Q came back a few moments later. Long enough for me to enjoy the gentle breeze that blew through the meadow a few times. Just enough time to bask in the warmth of the sun, but not get tired of it. Q came back as a pretty big snake, but not as huge as before. More about my size than anything else. "My apologies, guardian of the Corn."

It was almost adorable to see him acting bashful all of a sudden. He wasn't making eye contact or anything, just looking at my feet. Almost like a kid that got scolded. I kind of felt a little bad, but Q had been a dick for most of the conversation. I just shrugged, "You had questions you wanted to ask right? Let's get them out of the way, so you can answer what I have to ask."

Q looked down, "I was more upset that the questions you asked were the ones I was going to ask you if you knew or not. I'm not used to someone beneath me thinking about such things."

I rolled my eyes, "Cool, that's fine. There might be something I didn't think of asking, so I'll need you to tell me everything you can."

"You're not going to say you aren't inferior? Where is the backbone you showed earlier? Where is your gloating? The snide comments that your kind so often likes?"

I pursed my lips, frowning a little at him. "Look, Q. I don't need to say I'm better than someone else just to feel better about myself. That's not how a healthy self-image works. I know you can kill me easily by growing bigger. You could probably do a lot more than that, but I don't really care. For whatever reason, I am here. It doesn't look like you or your lord is letting me go. So, we should probably try to get along. I need you guys to stop fucking with my head though. I mean, really? I want to be the best scarecrow ever?"

Q was silent for a moment, before nodding. "You are an interesting one. That wasn't my lord, or myself. When you are placed into a scarecrow body, you are occupying it with a warrior that was sacrificed to our lord. There is a sort of bleeding effect, which the spirit we gave you helps keep at bay or promotes. The ideal is that you gain experience from whatever warrior you are sharing a body with. A way to help train other scarecrows, by virtue of you simply sharing a vessel with them."

"Okay, so I share my body with some warrior that's been around for a while. Why did the spirit go silent anyway?"

Q looked away, "They can only go so far from their fields. They are bound to the land they serve, and so there are different spirits in different fields. Without them, the bleed effect between souls is unpredictable. What you did was dangerous. Thankfully our Lord gave Igor a vision of the body you should have. The one you were to be placed in first. A warrior that only knew of fighting, and thought very little. A servant, that would willingly obey your words. He is gone now, the crows have claimed him. His soul crossing the great river."

I took a deep breath at that. I closed my eyes, letting the fact hit me. "Why wasn't I told this before?"

"Your soul isn't powerful enough to linger in the domain of our lord. Even now, you aren't able to stay for too long. I was instructed to send you back when you couldn't handle it anymore. That time is nearing, as we speak."

"Got it, time's almost up, but at least I know that the spirit can't leave the fields. Can you tell it to not try and mold me as it wants? How do I stop that? I need to know my thoughts are my own. How do I speak to whoever is supposed to be in charge of the body? How does it all work?"

Q shook his head slowly, "Those questions have complicated answers, and time is shorter with each word. You may start to feel a sort of grating against your being. Like a pressure bearing down on you." He was right, it was getting harder to breathe. I probably should have felt mad at him for wasting time earlier, but I could probably see him again later. Q continued, "I will send a follower to speak to the spirit about your request. Though as your will becomes stronger, you will no longer need the spirit. You might be able to speak to the original owner of the vessel through mediation. Just as all souls are different, so too is how they seek to communicate with you."

I fell to my knees, my teeth chattering. The pressure becoming worse by the second. I managed a smile at the snake, "Thank you."

Q's eyes opened wide for a brief second before the world turned dark again. I woke up on the same stained couch as last time. The shed was unchanged from the looks of it. There were still so many questions, but I knew I wouldn't get all the answers anytime soon. Probably one of those things I was supposed to figure out as I went. I sat up, grabbing the straw hat hanging where it had before. |"Greetings, guardian of the corn! Welcome back to the fields you abandoned! I can't wait until my report is sent. Such a blunder, quite sad that you might lose your job after the first day."|

I ignored the voice, just trying to keep it from talking to me. It really didn't like that, but I didn't care. I kicked the door open, walking out into the field. Igor was there on a lawn chair with a shotgun. He looked over at me and nodded, "Greetings guardian. The police have brought my truck back. May I ask why you needed it?"

I could feel something from him, just staring into his eyes. Genuine concern, not for the truck or what I did, but for me. It was a strange feeling, but somehow I knew he cared about me. There was madness to him, but it was clear he only wanted to do what would please his lord. |"How long have you been up?"|

Igor looked at the still-rising sun. "Since the crack of yesterday, guardian. This is a busy time, and I was worried the crows might attack should my watch waiver. Not one of them came." His lazy eye moved, "Be silent spirit, none chosen by our lord would betray us. You are upset you could not witness his actions!"

I followed the gaze of his lazy eye, seeing a small glimmer of light with wings. Something like a fairy, that quickly flickered out of existence. I looked back at Igor. |"Get some rest, I'll make sure the crows don't bother the fields."|

Igor quickly shook his head, "I cannot, guardian. I have my daily chores before I fall into slumber. Please, allow me to nourish the corn. To give them water, and squash the bugs that might harm them."

I could feel his dedication. The fervor of a zealot, the gears in his head spinning. He was ready to turn anything I said around to make it so I asked him to work. I nodded, |"Fine, I'm walking off the field to talk to the crows about helping you."|

Igor's eyes went wide, "The crows!? Those awful vermin that seek to devour the corn!? Please guardian! They are liars, and sinners most fowl! They would sooner betray our trust than do anything helping our lord!"

|"I spoke to them, and they owe me. Are you saying they are so wicked that they would not repay me for saving their life?"|

Igor was stunned, before looking at his shotgun. "I... I do not know." He sputtered, "It is madness to consider scarecrows mingling with their mortal enemies. I do not know, but the situation must be more dire than I thought if our lord is allowing such." He thrust the shotgun into my chest. "Please, take this and be safe. If they betray you, I do not know if I have enough material to make you another body so soon, guardian."

I grabbed it from him, my limbs feeling limber and fresh. It was better in my hands than his. I gave him a curt nod, before walking where they last attacked. As I walked, I saw memories from a past life that wasn't my own. A smaller field left to fallow, the shed made of stone and mud instead of wood and thatch. I shook the thoughts away, focusing on the task at hand. I was still me, and I needed to stay me.

I walked to the edge of the field, still holding the shotgun. Knowing my luck, there would probably be a bear or something. Which meant I needed to keep it on me just in case. I walked past the first trees, glad I could feel where the cornfield was in relation to me. I wasn't about to get lost at the very least. The roots were gnarled, the pinecones falling. The ferns and vines making some of the paths too thick to cross on foot. I noticed a couple of corn snakes slithering about. A few of them nodding their head at me, before heading towards the cornfield itself.

The trees changed to an open sky, my vision blurring. The roots were starting to rise out of the ground, reforming into wooden hands that reached for me. I leveled the shotgun at it, pulling the trigger. The sound was enough to knock me out of whatever trance just happened. I shook my head at the hole left in the tree's bark. Listen here, whoever you are. We can get to know each other later, but whatever you're trying to show me has to wait.

There was no response, but I felt my body reluctantly stroke the barrel of the shotgun. Not much of a talker, eh? That's fine, and I get that you might be scared, but we need to see the crows. That got a response, as my body tried to turn back towards the field. We're not going back, until after we're done. So you better work with me, or we're going to be sitting here fighting each other for a long time.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

I felt something like fear from my body. Whoever they were, they were afraid of crows, or maybe just the woods in general. It didn't matter, we had to do this. I needed to know for sure that Joe and his sister were safe. I died for that after all, and apparently, we lost a good man along the way. I checked the shotgun, finding one shell left. I probably should have asked for some more ammo, but as long as no more weird visions came, we should find the crows.

I saw movement in the branches above. I wished I had lips to smile, even though it'd probably be creepy. A crow had come over to investigate the noise. I looked into their eyes, |"Where is your boss, we need to talk."|

The crow froze in place, almost falling off its branch before flapping its wings and landing on the next one. It looked me over, before flying back the way it came. Seemed straightforward enough, and I followed as best I could in the thicket. The thorns lodging themselves in my denim. I went around what I could and thankfully didn't get stuck on anything. I came to a small clearing, the crow I spoke to cawing at the others. Their beady eyes focused on me, as I held up the shotgun with one hand. My fingers were nowhere near the trigger to show I meant no harm.

They all started cawing again, the biggest one landing on the ground in front of me. A slightly healed scar over his eye. Not enough to blind it, but enough to mark him. Joe's voice came to me from this odd one, |"Do you know who I am, buster?"|

It took me a second, as I looked over him. Joe was bigger now, his feathers holding some kind of yellow lines along the bottom. I nodded slowly, |"Only if you remember me, I'm glad to see you made it back. I tried holding them off, but I guess it wasn't enough."|

Joe tilted his head, then started laughing. |"You mean this flesh wound? Nah, that was my sister. She was extremely pissed. Turns out she had this whole plan, and I didn't listen to it much. Was kind of upset she'd scratch me with her talons. Ever feel like you bust your tail feathers trying to help someone, and they just spit in your face?"|

|"That's customer service, in a nutshell, Joe. Really, the whole industry. Some people are just entitled like that."|

Joe chirped a little, |"Some crows too. Anyway, how the hell did you get away from Flocker and his crew?"|

I rubbed the back of my head, |"I didn't, apparently I'm a special kind of scarecrow that can't die. Something about having two souls in one body. Did your sister make it back to Flocker safely?"|

Joe looked away, |"I sure hope she did. Flocker knows how important a priestess is, and he wants her on his side. A bad ritual can fuck over an entire crew. I'm worried about her, but she brought some of your straw in the past couple of weeks."| He bobbed his head to a small pile of smooth pebbles making a small grave. |"Didn't think I'd ever see you again, but true to my word my boys haven't been anywhere near your fields."|

I looked around, seeing a few of them were smaller than I remembered. They were probably famished, even though Joe was bigger, it seemed he was on the slim side as well. We locked eyes again, |"Thanks, Joe. Igor said he shot at some of your guys I think. Well, he had a shotgun ready at the very least. What was that about?"|

|"He's a madman, that won't listen to reason. The kind of person that shoots first, and asks questions later. Didn't even know his name was Igor, honestly. See, you and me are in a pact. You gave me a name, saved my life when I would have tossed you to Flocker and his gang in your position. I couldn't lie to you even if I wanted to. I meant what I said, we won't touch your corn."|

It felt like he wanted to say more, but stopped himself. I sat down, while Joe hopped on my lap. |"It must be hard with the weather getting colder. Thanks for letting me know I was out a couple of weeks."|

Some of the crows cawed, and Joe responded with a caw of his own. He looked back at me, |"I need to set up a foraging party soon, it's been hard, but I won't complain. A promise is a promise, and I owe you more than not touching your fields."|

I leaned against the tree I was sitting in front of. |"Oh? You said corn not too long ago. It's a damn shame though, Igor's crazy. I don't think I saw pesticides or anything on the field. He just runs around squishing the bugs with his bare hands."| I balled my fists to show Joe what I meant.

|"Now you're just being an asshole. I really need to get going, it's been nice talking to you."| He started to turn, but I grabbed him.

|"You're struggling, and there aren't any animals on the farm Joe. Can you keep the others from touching the corn?"|

Joe twisted his neck to peck my wrist with his beak. |"I'm not looking for a handout!"|

I let him go, as he flapped backward. |"It's not a handout, it's doing what you have to do to survive. Fuck, you could even call it work since you can defend the field while I'm gone."|

Joe landed on the ground in front of me, tilting his head as he considered it. |"You want my crew, to defend your corn? Do you know how crazy that sounds? Crows working with scarecrows? What about that crazy bastard shooting at us? Think he'll just accept us?"|

|"He will if I tell him it's the will of his lord. I met him a couple of times now. Doesn't really offer a lot of advice, and just kind of laughs things off. I have the shotgun right here, but what I need is your word to not touch the corn. That not a single one of your crows will touch the corn. Do that for me, and I'll see if I can't work out payment. One night of picking the fields free of bugs, and showing each other you can work together with Igor."|

Joe seemed reluctant but finally bobbed his head. |"If that maniac hurts any of my crew, we're leaving. If he kills one of us, I want their weight in food. I'm taking a huge risk here, hell, I'm sure I'm breaking a few unspoken rules just considering this."|

I got up, dusting off my ass. Well, lack of one, at least I couldn't feel how uncomfortable sitting was. |"We're just a couple of rule-breakers now. Flocker will wish he was half as cool as us. If you ever come up with a reason not to do this, just let me know. You coming, or what?"|

Joe chirped, cawing to those around him. They seemed confused but started flying ahead. Joe let out another caw before a few started to grab me. |"Hey, spread out your arms."| I did as asked, before falling forward a little. Joe grabbing my back with a few more. If nothing else, I wanted this to work, because I probably look pretty badass right now. I started having daydreams of a crow being carried into battle by a legion of crows. How cool it would look while wielding a scythe. Yeah, that's a goal in life now.

We flew through the woods, before coming to the treeline. I struggled a little and Joe gave the caw to let me down. I landed roughly, rolling in the dirt. It wasn't a bad first try, definitely better than last time. I could see Igor barreling towards us with a pitchfork. He looked pretty upset, but stopped once he saw me take a step forward. "W-what is the meaning of this!?"

I looked into his good eye, |"Joe owes me a lot, and I just figured out a way to let you get some rest. Our Lord gave me a vision. One where crows would devour bugs and vermin instead of corn. Now, here I stand before you."| I spread my arms wide, shotgun in one hand. |"Will you deny the will of our Lord, or will you accept it as a loyal follower?"| I kind of felt bad for lying to the guy, but this was for the good of us both.

Igor fell to his knees in prayer. "The lord's will is my own. I am but a humble follower before his greatness. If it is our lord's will, then I will allow these curs a chance!"|

I stepped towards the fat man, a part of me wanting to execute him right here. To get revenge for everything he did to me. The life he took, and the duty he forced upon me. That part of me was pushed way into the back, hopefully in a box labeled 'do not open.' I stood in front of Igor, as he locked eyes with me again. |"Then I shall let them know, we have permitted them to prove themselves. As the guardian, should I be wrong in this, I shall handle it personally."|

I turned back to Joe, |"Shouldn't be a problem, so long as you don't eat any corn. Do you want to know where the bugs are?"|

Joe cawed, as his crows descended into the rows. |"My crew will find them. Thank you for this."|

A ball of glowing light came at us, |"Liar! Deceiver! The lord did not speak to you about this! You have used his name in vain!"|

Igor's jaw dropped, as I looked at the glowing ball of light. Its voice grating to me, |"Shut up."|

|"I will not be silenced! You know nothing of the war that was fought! You know nothing of the plague you bring upon our fields! You are a false guardian! Remove the crows from this place at once! May you burn for these sins! I knew we should have never trusted you!"|

I rolled my shoulders, two can play at this game. |"Have you spoken to our lord?"| It was a pain, but I couldn't speak to everyone at once. I slowly looked at Igor, repeating what I said while the spirit was stunned. Then looked back at Joe, to do the same.

Joe landed on my shoulder, |"What's going on here?"|

|"The spirit is pissed, and I don't know why. You can hear it right?"|

Joe shook his head slowly, as I caught him up. The spirit launched into another irate fit. |"You do not know our Lord, the way we spirits do! We are far closer than you could possibly comprehend!"| I swear this is familiar. |"Kneel, and let a true follower take your head for what you've said! Repent sinner!"|

Igor's head swiveled between us, unsure which side to take. Finally, he stopped his lazy eye looking at the spirit, his good one looking at me. "I truly do not understand. Please, explain yourself, guardian."|

I glanced at Joe, |"Your crew isn't fucking with the corn right? Just the bugs?"|

Joe nodded his head slowly.

I looked back at Igor, |"I have died once as a human to you, and once as a scarecrow for these crows. I'm not sure what parts of me are still here, or even how much has changed. There is a lot I do not know, but I have seen the god of corn. I have seen and spoke to the servant or aide. Not sure what they called themself, but they were a huge snake going by Q. I'm supposed to receive answers and help from the spirit, yet here they are thinning the barrier between my soul and the other. They boldly declare me a false guardian, while failing at their tasks. Justifying their actions in their mind."|

Okay, I would never say so many words at once, where are these thoughts coming from? Whatever was going on, Igor seemed to be coming over to my side. I felt something shift inside me. It was strange, but not in a bad way. |"Servants of Q will be coming to speak to the spirit."| Guess I'm not done explaining. |"The crows are hungry, and this situation will be resolved, as our actions shall be judged. If nothing else, the best course of action for you to take as a neutral party; is to hop in your truck and purchase a large number of fries to feed to the crows. This will abate their hunger and keep them from harming our fields."|

I didn't even know the word 'abate,' but I guess I used it right. Igor looked at both of us one last time, before heading into his barn. The spirit was lighting up then dimming at the same time. I could feel its frustration, its anger. I'm starting to see a trend here. Nobody seems to like me at the start. Don't worry little guy, I'm sure we'll become friends later. I mean how bad can Q's vassals be?