Chapter 12: The Journey North
The celebrations were still continuing, celebrating the life and time of the great Wizard of Oz, many gathered fail to realise that the small group of heroes were in a rather mixed emotional state. Mac was utterly distraught that his only hope of getting home was now gone, and even if his friends were happy he was still with them, they knew it wasn't fair if he wasn't happy. The Scarecrow patted the young boy's back, "It's okay Mac, we'll figure something out. Come on, you must be hungry by now."
"Mm.. yeah..." Mac sighed, and watched the skies for a few moments longer before following after his companions.
Soon thereafter the group was gathered again in the throne room which now belonged to the Scarecrow, and he had already taken his place upon the throne where the large Head had once hovered over. Off to the side, a painter was sat painting his likeliness for his new portrait. It was kind of hard, since the Scarecrow kept moving but he did his best.
"So now what?" Bloo asked, feeling only a little bit ashamed that it was his fault (maybe) that they were still stuck here. But still, he hadn't liked the Rabbit and if he had to be stuck in a small balloon basket with him for too long he probably would have gone crazy.
"Well..." the Scarecrow started, then grew silent and patted one of his folds with his fingers.
"Ooh, is you thinking?" the Lion asked.
"Yup!" the new ruler of Oz replied proudly, and he kept thinking for a while longer. "Wait, I know! Someone can help you!" he declared.
"Who?" Mac asked, "The only one who could is gone now."
"No no, not him. A her! You told me about her, the Good Witch of the North! If she can float away on a bubble as you said, and she being a Good Witch (one of the rare ones at that!) she would most definitely be able to help you get home!"
"Cooooooooohhh!" the Tin Bird was mightily impressed by the Scarecrow's new brains it made her new heart flutter.
"Si, that is muy bueno idea!" the Lion nodded.
"But.. uh, where is she?" Mac asked, "Is it far?"
The Scarecrow rose to his feet (annoying the painter again, and apologising as he did) before walking over to a large map that had been brought out of storage. It was old and worn, but still up to date since whenever a new land was made, or renamed, it was painted in. At the very centre of the painting was the Emerald City, marked with a small painting of the city with a 'You are here' painted along side it. To the East they saw the woods they had passed through, the country side of corn and lastly the Beanieland. To the South was the Deadly Desert, nothing lived there, but beyond that was the Gnome King's kingdom. To the West was now Winkie Country again, in need of a ruler. As mentioned before, they had asked the Tin Bird but she was still considering the offer. Finally, to the North was Quadling Country, and marked with a red dot was the home of the Good Witch. It looked quite a journey, luckily not as long as it had taken the group from Beanieland.
"Now we're here," the Scarecrow placed a padded fingertip to the city.
"Gee how'd you figure that out, with your new brains?" Bloo asked sarcastically, but either the Scarecrow hadn't caught the sarcasm or chose to ignore it, as a good ruler should.
"And the Good Witch lives up here," he dragged his fingertip to the dot. "It shouldn't take long, given it took us three or four days to reach here from where you began, Mac." the Scarecrow removed his hand and looked down at the group. "No more then a day, my best guess!"
"Great. MORE walking! I was just getting over the last time!" Bloo complained.
"Sorry Bloo." the Scarecrow lamented, patting his friend's head sympathetically. "So, when do we set out?"
"Wait a minute. We?" Mac asked, looking up at the Scarecrow. "You'll come too?"
"Well I have to!" the Scarecrow replied. "If it weren't for you getting me off that pole I would never have become ruler of Oz, and I owe you a lot. So does the Tin Bird and Lion, for their heart and courage. It's only fair we help see you safely to the Good Witch."
"Co co!" the Tin Bird agreed, nodding her head.
"Si." the Lion added, before standing up. "We is to set out and see the Good Witch, and get senor Mac and Azul home. Though I am very sad to be thinking of you going, I know it is what you want. So, I come and protect you from anything we come across."
Mac was grateful for this, he hadn't liked starting his journey only with Bloo when they left Beanieland. Back then they had no choice, but now he had three very good friends who were to help him, hopefully yet sadly for the last time. Already they had risked their lives in saving him, and poor Scarecrow had lost his eye and arm all over again for his sake. But the Scarecrow didn't mind, he had been without his arm and eye all his life; he was far more used to being without them.