The Witch and Oz

Oz saves the day

*Oz saves the day*

*Not Edited*

The poor girl in the wardrobe and the small stray quickly became close. While Elphaba couldn't be honest about her new friend to her family, she enjoyed that she had a secret. Her father would quickly remove Oz from the home. She couldn't have that. Oz was her friend. Secret friends were almost as good as not so secret friends. At least she thought so. They had many adventure at night, as Elphaba was very busy with her family and schooling during the day and Oz was a secret. Oz helped Elphaba necome a little more. A little more brave, a little more sure of herself. It wasn't because as a dog he was color blind and couldn't be scared or repulsed by her green skin. He just really enjoyed her company. He was very appreciative of her many sacrifices. He could hear her little belly growling when she would give him her portion of supper. He felt bad about eating her supper, but she wanted him to, and he wanted to make her happy.

Before they knew it, a year had passed. The pup had grown into a very large dog, the little girl had grown a bit. Now at thirteen, she wasn't much bigger than she was at twelve, but she had grown bit. Needless to say, her little wardrobe was a very tight fit, but they didn't mind. Though Elphaba worried that Oz would outgrow the wardrobe.

"We must find you a place outside, maybe in the woods somewhere? she said as they walked around the sleep town. Oz looked at the girl in confusion.

"You don't like me anymore?" Oz looked down and whimpered at the thought of Elphaba abandoning him. She looked to her side at stared at the large dog.

"I like you fine! I just thought a larger home would be in order. Then when I grow up, I could live with you. We could be together forever." she shook her head at the thought of leaving Oz. Did he not understand how much he meant to the girl? Elphaba had known only kindess from the canine companion. He didn't speak all that well, probably from all the kicks he had received, but he was loyal and accepting of her. If only people could see the world like a dog does, she thought, how wonderful this place would be.

"Oh, ok." he said, understanding that Elphaba was not leaving him.

"Think of it as looking for our forever home. Plus, in the woods, there are plenty of squirrels." she finished, picking a path to the woods. She would have to find something close enough she could visit everyday, but far enough away from prying eyes.

"I like squirrels. They're tasy. We make squirrel soup?" he asked. He liked the idea of chasing squirrels.

The duo walked aimlessly through the woods until they found a spot they liked. Elphaba liked the large dead tree, and Oz liked all the trees surrounding him. He wouldn't have far to go to do necessary doggy things, and squirrels liked trees. Elphaba paced around the tree, already imagining the things she could do. They could cut a door here. A window there. Surely on their adventures they could scavenge the necessary items to make the tree inhabitable. Satisfied with their choices as only a dog and a thirteen year old green girl could, they headed back towards her father's home.

Unfortunately, they were not alone in the woods that day. Something dark followed the small girl and the large dog. The darkness that stalked them was deceiving. It did not look very large, nor did it look all that scary. You see, appearances can be deceiving here in Oz. The same could be said for most places. The man trailing them, for it was a man, held dark intentions. He did not see the same little girl Oz saw, he saw a green monster, an abomination. An abomination that must be stamped out.

He bent and grabbed a rock from the ground, a good sized one, and threw it at her back. Poor Elphaba tumbled forward, turning in a somersault, crying out in pain. She landed in a sprawl on her back, dazed. Oz sniffed about her, confused as to why she would fall. You see, Elphaba was not a clumsy girl.

The man came at her then. He bent and grabbed the girl by the neck, squeezing the life out of her. Poor Elphaba could nothing against the brawn of him. He was far larger than she was. The brave girl tried though, grabbing at his larger hands with her smaller ones. When that proved futile, scratching at his face. What could a small child do to save herself.

"Wicked, evil girl! You are the devil's own daughter! You cursed him!" He spat at her, yelled and cursed. Oz looked on confused. What could be going on? Whatever it was, Oz, was liking it less and less. He set to growling at the man, warning him off. He became scared when the girl's struggles weakened.

"Off her now! You bad man! You are hurting her!" Oz growled out. Oz barked and growled, getting closer and closer. He jumped the man's front, forcing him back. His hands lost their purchase on the girl's throat. Elphaba wasted no time in spinning over to catch a bit of breath. She coughed and sputtered, then went to where Oz was backing the fiend up. Neither the girl, nor the dog noticed the ravine hidden behind the foliage.

With one final push by Oz, the man teetered back and forth, waving his arms like a windmill. He tried to find purchase amon the branches and leaves, but there was none. A look of panic and hate flowed over his face when the girl stepped closer and held her hand out. He recoiled from the girl, and before anyone could do anything, he fell into the abyss. The dog and the girl stood there for a while, in shock over these most recent events.

"I didn't know there was hole there." Oz whispered. Elphaba felt for the man, and she was grateful to her friend. She could tell Oz was affected by what happened.

"I know Oz. You didn't mean to make him fall. Thank you for saving me." The girl turned towards him and hugged him with everything she had. "You are the best dog a girl could have."