Scarecrow said, until he got hit, which took him by surprise. Gently hitting his friend on the back of his head, “You plonker, she means HIM!” Tin-Man points at Cowardly Lion, who’s trying to tiptoe away. He was very happy to see Mulan come to help them, but now he’s scared and nervous, because he knows what’s coming. 

“And where do you think your going, huh?” Cowardly Lion froze on the spot when Mulan asked him. Sheepishly looking back at her and the others over his shoulder, “N…nowhere…” Cowardly Lion replied in a high pitch tone. Rolling their eyes, Scarecrow and Tin-Man rush over and stood either side of the scared cat, each grabbing his massive arms and dragging him back. “How is he going to solve our problem, if he’s being the scaredy cat he already is?” Tin-Man asked in annoyance. “Didn’t you say you have an idea?” Scarecrow asked the giant cat. Shaking like a leaf while fiddling with his tail, “I do have one in mind, but I’m to scared to say what it is!” Cowardly Lion cried. “But we can’t give up” Dorothy told him. Walking over to the nervous King of Beasts, “I never give up so easily, and neither should you” Mulan told him calmly and wisely. “But I…I can’t! I’m not tough enough, Mulan, I’m to scared!” Cowardly Lion cried. “Then you just need to be tougher. All of you” Mulan proudly said. Joining the women and her friends, “I don’t know If we can do that, Mulan” Dorothy said. “I’m only made of straw. I’m not as strong as the Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion” Scarecrow worried said with a hand on his chest. Placing each hand on Dorothy’s and Scarecrow’s shoulders, Mulan smile wisely at all of them, saying “I think you guys are stronger than you know”. 

In wonder, Dorothy, Toto and their friends watch Mulan walking over to the edge, and stop to look far down below her for a moment, before turning back to face them, with a serious-disappearing expression. 

Mulan

I know a lot about overcoming doubt
So many things they told me that I couldn’t do

She went over to Dorothy and her friends, smiling at them while circling around them, slowly taking a few steps away while giving them some wisdom, with her hands stretched out to them.

Mulan

I went and proved them wrong, so now I’ll pass along
These simple words I hope get through to you

Standing proud with an iron fist, Mulan went over to her horse and climbs up onto his back. Guiding her horse towards the group and stopped, Mulan place a hand over her heart while smiling down at Dorothy and her friends.

Mulan

It doesn’t matter what they say
There’s only one voice to obey

And it’s that little voice inside
So let that be your guide
Then you can save the day

Without warning, Mulan’s horse neighed before she made him run straight towards the gorge. The others gasp in surprise when Mulan and her horse jumps over the edge. They were amazed as they watched her happily flying swiftly over the gap, like she’s done it many times before. 

Mulan

‘Cause you are stronger than you know
Stronger than you know

Dorothy and her friends sign in relief when she made it safely to the other side. Mulan smiles back at them whilst leaning her horse to move round into a wide-horseshoe, then running back to the edge again to jump over.

Mulan

You may be small, but give it your all
And you will finally show

Watching the woman flying back towards them before landed safely on the ground, Dorothy and her friends smile at Mulan when she jumps off her horse, and proudly walks over to them with open arms. 

Mulan

That you are stronger than you know
So much stronger than you know

With her eyes fixed a on the Yellow Brick Road on the other side of the gorge, Dorothy suddenly remembers something Glinda had told her back in Munchkin Land, “And one last thing to remember, you can overcome any difficulty with wisdom, love, and courage”. 

Thinking for a moment, an idea suddenly came to her head, Dorothy smile to her friends, saying, “That’s it! We can leap across this gorge!”. “Now you’re thinking” Mulan nodded proudly to her. Both Scarecrow and Tin-Man weren’t so sure about that idea. “I don’t think my legs can do a thing like that” Scarecrow said. “Same here” Tin-Man said worriedly. “Neither can I. But someone else can…” Dorothy said, turning to Cowardly Lion, “You were thinking about jumping over it, right?”. “Oh…yes, Dorothy. You got me” Cowardly Lion nervously nodded, “I can put each of you up on my back and try to leap across. One at a time, of course”. Along with Dorothy and Mulan, Toto, Scarecrow and Tin-Man were amazed. “That’s a brilliant idea, buddy!” Scarecrow smiled. “Why didn’t you mention it before?” Tin-Man asked in annoyance, with one hand on his hip. “Because, I’m scared!” Cowardly Lion cried. “I’m the lightest, so you should carry me first” Scarecrow said “Then you’ll have lots of strength left for the others, right?”. “Oh, I hope so” Cowardly Lion took a few steps away from the edge, then got down on four paws, waiting for the straw-man to climb up. 

Once Scarecrow is safely sat on his back, holding tightly onto his mane, Cowardly Lion looks straight at the gorge for a moment, and his legs starts trembling. “What’s the matter, now?” Scarecrow asked. “Oh, I’m so terrified!” Cowardly Lion cried “I’m afraid we’ll never make it!”. Going up to him and have him face back at her, Dorothy smile sweetly whilst gently stroking his mane to calm him down. “You’ll make it, Cowardly Lion” Dorothy said with so much confidence, “I know you can”.

Dorothy

Just look at what we can achieve
Through any danger we can leave

And we could conquer any maze
A new trail we could blaze
If only we believe

She carried on stroking his mane whilst pointed out the Yellow Brick Road on the other side for him to see. 

Mulan and Dorothy

That we are stronger than we know
Stronger than we know

Mulan stood opposite him and Scarecrow, who politely tipped his hat to her. 

Mulan and Dorothy

We may be small, but if we give our all
We will finally show

Dorothy and Toto took a few steps back with Tin-Man, Mulan and her horse, watching and waiting for their friends to make a start. 

Mulan and Dorothy

That we are stronger than we know
So much stronger than we know

Once Cowardly Lion had finally calmed down, he took a deep breath before running straight towards the edge, and made a big leap. 

Mulan and Dorothy

So much stronger than we know!

While holding onto his hat so it doesn’t blow off, Scarecrow held on tight for dear life when he and Cowardly Lion are flying over the gap, until they made it safely on the other side. Dorothy, Toto and Tin-Man cheered for them. 

After Scarecrow climbs down from Cowardly Lion, he starts jumping up and down with happiness and relief. “We made it! We made it!” Scarecrow cheered before wrapping his arms round Cowardly Lion’s neck, “Oh, thank you, thank you!”. Cowardly Lion felt surprised by the sudden hug he’s friend’s giving him, until he bashfully grinned. 

“He did it. He actually did!” Tin-Man said to Dorothy in amazement. “Yes, he did, Tin-Man! He was amazing!” Dorothy said happily, “Oh, Mulan, thank you so much for yo…huh?”. When everyone look to where Mulan and her horse were standing, they vanished on the spot. “What…what happened?!” Cowardly Lion called out in surprise. “Where did she go?!” Scarecrow called out in confusion. After sniffing the spot where Mulan’s scent must be, Toto shook his head in confusion. “I don’t understand. She was here a moment ago. Where could she be?” Tin-Man look round at their surroundings. Suddenly,  Dorothy looks down at her medallion, and notices it slightly glowing for a moment before fading. Realising, “I think I know…” she smile warmly to her friends, “When a friend’s helping hand is completed, my medallion returns them to their own world”. “So, Mulan went back home?!” Scarecrow asked out loud. “But what if we need more help on the road, Dorothy?!” Cowardly Lion called out in worry. “I’m sure we can manage on our own” she said, “If we ever do find ourselves in a struggle, my medallion will probably summon someone else to help us”. The others nodded to her in understanding.

“Well…so far, so good” Cowardly Lion said whilst preparing himself to jump again, “You’re next, Dorothy!”. Giving him a thumbs up, Dorothy gets down on one knee while opening her shoulder bag, “All aboard, Toto” she said. Woofed in response, Toto climbs inside the bag before his mistress shuts the lid and holds him safely in her arms. After leaping back to his friends, Cowardly Lion lay down on his belly to make it easier for the little girl to climb up. Once Dorothy sat on his back, Cowardly Lion slowly stands up saying to her, “Grab onto my mane, Dorothy. And whatever you do, don’t let go”. Dorothy nods in understanding, grabbing tightly onto his mane with one hand, while holding Toto against her. 

In a split second, they ran towards the edge and jumped over the gap, until they made it safely to where Scarecrow is waiting. Everybody cheered for another successful landing. “Well done, you two!” Scarecrow said proudly, before helping Dorothy climb off the giant cat. “Just me left, Cowardly Lion!” Tin-Man called out to him. “Here I come!” Cowardly Lion jumps back, and gasped in surprised by the weight of the tin woodmen after he climbed aboard, “Goodness, Tin-Man…you’re much heavier than you look!”. “Sorry…” Tin-Man mumbled. For the final time, they’ve jumped over the gorge and manage to make it safely on the other side to join their friends, who cheered for them. 

As Tin-Man climbs off of him, Cowardly Lion was so terrified from jumping so many times over the gorge, he fell flat on his belly, panting. “That was amazing, Cowardly Lion, thanks” Tin-Man said. “Yeah! For a coward, that was the bravest thing you’ve ever done” Scarecrow agreed. “I may look brave, Scarecrow, but I was terrified the whole time” Cowardly Lion said while catching his breath. “Even though you think that, Cowardly Lion, we’re so proud of you” Dorothy happily told him, which made him smile. “Hey fellas. Now that we’ve made it to the other side, let’s move away from the edge” Scarecrow said. “Good idea” Tin-Man said in agreement, and the two started on ahead. “Poor, Cowardly Lion, are you alright?” Dorothy asked while helping him stand up onto his hind legs. Toto barked in worry for him. “Part from being scared out of my wits, I’ll be fine” Cowardly Lion gave her a small smile, “Could we please join the others?”. “Of course. Let’s go” Dorothy nodded while she and Toto began walking. After one last look at the gorge behind him, “I can’t believe I did that!” Cowardly Lion nervously gasped before catching up with his friends. 

After a 5 minute walk, the group stopped to sit down on the grass in a circle. After all that jumping back and forth over that gorge several times, their hairy friend could use the rest. Thanks to the Chinese women’s help, Dorothy brought out her book, and happily reads the story of Mulan to her friends. Half an hour later. “Are you feeling better now, Cowardly Lion?” Dorothy sweetly asked, “You must be exhausted after all that jumping”. Smiling warmly at her, “Oh, I’m alright now, thank you, Dorothy. For me being so scared, I’m so glad we’ve made it this far” Cowardly Lion said. “And pretty soon, guys, we’ll finally be at Emerald City, and the Wizard of Oz will grant us our wishes” Dorothy said, as she and her friends sign hopefully at the thought it. 

“As soon as I get my brain…” Scarecrow smile excitedly, placing a finger to his head as he explains what he’s going to do after getting what he wants, “I’ll become a book-smart genius, and think up all sorts of amazing ideas in no time! Or even better, I might create all kinds of inventions! Ones that all nations throughout the Land of Oz  has never seen before!”. 

“When I get my heart…” Tin-Man sweetly sighs, with a hand on his chest, “I will feel all kinds of emotions that I’ve been dreaming of! Then I’ll return to Munchkin Land, reunite with my beloved lady, and we’ll finally get married and have children of our own, one day!”. 

“And after I get my courage…” Cowardly Lion stood up with his head up high, looking proud and mighty, “I’ll become King of the Forest, and known as the bravest Lion of them all! And if an elephant, or a whole pack of wolves dares to put up a fight with me, I’ll tear them all limb from limb!”.

Listening to her friends talking about their dreams made Dorothy smile. “Oh, isn’t Oz a wonderful place, Toto?” she said with a dreamy sigh, “Everyone here is so kind and understanding to me. We’re very lucky to have Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion as our friends”. Toto woof happily in agreement to his mistress. “How about you, kiddo?” Scarecrow got her attention, “What are you going to do when the Wizard grants your wish?”. “Me?” she said while pointing at herself. Scarecrow and the others nodded. Closing her eyes whilst thinking for a moment, Dorothy looks back at her friends and answers, “Well…when I return to Kansas, I’ll make sure Auntie Em and everybody is alright. We’ll probably have to fix up all the damages the tornado had caused. And who knows, if I have time for myself, maybe I’ll write a book about this place and the wonderful three best friends I’ve made”. “Awww, Dorothy!” Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion felt so touched by their little friend.

Some time later. As the group of travellers carrier on walking further and farther down the Yellow Brick Road, linking each other, the Dark Forest is getting more darker and scarier than ever. Hiding deeply in the trees high above, the Wicked Witch devilishly smirks with a quiet cackle, as she saw them coming up the road. “It’s very spooky in here” Dorothy said worriedly, looking at their surroundings, “The deeper we go into the forest, the darker and gloomier it gets”. Scarecrow and Tin-Man nodded in agreement. Toto look round nervously while staying close his mistress and their friends. 

Suddenly, everyone stop moving when Cowardly Lion stopped in panic. Turning their attention to him, they found him trembling on the spot, with his knees knocking, and his eyes wide in horror. “What is it, Cowardly Lion?” Scarecrow asked “What’s the matter?”. Nervously eyeing their surroundings, “I just remember that this might be the part of the forest where the Kalidahs live!” Cowardly Lion said in panic. The others have no idea what he’s talking about. “The Kalidahs?” Tin-Man said in confusion with an eyebrow up. “What’s a Kalidah?” Dorothy asked worriedly. Facing his friends, “They’re monsters with the heads of tigers and the bodies of bears, with long sharp claws, and their evil, blood-murdering beasts!”. Listening to all of that really scared Toto, making him hide behind Dorothy’s legs. The little girl and the straw-man began to feel frightened. 

Spying on them from high above, “Perfect. Now to send out one of the Kalidahs, and kill them” the Wicked Witch quietly chuckled. Waving her hands about, she began casting an evil spell to summon a deadly Kalidah, “Hocus-pocus, my precious beast, awake from your nap and have a feast! Awake I say, and seek out Dorothy, and end her life, my deadly beauty!”. Not to far from Dorothy and her friends, a Kalidah was sound asleep in its nest, until it awaken by the sound of the Wicked Witch’s call, and growled. 

Feeling sarcastic, “Ok, now you’re just trying to scare us” Tin-Man said in disbelief to the frighten-cat standing next to him. “You don’t believe me?!” Cowardly Lion argued while leaning in closer to the tin woodsman, “Fine! Don’t say I didn’t warn ya, tin-can!”. “Tin-can?! How dare you call me that!” Tin-Man argued back, “You’re always afraid of everything, but you still picking on me!”. As she watches the two fighting, and Scarecrow annoyingly goes over to break it up, Dorothy flinch when she and her dog heard a unpleasant growl. 

Afraid to see what it is, she slowly turns her head and her whole body around to look back. In horror, her face is as pale as a ghost, as she stare deeply into the dark distance of the Yellow Brick Road behind them. Toto whimpers, when he saw what it is that made his friend stand frozen in fear. 

There’s something big in the shadows that slowly coming up towards them, causing several trees to shake slightly, as if a giant’s heavy-footsteps is making them move.

The guys didn’t seem to notice, since their to busy arguing with each other. With her eyes fixed a on the thing coming towards them, “Um, guys…” Dorothy felt terrified as she tried to get the other’s attention. “Would you two knuckleheads quit it! This is no time for bickering!” Scarecrow shouted, pushing in between them, “We need to get to Emerald City as soon as possible!”. “But, he started it, straw-man!” Cowardly Lion pointed his finger at Tin-Man. “Guys…” Dorothy tried again in terror, eyeing her friends and looking back at the thing. “I did not!” Tin-Man frustratingly pushes his forehead against Cowardly Lion’s”. “Did too!” Cowardly Lion growled while pushing him back. In frustration, Scarecrow tries his hardest to break them apart, “I said STOP IT!” he shouted “Do you wanna get your heart and courage or not?!”. Swiftly turning her head to them in panic, “GUYS!!!” Dorothy yelled very loudly from the top of her lungs, which finally got their attention by making them jump in surprise, “LOOK BEHIND YOU!!!”. Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion felt puzzled by what she meant, until a dark shadow looms over them, and a blood-thirsty growl is heard. Gulping nervously, the guys slowly turn round to see what Dorothy and Toto are looking at. 

Standing before them is the most fearsome, creature they had ever seen. The Kalidah is a massive, black-furred monster with the head of a tiger and the body of a bear, very sharp claws, blood-thirsty sharp teeth and murdering-red eyes. 

The flashing red eyes and dripping jaws of the growing-beast frightened the group so much, that Tin-Man jumps in Cowardly Lion’s arms, Scooby Doo style. “Ok, old pal!” Tin-Man cried in horror, “I take it all back! I believe everything  you say about Kalidahs!”. “G…gl…glad to hear it, old buddy!” the frightened cat panicked. To their horror, the Kalidah raise its massive paw in the air, ready to strike. “WATCH OUT!” Scarecrow shouted, before he and the others dodge out of the way, avoiding its attack, “RUN FOR IT!”. With that said, they ran straight down the Yellow Brick Road as fast as their legs could carry them, with the Kalidah chasing after them. 

Afraid to look back, Dorothy’s lungs began to ache while gasping for air, and her legs starts to ache from all the running, but she’s to scared to stop. Flying high above them on her broomstick, watching Dorothy and her friends run away from the Kalidah, the Wicked Witch cackle in amusement, “When Dorothy is finished, those ruby slippers will finally be mine!”. Pointing her finger straight down, she cast a spell by making a string of ivy grow out from an old tree, and right on to the road ahead of the group. 

Letting out a sudden cry, Dorothy tripped and fell flat on the ground, when the ivy caught her foot. Looking at it over her shoulder, Dorothy is shocked to see the moving-ivy wrapping around her leg very tightly. “Jiminy Crickets! What’s going on?!” she cried, desperately tries to free herself, with Toto trying to help by tugging the vines with his mouth, but the ivy is so tight round her legs, they won’t break. “Why won’t it loosen?!” Dorothy panicked. Looking up, Dorothy gasp in horror when she saw the Kalidah coming closer. Dorothy looks back to her friends, who are still running, “GUYS, HELP! I’M STUCK!” she yelled. 

The three stop running to look back at Dorothy, they saw her struggling to break out of the ivy trapping her, and the monster dangerously approaching her. “DOROTHY!” Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion cried in worry and panic. “Hang on, Dorothy, we’ll save you!” Scarecrow seriously called out to her, as he and Tin-Man immediately rush over to help. Cowardly Lion just stood there, shaking in terror as he watched his brave friends running over to Dorothy and Toto’s side and face that monstrosity. 

While Scarecrow helps Dorothy, Tin-Man stands in front of them with his axe at the ready - Toto bravely stood beside him, growling at the Kalidah. 

Holding his axe high in the air, “Get back, you monstrosity!” Tin-Man angrily shouted, delivering a blow to the Kalidah’s head, making it roar in rage and agony. As the tin woodsman fights it off, Toto barks at it. 

Trying to tug the vines with all their might, Scarecrow and Dorothy couldn’t break the ivy. “Its no use!” Dorothy cried in panic, “This ivy’s getting tighter, its seriously hurting my legs!”. “Don’t give up, kiddo!” Scarecrow struggled, “Oh this is insane, I’ve never seen ivy come to life like this before! Its almost like something’s controlling it!”. Realising in that moment, “Scarecrow, your right! This ivy must definitely bring controlled by dark magic!” Dorothy looks round in worry, “And I think You-Know-Who wants me dead!”. Realised who she’s talking about, “Gadzooks! Hang on, Dorothy, we’ll get you free!” Scarecrow turns his head back to the giant cat in frustration, “Cowardly Lion, hurry up and help us!”. But Cowardly Lion wasn’t listening, or moving a single muscle, he’s just to terrified to do anything. 

Noticing the tin woodsman is struggling to fight back on his own, “Scarecrow, please help Tin-Man! I’ll try and figure out a way to loosen these vines!” Dorothy said in worry, still tugging on the ivy. “Alright!” Scarecrow starts picking up a handful of rocks, and stood in front of her, throwing them at the beast. 

Cowardly Lion watched his friends protecting the little girl while bravely fighting against the Kalidah, he wanted to help, but he didn’t have the guts to do it. 

After Tin-Man blocked the Kalidah’s mouth from trying to bite him, Toto ran behind it and biting its long tail, making it roar in rage. The Kalidah swatted him away, causing the poor little dog to yelp in agony when he landed on the grass. When she saw what that monster did to her dog, “TOTO, NO!” Dorothy cried to him in worry. Even her friends were shocked and outraged by what had happened, but thankfully, Toto seems to be fine.

“How dare you hurt a poor little doggy!” Tin-Man shouted while raising his axe. But before he can strike again, the Kalidah delivered a blow to the tin woodsman, sending him rolling along the Yellow Brick Road, like a bowling ball. “TIN-MAN!” Scarecrow and Dorothy cried to him. 

“Take that, you big bully!” Scarecrow angrily shouted, throwing more rocks at the monster, he’ll do whatever he must to keep Dorothy safe. No matter how many rocks he threw, they didn’t seem to hurt the Kalidah much, as it smacked the straw-man out of the way, hitting him against the tree. “AAAAH! SCARECROW!” Dorothy cried out to him. The Kalidah turn its attention on Dorothy, making her gasp in horror. 

In that moment, Cowardly Lion’s eyes widen as he watched the Kalidah walking up to her, hungrily licking its lips. “D…Dorothy?!” he gasped. 

In panic, Dorothy rotates her body around to try pulling herself out of the ivy’s grasp. She cried in fright, when the monster’s large paw pinned her tied up-legs down very to keep her from moving. Even though her legs slightly hurt from the ivy’s tightness, the monster’s weight is making the pain worse, “NOOOO! LET ME GO!” she cried with tears streaming down her face. 

Recovered, Toto, Scarecrow and Tin-Man were all horrified when they saw the Kalidah had trapped the terrified girl. “DOROTHY!!” Scarecrow and Tin-Man screamed. Toto barked in panic. Trembling in fear, allowing more tears to pour down her cheeks, Dorothy face up at the Kalidah in horror. The others kept calling her name when the monster roared while lifting its free paw, ready to deliver a final blow on Dorothy, who shut her wet-eyes tight and screaming in terror. 

As Cowardly Lion watched this gruesome sight, and listening to Dorothy’s cries, something inside him snapped. His eyes ablaze with rage, his fangs were bared, and he let out the loudest roar anyone had ever heard. When the Kalidah looked up to see what it was, Cowardly Lion dash over towards it and pushing it away from Dorothy. 

When the monster’s paw is finally off her, thanks to Cowardly Lion, Dorothy grind her teeth in agony when her legs started to cramp. “Dorothy!” Scarecrow cried in worry, as he, Toto and Tin-Man rushed over to her. 

Now standing face to face with the Kalidah, “KEEP YOUR PAWS OFF MY FRIEND!” Cowardly Lion growled in rage, “HOW DEAR YOU TOUCH HER! PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWE SIZE!”. The Kalidah rear back in rage as it tries to strike Cowardly Lion, who immediately dodges its attack and began biting and scratching wildly, trying to protect his friends.

As the battles between two beasts continues, Toto, Scarecrow and Tin-Man were trying all their might to help poor Dorothy, who looks to be in terrible pain. 

With Scarecrow behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and trying to help her pull herself out, “Ow! The cramps in my legs hurt so much!” Dorothy cried with more tears dripping down her face. “Shh, I know, Dorothy, I know! But, just hang on a bit longer, okay?!” Scarecrow said softly to her, it hurts him to see his first-ever-friend like this. Tin-Man tries to cut the ivy with his axe, “The vines won’t cut!”he cried to his friends in panic. 

Watching Cowardly Lion fighting against the Kalidah, and her two friends and beloved dog struggling to free her out of these vines, Dorothy closed her eyes, ignoring the cramps in her legs, thinking she wishes to break free out of the vines. 

Suddenly, she open her eyes when she felt both her hands and medallion glowing. Her friends stopped when they saw this. “What’s happening, Dorothy?!” Scarecrow asked in wonder and confusion. Before Dorothy could answer, she and her friends watch her glowing-hands touching the ivy, and in amazement, the vines began to unravel. Their eyes widen in surprise. 

Feeling the ivy starting to loosen around her legs, Dorothy sighs in relief as she watches it unwrapping itself, and returning back to where it came from. Toto follows it for a moment, before running back to his mistress - her hands and her necklace stopped glowing after that. “How did you do that?!” Scarecrow asked in amazement. “I don’t know!” Dorothy replied while drying her eyes, “I was thinking that I’d wished to be free, and that happened!”. “Well, whatever you did, that was amazing!” Tin-Man smiled. “And you’re finally free, kiddo!” Scarecrow said. Just as she’s about to stand up, “Ouch!” Dorothy flinched from the slight pain still in her legs. 

When he and Scarecrow noticed the slight bruises on her legs, tears began to pour out of Tin-Man’s eyes, “Oh, Dorothy! You poor child! Look at your poor little legs!” he subbed so loudly. “Don’t cry, Tin-Man! You might rust yourself again!” Scarecrow warned him. Facing her friends, “My legs will be fine! But, I don’t think I can run at the moment while they’re still cramping!” Dorothy said. Nodding in understanding, “Don’t worry, Dorothy. From now on, one of us will carry you, until you feel able to stand on your own” Scarecrow explained. 

While Scarecrow helps Dorothy stand up onto her feet, Tin-Man cups both sides of his mouth, shouting “Let’s go, Cowardly Lion!”. After delivering another blow at the monster, causing it to collapse and holding its face in agony, “THAT’LL TEACH YOU NOT TO MESS WITH ME AND MY PALS!” Cowardly Lion spat, before running over to his friends. 

As Tin-Man gently picks Dorothy up in his arms, Cowardly Lion got down on his four paws, saying “Put her on my back! Hurry!”. Tin-Man did as he was told, while Scarecrow picks Toto up safely in his arms. “Hold on tight, Dorothy!” Cowardly Lion told her, before he notices the Kalidah is almost recovering, “RUN!”. The group started running again, before the monster notice them running. 

Feeling the cramp in her legs started to stop, thank goodness, and hearing the sound of the Kalidah far behind them, Dorothy held tightly onto her friend’s mane as they ran straight down the Yellow Brick Road, until they’ve made it to another opening. 

But to make things worse, they stopped when they found themselves at the edge of another gorge. “Oh no, not again!” Dorothy gasped in panic. Shaking his head, “I can’t jump this gorge, Dorothy, it’s to wide!” Cowardly Lion cried. “What do we do now?!” Tin-Man asked. “Well, I don’t think turning back would be a very good idea” Scarecrow replied worried. Everyone jumped in fright when they heard the Kalidah’s roar, when they turn round, they saw it coming closer. “Its coming straight for us!” Dorothy cried in panic. Shaking in Scarecrow’s arms, Toto yelped in fright while hiding his face. He hate to do this again, but it seems he has no choice, “Climb down from me, Dorothy!” Cowardly Lion told her. Doing as she’s told, with a little help from Scarecrow, “What are you going to do?!” she asked worriedly. “I’ll keep him distracted, while you think up a plan to across this gorge!” with that said, he ran back to face the Kalidah again. 

Cowardly Lion growls at the monster. Roaring in rage, the Kalidah reared back as it tried to strike him down, but he dodged out of the way before scratching its face and biting its tail. The others watched in amazement at their friend fighting the monster again. 

The straw-man gently place Toto down, letting him cheer-(bark) for their friend. Now she can stand on her own, “Go, Cowardly Lion!” Dorothy proudly called out to him, “Rip his ears off!”. “That’s right, buddy! Give him what for!” Scarecrow called. “Oh, he might not hold that monster back for long!” Tin-Man said worriedly, “We need to figure out a way to escape, and quick!”. 

Looking round their surroundings for a way to escape, Scarecrow’s eyes fixed a on a large tree, which is stood by the edge. Seriously humming to himself as he studies the size and height of the tree, and the length of the gorge, Scarecrow smiled when a idea came into his brainless head. “Everyone, I’ve have a brilliant plan!” he proudly said to his friends, before pointing his finger at the tree, “Tin-Man, hurry and chop down that tree! It will fall and reach the other side of the gorge, and that way we can cross over!”. Surprise by someone who doesn’t have a brain, Tin-Man held his axe proudly, “Why, that’s an excellent idea, Scarecrow!” he grinned, moving over to the tree. Amazed by her best friend, “Oh Scarecrow, you’re so smart!” Dorothy smiled. The straw-man blushed and rubbed the back of his head. With no time to lose, the tin woodsman immediately begins chopping away at the tree. 

Meanwhile, Cowardly Lion had managed to climb onto the Kalidah’s back, and buried his teeth in it’s throat. The monster roared in rage and agony, then violently shook the giant cat off its back, causing Cowardly Lion to tumble down on the ground. 

Right at that moment, “TIMBER!” Tin-Man cried, when the tree he had just chopped gave way, and fell across the gorge with its top branches reaching the other side, “Hurry, everyone!”. When it heard the sound of the tree falling, the Kalidah ignored the Lion, and angrily turn its attention on the others. After he recovered, Cowardly Lion saw where the monster is heading.

Trying not to look down, and keeping her balance with her arms out, Dorothy slowly walk across, following Tin-Man, Toto and Scarecrow. The tin woodsman and the little dog made it safely to the other side. 

The straw-man and the little girl were only halfway across, until they scream in panic when the tree suddenly shook, so violently due to the Kalidah getting on the tree-bridge. “Oh no!” Dorothy cried in panic, until she lost her footing, and screamed when she fell. Luckily for her, “DOROTHY!” Scarecrow immediately grabs onto her wrist to stop her from falling, while hanging onto the tree trunk with his other hand. Screaming in terror and hanging on for dear life while dangling in the air, more tears began to pour out of Dorothy’s eyes as she look down at the ravine below her. Looking up “HELP, SCARECROW! PLEASE HELP ME!” she cried in panic. “HANG ON, DOROTHY! DON’T LET GO!” Scarecrow cried, keeping a tight grip while helping Dorothy pull herself up. With Scarecrow helping her up till she’s only halfway up, and held onto the tree. 

With Toto barking in panic beside him, “GUYS, LOOK OUT!” Tin-Man called out to his friends. Seeing where he’s pointing, Dorothy and Scarecrow gasped in horror when they saw the monster coming for them. The Kalidah attempted to pounce on Dorothy and Scarecrow, as they both hang onto the tree trunk and each other for dear life, when Cowardly Lion came out of nowhere and slashed the monster right in the face, making it half blind. Cowardly Lion rushed over and quickly helps Scarecrow pull Dorothy safely back up onto the tree. 

They crossed over safely to the other side, where Tin-Man and Toto were waiting. Watching the monster roaring in pain while covering its blind-eye, Scarecrow turns back to one of his friends while pointing down at the tree, “Uh, Tin-Man, you might wanna do something about this!” he said before jumping off the tree. “Rogue that!” Tin-Man nodded, climbing back on and began chopping away at the end of the tree as fast as he can. 

Watching anxiously, Dorothy and her two friends gasp at the Kalidah, rubbing its blind-eye while looking back at them with its good eye. “Oh no!” Dorothy covers her mouth in fright. “It’s going to come after us! And Tin-Man just started!” Scarecrow panicked. “Run, Tin-Man!” Cowardly Lion called out to him, “It’s to late, forget it!”. “No! It could still hold its weight!” Tin-Man shouted as he continue chopping the tree like mad. Turning its body round to face them, the Kalidah is now angrier then ever as it roared at the travellers. “Run, Tin-Man! Run! It’s no use, come on!” Dorothy cried in panic while picking Toto up in her arms. Seeing the evil beast coming straight for them, Tin-Man stopped chopping and ran back to join his friends. With a loud roar, the Kalidah lunged towards the ledge where Dorothy, Toto and their friends stood. Pulling her out of the way, Scarecrow immediately wrapped his arms around Dorothy and Toto to protect them, while Cowardly Lion cowardly hid himself behind Tin-Man, who bravely stood with his axe at the ready. But due to the monster’s weight, the section where Tin-Man had chopped started to crack, and the trunk of the tree broke when the Kalidah landed at the end. With a sudden cry, the Kalidah fell down with the broken tree to the ravine below. 

Standing by the edge watching it fall deeper and deeper until they heard a loud splash, Dorothy and her let out a sigh of relief, and cheering in victory. “Hooray! We made it!” Tin-Man cried, jumping joyously with Scarecrow. Ignoring the aches and pains in her legs, Dorothy happily spins Toto around. Cowardly Lion collapse to the ground in relief. “Thank goodness, we’re safe” Dorothy said, with Toto happily licks her face, before she turns her attention to the giant cat, “I think we should thank Cowardly Lion. He saved our lives”. Toto woofed in agreement, if it wasn’t for Cowardly Lion, his friend would’ve been Kalidah food. “Thanks, Cowardly Lion!” Scarecrow said proudly, “Not only did you save Dorothy, you saved ours as well!”. Agreeing with the others, “I have to admit, you are a very brave Lion” Tin-Man smiled. “I may looked brave, but I wasn’t, I was so scared for Dorothy!” Cowardly Lion said in panic, “Not only did that monster tried to hurt her, it was going to gobble her up, and…oomph!”. He got cut off by Dorothy when she threw her arms around his neck, and giving him a loving, warm hug. 

Cowardly Lion watch her in surprise, whilst Toto, Scarecrow and Tin-Man smile sweetly at the moment. “Well, I don’t care what you say, Cowardly Lion. Scared or not, you’ve saved my life by fighting that Kalidah” Dorothy smiled “To me, you are the bravest Lion ever. Your my hero, Cowardly Lion…thank you”. She gave him a kiss on the cheek, which took him by surprised, before hugging him again. Blushing, Cowardly Lion smile sweetly at her while giving her a little squeeze back, “You’re welcome, kid…I’m just so glad you’re safe” he said.

Pulling away, Dorothy stood back up on her feet and smiles at Tin-Man, “Thank you, Tin-Man. You’ve cared so much about me after I’ve gotten hurt. And if it hadn’t been for your help, I don’t know what we would’ve done if you hadn’t chop down that tree. To me, you are the kindest and gentlest soul ever” she gave him a kiss on his metal cheek. Feeling giddy, “Oh, Dorothy. You are to kind” Tin-Man blushed, “Though, I was only doing what Scarecrow told me to do. It was all his idea, for someone who hasn’t got a brain”. 

Facing Scarecrow, Dorothy gave him a sweet smile, “And thanks to you, Scarecrow. Not only did you save me when I almost fell into the ravine, you came up with a great plan to get us over the gorge. Your quick thinking really saved us. To me, your the most a genius person in the world” she said before giving him a kiss on the cheek. Feeling bashful, Scarecrow gently touches the spot she kissed, “Aww shucks, kiddo” he said, “But still, I wouldn’t go that far. I didn’t think up a plan, the idea of telling Tin-Man what to do just popped into my head. Although, despite the danger we’ve been through, we all work together as a team”. “Your absolutely right, Scarecrow. I mean, look where we are” Dorothy proudly said to her friends, “We’ve come such a long way already”. 

Suddenly, the sound of an insane cackle startled everyone. Dorothy held Toto protectively in her arms, while she and her friends spun round to see who it was. The group were shocked and terrified to see the Wicked Witch of the West standing on top of a giant boulder, sneering down at them. 

“You call that long, my pretty?!” the Wicked Witch points her finger at the little girl, “Why, after escaping the Kalidah, you’ve only just begun!”. Feeling so terrified of the evil, old witch, Cowardly Lion stood behind Dorothy, fiddling with his tail. Along with Dorothy, Scarecrow and Tin-Man tremble on the spot in fear. 

Turns her attention to the other three, “Protecting this little lady from me, are you, my fine gentlemen?!” the Wicked Witch spat, “Well, stay away from her, or I'll stuff a mattress with you!”. She points at Scarecrow, who shook in fear. “You, metal-head! I’ll use you for a beehive!” she hissed at Tin-Man, who was shocked by that. Now pointing her finger at Cowardly Lion, who flinched in terror, “And you! I’ll have your head display high above my mantelpiece!” the Wicked Witch wickedly smirks at the straw-man, “Hey, Scarecrow, wanna play ball?!”. The Wicked Witch conjured up a fire ball and toss it down to the ground. Frightened by the roaring-flames, Scarecrow cried in panic while jumping away from the fire. Dorothy screams in fright while pulling her frightened friend out of the way. In panic, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion quickly stomp out the fire till it went out. Amused, the Wicked Witch of the West cackled evilly at them while climbing onto her broomstick, then flew away and disappeared out of sight. 

Helping her friend sit up, Dorothy place Toto down so she can check Scarecrow, making sure he wasn’t harmed, “Scarecrow, are you alright” she asked worriedly. “I’m fine, Dorothy. Nothing burnt, thank goodness” he said calmly. Feeling pleased to hear that, she smile sweetly at him before helping him stand up. 

As they all stood looking up at where the Wicked Witch is heading, “So, what’s the old hag’s problem?” Cowardly Lion asked nervously. Keeping her eyes fixed a on the sky, “After my house fell and accidentally killed the Wicked Witch of the East, the Wicked Witch of the West is angry at me because I now have the ruby slippers” Dorothy explained, collapsing down on her knees, “And now she wants them back by trying to kill me. We’ll never make it to the Wizard, guy, if she throws anymore surprises at us”. Going down on one knee to be at her level, Scarecrow place a hand on her shoulder to get her attention, “Well, I'm not afraid of her, Dorothy” he said bravely, “I’ll see you get safely to the Wizard, whether I get a brain or not! Stuff a mattress with me, huh?! Ha! I’d like to see her try!” he angrily snaps his fingers at the direction the Witch went. Joining his friends level, and placing his hand on Dorothy’s free shoulder, “I'll see you reach the Wizard, whether I get a heart or not!” Tin-Man said, until he look insulted up at the sky, “Beehive! Bah! Let her try and make a beehive out of me!” he snaps his fingers, making a loud dong sound which startled him and his friends. Sitting down with his friends, “And I'll see you meet the Wizard, whether I get some courage or not!” Cowardly Lion angrily growls, throwing his fists up at the sky, “My head hanging above her mantelpiece, huh?! Oh, I’ll tear that ugly, old sorceress’s head, and see how she likes it!” then he snaps his fingers in the air. 

Seeing how much they care about her and Toto’s safety, and willing to risk their own lives to protect her and help her get back home, Dorothy felt so lucky to have them as her friends. 

Smiling warmly at them, “Oh, you guys are the best friends anyone ever had” she said sweetly, until she suddenly felt what feels like a familiar connection, “But it’s funny, I feel as if I’d known you before. But I couldn’t have, could I?”. “I don’t see how” Scarecrow shrugged, “You weren’t around when I was stuffed and sewn together, were you?”. She shook her head. “Then I was standing all alone rusted solid for the longest time” Tin-Man said. “And I grew up being the scaredy-cat in the forest through out my entire cowardly life” Cowardly Lion told her. “Still, I wish I could remember. But I guess it doesn't matter anyway” Dorothy said with a big smile on her face “Because we all know each other now. And I’m glad to have met you guys”. In that moment, Dorothy flinch in agony while trying to cross her legs. Gently rubbing her back, “Are you alright, Dorothy? Is your legs still hurting?” Scarecrow asked worriedly while checking the bruises. Gently rubbing her legs, “Yeah, I’m fine. Still a bit sore, but…” Dorothy got interrupted when her hands started glowing and sparkling again. Toto, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion notice her necklace glowing again. 

Thinking it might be another one of her new discovered powers from her meditation, Dorothy curiously rubs her magical hands over her bruised-legs. Then to hers and the others surprise, the bruises began to fade until they were completely gone, and the painful feeling in her legs had stopped. Wondering if she can control it on her own, Dorothy closed her eyes and taking a deep breath to relax herself. Her friends watch her in silence as she concentrate. After awhile, she can actually feel her powers calming down. When she opens her eyes, she looks at her hands and meditation, both not glowing anymore. 

Then looking at her legs, seeing both of them completely healed, Dorothy face her friends with a big smile, “I did it! I actually did it!”. Feeling so amazed and so proud of their friend, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion praise her by ruffling her hair and patting her back. “Way to go, kid!” Cowardly Lion said proudly, “We knew you could do it!”. “Its all thanks to you guys. You did say you all help me figure out how to learn to control my powers” Dorothy smiled, “And I wouldn’t have done it without all of you. Thank you all so much”. Feeling so touched, “Aww, you’re welcome, Dorothy” Tin-Man said sweetly. But she wasn’t finished yet, “And once again, thank you all for saving my life”. “No problem, kiddo” Scarecrow smiled “We’re friends who help one another, and that’s what friends are for”. Feeling so happy in that moment, Dorothy embraced Scarecrow, then Tin-Man hugged them both, and Cowardly Lion wrapped his big arms around his friends in a big group hug. Toto barked happily while wagging his tail. 

After awhile of friendship-hugging, Dorothy and her friends pulled away and standing back up onto their feet. Looking straight at the road ahead of them, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion smile excitedly at one another. Now linking with her friends, “Well, guys. Now that my legs feel so much better, shall we carry on to Emerald City?” Dorothy asked happily. “Yeah! Onward to Oz!” Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion cheered. Toto barked excitedly, making everyone chuckle. 

After a moment of tease….

Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin-Man and Cowardly Lion

Oooooh, 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!

….the travellers once again dance and skipped along the Yellow Brick Road, with the little dog happily trotting.