Igor was tending to the fields, handpicking any bugs dumb enough to climb the stalks. I don't remember when I asked his name, but I had it now. The last hour was a blur, and I felt it was mostly repressed. I had a new line of stitching across my stomach, the clothes sewn back together as well. |"Hey, guardian."| My life is calm right now. Nothing I need to forget or repress. I didn't almost die an hour into being a scarecrow. Anyone that says otherwise is a liar.

|"Guardian~"| I'm not crazy, there are no voices in my head. I'm just a sentient scarecrow. Yep, doing scarecrow things like basking in the sun. Sure, I move my head. I can walk, I'm not a normal scarecrow. |"Guardian, please respond. I know you can hear me."| I understand it now, my whole life was leading me up to this moment. Who I was before, well they died two years ago. Igor told me as much. I'm a little disappointed he didn't get caught, but I'm a scarecrow. Scarecrows don't care about what happened in past lives.

|"Guardian!"|

I shrugged my shoulders, trying my best to sigh. The voice inside my head was really persistent. |"What do you want? I don't have a mouth, and Igor over there likes to talk to himself."|

|"I want you to train! It's my job to guide you, and I can't do that if you're just standing here!"|

It was right. I looked around the fields, where nothing seemed to disturb the corn. I was going to be the best scarecrow I could be.

|"That's the spirit, guardian!"| The voice in my head was encouraging.

It was right though, every scarecrow needed to be mounted on top of a pole.

|"NO! Stop trying to be lazy!"|

I just needed a couple of sticks, or maybe some metal posts. Oh, I can feel the voice trying to thrash around and stop me. Well, scarecrows don't have extra voices inside their heads. Certainly not the best ones. They just are, and that's what I'm going to be. Ha, I can hear it groaning. Well, sucks to be it. It doesn't matter what it has to say, my job is just scaring crows. It's in the name, you can check it. Scarecrow, not murdercrow, not walking pile of hay. Scarecrow. Just, scarecrow. I scare crows.

Despite how annoying the voice in my head was, I managed to find a scarecrow stand. It felt oddly familiar, and it was leaning right against the shed. Pretty sure I've been on it before I could move. Not my problem though. It just means I have a spot, and that's where I'm supposed to be. Picking up the stand, I carried it. The other voice reluctantly told me to feel the corn. I was feeling it alright, the corn liked to brush their leaves against me. I felt them guiding me towards what I was looking for.

Finally, I found a spot with a bit of free space between the corn. I set my stand up and climbed on. I could see over the heads of corn. All the way to the woods that lay beyond the fields. The trees stretched in almost every direction save for the one leading to the barn. There was probably a road over there, at least if I remembered it right. Though scarecrows weren't worried about people. Honestly, they'd probably try to burn me or something. Even I'm not sure how a scarecrow is able to move, and I'm one that can.

The other voice went quiet, as I just became one with my position. I am a scarecrow, nothing more, nothing less. I can't breathe, I can't blink. I'm just a scarecrow. My vision started to grow dimmer, as I relaxed more and more. Almost like I was sleeping. It felt nice, really calm and peaceful. I woke up to the sound of screaming. Looking around, I saw Igor was nowhere to be seen. Which meant he didn't scream. Another scream echoed out, and I realized the corn itself was screaming.

|"Guardian! The corn is being attacked!"| The voice screamed at me, which didn't help. The entire field was screaming.

I looked around and saw some crows in the distance. |"Makes sense."| This is what I was made for! I got off my stand and ran off towards the crows. My arms were above my head as I flailed trying to make as much noise as possible. |"This would be so much better if I had a mouth!"|

|"It's a part of your training! You can talk to other things like you're doing to me. Though it only works if you make eye contact first right now. You're weak guardian!"|

I'll show you weak, you little shit. I slapped my hands together, unable to really clap. More like a plopping noise as they struck each other. The crows stopped and looked at me. I ran at them, which made the cowards fly off. All of them cawing, as I shook my fist at them. That's right, they better fly away. I am a scarecrow, it's what I do. I waved both my arms at them, doing my best to look as scary as I could. I heard the gasping cry from the corn that fell to this glorious battle.

There were two ears, silently whimpering as they had fallen from their stalks. Much too small to be matured. Almost like baby corn really, but they didn't cry. Instead, they just accepted their demise with dignity. Quietly whimpering, as they uttered thanks for saving their brothers and sisters. It was tragic, I expected some kind of lament. Something like them telling me I did a terrible job, yet here they were thanking me. I couldn't save them, and I didn't notice fast enough. I lowered my head, I'm a bad scarecrow.

I picked up the two, holding them to my chest. Looking up at the crows that were watching me. Their black eyes just staring back at me. I couldn't glare at them, I couldn't even shout words. Still, I wanted them to know the pain these two ears of corn felt. That I wouldn't let them hurt my field again. I stared into their black beady eyes, |"Never again."|

The feathers of the crows rustled, as they quickly flew deeper into the woods. |"Well done guardian, you scared them off!"| I continued staring after where they went. |"Uh, Guardian?"| Holding my poor dying corn. |"So, about that training."|

I looked down at the two baby ears. I knew deep down, that there was no way to save them. They were too young to be replanted. This wasn't right, I shouldn't feel so bad about corn. Something was messing with me, changing my emotions. There was rage there, something that made me want to hunt down the crows and kill them for the others still alive. I never wanted to hurt animals before, and plants weren't smart enough to think. Yet, here we were. A scarecrow contemplating murder, for a murder.

The other voice was quiet again, and I had nothing better to do, so I buried the corn. It took an hour before I managed to get it deep enough. Nothing was right about this, this place was messing with my head. I heard the engine of an old truck coming down the road. Igor was back, but I needed to escape. He was doing something to me, him and the other voice. Thinking about leaving filled me with some kind of panic, or anxiety. It was too easy to just give in. Too easy to want to be the best scarecrow.

I needed to leave. What about the corn? Who would protect it? The thoughts slammed into my mind, as I felt my body marching back to the stand. I stopped myself, Igor would protect the corn while he's here. I knew I couldn't go against those thoughts, not yet at least. Whatever was messing with me seemed okay with the answer. Still, there was reluctance there. Thoughts about Igor not being enough. That he needed sleep, in order to function. Forget about the corn! I need people! I need someone to help me! I wanted to cry as my hands rested on the stand, my body about to climb atop it.

The sun was still out, just about to set. Igor wouldn't sleep until midnight at least. We had time, I pleaded with that part of me. I needed to know what happened to those I left behind. I didn't even know what was real, or fake anymore. I needed to know that I had been human at one point, something more than whatever I was now. The hand of my body pulled back slowly. It was reluctant, but I was asserting more control over it. I could feel the fear of the unknown, the reluctance to confirm who I was. It would be too easy to repress it all, to stay here. If nothing else, there was more corn out there to see.

This got a stir from my body. The other voice quietly whispering to something I couldn't make out. I was half-convinced it was talking to my body. Trying to make it work against me, but I wasn't about to lose who I was. Are there really more fields? I felt myself wondering. I was thankful for the question because I knew the answer was yes. Deep down, I understood that from who I used to be. I remembered being a delivery driver, the friends I had. I didn't want to forget, but I could feel those thoughts slowly fading as the sun crept closer to the horizon.

The best scarecrow that would protect all the fields, was the magic thought I needed. My body went slack, letting me assert my control over it again. I wasn't sure if I was imagining this, if I was crazy and fighting myself. Still, this was progress! I ran through the fields, Igor leaving the truck on as he grabbed the last of the groceries to take into his barn. The truck was still running and I knew how it worked. Of course, the thing was a stick shift, but I knew how to drive that anyway. I worked the clutch, reversing it as the engine roared.

I could see Igor's look of shock when he came out of the barn, to see me in the driver's seat. I knew I wouldn't get away with even trying to run him over, and whatever was happening was probably a shaky deal. Still, it was enough to switch the gears and start driving down the dusty road with the pudgy bastard chasing after me. I lost him after shifting again, the truck going faster. A nice cloud of dust was kicked up by the tires, as I pressed on the gas more.

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It took a good hour of driving, so many fields of corn out there. My body was in awe, tensing at the work to be done. I saw cows and horses eating cud, which angered me. Though my memories were working to help make sense of it. Corn was grown to be eaten. The other voice came back, quietly offering prayers for the sacrifice of those that were devoured. I didn't bother stopping it, because there wasn't much of a point. I was in control, driving down the only dirt road there was.

Anyway, the hour passed and I saw sweet dark asphalt. The truck lurched from the bump, but the ride became smoother instantly. Trees on either side of the road. Thick branches interlocking, with gray moss hanging between them. I just kept driving, until finally coming to an intersection. I had no idea where I was heading and just chose to go left. Some more driving and I finally saw a sign that welcomed me to the town of Novac. Corn plastered on the sign, with a sizable population of two thousand and counting. Left was always the right choice whenever it came to finding things.

I drove into town, the night just getting started. I felt memories coming back to me as I drove down a few streets I remembered. The suburbs were still being constructed, but the town was certainly expanding. It was nice in a way, seeing the sleepy place starting to pick up. The strip malls were still open, the bars had the bikers doing their thing. A town you could stop at on the way to the city of Sundalle.

I always thought about going there, hell everyone seemed to want to go there at one point or another. I probably could, but definitely not right now. Right now, I needed to find some way of gaining complete control over my body. At the very least, I needed to find people that I thought I knew. Something to confirm that who I thought I had been, actually was. While planning my next move, I saw flashing blue lights light up behind me.

A simple pullover, more than likely. Nothing I haven't been through before... wait a minute. I don't have a mouth, I'm clearly a scarecrow, and I don't think the officer is going to ask questions before pulling out a gun on me. I already started pulling over too! Fuck, if I gun it he'll catch me. This truck isn't exactly the fastest thing out there. It's old, the engine sounds like it's growling, and now the officer is getting out of his care. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Are there any drugs in here!? I bet there are, no, it's fine. Just play it cool.

I can see him walking towards me. Okay, you can do this. Just hold the steering wheel, and play dead. You're a scarecrow! We have rights just like any other humanoid object. Yeah, they'll put us in the lost and found or something. Just don't move, and don't talk to the guy. Yeah, the plan was flawed, but I'd like to see anyone else come up with something on the spot like this.

Both hands on the wheel, just keep staying still. Look straight ahead, yes I see you, officer, no I'm just going for a wonderful drive. Lovely weather isn't it? No drugs in here. Why am I thinking that? Fuck, I'm panicking.

The officer knocked on the window, shining a light on me. "What... the hell?" I'm not moving, just your ordinary driving scarecrow. I appreciate your beard and mustache officer. Looks very good and generic on you. Did I say generic? No, I meant it's the fashion everyone in your line of work should have. The best mustache even. The officer shook his head, clearly not hearing a single one of my thoughts. Which was good. He reached over to grab my shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. Hey! I'm not resisting arrest, abuse of power!

The officer pulled his hand back, rubbing his mustache. He chewed the gum in his mouth, before walking to the back of the truck. He stood there for a few minutes, before scratching his head. Finally, he came back to me. He cracked a smile, "Well mister scarecrow, I bet you're wondering why I pulled you over today." I puckered my imaginary lips, whistling an innocent tune. You're so lucky you don't know how that might sound officer.

The guy laughed, "Well, I pulled you over today because this vehicle was reported as stolen an hour ago." I plead the fifth! "Now, clearly a scarecrow can't drive." Says you, my new worst enemy. I was doing just fine until you pulled me over. "Seeing as how we don't have a warrant out for you, I'll let you off with a warning." Did I say, enemy? I meant, best friend! You're amazing at your job! Thank you so much. The officer undid my seatbelt. Grabbing me by the sides. Oh no! Not like this! I didn't give consent officer!

He tossed me into the bed of the truck, before pulling the radio on his shoulder. "Officer Rolands reporting in. Got a reportedly stolen vehicle here. I'm thinking Igor got a self-driving car upgrade to the truck. He probably forgot about it." The officer turned away, walking back to his car. Fuck, I'm not going back to the fields yet. I quickly scrambled out while his back was turned. The officer chuckling into his radio as I rolled down the ditch beside the road. I saw a fence not too far away, it was now or never.

I hopped the fence, giving one last look at the officer. He was in his car, filing a report or something. I landed on the other side, looking around at the small swimming pool, and playground set. I quietly moved to the next yard, seeing a large dog perk up. It wasn't sure if it wanted to start barking or just tackle me. Its tail wagged, as I hopped the other fence to the backyard of another house. Floodlights came on, and I froze in place. I dove into a nearby bush, as someone poked their head out to see what was going on. I heard him mutter something about raccoons, before heading back inside.

I slowly made my way around the fence, until I made it to the front yard. Halloween decorations were up, and luckily I was wearing the right stuff to blend in. Really this yard just needed a scarecrow to make it extra spooky. Bonus points, because I'm slowly making my way to the road and moving closer. I really don't feel like waiting here for hours.

I made my way over to the mailbox, propping up against it as a few more cars drove by. Looking down the street, I remembered where I was. This was where my old friend Jeff lived. We worked together and had so many memories. His family was a little extra when it came to his education, but if anyone was going to believe me. Well, it had to be him. It was nice to see his parents put up some decorations this year.

I made sure no cars were around, before running to the other side of the street. A quick stroll to Jeff's window revealed an empty room. He probably moved out, and it was just my luck. I jumped back when I heard a caw behind me. Spinning around, I saw a crow with a cigarette in its mouth. The thing was easily twice the size of any crow I had seen before, and it tilted its head looking at me with intelligent eyes. |"You the new scarecrow that's giving my wood crew problems?"|

I wanted to blink at the fact it was talking to me like the other voice did, but could only really stare at it. After everything that happened, I suppose I should have expected talking animals at some point. Yet, here we were mister big crow. Just you and me, and I don't see any corn around. I waved my hand at him, telling him to shoo. I'm not on the job right now, so he's lucky.

The crow made some kind of weird chirp as if it were chuckling. |"Haven't been a scarecrow long have you? See, me and my crew run things around this place this time of the year."| He hopped off the fence, landing on the grass. |"The woods are where we send our young blood to forage. From what I understand, there's an asshole there that shoots at them. Less mouths for us to feed, and anyone worth a damn sticks around knowing guns are bad."| He hopped back and forth. |"Now, I get reports about some scary thing threatening to attack them. I'm a little curious."|

This conversation isn't happening. I turned to walk away, only to see more crows suddenly lining the roofs of the houses. I didn't even notice them fly in, but there were dozen now. The crow with the cigarette flew back to the post he started on. |"We aren't done talking, here."| I slowly turned back to him. |"You think, just because you're a scarecrow, you can ignore me huh? Let me tell you buster, that's just disrespectful. I'll let it slide this one time, but I won't be so gracious. Now, back to business. Tell me what you intend to do to my young bloods."|

I looked the crow in the eyes, feeling some kind of pull from him. Something felt like it clicked, |"Can you hear me?"|

The crow bobbed its head, |"Loud and clear Buster."|

|"Okay, good. I don't want anything to do with your crew, gang, or whatever you call this."| I gestured to the crows lining the roofs. |"I didn't even want to be a scarecrow. Just don't mess with the corn in the woods and I won't bother you."|

The crow tilted its head as if considering it. |"That's well and good, but what are you doing in our turf, Buster?"|

|"My name isn't buster, it's..."|

|"I don't care, you're a dummy at best. Your name is Buster unless you want it to be Hay."|

|"Hay?"|

|"Yeah, 'cause that's what you'll be by the time we're done with you."| He spread his wings out, to make himself look bigger.

It may have been the trauma of becoming a scarecrow. Maybe it was the freshness of the memory of what happened earlier in the day. I'm not sure, but something inside me flipped. I wasn't going to be pushed around by some cat-sized crow. I moved forward, grabbing him by the wings. The cigarette dropped as he let out a loud caw. I could feel the flapping of hundreds of wings. |"You really fucked up, Hay."|

I hugged the giant crow to my chest, |"Hey! What are you doing!"| Ignoring him, I tucked and rolled under the first crows diving towards my head. I really didn't think this through, and a part of me just wanted to hurt the crow. That wasn't who I was though. Who I had been, understood that the crows were just looking for food. Corn was tasty, and I couldn't fault them for that. Another part knew they had an important part in whatever was going on in the town. Really, this was happening because my body betrayed me when it grabbed the crow.

I got back on my feet, still holding the crow to my chest. I could feel his talons digging into my shirt, but they weren't really sharp. He was trying to flap his wings, probably a bit scared. |"Help me, you idiots!"| He cawed, as another wave of crows started flying after me. Welp, time to run! Full panic mode engaged!

It probably would have been smart to just let the crow go. Really, the best way to stop whatever was happening, but honestly I don't think I could have ever been prepared for being attacked by so many crows. I want to say I put up the good fight, rolled whenever I needed, dodged them like a badass despite them getting a few good scrapes on me. Though really it was just me running down the street, an army of crows diving at me, then using the force they had to make small cuts on my back and shoulders.

My unwilling passenger kept cawing at them, giving them orders. I made it to the next street before ten of them swooped down and picked me up. The ground got further away, as I clung to Joe for dear life. Not sure why I just gave him the name Joe, but I'm not in the best spot to come up with a good name. I'm five hundred feet in the air, and climbing. Too afraid to let go of Joe, and too panicked to hear him telling me to let him go. On the bright side, the view is absolutely amazing.