Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Get her!”

“Kill the witch! Melt her!” 

“She will pay for what she’s done!”

“No! Don’t touch her. You all stay away from her!"

“Fiyero.”

"Show her no mercy, that Wicked Witch!"

"Stop! Leave her alone!” 

"Get them both!"

“Elphaba run!” 

“Fiyero!”

Fiyero jolted awake with a start, looking side to side and then straight to where Elphaba was sitting next to him. He had something that seemed like sweat beaming from his head, but looked otherwise. His straw, glistening in the early morning light. Fiyero tried catching his breath, focusing on Elphaba next to him, safe. 

“Fiyero. It’s alright, it’s alright. It’s only me.” She spoke calmly as she laid a hand on where his heart was, and he followed her breathing as he stared into her eyes. After a few moments, Fiyero caught his breath and took long, deep breaths, shaking away the images of what he had just seen as some straw fell from his head. 

“Elphaba.” He sighed, relieved, and caressed her cheek with his hand.  

“Are you okay?” Elphaba asked with worry in her tone. Fiyero nodded slightly.

“Yes, I’m sorry, love. Sorry. Just a bad dream.” He took another deep breath as Elphaba moved closer to him on the bed. She looked up at him and then away.

"I knew it. These dreams have been happening more and more. I told you we should stop the process. I can’t-“ Fiyero grabbed Elphaba's cheek, and she looked back at him. 

“Don't do that- blame yourself. It’s not you. And it never was. I asked for this.” After a pause and a lack of response from Elphaba, he continued on. “I’m sorry I woke you. I seem to be able to sleep in spurts.”

”Nonsense. I’d have to be asleep for you to wake me. You’d think I was the one made of straw.”

”Aren’t you the one who needs the rest?”

”Only because I caused you not to need it.”

Fiyero stretched a bit as if muscle was growing underneath the straw and sat up slightly leaning on his side. “You seem to blame yourself for things that are not your fault, even when I know you cannot believe it is. Why?” 

“Guess it’s a habit, or my instinct for when something goes wrong. People look for who to blame…and it’s me.” Fiyero chuckled lovingly. 

“Not here. We need to work on that.”

“Yes. I suppose we do.” Elphaba said, amusingly.

“Why were you awake already? It’s barely morning.”

“Fiyero, you’re having these dreams and this pain because of me. I lay awake sometimes hoping you sleep because that means what we’re doing is working. But then I know when you do, you’re only going to be miserable.” Fiyero sat up fully and wiped his face. Elphaba removed the blanket from her shoulders, both knowing they’d no longer be getting sleep.

“Is that why you didn’t rest?”

“No Grimmerie spell has been reversed, and figuring out how to reverse one without it and just my power…it’s almost impossible." Elphaba began her voice, becoming rushed as she became more upset and overwhelmed. "It's unrealistic. I’m reversing the words, the tones, I'm trying it all. It’s- if I keep trying to reverse the process, it’s only going to get more painful for you, and what if you end up hating me because of it? Or I cause more harm or worse-“ she was cut off.

Fiyero changed his position to look towards Elphaba and took her face in his hands, and kissed her. She could feel the passion within his lips, for their emotions were almost tied together now. Anything one of them felt, the other did as well. That was why their love was so powerful, so formidable. She could feel the passion and love radiating from the kiss. She put her hand on his wrist and leaned into the kiss more. After a brief moment, Fiyero pulled away and laid his forehead gently on Elphaba's. 

“I could never hate you, Elphaba Thropp. Ever. And that thought should not be keeping you up at night." He pulled away as they looked at each other once more. Their eyes met, filled with admiration, quiet resolve, and a love that ran deeper than words and purer than water- a look that said they finally, completely saw each other as they truly were. "And I will tell you a hundred times over until you believe me, nothing will happen to me so long as I'm with you... as long as you're mine." 

Elphaba forced a nod, wanting to believe him. Something she still struggled with doing since he had told her he loved her. “A hundred times over does seem quite the challenge.”

“As does defying gravity, and you seemed to have done that, Winkfold.” Fiyero chuckled, eliciting a smile from Elphaba.

“It’s tenfold.”

”Maybe in Munchkinland, but not in the Winkie Country.”

”Do you ever miss home? Being a prince? I never asked about your home. I only know what you’ve told me.”

”Eh that’s really all there is to know. I suppose some days I have some emotion like I miss it. But, there's not much to miss. My family didn't necessarily approve of me, I wasn’t the best prince, and I saw it on your map when I visited your hideout that night- my home is being just as torn apart, and animals scrutinized there as Oz was. It wouldn’t be the same. Even as a prince, I’d be powerless. My life seemed to change in the brush of a broom. But I would do it all again knowing this was the outcome.”

“You’re really too kind to me.” Elphaba looked down and fidgeted with her hands. 

”You think you don’t deserve kindness. I will spend my life proving you wrong. As you know, it’s impossible for me to die now, so be prepared.”

“Oh, goody.” She stated, sarcastically. “Are you sure you’re fine, though? It seemed like a fairly rough one this time." She looked to him, noticing he was already staring at her. 

“Why wouldn’t I be? It’s not my first nightmare, Fae."

Elphaba sat up on the edge of the bed as Fiyero turned to his side and looked at her. He watched her as if this moment was fleeting and if he took his eyes off her, she'd be gone. 

"No, I know that but- I mean- it can't be pleasant having this awfutible pain all the time." He pushed off his side and moved towards Elphaba's back. He stared at her already in his head with the thought she was going to run off again thinking it was ‘for the best’. Elphaba rolled her eyes. "Stop looking at me like that. You know I'm not going anywhere."

"Hm, especially if I get a say." Fiyero said with a playful tone, causing Elphaba to smirk slightly. She was grateful for Fiyero. He was a light, a bright light, in what seemed like the darkest times. She would never get tired of his support, jokes, laughter, love, even if she thought she didn’t deserve any of it. "Love, we are here. And we are free. Free to be who we are. I do not mind what I must go through. It is not the pain that bugs me, it’s the fact that you continuously blame yourself and doubt yourself when you have no reason to.” 

It’s been a few years since Elphaba and Fiyero left Oz and traveled to the land beyond, settling down in a quiet, quaint mountain village they found called Everbloom. There was more magic and more lands here to discover and uncover than either one of them realized. There was more out here than anyone could have ever imagined. The town they settled in was traditional and small. Nobody knew them, nor did anything or anyone care for them in a good or bad way. Elphaba wasn't deemed Wicked here, and Fiyero was just another creature who lived in the town, not a scarecrow-looking abnormality. Not a man who once was Prince Fiyero Tigelaar. No one knew of their pasts or what they were. There was more abnormal beyond Oz than the two of them anyway; nobody really judged them here. It was like Oz but different in almost every way. Beautiful, peaceful, it was like an in-between of worlds that are out there and Oz. They were miles and miles from the border that even led them here. It was a treacherous, longified journey to get here. However, Elphaba’s magic felt different in Everbloom—stronger, yes, but altered in ways she was only just beginning to understand. It was controlled and quiet. That was what gave Fiyero the idea to try to reverse the Grimmerie spell, and Elphaba asking if she could try. Different lands meant different limitations to magic. The pair got to help refugee animals, the town, so many they never could reach had all this not happened. 

Since arriving in Everbloom, Fiyero and Elphaba agreed that she could try to reverse the spell on Fiyero. It was an ask of her, not of him. Though Elphaba accepted him the way he was and loved him even more for it, she couldn’t bear watching him not being able to walk or lift an axe without the strength he once had. She felt guilty, ashamed; it made her feel that much more unworthy of his love. Even if he told her otherwise daily. Elphaba tried repeatedly, fixing what she had caused. She drew on every memory and fragment of magical knowledge she possessed. The spells and potions would work, but only in pieces. He did not fully transform into who he once was, yet signs of humanity began to return to him. He could sweat now, and sleep, though fitfully and not as long as a human needed to. Straw gave way to scattered strands of real hair. He could form water in his mouth, drink without shriveling, without fear- still, something was missing. Some pieces of magic, knowledge, and power to actually reverse it. When Elphaba would try, he would feel such pain; he began having nightmares of her dying, of him dying because of her, and his relationship to her, a few weeks after the process started. He could not eat. He had no true skin, only the suggestion of it, and his strength remained thin and fragile, as if one vital piece of him had been left behind; he was still straw through and through.  Elphaba knew Fiyero didn't care. She saved him; she knows that. He tells her every day, every clock tick. They both knew the journey would be hard and had even contemplated going back some days. But Fiyero had a challenging time making it this far. However, Elphaba just couldn't shake the feeling that something was calling to her to go back to Oz. Something or someone. There was a whisper in her body, a pull to go back. Every time she felt this feeling or thought it, she would shove it down and push it away, only for pieces of that desire to show up in a nightmare or dream or a weird vision that never made sense.

Fiyero shifted to the side of the bed ehrte she was, and Elphaba rested her head on his shoulder and felt it sink in from the straw- a feeling she wasn’t used to and always made her feel a pit in her stomach. One she was all too familiar with, guilt. A restrained smile flickered across Elphaba’s face before she turned away once more. Fiyero’s face changed to concern as he scanned her.

“What is it?”

“How did you know something was wrong?”

“Fae, you're not as hard to pin down as you would like to imagine.” He raised his eyebrows as if it was obvious. 

“You know, I thought I’d hate it, but that name is really growing on me. The more you use it the more I actually love it. You were right.”

“Aren’t I always?”

“I would say about 2/10 times, yes.” 

“Keep wishing, greenie. And I’m…?” Fiyero egged as Elphaba rolled her eyes in a joking manner. “Come on, you know you love saying it.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes once more, but sighed and, through playful gritted teeth, she said, “Yero, my hero.” He got excited as he kissed her cheek, and she let out a laugh.

“I knew something was wrong because you always turn away from me when you feel ashamed, or you have a thought.”

“I do not.”

He looked at her head down and with eyes that looked as if they were peering over invisible glasses.

“So, it would seem. It’s getting rather annoyifying how well you know me.”

“You’re just annoyed I know you as well as I do.”

“Isn’t that what I just said?”

“Sounds better when I say it. Now come on, out with it.”

“Alright, fine. It’s just, I’ve been thinking-”

“A wickedly dangerous pastime for you.” 

“You think yourself a comic?” 

“I do actually, yes.” Fiyero chuckled as Elphaba hit him slightly. “Why do you think I told the Dorothy girl I wanted a brain and couldn't think? Dangerous thing to have thoughts”. He laughed. "Well, it was that, and so I could get out of doing a lot of the work to help her find you. When people think you brainless, they expect little of you. Then you get to surprise everyone. Like I did with you and the lion cub that day." He smiled.

Elphaba began fidgeting with her hands. “That was the day I truly fell for you, and I was fully convinced I never stood a chance with someone like you.”

“It would appear we thought the same thing that day,” Fiyero spoke softly, grabbing her hand.

“And here we are.”

“Here we are.”

“And that same lion cub blames me for all his harm now.  And that girl shouldn’t have been here there the first place…she was just a pawn in someone's game to torture me. A game I shouldn't have had to play. Though I am still not sure how Boq didn’t recognize you.”

“We both recognized each other. We just... had different end goals, and Dorothy was needed for both. He wanted to kill you, and I wanted- needed- to protect you. But he didn’t need to know my plan or mine his, so we just kept to ourselves.” 

“I guess both succeeded.” She scoffed and shook her head. Fiyero grabbed her other hand, so he was holding both.

“We’re not on that right now. Tell me what horrendiocious thought plagues your beautiful mind today.” 

Elphaba hesitated. “It’s about Glinda.”

“Again?”

“Well, not just her this time but all of Oz.”

“Did you have another vision?” 

“No. Well, yes, but this is more like a desire.” 

“Do tell.” He let go and laid back, both hands on his head, as Elphaba turned to him. 

“You know that my magic has never felt this hushed and untroubled. I have never felt more in control of who I am and what I can do,” she admitted. “But the dreams and visions I'm having, they’re becoming more frequent, more vivid… Fiyero, I wonder if it’s pointing me somewhere. I think they are pointing me back to Oz. And I think...I think we should try and go back there- to Oz.” Fiyero sat up once more as Elphaba just stared at him, neither one daring to move. 

“Back? Elphaba- I’m always going to be on your side- but you want to go back to the place that deemed you a wicked witch and tried to kill you? Though I’d agreed you’re wicked, just in other capacities.” He winked as she gave him a knowing look. 

“I’m serious, Fiyero. I know it sounds-"

"Crazy? Absurd? Like a death wish?"

"I was going to say ridiculous, but yes. Oz is a better place under Glinda’s reign now, though, and with the wizard gone, and Madame Morrible imprisoned, it could be different. What if we could finally be home in a place that finally accepts me- us?" 

“Think this through, please. Glinda may have changed; the land of Oz may have changed, but the people haven’t. Didn’t you tell Glinda not to clear your name? To let them believe you are wicked so she can be…good.” 

“Oz is more than just people, though or just lands. And maybe I was wrong. They love Glinda, and they’ll listen to her. Especially now. What if we can both be good? What if no one has to be evil?”

“There is always going to need to be someone to blame. The world needs a villain and a hero. And I will not let that person be you.”  

“Without the wizards' lies, without Madame’s lies, they could believe her this time. Believe me. Madame Morrible is the actual Wicked Witch. The real one to blame. Why can’t we stand united against her? There are still people like her. I shouldn’t have to be evil, so Glinda is good. I just feel like…like a coward.”

“You are a lot of things, Elphaba Thropp. But listen to me when I say a coward is not one of them.” 

“No one needs to think us friends or know the truth or history, but we can rewrite it and show reconciliation and the possibility of moving forward. I just believe it was wrong of her not to clear my name…I just…I miss it. I miss her. And they should know Morrible isn’t who she claims to be. And our little life is nice. But we could be meant for more. To even help more than just Oz. We could help all surrounding cities, possibly even beyond. You could be Prince of Winkie Country again.” Fiyero just stared at her as a smirk crossed his lips. “What?” 

“I agree we are meant for more. Let us hope if that was the case, you’d want to be a princess.” Elphaba scrunched her face at the comment as Fiyero laughed. “Though I doubt scarecrows get that title, I thought so. Still, that is one of the reasons, amongst many, I love you so. Because in a world that has only hated you, you see the best. You see the best in everyone and everything. Yet somehow you still can’t see yourself in that capacity of seeing the best in you or the way I see you.” 

“I’m working on it.” 

“And I will remind you every day.” 

“I thought you were incredibly shallow and self-centered?” 

“Oh, I am. I’m dreading the walk back to Oz and making you carry me.”

“Good thing you’re lighter now.” She humored.

“But there’s more, isn’t there?”

“What do you mean?”

“I know that’s not the sole reason you want to go back. We didn’t fight so hard to leave just to go back when you became homesick.” Elphaba sighed. “What is it? You know I can see past the lies. You mentioned visions?” 

“Yes.” Elphaba moved her hands, and Fiyero let go. She stood up and began pacing. “Do you know how I’ve been having more frequent and confusifying visions and dreams lately?” Fiyero nodded. “They’re getting worse and even more so, they are showing me things like people still working for Morrible, animals still in fright and not being able to talk, Glinda isolated, overwhelmed running Oz by herself…”

“But that just doesn’t seem right. That can’t be true.”

Elphaba paused her pacing. “Right, it can’t be…but what if it is?” 

“So, that’s what has been on your mind.” Elphaba nodded. Fiyero got out of the bed, still wobbly, still trying to figure out the change of straw back to man, and moved to her.

“Then we have to see if they’re real. If you want to go back, I shall follow where you lead; it might be worth a shot. But you need to be sure.” 

“Wait- really?”

“You still doubt I’m for you? Even after these last few years? Yes, really.”

“I’m just not used to someone-“

“Loving you unconditionally?”

She slowly nodded again. “But what do you think?”

“I told you what I thought.” 

“But do you think it’s a good decision? Idea? I mean, we are here together, and our life is good.”

“Though it’s not the life you want. It’s not great.”

“Fiyero, I want any life with you in it. I don’t care where we are.” She grabbed his hand and brushed his straw-like hair with her other hand as he took a breath and closed his eyes. She watched with delight as he opened his eyes.

“Knowing you, you wouldn’t be calm if you never knew if the visions were real. You would always be wondering what if and worrying. Why do you not trust your magic still? Your visions? I clearly do.” Elphaba began walking away, but Fiyero grabbed her arm lightly and turned her to him. “Talk to me.”

“Because I’ve been wrong before. And you know I have. If we go and you follow me…what if I’m wrong again? My magic isn’t always right; that is why I don’t trust it. Even though I am more in control here.”

“Elphaba, do you think that this is the right choice?” 

“I mean, yes…or no- ugh I don’t know.” She spoke, frustrated with herself as she thought out loud. “What if we go back and Oz is still against me, and I can’t help, or if I put us in danger and there’s no threat, and you…and then you… you actually…” tears began forming in Elphaba’s eyes. “I can’t lose you, Fiyero. I won’t.” She fell back on the bed as a tear fell.

“Hey,” Fiyero spoke calmly, sitting at her knees. He tilted her chin to look at him. “You saved me. I’m here because of you. I'm alive because of you. Don’t forget that. Side point, did I ever tell you how proud I was that you used Kiamo Ko, my family’s castle, that ultimately led to my life saved? You trusted me then, so trust me now. You have done so much to save Oz. It’s worth the try if it means saving it now and keeping the little peace you have that I refuse to let leave you.” 

“I mean, I had to make it somewhat easy to find me.” She attempted a joke. "I may have saved your life, but because of me and trying to reverse a Grimmerie spell, you’re having nightmares and terrors and multitudes of pain. You would have been better off with Glinda. You would have been happy. You wouldn’t have all this trouble."

"There you go, blaming yourself again." He stood up and pulled her into his arms. “You would think after these years together…” He stated more so thinking out loud. “I also wouldn’t be my real self. Have you ever thought about the fact I may like those nightmares and terrors?” He stated merrily. “I like new interesting things in my life, you know. How in shiz could you be so selfish as to think I would hate them? If it’s from you, I happen to like them very much. I would have seemed happy, maybe by others' standards. But that was a forced love, not true love.”

”Why me? Why not her? She’s… close to perfect. And I’m…”

”You…are who I truly love. You are perfect for me. My whole life, much like you can understand, I have lived for others expectations of me. For once I chose myself. I chose you. I would not be happy there with her and away from you. I'm happy here with you, the way I am. When will you get through that thick, green, stubborn head of yours?" She smirked at him, knowing what he was trying to do: get her out of her head again. And she was glad for it. Elphaba kissed his cheek. 

“Forgive me, I forget how selfish I can be.” 

“And so incredibly shallow.” He smiled.  “Besides,” he stated, grabbing her waist and pulling her in. “A change of scenery might be nice, and if it calms your fears, that's an added upside.” 

“Are you sure you want to do this? It could kill us.” 

“If I’m with you, I would never die.” He turned to face her. “I would follow you to the ends of Oz, ends of any land. I trust you, and I trust your magic.” He picked up both her hands and placed them in his. “How have you not seen, your magic here has only produced good. You’ve helped the town, you’re helping me, you’ve created our life here. It’s only been good. Your intentions are good.”

“In Oz-”

“It’s different. Your magic isn’t going to be manipulated by a book or by a person. I’m sure even Glinda’s grown in magic enough to help you if you feel you can’t control it or the intention, again.” 

“How could I have done this without you by my side?”

“Oh my wicked witch, you couldn’t have.” He moved her hair from her face and kissed her again. “Now, shall we prepare? Long journey again. At least we have lots of fire starter.” He formed what would be a flexed bicep and patted down on the straw. Elphaba laughed and pushed him away lightly. 

“Then, yes, I’m sure I want to go back. I want to fix it. Help them…if it’s real and if I can. Tomorrow at dawn. Let’s leave. What do you say, Yero?” She wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Tomorrow at dawn, Fae.” He kissed her forehead, and she released his neck. He then put his feet together and his hand on his head in salute. Elphaba left the room and began to make some tea in the tiny area they deemed a kitchen, thinking about what they could do for their last breakfast here. There was a knock at the door as she began to pour her cup. She looked up with a jump as the tea spilled on her hand. 

“Ugh, shiz.” She waved her hand, and a towel-like square began to dry the spot.

She waited; surely she had heard wrong. A brief moment, and there was a louder knock. Elphaba went to answer the door slowly. She looked in front of her as a woman with foxlike ears and a fox tail, with short hair fur, was standing there with her daughter, who looked similar, but her face looked more rabbit than fox, with whiskers. Though the child and mom both looked like they had been crying, but perked up at the sight of her. Elphaba froze, seeing them. They looked like familiar faces. They looked like all the animals and creatures she's had to help since being here. And they looked at her like she was their only hope. 

Chapter Text

Elphaba hesitated as she stood there staring at the woman and child in front of her. No one came to her when she needed help- she went out there. So, who was here? And why? 

"Uh…hello.” Elphaba tried to muster a warm welcome through her shock. 

“Wow. She really is as Emerald green as they say.” The little girl spoke. 

The mom moved the daughter’s hand she was holding in a scolding manner. 

“It’s alright, I’m used-“

“But she’s gorgeous, mother. I want to be green like her, too!” The mom squeezed her daughter’s hand as Elphaba forced a smile at the girl. 

“I’m sorry.” The mom began, “And I’m sorry to bother you. It’s just…we’ve seen and heard what you’ve done for some of the neighbors, and I just…I wanted to see if you could help us.”

“Help…you?” Elphaba spoke hesitantly.

“Yes. I’ve heard about how you helped the muffalumps tails grow back, the animals you have rescued and saved, and we heard of all the shops and objects you’ve fixed and built with your magic, as well as all the people and creatures you have assisted. They say you are quite a powerful sorceress.”

“Sorceress?”

“Oh, apologies…um, do you prefer witch? What do I call you?” That was a strange ask for Elphaba. No one has ever cared what they called her, except Fiyero or Glinda. Not even Nessa. People only ever wanted to call her one thing. Wicked. A witch. A green freak. A mistake. But here someone was asking her what she wanted to be called and wanted her help, it didn’t make sense. 

“You can call me Elphaba. Just Elphaba is fine.” 

“Elphaba. precious name.” There was an awkward silence as the daughter was trying to peer into the house, nose sniffing in a bunny-like manner. 

“Oh, um... It’s a bit small, but would you like to come in?”

“Thank you.” The fox lady spoke as she moved over, and the mom and daughter stepped in. Elphaba spelled the two chairs for them to sit on. The only two in there that were for her and Fiyero. The little girl's eyes lit up at the sight as she began to stare at the cloth, still cleaning the mess. 

“Sorry!” Elphaba quickly said as she spelled the cloth to drop. 

“Why do you keep saying sorry?” The little fox bunny girl asked. 

“Paisley.” The mom scolded and looked at Elphaba sympathetically. “Apologies, she is a vocalist child.”

“Please, there’s no need to scold. It’s alright.” She took a breath. “Paisley, right?” The little girl nodded, and Elphaba squatted in front of her. “Sometimes there are people who don’t like you for who you are. They make you feel bad and ashamed of things you cannot control. And when that is all someone knows…you tend to apologize for it.”

“There are people who don’t like you?” Elphaba nodded, saddened. “I get picked on, too. Others say I look like a freak. That I don’t belong- that I should be silent and dead.” Elphaba looked at her, stunned, too stunned to speak.

“It’s been a difficult time for us.” The mom looked down at her daughter as Elphaba looked at the mom.

“People tell me they don’t know what I am and why I’m here.” Paisley went on. Elphaba collected her thoughts and composed herself, and her anger at what she was hearing.

“Well, Paisley. I think you are splendioscously perfect the way you are. No one gets to decide your worth and who you are but you. You belong here, there, everywhere. Just as you are. I know what it’s like for people to call you names and assume things about you."

“You? But you’re beautiful! And your magic is beautiful.” 

“I couldn’t agree more.” Fiyero’s voice came from the little few steps leading into the kitchen. He fell on the last step, losing his balance in his legs.

“Oh!” The mom said, shocked. Elphaba moved quickly to help him up.

“No worries. A regular occurrence here.” Fiyero chuckled as he stood up and brushed himself off. Elphaba just gave him a sympathetic smile. “Better than the alternative.” He spoke more to Elphaba than to the guests sitting at their small table.  

“Whoa…you look so much different from what they described,” Paisley exclaimed. 

“Apparently, we’ve become the talk of the town,” Elphaba shrugged. 

“Have we? Can’t imagine why.” He joked. 

“So can you help us?” The mom egged. 

“Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong before I say I can help?” Elphaba said uncertainly.

“It’s Paisley-” 

“Please. I hope you don’t mean to change her. You see, I-“

“Change her? Oh never. As you said, she is perfect the way she is.” Elphaba let out a relieved sigh, not even knowing she was holding her breath in. Fiyero came and stood by her. The mom pushed the child off her chair a bit. She slowly lifted up Paisley’s shirt to show her furry stomach. There was a smaller gray circle with branch-like spikes around it. “I think it’s poison, but I…I’m unsure…I’m not magical at all. But our town, there’s magic there.” Elphaba got down and began to examine the spot. “You see, we aren’t from here. We live a few miles away in a town very different from this one. But we aren’t from there either. It has its own kind of evil magic. Unlike yours, unlike you.”

Elphaba removed her hand and looked at the mom and then at Fiyero, who was smiling knowingly as if to say, ‘See? Not just me.'

“I’m sorry? Did you say unlike me?” 

“Mmhmm. We’ve heard some stories of your magic and the good you’ve done. You’re a hero.”

“A hero? No- I’m not-”

“Is something in your ear, love? You seem not to be understanding what she’s telling you.” Fiyero spoke jokingly, causing a look from Elphaba. 

“Oh, for Oz's sake, I heard her just fine.” She whispered to Fiyero.

“Can you help me?” The little girl looked into her eyes, where tears were welling up, pleading to Elphaba. 

“Don’t worry, Paisley, I will look at it. Would you excuse us a moment?” The mom nodded, pulling Paisley’s shirt down. She grabbed Fiyero’s arm and led him to their room. 

“Right now? We have guests, but alright. If you want to…”

“What? No. I don’t know what to do.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“About them, with the little girl. People are now looking to me to help them. I can’t help them. I can’t help anyone.”

“You helped me. You helped Boq. You helped all those refugee animals. Glinda.”

“No, I didn’t. Look how all those turned out. You…Boq…”

“I’m switching your nickname from Fae to Doubt and blame. I mean, doesn't that get exhausting?. Those were not your fault. You saved everyone you wanted to. If it’s not in the way they wanted, that’s not on you. Your magic is good, you are good. Like they said. Away from Oz, you’re a hero.”

“I’ve worked on objects and very small tails. Fiyero, what if I help them and it ends up worse? Or she dies or-”

“Love, listen to me.” He grabbed her arms gently. “If you go in there and help that little girl with all this doubt, then something bad will happen. But if you go in there and trust your magic and see the good the way I and others here do, Elphaba, you could save that child’s life.” He released her arms. “Which one is more important to you?” Elphaba looked away and began pacing. Fiyero stood there with arms crossed, letting her think and process. After a few minutes she sat on the bed as Fiyero came next to her still letting her think. 

“All right,” Elphaba said, still uncertain. “I’ll help her.”

“No fear or doubt,” Fiyero reminded her gently.

“No fear or doubt,” she echoed, nodding.

She closed her eyes, faced her hands palms up, and began saying a spell. After reciting the incantation a few times, an image began to take form in her mind, she could see it appear on the wall in front of her. Elphaba saw the little girl, and the spell and potion needed to help her, to save her. She saw the girl healed and leaving, but then it switched rapidly to an image of her- dead. The mother was crying over her.  All of a sudden the wind whirled around aggressively in her room and her eyes flew open, and then the wind ceased. 

“What is it? Do you know how to help her?”  Fiyero eagerly spoke up. 

“I can’t. I can’t help her.” She stood up and began pacing again quicker this time. Elphaba was rubbing her head and whispering aggressively to herself.

“What? Why not? Your magic can be used for good.” Fiyero tried to reassure. He hated seeing her like this beating herself up doubting who she is, feeling shameful and guilty for everyone.

“Can be?” She stopped and looked at him, hurt, almost betrayed.

“What?”

“You said it can be used for good.” Anxiety rose in her throat.

“Elphaba…don’t go there. You know that’s not what I meant. They can see you are good, and your magic is good. So why won’t you?”

“I just can’t.” Elphaba's voice was rising.

“But why? What did you see?”

“I saw her dead.” Elphaba stated, louder and angrier, troubled. “She was dead, and it was my fault.” She sat back on the bed, and more tears fell from her eyes. 

“I don’t believe that.”

“I’m sorry?”

“That can’t be true.”

“Well, it is. She was healed when she left, and then she was dead.”

“See it again,” Fiyero demanded kindly.

“Huh?”

“In the name of Oz, is something actually wrong with your hearing today?” Elphaba glared at him and he moved inches closer to her. “I mean your vision. Try to see it again. But this time, breathe through it and don’t fret. Don’t think just because you feel you’ve caused sickness, that’s what you do. Notice the surroundings, the setting. She can’t have been healed and then just died. Not from you anyway.” 

“I don’t-can’t-“ Fiyero grabbed her hand. 

“Try again, Elphaba. Breathe. Don’t doubt yourself or take the blame.”

Elphaba nodded and let go of his hand. She took a breath and repeated the same motions and words. She saw the potion again and Paisley healed, but then, as the vision showed her death, she noticed something different. She took a deep breath and looked around the image. Paisley looked a bit older; she appeared to be in her teen years. The setting looked different. Next to her was a type of flower. They were poppies, like the ones that have grown in Oz. Elphaba didn’t kill her, but something else entirely. As before her eyes opened as she slammed back to her reality, Fiyero was right there instantly by her side.

“Well?”

“You were right… It wasn’t me. It wasn’t me that she dies from.” She stated trying to understand what this meant. 

“What am I? Three for three with being right?”

“You wish. But you were right about this. My magic didn’t show me what I would do.” She said quietly as a realization hit her. “It showed me what I can’t stop. It showed me the outcome.”

“You saw her die, not that you killed her. I told you. It’s when you get scared or doubt yourself, you see the visions wrong; you misinterpret the dreams. Maybe that has to do with your intentions, too.” 

“She was- she died in a field of poppies. Like the ones from Oz.” 

“Are you sure she was dead? Maybe it made her sick, and she fell asleep. We’ve seen what they can do.” 

“Yero, how did you ever get anyone to think you were brainless? Ever?” 

“I’m a good pretender I guess.”

”Even when you became- when I turned you into-“

“Eh, I mean when I woke up as the scarecrow I really didn’t remember anything. I was more confused than brainless. That wasn’t really pretending.” He let out a humorless laugh. 

“I never knew that. How did you get your memories back? I’m sorry you had to-”

“Don’t. Don’t do that. It’s a price I would pay again. When I woke up, my memories just started coming back to me slowly. And I think having Boq there helped draw some back as well. But it wasn’t until we got to Emerald City and everyone wanted to…” He looked sympathetically at Elphaba.

“Kill the witch?” She finished with a slight hint of humor in her tone.

Fiyero nodded. “It wasn’t until then I got all my memories back. I was Fiyero again but in a different body.”

“Then you just went along with it.”

“It was easier. Plus, I never had anyone who really believed in me and my intelligence. So what was the difference?”

“Hmm. Well you are indubitably brilliant. And I’m lucky to have you. I will always believe in you.” 

“And me you. But life’s more fun when you don’t have a brain anyway. More painless. And those people have more fun, fewer obligations.” He pulled out a piece of straw and Elphaba rolled her eyes, but with a swish of her hand, she turned it into a lollipop and smiled. 

“See? More fun and less stress. You should listen to me more often.” He placed a gentle small kiss on Elphaba’s lips.

“Never change, Yero. Your humor or your seriousness.” She said playfully. 

“Wasn’t planning on it. Unless you wanted to cast another spell on me? Maybe a practice one?” He joked. Elphaba gave him a look and he put his hands up in defeat.

There was a pause.

“So do you know how to help her?” Fiyero asked. 

“I do. And we have the ingredients here.” 

Elphaba got up and went to the kitchen. She picked up the kettle and began making the potion, mixing in the necessary ingredients and what she needed. Fiyero spoke with the mom and Paisley, trying to raise their spirits. The whole dynamic the pair found themselves in was, for sure, different than what the two of them were used to. Having Fiyero around definitely helped Elphaba feel more in control of her powers and more confident. As they laughed and talked Elphaba took a teacup and had poured her potion into a tea-like form for Paisley to drink and enjoy. The room fell silent as her eyes opened wide and she began spelling the drink. When she blinked, the liquid began to glow and then went back to normal. 

“Alright. This should be able to help her. Paisley, can you come here?” Paisley got up and walked to Elphaba. “This should help you and whatever that poison is in your body. Are you sure you want to try this?”

“Will it cure me? Will I live?” Paisley asked, and Elphaba looked to Fiyero, who gave a curt nod.  

“Yes.” That was all she said. Paisley slowly and tentatively took sips of the tea. After a moment, she set the cup down and began stumbling. 

“Paisley?” Her mom called out.

“It’s alright,” Elphaba reassured. 

Paisley then fell into Elphaba’s arms unconscious for a moment and then woke up. The mom ran to Paisley’s side. 

“Paisley? How do you feel? Are you okay?” Paisley nodded and lifted up her shirt. Her stomach originated to its original color, which matched the rest of her body. 

“Oh, my stars! Paisley!” She hugged her child as they both began to cry. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” 

“You don’t need to thank me. Please.” 

“What do I owe you?” The mom exclaimed as she and Paisley stood up tall looking at her tears in their eyes. 

“Owe me?”

“For your time and what you’ve done! I’ll pay anything.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“I’m sorry?”

“It’s free.” 

“But surely-“

“It shouldn’t cost a price to help someone in need. I’m just glad she’s healed.” 

“Yes, I’m so glad I won’t lose her. She’s all I have. Thank you. You are truly as wonderful as they say. The wonderful Elphaba!”

“Oh, please don’t call me that. It was nothing.” Elphaba looked down and away. She didn’t want to be ‘The wonderful’ anything. 

The mom ran up and hugged her, and Elphaba looked at Fiyero.

“Thank you.” Elphaba awkwardly with one hand, hugged her back. 

“Thank you.” Paisley ran and hugged her as hard as she could, and this caused Elphaba to laugh. 

“Please don’t let anyone tell you aren’t special,” Paisley said.

“I promise to remember that if you promise me you’ll stay away from fields of flowers, okay?” 

“Yes, she does love flowers and smelling them and collecting them. Poppies seem to be her favorite.  She’s a bit of a flower fiend.” The mom laughed. 

“Yes, well, let’s lay off for a bit until you get much older, okay?” Elphaba said. And Paisley nodded.

“Maybe returning to Oz won’t be the worst thing for us after all. I mean, there are still animals being ridiculed, but our kind hopefully will be and can be different. We already were living on the outskirts of Oz, but I couldn’t stand the thought of anything happening to Paisley. So, we left a bit ago.  But now…well, you’ve given us hope. So much hope.” The mom put on her cloak and Paisley’s. 

“Did I hear that right? Did you say Oz?” Elphaba asked. The mom nodded. 

The mom nodded. “We thought the city would be safer,” she continued quietly. “After the Wicked Witch was defeated- not that we knew her or saw her…we never got to see what she looked like. The city's posters didn’t even reach where we lived. Yet somehow, hate does. But we thought it safer under the Good Witch’s rule.” She shook her head once. “It wasn’t.”

Silence filled the room.

“Animals and people like us were still disappearing,” the woman went on. “People are still learning when not to speak and getting hurt. There’s more to Oz than just the city and outer cities. So, we ran. We left for the land beyond.”

Elphaba looked at Fiyero, who was listening just as intently, and looked at Elphaba, concerned.

“Anyways sorry for the blabber story.” Paisley and her mom got up to leave. 

“You’re from Oz?” Elphaba reiterated.

The mom walked closer to the door to leave and opened it, looking back. “You know it?” Elphaba shook her head no in a stiff manner. “Aw, that’s a shame it has an emerald city, and I think you’d fit right in there. Of course after all this mess maybe.” 

They paused.

Fiyero got up and walked to the door. “But did you say animals were still being hurt? That people were still hurting others there?” He clarified, making sure they both heard and understood correctly.

“It’s why I ultimately took Paisley. But there were so many left there. Even under the good witch, she can’t stop all the evil, I suppose. Perhaps one day we will be able to go back. Goodness me, I have rambled on far too much about things you don’t care about.” She laughed awkwardly. “Thank you again, Elphaba.” They left, and Fiyero slowly and cautiously shut the door.

Fiyero and Elphaba sat there just staring at each other. Everything they thought was all wrong. What they left Oz as was wrong. After a few minutes, it was Fiyero who broke the silence. 

“If they’re from Oz, and left after word got around of your death…”

“That means my visions, my dreams…”

“They are real. They are happening right now. That they are right.”

“Fiyero…the animals, the munchkins, all creatures alike- Madame Morrible must still have people somehow. Glinda can’t fight off everything alone. I saw how overwhelmed she was. How little fight she had left.” 

“So much brainpower to use and it’s barely noontime.” He stated, rubbing the straw on his head. 

“How am I supposed to live with myself knowing what will happen to the little girl? Possibly to Oz?” 

“Maybe that’s the downside of all this.”

“I have these grandistutus powers-“

“But you also know what could happen when you help someone even though it’s not your fault. You helped her. Maybe her fate is to die always.” 

“It feels like this is all my fault,” Elphaba stated, stressed as she sat down at the small table they had in one of the two chairs. Fiyero came and sat next to her. “Oz being the way it is also feels like my fault. I mean we left.” 

“There you go again. We had to. You would have died. How do you feel now about going back?” 

“I’m special here. I know that.”

“You’re special anywhere, Elphaba.” 

“To you, maybe. The people here see me as not wicked. Here… my magic does good because no one is afraid of it. No one twists it. No one uses it for power.” She looked at him. “Oz is trying to heal without addressing the main hurt. I know no good deed I did was enough or correct, but I could be this in Oz, too. But I can’t be anything in Oz until we fix it. We need to go back and fix this. Help her help them. That is what’s right.”

“Glinda doesn’t know you’re alive- that we’re alive. Do you think she’ll trust us?”

“She won’t have to. But if all this is still happening, I’m not sure we’re prepared for all this.” Fiyero kissed her hand. 

“If I’m with you, everything will be fine. Tomorrow. We head back to OZ, and we save it.” She nodded. “Why don’t I make us some food? Can you go and pick some ingredients from that garden you insist you can keep alive and I’ll make some form of a breakfast soup.” 

“I’m proficient in spells and magic, not gardening. I don’t have a green thumb.” Fiyero looked at her knowingly. “You know what I mean.” She stated, as she went outside to grab some ingredients from the garden, they had.

Still, Elphaba couldn't shake the feeling and thoughts, knowing this time tomorrow they would be headed back to Oz, a place that hates them both. Tomorrow begins their journey of finding out what awaits them when they arrive back in the land of Oz. A place she thought was safe…was free…but kindness and goodness can only last so long. Little did the people of Oz know... the Wicked Witch of the West was coming back- very much alive. 

Chapter Text

“Elphaba, this is your fault!” Fiyero’s voice cracked, ragged and venomous, as guards dragged him toward the shadows of the Emerald City, flying monkeys circling above like dark vultures. How did this happen? They traveled safely to Oz... everything was fine. When or how did this turn into a threat? Elphaba couldn't contain her rage, her fear. 

“What? Fiyero, how could you say that?” Her heart thudded violently in her chest.

It didn’t make sense! He always wanted her not to blame herself. Maybe he was finally seeing her the way she’s always seen herself, unlovable and unworthy. Not good enough for him. 

“You… you turned me into this! I’m weak, you made me weak.” His eyes were wide, frantic, enraged with a strange, bitter hatred. A look Elphaba has never seen on his face before. It scared her even more to think of the thoughts behind the look. “You wanted me to come back to Oz…forced me to come back and look at me now! Do you see what you’ve done? I hate you! I… I never should have trusted you!” Hate…Fiyero hated her? Didn’t trust her? She knew it was only a matter of time, yet she believed otherwise. She hoped that he would never. A stupid thing to do. She knew she would always be alone, not chosen, unwanted.

Elphaba froze, trying to get her thoughts together, thinking about what to do. But she couldn't think or act. She only stood there pained, a raw split of her heart fresh in the place that started this mess.  “…do you even know what you’re saying?” She ran toward him, but the monkeys swooped down, their claws glinting in the sickly light, landing between them with a guttural screech. “Fiyero!” Her voice broke, panicked.

“Don’t,” he rasped, his words coming out in spite. He held up his hand to stop her from running. “This… this is all because of you!" He gestured to the fire around them, burning, Oz turning to ash. When did this happen? How? One moment, everything was fine, entering Oz, and then the next- she looked at Fiyero. He stood there looking at her, a blaze a hatred and disgust, seeping through his eyes. "You’re selfish," His voice cut through, "cruel, always thinking your magic makes you right! Your magic is wicked. You are wicked.” She paused walking forward as the monkeys turned from going to her to walking towards Fiyero.

In a flash, the monkeys tore into him, and he screamed- not a normal scream, but something inhuman, a mixture of pain and horror. But that didn’t make sense. He shouldn’t feel pain. Not like this. Unless… unless… the spell had been working. Unless he was becoming human again in this very moment. Elphaba, for the first time since being back in Oz, felt truly powerless. She tried to cast, but nothing would happen. How could she save him? Why didn't he want her to? None of this made any sense. 

“Kill the wicked witch!” a chorus of voices screamed, distorted, coming from everywhere and nowhere at once. They were pointing at her, closing in.

“What? No!” She looked around. ”Fiyero, stop them, please stop them!” Elphaba begged, pleaded as she fell to her knees reaching for him. “Fiyero!” He stood there, monkeys releasing him, bloodied, distraught, as he leered at her. One of the guards gave him a torch and nodded as he wobbled over to where Elphaba had fallen, tears pouring from her eyes, heart shattered on what felt like the ground right in front of her. 

“She’s betrayed Oz and Glinda the good!” Fiyero shouted, moving aside, showing Glinda lying there wand broken. Elphaba's broom was next to it with shattered pieces of her wand in it. When did she fight Glinda? Why? She didnt have her broom when she entered Oz. 

"No...No..." Elphaba was trying to speak, voice hoarse from yelling. "I didn't... couldn't have..." She coughed from the smoke engulfing her. 

“Go and kill her and melt her.” The people chanted. "Go and hunt her, and find her, and kill her!"

“You are a horrendous Wicked witch of the West!” Fiyero's voice was villainous and twisted. “I never wanted to love you! You spelled me, you’re a monster, Elphaba! You don’t deserve anything good! Everything is ruined, and it’s your fault!”

“Stop! Please. Fiyero… stop!” Her words shattered into whispers, tears streaming down her face, her chest heaving as panic and despair wrapped around her. “Stop…stop…Fiyero stop…” those words echoed and repeated. Eplhaba was moving, thrashing. "Stop...Fiyero..." 

She woke with a gasp, her body trembling, the echo of his screams and his cruel, hateful words still burning in her ears. Her head was pounding with what felt like pressure with her heartbeat. She whipped up and sat there breathing rapidly. 

“Stop what? I’m only reading.” Fiyero said, trying to brighten the tone of what he knew would be another rough conversation. He looked at her, concern etched all over his face, knowing something had happened while she was resting. Elphaba looked over at him and sighed a breath of relief trying to catch her breath. She became aware of how hard her heart was pounding. It felt like it would pound almost out of her chest.

She used both her hands to brush strands of hair and sweat away from her face, even though the hair didn’t even stay. “Sorry, I had a nightmare.” She spoke, short and agitated. 

Fiyero set his book down and looked at her, more fear and worry showing on his face. "I gathered as much. Would you like to talk about it? I know you don’t necessarily like to talk about your dreams or visions right away and like time to calm down or process...” He left the statement hanging. 

“Yeah, I do need that sometimes." Elphaba breathed. "Um. No… thank you… I…um...I think I’m just going to try and go back to bed.” She said tentatively, both knowing it wouldn’t be possible. She laid back down shakily and turned to the other side, facing away from him- eyes wide open. Fiyero went to put his hand on her arm, but decided against it. Elphaba was in a distant mood, and Fiyero left it alone, knowing not to push; sometimes Elphaba needed to handle things internally in her own way. Even when it pained him to see her like that, the worst kind of agony he could feel. He had to give her the space she wanted until she was ready. Pushing only made it worse.

The pair lay in bed contemplating and going over the events of the day and the nightmares they’ve both been experiencing. Elphaba, thinking about Paisley, her fate, Oz, the animals, all that is still happening when she thought she had ended it by leaving- as she tossed and turned. Mixed with her new fear ow of Fiyero leaving her, betraying her when they get to Oz, seeing her the way she's always viewed herself. She couldn’t shake the feeling that even though she knew how much Fiyero loved her, he could still betray her-hurt her. That she would be better off just going it alone. Fiyero sat there thinking about Oz, the animals, and how going back to Oz would be for Elphaba. How can he get her to trust her magic and stop blaming and doubting herself? How can he stop her nightmares and pain, and misery? He knew Elphaba would have the thought of going this alone, but he also knew he wouldn’t let her. As he watched her unsuccessfully try and go back to sleep, minutes passed as she just kept tossing and turning. 

Elphaba grunted, frustrated, and sat up, turning the lamp on the side table up a bit. She rubbed her face once more. Most nights are spent with her trying to sleep, and Fiyero watching over her, making sure she is alright. There are a few rare occasions where Fiyero will rest a bit and then have nightmares where Elphaba wakes him up anyway. Sleeping was a luxury these days.

“What is it, love? Can’t sleep?” Fiyero asked knowingly but with nothing but humor, looking at her smiling through his unease.

She whipped her head to him and rolled her eyes. “It’s not funny.”

“I’m not laughing.” He spoke as a grin crossed his face. “At least you don’t have to apologize for keeping me up.”

“Not helping,” Elphaba stated, sitting up fully. Fiyero just chuckled slightly and stretched out his arm, pulling Elphaba into him. Fiyero ignored her hesitation as she eventually gave in. 

“Sometimes I just make you mad so I can see that cute look on your face when your eyebrows scrunch. It’s one of my favorite looks you do.” Elphaba looked up at him from his chest, eyes softening as she made eye contact.

“I’ll keep that in mind to only smile when I’m mad then.”

“Then I would say I win both ways." She smirked and let out a huff in response. "Why don’t you tell me what is racing through your head that is causing so much stillness in your attempt to sleep?” He gave her a smug look, and Elphaba’s mouth curved up ever so slightly. “Or what your vision was.”

“It wasn’t a vision. It was a nightmare. A horrid one.”

“Right. You know it will help if you talk about it. Not that I’m to push.”

“Fiyero…do you think we will have this when we go back to Oz? Us sleeping together, joking around, comforting each other? Or would it be like it was before? Distance, separated, scared.”

“Why wouldn’t we have this?” He didn't dare take his eyes off her. 

“Think about it. We are headed back to a place that wants me dead and hates you for almost killing Glinda while siding with me. They will do anything to have us dead.”

“No, Glinda is in charge now. I'm sure it's different. And I didn’t almost kill her-”

“We may know that and she may know that, but Oz? Doesn’t. What if we don’t even get the chance to help or clear my name? What if we just get captured and they kill me or torture you right then and there? Or they use us against one another?”

"Who?"

"Any of them!" She spoke up frantically.

Fiyero moved the same stray strands from Elphaba’s hair away from her face and lifted her cheek towards him, leaving his hand on her cheek in a comforting manner.

“Fae, was that what your nightmare was about?”

Elphaba nodded, taking a deep breath.

“You are more powerful than anyone in Oz. If you weren’t then, darling, you definitely are now. Our love is too solid to be ripped apart that easily and too strong to ever let anyone turn us against each other. You have more capability now than you even thought you did. We aren’t going into this blind; we are prepared, and we will be prepared before we do anything.”

“If I lose control over my magic again or if Glinda has me use the Grimmerie…” Elphaba stated, a pit of anxiety in her stomach as she sat away from Fiyero, who just pulled her back and kissed her forehead.

“As much as you might want to, or even try to, you can’t hurt me. You won’t hurt me. I know that. You have control over your magic now. Whether emotions rise or not- Elphaba, we’re going to be okay.” She looked at him as he pleaded with her to believe him.

“But what-“

“If you ask me ‘what if’ another thing, I am going to shove straw in my ear. And then in your mouth.” He said, his tone lightly teasing despite the seriousness.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” She spoke, leaning into him again and resting her head on his straw chest as her head gave way a little bit.

“You need to stop apologizing to me. You never have to apologize to me. Ever. I want to reiterate to you and make sure you hear me, Elphaba Thropp, when I say if you even think about trying and ditchifying me and going this alone, I will hunt you down myself and make you spell us to be joined at the hip.” She looked away, thinking back to her nightmare. A few moments passed, and she sat up on her side, looking at him. 

“Why would you think I would go this on my own?” Elphaba asked, monotoned, trying to move past what he said.

“Because as much as I try to protect you, you are annoying enough to also try and protect me. But I won’t let you.”

“It’s not annoying to protect something you love.” She turned to him; her eyes heated with anger and a flicker of hurt. 

“Yes, on that we agree.” He said, ignoring her slight outburst. "But promise me. Promise me, we will stick together in this, and you won’t go facing Glinda, or Madame Horrible, or any of it, alone. I can’t protect you that way, and you can’t rid me of wanting to.”

“I can’t- You already protected me more than enough. That's what led to..." She got silent, scanning his body. "Fiyero, you can’t ask me to promise-“ Fiyero met her eyes, every line of his face and word filled with earnestness.

“I could not live with myself if something happened to you and I could’ve stopped it. Please. Please promise me you will not try and deal with whatever hideous thing awaits us alone. Elphaba, I am begging you.”

“Okay. Alright. Okay." She spoke, grabbing Fiyero's cheek. "I promise,” Elphaba stated as she watched Fiyero’s chest deflate from relief. She meant it too. Elphaba would never break a promise to Fiyero and him to her. They made that promise in itself when they found this shack in Everbloom and began their life here.

“Thank you.” He breathed, alleviated at the promise, grabbing her hand and kissing it while he sat back on his side of the bed.

“I suppose I’m still getting used to this. This love, this impossuable relationship.”

“Well, start thinking it is possuable.” Fiyero stated, causing Elphaba to chuckle. “I told you. We’re going to be together always. I do not know why your visions never see that.”

“That’s not a word.”

“Sorry?”

“Possuable isn’t a word.”

“You Ozians have such odd words, you know that? That's not a word, but scandalocious is?”

“Says the prince from a place called ‘Winkie Country.” She said, and Fiyero chuckled. “I am learning to see that with you.”  Elphaba began to relax and calm down as she listened to the sound of Fiyero’s straw breathing and followed his rhythm with her own breath. After a few short moments and feeling exhausted, she began dozing off again when another thought hit her.

“Yero?”

“Yup. Knew you wouldn’t go back to sleep. I didn’t even pick up my book.” He laughed.

“Sorr-“ She was cut off by Fiyero giving her a look. “Never mind.”

“What is it? My book isn’t that interesting anyway.” He stated, throwing his book over his shoulder and onto the floor. 

“Would you ever want kids?” Elphaba spoke fast but warily.

“Is that real thought causing you to toss and turn? I thought you were the one who needed to sleep?”

“Who says I need sleep?”

“The time you didn’t sleep for a week and almost spelled me into the mountain on accident.”

“Oh yeah. That was funny.” Elphaba chuckled.

“Not for me. You know how much straw I lost?”

“We had to take hay from that stable.” They both began laughing, “But kids.”

“I still feel as if I am a child with how I walk and move now.” Fiyero laughed. “Is that what is in your mind?”

“It’s just after seeing Paisley earlier...and hearing how she thought and what people called her…”

“I haven’t thought about it much. Though right now, that thought may have to be put on pause.”

“But let’s say we do figure out how to reverse the Grimmerie spell, would you want any?”

“I wouldn’t mind a little emerald straw man running around sparking up the place. If we had a stable place to live.” 

“Hmm,” Elphaba said in her own thoughts. “They’d probably break everything we own and then act as though the air did it.”

“Ah, yes, that does like me, doesn’t it?” He replied. “Try to get some rest, please. I'll be here.” Fiyero stated as he cuddled up closer to Elphaba, and she to him. She kept her lamp burning as Fiyero rubbed her back soothingly. Elphaba’s breathing began to even out as she dozed off once more.

Fiyero stared at her, his own troubles bothering him, a look of distress etched on his own brow. All her fears and worries, she could make them come true if she acted on them. He knew she’d keep her promise, but what if this was the one promise she would break? They’ve been together for a few years now, and she still has trouble seeing the love she deserves, believing in herself, and everything she will need when they go back. But Fiyero would not leave her side or her. A promise he was sure not to break with himself. He would get her through this even at the cost of himself- straw or man. 

The next day approached quicker than either of them really wanted. The first light broke through the window involuntarily and shone on Elphaba’s face, who, despite struggling to sleep, fell asleep for a few hours. She reached out to touch Fiyero, and her hand fell on the empty side of the bed. She felt around until her consciousness hit her, and she sat up, a pool of something forming in her stomach. 

“Fiyero?” She called out with no response. “Fiyero, where are you?” She spoke up a little more worried as she began to sit up. “Fie-“ Before she could call out again, Fiyero walked into the room with a tiny tray.

“Relax, I’m here.” He smiled cheerfully at her as she took a breath. On it was a small, taller rusted metal vase with a few flowers, some fruit slices, and bread. There was also a teacup, the same one she used for Paisely, with some watered-down juice in it.

“What’s all this?” Elphaba asked, sitting up and fixing her hair. He walked over to where she was and kissed her forehead.

“It’s the fuel you will need for our journey today.” He set the tray down, and Elphaba glanced over all that was on it.

“What about you?”

“You know I don’t really need food,” Fiyero spoke, no pity in his tone. 

“Right…I forgot.”

“Though I wouldn’t mind a honey cake or Winkish tart.”  He smirked, which elicited a small smile from Elphaba, who then looked at Fiyero and grabbed his jacket and pulled him down to kiss him. Fiyero soaked her in as he took a deep breath through the kiss and leaned in deeper. When she let go, she looked at him with pure gratitude and adoration.

“Thank you.” She spoke gently.

“There’s something else.” He said, giddy as he nodded toward the tray. She began to look and noticed something else on the tray, something shinier and not edible. She looked at Fiyero, confused but curious, and he just nodded at her to go on. Fiyero sat down in front of her on the bed and picked up the item, unable to wait any longer. “Is that-“

“This,” He spoke, picking up the item and walking toward where Elphaba was seated. “Is a necklace I had made for you by the blacksmith here in Everbloom.” He held it up to the sunlight seeping in.

“But he lives on the complete opposite end of town…how did you- when-”

“Don’t worry about it.” He chuckled as he gestured to Elphaba, who moved her hair aside, and he gently placed the necklace around her neck. When he let go, she looked down at it, admiring it: a silver chain with a heart-shaped jewel made of emeralds. Inside the heart was something brown she didn’t recognize; Fiyero stared admiringly at Elphaba as if she were the necklace.

“I’ve been having this made for a while,” Fiyero continued. “I wanted to give it to you at a different time, but since we’re leaving, I had to expedite things. The chain is from silver Everbloom grown and made, to remember our time here, the Emeralds...well, you know what those represent.”

“It’s marvelish. Thank you… I love it, truly, and I love you-” Elphaba said, a large smile spreading across her face. Fiyero’s smile mirrored hers. Though he had expressed his love many times before, it was rare for her to feel ready to say it back- but when she did, it carried all the more meaning.

“I love you too, Elphaba.” Fiyero sat on the other side of the bed as she began to eat. “If you’re wondering what the brown part is in the middle of the emerald, it’s wood from your broom. I wanted it to have all of you in it. Where you’re from and part of who you are, and grown to be.”

“What? But how did you-”

“When Dorothy and I were giving your broom to the Wizard, I used Boq’s axe to chop a small piece off. I knew your broom was special, and I wanted a piece of you, even if I couldn’t have you. Since I was myself again, I knew what I needed to do.”

“You saved that piece of broom all this time? You brought it with us?”

“Well, yes. I told you; it’s part of who you are. Not literally, of course. But as long as you wear that necklace, I will be with you.”

“I will never take it off.” They stared at each other, and for a short moment, it was just them. Not Everbloom, there were no issues in Oz, it was just them happy and content and in love in this perfect moment. They stood there soaking in the split moment they were given, knowing that by the next few days, these moments would be fleeting for a while. But here right now, it was them. Their love. And the emotions they would soon miss being able to express so openly.

Fiyero got changed as Elphaba finished her makeshift breakfast and then did the same. The two then began packing for their journey, glancing around the small shack that had been their home for the past few years- a place where they had grown, learned to love, and been themselves without judgment. They collected only the essentials: personal items or keepsakes from their time here. They didn’t know if they would ever return, making this goodbye to the village bittersweet. At the front door, ready to begin the long journey ahead, Fiyero took Elphaba’s hand and kissed it. A tear slipped down her cheek.

“This has been a good place to settle,” he said softly. “But we need to go back to Oz. Help them, save it.”

“I guess there really is no place like home,” Elphaba murmured.

“I guess not.” There was a beat as they looked around the quiet shack they had lived in and enjoyed these past few years. “Ready, Fae?”

“Yeah.” With one more glance, she nodded. “I’m ready. Do you have the tent?”

“I do, yes.” They tightened their sacks as Fiyero shut the door. Hand in hand, they stepped out of the shack and began the walk out of the mountain village of Everbloom.

“Do you want to rest before we continue?” Elphaba asked through ragged breaths as she was slowing down.

“No. I should be okay."

“Then we should keep going. Oz is just beyond this desert.”

“All right. Let’s keep moving,” Elphaba said, adjusting the cloak she wore.

The afternoon sun blazed overhead, beating down on them with relentless intensity as they stepped into the desert lands- an expanse of lifeless sand and jagged rock that seemed to stretch on forever. The heat made Elphaba’s skin sting and Fiyero’s straw burn and singe, their throats raw. With every step, it felt like dragging their bodies through fire. The wind cut across the desert lands like shards of glass, carrying grit that scraped against their eyes and mouths. Nights were no relief; the sand turned ice-cold, seeping through their shoes and numbing their feet and hands. Even in the tent, there was no relief. They ended up having to use some straw from Fiyero to make fires with Elphaba’s magic, though it wasn’t much relief. While the emptiness around them pressed in like a weight on their chests, they kept moving. There was no shade, no water, and little food. There were only the cruel, unending expanse and the unforgiving sun and frostbitten nights.

In the midst of all this, the only thing besides their destination that kept them going was the fact that they had each other. Elphaba’s fingers clenched around Fiyero’s, another promise that they would endure this all together. They stumbled, faltered, and gasped, but whenever exhaustion threatened to swallow them, when Elphaba was not strong enough to cast anything, their hands tightened, their shoulders brushed, and they found strength in one another. Just as they did on the journey away from Oz. They looked at each other, sweat or icicle streaking across their faces, lips cracked, eyes burning, but in that shared gaze was something of comfort, a reminder that no matter how agonizing the desert was, they were not alone. Together, they could survive this, one step at a time, just as they had once before.

By the end of what felt like an eternity, though it was only about a week and a half, the brutal desert was coming to an end as the pair saw, through the darkness and coldness of night, the hill that led up to a forest. A forest that they knew just beyond it was the entrance to Oz. Oz. They were nearly there. Mixed emotions covering the two. Anticipation, fear, excitement, nervousness, suspicion, all of this felt at the same time.

“Do you want to journey into Oz tonight?” Fiyero turned to Elphaba just before walking up the hill.

“I…I’m not sure.”

“It is getting dark in the desert. Why don’t we just rest tonight in the forest, come up with a plan, and then take the path to Oz in the morning?”

“Yes, I think that’s a good idea.” She spoke, staring at the forest above the hill. In her own thoughts, she all of a sudden saw Fiyero in her view, a glimpse of his old look catching in the sunset light for a brief moment.

“What is it?” He grabbed her hands, speaking in a way that, though anyone else would take it as patronizing, she knew it meant he cared.

“Just nervous. Or-“

“You better not say afraid. Do not tell me that my fearless, wicked witch is now afraid. After everything you’ve been through? Oz is the only thing that scares you?”

“When they hate me, yes.”

Fiyero judged her hands slightly. “Come on, we can take them.” Elphaba smiled, looking at Fiyero in his eyes.

“It’s going to be very differentiated from these last few years.”

“Maybe, but who knows. Secrets, hiding, showing people your real power, something tells me we will be fine.” He chuckled. “Besides that’s kind of exciting.” He winked at her. “Shall we?” He asked, letting go of her hands and bending his arm for her to grab as they walked up the sandy hill into the forest.

The forest was quiet and talk as the sun set, it almost seemed deserted except for a few crows that the pair couldn’t help but laugh at, when one landed on Fiyero’s head. They found a small clearing with an alcove of trees, about a mile from Oz’s borders and entrance. Elphaba coaxed a fire to life while Fiyero pitched the tent and pulled the last of their rations from the pack for her. When they finally lay down, both knew sleep wasn’t in the stars. Nightmares would almost seem like a sense of normalcy for what was happening right now. Silence settled over them- heavy, unmoving- as each retreated into their own thoughts. Fiyero lay there with both hands behind his head as Elphaba leaned on him, arm on his straw chest. After some hours of lying there, the sounds of nature, the silence of the night, and thinking over their time together, Fiyero spoke up.

“You know, even after the last few years, I never actually told you about the reason I became captain.” There was a pause. Elphaba shifted and looked up at him. “Sorry, I could only take so much in my thoughts. Downsides to having a brain?” He tried to lighten.

She let out a grin. “Don’t apologize. I should stop thinking anyway.” Fiyero hummed in response as Elphaba sat up fully, Fiyero following close behind. “I never wanted to ask why you became captain because a part of me wasn’t sure if I could handle the answer.”

“Handle the answer? Whatever do you mean?” She gave him a look. “Elphaba- do you seriously believe I became captain to actually hunt you?”

“Of course I don’t…now.” She shrugged.

“Fae,” Fiyero laughed, not helping himself. He turned Elphaba’s chin towards him. And let go of his hand on her thigh. “The whole reason I agreed to be captain of the guards was to PROTECT you. I had to find you before anyone else did, especially Madame Horrible. I would send guards only to the parts of Oz I knew you weren’t in. Except the guards I trusted would tell me first if you were spotted. The ones who’d consult me before acting. I had intel where you were, and I would not rest until I found you.”

“I didn’t want to be found. Not even by you. Why was finding me such a big deal?”

“Because then I knew you were alive…that you were alright- you were safe. Glinda did suggest you did not want to be found. Even then, I loved you and I never even fully realized it.” He shook his head at the thought.

“Well, Glinda was right. As usual. So, when you followed me after the brick road opening-“

“Yes, it was me protecting you. And yes, I saw you blending in with the foliage. Fedspar noticed too, actually.” Elphaba smirked, remembering when they first met and the similarities between the two. “I also felt your presence. I felt you… But it wasn’t the time to talk. I knew that.”

“You saw me?" Fiyero nodded with a proud look on his face. "Fiyero...that day- the day this,” she pointed to the straw, “all happened. How did you know I wouldn’t hurt those guards who were holding me back? I could’ve escaped. I could’ve-”

“I didn’t know.” He looked away for a moment as Elphaba hung on to his words.

“But you willingly took my place,” Elphaba stated, trying to figure it out. 

“I didn’t know if you would hurt them- I just know you didn’t want to. That was the best way I could protect you, both from harm and hating yourself. It had to be me instead of you. At least that way they had someone to blame that wasn’t you, and you had the chance to escape.”

“You- but Yero, you could have escaped with me.” Before she could finish, he was shaking his head.

“No.”

“Yes,” She said defiantly.

“No.” He spoke up louder with a slight emotionless chuckle. “I needed to protect you. We talked about this. They would have chased us, and with the weight, you couldn’t fly fast enough to lose them.”

“Seems you thought it through.”

He grabbed her hand that had landed on top of his, which was on her thigh. She looked into his eyes- still as blue as if he was still fully human. “More than you know.”

“Let me guess, you’d do it again?”

“In every life, and clock tick. I’d do it again, winkfold.” Elphaba got on her knees and turned fully to Fiyero, who was watching her as if she was going to vanish again. There was more stillness and silence as tears formed in Elphaba’s eyes. Fiyero looked at her with sympathy and wholehearted care.

“I love you.” She eventually stated, with genuineness in her tone, the seriousness of the confession on her face. She endeavored to say it more, so he knew just how much he meant to her.

“I know.” He slipped his straw-like hair in a flashy yet playful manner, causing Elphaba to smile. He leaned over her lovingly, forcing her to lean back. He took no time as he kissed her. Pulling away, she gave him a worried look. “I love you too. Twice in a single span of time? I must be lucky.” He spoke tenderly, watching her shoulders slump in relief with a slight laugh. She could hear him say it over and over and still never believed she deserved his love.

“More than Fedspar?”

“Let’s not be hasty, love.” They laughed as he kissed her again. “You know, spending a night in the forest does remind me of another night we had…but what happened that night?” He said knowingly.

“Mmm. Might have to refresh my memory.” Elphaba looked at him adoringly as Fiyero kissed her once more with more fierceness and passion. The two spent their last night before going to Oz together, inseparable, and with the hope that tomorrow, when arriving in Oz, nothing would change. But even they knew that was a hope that might be too improbable to hang on to.

The first crack of light seeped in through the tent opening as Fiyero sat there holding a peaceful and sleeping Elphaba. He stared at her, admiring the rare occurrence, but tried to take it in all the same. He knew the second she woke up, she would become nervous, anxious, and feeling unprepared for the journey ahead and being back in Oz. Fiyero knew he should probably wake her, and they should get going, but he just did not have it in him. For once, since all this had occurred, Elphaba was resting; she was content, at peace; he hated being the one who disrupted that peace. He laid her down gently on the tent floor and went out to see if there were any bushes with fruit or trees with nuts, anything that he could give to Elphaba as an encouragement. After wandering and straying only a few yards from the forest, he found only some flowers. He figured that when they got to Oz, Elphaba would know what was edible for her to eat or not: this wouldn’t be her first time going into hiding. He grabbed some of the pink and white-looking flowers and journeyed back to the tent, where more light had begun creeping in. As he walked in, Elphaba stared at him, hands ready for a spell.

“Whoa. Hey. It’s me. It’s just me.” He put his hands in a defensive position, with flowers in both hands.

“For Oz Sake, Fiyero. If you’re going to leave, just wake me up and tell me. I’m exhaustulated thinking something happened to you every time I wake up.” She rubbed her hands down her face and moved her hair. Fiyero walked in and sat beside her.

“Elphaba, what do you possibly think would happen to me? Are we not connected now? You would feel it.”

“It doesn’t matter. Especially now that we’re entering Oz, please. Please don’t go anywhere without telling me.” She pleaded, grabbing his arm as some straw dust released from it. He went and grabbed the hand on his arm.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it worried you so. Nothing is going to happen to me.”

“You don’t know that. Promise me-“

“I do.”

“How?”

“Because it's us. Because I have you, and I know what you are capable of. Nonetheless, I promise. It would seem we both have important promises the other better not break." He looked at her knowingly, and she rolled her eyes, jokingly. She nodded knowingly, understanding what he was saying, "Is entering Oz really frightening you that much?”

“No…well a bit…I’m just scared that-“ She paused as something caught her eyes. “What is that?” She asked, noticing the flowers in his hands.

“Oh. Well, I tried to find some food, but I figured that would be easier in Oz. So, I picked these flowers for you instead. I wouldn’t be able to tell if they were poison, but hey, it’s the thought that counts.” He laughed. “Ha. Get it? Thoughts? I guess you still get those when you’re brainless.” He smirked, handing her the flowers.

She took them and smelled them with glee, and a grin spread across her face. Looking back at him, she ran a hand through his straw-like hair. “You’re not brainless, Fiyero. And thank you for the Lilies. They are not poisonous.”

“Of course, you know about all the flowers, too. You and Paisley really are alike.” He chuckled.

“Perhaps. Does seem uncanny the similarities we share.” She said, picking at the flowers. “I love lilies, you know that? They represent renewal and hope.”

“Things going back to Oz with accomplish,” Fiyero affirmed. “Speaking of,” He stood up and wobbled a bit, almost falling down. When he looked down, he noticed a seam had ripped, and some straw had fallen from his ankle. “Would you mind?” He looked down as Elphaba looked at his ankle and giggled.

“Not at all.” She set down the flowers, putting the straw back in his leg and sewing it up. “You know, when we get back to Oz, we need to find some sort of place to continue trying to reverse the spell.” Fiyero put his hand down and helped Elphaba up.

“If we don’t- I don’t mind either way. I asked because I know you can do it, and my ‘lack of strength’ was bothering you. Not because I’m discontent with who I am.”

“I know. I know that.” She said, turning away, trying to convince herself. Fiyero grabbed her cheek and turned her face towards his. He kissed her slightly as she grabbed his hand with her own.

“Are you ready to finish this journey, my wicked witch?” Fiyero teased.

“Ready as I’ll ever be, my rebellious scarecrow. Ready to be seen as Wicked once more.”

“We’ll fix that as well.”

He released his hand from her face but held onto it. They packed up the tent and their belongings and began to travel the last steps of their journey as they entered the small, closed-in ramp of dirt and rock that led to Oz. Fiyero bent down and looked in, as did Elphaba. They looked at each other and nodded as Elphaba began to climb up. Fiyero put his arm out.

“Wait.”

She stilled.

“What? What is it?”

He listened in. They heard the faint noise of monkeys- not just any. Elphaba would know her tiny army anywhere.

“I should go first.” He stated. “Just in case the people and things in Oz we knew…aren’t like we left them.”

“What? Fiyero no. If someone or something is up there-“

“Better me to catch them by surprise than you.”

“No. No, I won’t let you. I have magic, I can-“

“Elphaba.” He turned to her. “I will be fine. You are right behind me. Just let me protect you, please.” Elphaba looked into his eyes. “Do you trust me?” She stared at him. Of course, she trusted him. He was the only one she truly trusted. She took a deep breath but nodded hesitantly.

”I do. More than anyone.”

He kissed her forehead and headed up as she followed close behind.

Elphaba felt the shift in magic. She felt it in her veins- her magic was changing, it felt different but also comforting. Was it her magic changing or her nerves firing so rapidly she couldn’t keep up? She kept taking deep breaths as she was on Fiyero’s heels. She took another breath, and another, beginning to smell Oz- all sorts of thoughts, feelings, fears all flooding back in her brain and body. She began shaking but kept climbing and trying to keep her emotions under control. She finally saw it- the yellow bricks, the fluffed trees, the colorful land. Oz. She couldn’t help but twinge a smile from the excitement. As they reached the opening, it was smaller and more organized-looking than when they had left. Glinda must’ve found out somehow that animals used it and never covered it fully. Would Glinda know they were alive? Would she hope for it? Fiyero got out and helped Elphaba up the rest of the way.

As they stood there on the yellow brick road, they looked around, both amazed and familiarizing themselves with what was once home. They looked back down at where they came from. It was a smaller circular opening that looked almost like it belonged, like it was planned. Next to it was a pink and green sign that stated:

“The land beyond Oz.

A path, I hope, FELLOW Ozian,

You never have to take.”

-Glinda the Good.

Elphaba couldn’t help but smile as a tear formed in her eye. Glinda. Glinda ruled now. Yet something bad was still happening in Oz. Something that drew them back here to help, unless her visions were wrong, Paisley and her other, unless it was all a misunderstanding.

“Smells like Oz,” Fiyero spoke up, snapping Elphaba from her thoughts. Elphaba turned around and looked at Fiyero as both took another breath, taking in their surroundings.

“Ah, yes. Oppression, fraud-“

“And sweets!” Fiyero joked, causing Elphaba to give him a look.

They were jolted out of their thoughts by a sudden rustling and movement in the trees. Fiyero instinctively stepped in front of Elphaba, guiding her back as they moved from the path to the forest behind a tree. The noise shifted, now coming from the opposite side of the path. It grew louder and more frantic. It was like a flapping of something, like the thrashing of wings or galloping. They couldn’t tell. Elphaba pushed past Fiyero’s arm and sprang forward, hands raised, magic already pulsing at her fingertips, just as the source of the commotion burst into view.

“Chistery?” Elphaba breathed, equal parts relief and disbelief as she looked up at the branch into the multicolored eyes of her once friend and right-hand guard. 

Chapter Text

“Chistery!” Elphaba exclaimed, running to him to hug him. She stopped when Chistery made a noise and cocked his head at her. He glared, not daring to blink.

She paused.

“Chistery…It’s alright. It’s just me, I’m not going to hurt you.” She gauged his reaction as he held up his spear. “It’s Elphaba.” He looked at her, still confused, and she flushed back her cloak and put her hands above her head as if it were her old hat. “The Wicked Witch of the West.” She went on. Fiyero stared at her, just watching the interaction, remembering where they were, who they were, and what their job was here.

Chistery examined her closely, smelling the air as if he could smell fraud. He stared as he flew down from the branch. “El…Elpha…Elphaba?” He finally got out.

Elphaba grinned so wide from the shock of hearing him talk. He put down his spear and bowed towards her. He looked different; his blue appearance was contrasted by his green and pink armor with a symbol of Glinda and the Emerald City on it.

“You…You can talk!?” Elphaba declared, bending down in front of him. He nodded as he stared at her, into her eyes, and Elphaba finally let herself break.

He opened his arms in a more approachable manner. She wasted no time as she went in and hugged him as he laid a hand on her back. She sat there crying, not even realizing why. Maybe it was because she was in Oz for the first time in years, thinking she’d never be back. Or maybe it was the fact that Chistery was here, unharmed, and he could talk. He didn’t turn on her; he approached her- embraced her. As she let go, Fiyero stepped forward, also sitting on his knees with Elphaba.

Chistery nodded towards him, and Fiyero nodded back.

“Look differently,” Chistery spoke, glancing over Fiyero.

“As do you, old friend.” Fiyero smiled. 

“How come you and your monkeys are over here? Are you still a spy?” Elphaba asked skeptically.

He shook his head. “No spy. A scout. For troubled animals. Or those le… leaving Oz. Miss Ginda likes to know.”

“How come?” Fiyero asked. 

“Bad things are happening. Still. She wants t…to help but can’t. Why you here? How?” Chistery asked, still getting the hang of talking. “We saw you d..d…die, watched you melt.”

“That’s why we're back. Because of what’s been happening.” Fiyero spoke.

“It was all just a ploy for us to escape from Oz. After you gave me the note Fiyero wrote, we had to nonverbally communicate. I had to set Fiyero on fire so he would put his arm near me, and that girl would throw the water on me. We fed into the rumor that pure water would melt me, so I cast a spell and worked on a plan to let it. How long have these things been occurring since we left?” Elphaba asked.

“They never stopped. Just seemed to look different, more secret now. I fly, I look, I report to Miss Glinda. But no one…no one can help. She gets fl..flo… flooded. Struggles, struggles with that book.” Chistery looked towards the Emerald City as the pair followed his line of sight. Elphaba knew what he meant, the Grimmerie. Glinda was struggling to heal and save Oz, and use the Grimmerie. She knew it would be a task for Glinda to use it, but she also knew Glinda could figure it out, she hoped at the very least. 

“Is Madame Morrible still imprisoned?” Fiyero turned back to him.

Chistery nodded.

“But wicked people still, there are Ozians who support Madame, the wizard. She has people even we not know of.” He whispered sadly. “Some brothers…some brothers are aiding her.”

“You mean there are other monkeys who chose to help her?” Fiyero looked at Elphaba and back to him.

He nodded once more.

After a moment of silence, listening to the forest and taking in this information, Elphaba turned to Chistery and grabbed his paw-like hand. He looked at her with glassy eyes.

“Chistery…I hate to ask this of you. You have done so much already-“

“Never a b…bu…burden to serve the Wicked Witch.” His mouth twitched into a smile. He was the only one Elphaba did not mind calling her that title because she knew, out of anyone, he didn’t believe she was truly wicked. She was the only one who wanted to help, tried to help.

Elphaba took a deep breath. “Do you think you could help us, me, once more?” Elphaba spoke softly, looking around. He gave her his full attention once more. “Fiyero and I need a place to hide. We need to figure out all that is happening so we can help save Oz. I’ve been having visions, dreams, of things that are happening, and I need to speak with Glinda and try to save Oz…again. But I can’t do it yet. We need to lie low for a few days until we can figure out what to do and what’s going on. Can you assist us with all that?”

Chistery put his hand over his chest in an act of allegiance and bowed once more. “Anything for you. You saved us.”

More tears flowed from Elphaba’s eyes. She knew they moneys trusted her, but to hear some still didn’t- that Chistery did; to hear that she saved them. It was something she had been longing to hear without even realizing it.

“I’m grateiful to you. And for you. Thank you.” 

“We are i…in your debt.” His head bowed once more towards Elphaba.

“See? Wasn’t just me you saved.” Fiyero looked at Eplhaba, nudging her as she smiled sympathetically at him.

“Please lead the way. We need a place to hide and settle, preferably with food and water nearby.”

Chistery nodded once more as the pair stood up. He then looked up and screeched and chatted, a bit quieter than he usually would, as three more monkeys came into view.

“Loyal to the Good witches.” He gestured to the monkeys by them. Elphaba gave him a look that showed how thankful she was that he saw her as good, her and Glinda. At least one person in Oz did.

“Don’t tell me they are going to carry us…” Fiyero stated.

“It’s quicker than walking.” Elphaba shrugged.

“You know I let Dorothy get taken by them, so I didn’t have to deal with the flying in their claws part. What if someone spots us?”

“They won’t.” Chistery interrupted.

Elphaba said. “You trust me, and I trust him.” Chistery's mouth curved into a tiny grin at Elphaba as Fiyero nodded.

“Very well.”

Chistery flew up slightly, digging his nails into Elphaba’s shoulders as the other assisted him. The other two lifted Fiyero easily off the ground. With one last screech, they lifted them both in the air, and they began flying.

Elphaba took a breath as they were whisked into the clouds. She closed her eyes happily for a second, feeling the brisk air on her face. She had missed Oz, its weather, its smell; she had missed flying most of all. It was comforting to her. She gawked over the sight of her once-beloved home of Oz. She looked towards the east, where she knew her sister- her Nessarose- once resided and ruled over the munchkins. The place she grew up being hated and ridiculed by everyone but herself and Dolce Bear. The place where Nessa died. Then she looked in the distance, where she could just make out the Emerald City. The home of her thoughts came crashing to her. Thoughts of a place where she once wished for and dreamed of being a part of and living in. A place that ultimately she fought so hard to be accepted by, before they turned on her in a spell of lies. A City and people that no matter what she did, it was never good enough, even when she tried to do right. There’s no place like home… Elphaba thought, sighing. She thought back to the first time she and Glinda arrived in the Emerald City, full of hope and life. Mixed feelings and emotions, much like she was feeling now, entering it again.

“It’s all grand! And it's all green,

I think we've found the place where we belong…

So, I'll be back for good someday

To make my life and make my way

But for today, we'll wander and enjoy.”

And here she was. Back in Oz. Was it for good? She wasn’t sure. Elphaba had so many very complicated feelings about being here that she couldn’t pinpoint or straighten out each one. There was joy in there somewhere, fear, sadness, anger; hope, and many more. She looked over to Fiyero, who was eyeing the wheatfields curiously. Elphaba knew that he would also have certain feelings coming back here. Would her dream come true? Would he feel as she forced him to come back to a place he hated? He turned his vision to the south, where she knew his castle once resided, not the one she took over, his real castle, where his family lived. Would he want to visit them? Tell them he’s alive? He doesn’t exactly see eye to eye with his family, but they were still family. Elphaba understood complex families and the love and difficulties that came with it, and those complicated feelings arising from being back here. Fiyero looked back over to her and winked. He was always making sure she was okay, even if he wasn’t, but he was always okay- that was Fiyero's thing. Though a part of Elphaba still doubted the truth in that. 

When they pair focused on the sights in front of them, Elphaba recognized where they were going. They were headed west. West. Her old territory. Her once personal temporary home within Oz.

“Chistery are we-“

“It’s the place you will be the safest.” He spoke as he screeched again, and they began descending quickly into the trees. They got to a muddy tree-like path as the monkeys dropped the pair slowly. Elphaba landed on her feet, Fiyero falling to the ground. She ran over to him and helped him up.

“I’m okay.” She looked at him with pity in her eyes. He wobbled, leaning into her as he stood up. “Don’t look at me like that, Fae. I’m fine.” He shook it off as some stray pieces of straw that fell from him. They followed Chistery and the other monkeys a few miles down the path. Elphaba began feeling her magic hum; she knew where he was leading them. Fiyero apparently caught on as well.

“Is this-“ He began leaning toward Elphaba.

“It is," Chistery responded in front of them. "It will be the only place no one will da…dare step. Some Ozians think the Wicked Witch is not dead.”

“They’d be right about that.” Fiyero chuckled as Elphaba looked around at the location as they approached it.

In front of her was a place she never thought she’d see or need again. It was her makeshift shack-like treehouse she made in the woods where the ‘rebel’ animals helped shelter her. She took a deep breath, smelling and feeling…her. Her magic, or power, her freedom. This was her hiding space from the Wizard and Morrible, and now she was back, hiding from Glinda and all of Oz. Fiyero stopped and watched her as she slowly approached the shack alone. She touched the outer parts and closed her eyes, feeling every memory, thought, and pulse that went with it. Chistery followed her. 

“No ones come here or wants to. They think you-“

“They think I’m still alive and hiding, or I will hurt them if they come near.”

Chistery gave a curt nod.

Fiyero stayed outside walking around the perimeter as Elphaba went, what is considered, the inside. She slid her hand over the artifacts that were still there. Her maps, plans, flyers, wanted posters, mockery posters, and even places where she knew animals needed help. Would that still be the case? She huffed with a small smile. She was thankful for one thing: she wouldn’t have to start from ground zero. All her stuff was still there...well, not all of it.

She knew where Morrible was located, and she knew the struggle places for animals. She kept walking around, familiarizing herself with her old home. Whihc thogh she knew it well, it felt like a stranger's home-- another person's living space. A different Elphaba. It was that, though. The same Elphaba who lived here once was not the same one who was returning now. She heard a puff and grunt noise as she turned to see Chistery standing there holding something. She felt it instantly. What he was holding was what made her magic hum even louder. He held the object out in front of him. 

“What is- Chistery... is that what I think it is?” She asked hopefully with a hint of hesitation.

“Your br…broom.” He bent down, offering it to her. Her excitement and amusement caught in her throat. 

“Why is it- how did- what…” She couldn’t form a sentence.

He knelt up. “Farm girl brought to Wizard and Miss Glinda t...to...took from him, after she took your hat.”

Elphaba approached the monkey, eyeing the broom. “A remembrance. Almost like a grave.”

“She had me put it here. So we never fo…forget this was your home. Even when it shouldn’t have been.”

“Does she ever visit here?”

Chistery shook his head. Hopping and walking forward to meet Elphaba. He handed the broom to her. “Only looks at your hat now. Miss Glinda misses you.” He stated, staring at Elphaba. She took the broom and looked at Chistery.

“I miss her too.”

She then looked away, and then back at the broom, slowly, almost hesitantly, as if it were the first time she had ever held it at all. Except it felt better than the first time she ever held it. The weight of it in her hands felt different now. Truer, more secure. Perhaps it was because, this time, she finally understood what she carried and what the broom meant. This wood in her hands was a symbol of who she was, her magic, good or wicked. It made her the person she was. Elphaba felt the familiar surge of true power course through the polished wood and into her own veins, steady and alive, no longer wild but in control. She fully embraced herself now, and the broom spoke to her as it always had. It was like an old friend recognizing her and accepting her once more. 

She examined it, noticing the piece of wood Fiyero had chopped off, and her hand instinctively felt her necklace. So much has already changed since Everbloom, and yet it feels as if she never left Oz. She couldn’t help but let out a cheerful laugh, one she hadn’t let out in a good few months. Elphaba let herself believe in what was happening in her reality right now. A scream of pure excitement tore from her as she felt herself returning, truly herself again. Her genuine self. The child who had once believed in the Wizard, who had longed to be chosen, who had dared to wish or dream. The same person people had feared and hated, but could have been loved. It felt like every piece of her, every flaw, every sharp edge, every good and bad piece, was finally becoming whole. Fiyero came running in, hearing the scream. 

“What’s wrong? What is-“ He watched Elphaba gawking over her broom as Chistery looked at him.

“You saved that for her?”

“Miss Glinda.”

Fiyero watched Elphaba, admiring her happiness, her authentic happiness, as she allowed herself the freedom to levitate on the broom ever so slightly and laughed again. This Elphaba was different, not afraid of the people anymore, or of who would stop her. Elphaba was now in control and mature in her magic- in who she was. She did not believe any of that to be felt until now. Fiyero looked at her with a look of love and elation that she only ever showed him or Glinda.

“A word of caution,” Chistery warned, and Elphaba came down off the broom, grabbing it and putting it by her side. “Th…though Oz is to believe you dead, some know th…the t..truth, some are unsure. There are evil Ozians-“

“Still looking for her. Still hunting her.” Fiyero chimed in, and Chistery nodded again. “In other words, don’t go flying around defying gravity. Even in the western sky.” He lightened.

“I will be careful. And cautiocious.” She said to Fiyero.

“Be careful, Miss El…Elphaba.” Chistery said. “I can be back to check on you.” Elphaba bent down again.

“I will be. Thank you, Chistery.” She pulled him into a hug. “Not just for helping me now. But for helping me then. For not turning your back on me.”

“You are not wicked, you are good.” He said as she let go. “G..glad you are…alive.”

“Yes, me too. Please remember, Glinda cannot know we’re here. Not yet.”

“You have my word.” He stated with another acknowledgement between the pair and him.

"Thank you." Fiyero acknowledged. 

He gathered the rest of the monkeys, and they flew off, leaving Elphaba alone- no, not alone this time, leaving her with Fiyero once more in Oz. In the land she used to hide when the world turned on her- except him. But not anymore. She stood up and looked towards him.

“Welcome back, Wicked Witch of the West.” Fiyero joked, bowing.

“Thank you, scarecrow.” She joked back, looking at the broom she was holding. He approached her and put his hand on the necklace, looking at it and then at her.

“How are you feeling?”

“In control.” She said confidently. "Ready to save Oz."

“That’s my girl,” Fiyero said, gliding his hand up from the necklace to her neck and grabbing it gently as he kissed her. Elphaba leaned and kissed him back. A thought hit her as she pulled away.

“You know, Yero, last time we were here in this hideout…”

“Should I look for the cardigan?” He laughed, causing Elphaba to smile as she dragged him to the small, closed-off section she used for her room. They fell on the bed, dropping their sacks and her broom just next to them on the ground. “Though I would love to relive the past,” He said, dragging his hand up her side. “It is getting late, and we should go look for something to eat.”

“I agree.” She sighed. “It’s a good thing I know the area well.” Her mouth curved up as Fiyero kissed her forehead, leaning over her. The pair spent the night gathering food, ingredients for spells and magic, some to help possibly reverse Fiyero’s spell that they didnt have in Everbloom, and cooking and preparing a plan for the coming days. Eventually, they were both able to get rest after some long hours, which pleasantly surprised the other. Something about being here…something about being back in the magic that was- is-  Oz.

Elphaba woke up first and looked up and over at a sleeping Fiyero. She smiled as the morning light and dew shone on the outer walls of the treehouse like shack. She took a second listening to the sounds of the animals, of Oz, birds, chirps, growls, all kinds of morning noises. Elphaba wiped her face not even realzing either of them had fallen asleep. They had planned and mapped out when and how they would make themselves known, but more importantly, to whom. They would do it in spurts as they observed, with Chistery’s help, all that was truly going on. They would appear and gain trust and assistance from people they knew could be trusted. Dr. Dillamond for sure, possibly Boq if they could sway him…Glinda.

Fiyero and Elphaba spent much of the night debating whether they should go to Glinda, if they could trust her with this, given her figure to uphold. It wasn’t a lack of trust in her so much as it was in what she had to represent and was as Oz’s new leader. People were watching her now, not just Ozians but everyone. Then there was the debate on whether Elphaba should make herself known to Madame Morrible, to get her to confess to it all, so Elphaba could truly clear her name to all of Oz. By the time they had exhausted both sides and points, both had felt the need for sleep. Elphaba was drained from the journey and emotional toll it all had, and Fiyero, who seems to appear more human-like every day, somehow had also yawned for the first time since becoming the scarecrow. Maybe Oz did have magic that they just hadn’t truly felt or known about, for both had gotten what they needed from being back here: rest and peace.

Elphaba lay there just looking at Fiyero, amazed at how her life had turned out. She for sure thought that if she didn’t die as the Wicked Witch, she would fight the Wizard her entire life and be hated for it. She never thought that a man like Fiyero, a prince no less, would choose her over anyone- especially Glinda- and love her unconditionally. For once, Elphaba felt like she was deserving of his love, like she was lucky…she felt content and even giddy. Maybe this could be their lives forever. Her and Fiyero here in Oz, hiding where they had once before, secretly helping behind the scenes. But even then, Elphaba knew there was some truth to what Glinda wanted in herself. Elphaba wanted the attention, but she wanted it to be for good, not wickedness. She wanted redemption.

Fiyero mentioned maybe hiding out at the castle Elphaba resided in, his castle. Chistery had mentioned how that was where Madame Morrible was being kept by some guards, in that same castle’s makeshift prison. No, this hideout would have to do for now. Fiyero began to stir, and Elphaba sat up more looking over him.

“Good morning.” He stated sleepily, groaning and stretching as some dust from his air mixed with the morning light.

“Morning, Yero.” She kissed his cheek.

“What was that for?” He grinned, looking at her.

“We just haven’t woken up together before. I mean, not when both of us had gotten sleep. It’s nice.”

Fiyero rolled his eyes jovially. “Such a sentimental woman.”

“Look what you’ve turned me into.” Elphaba joked. Fiyero brought her head to his and kissed her once more.

All of a sudden, a sound cut through the morning stillness. Something like a chair being dragged slowly across the floor or papers being crumpled and stacked. The pair sat upright at once, holding still as they listened. Then, nothing. The noise vanished as quickly as it had come. They glanced at each other, searching the other’s face, silently confirming that neither of them had imagined it. Both nodded to the other, hnads on the covers of the bed. After a few minutes, just as they began to settle back against the bed, another sound broke the silence. This time, unmistakable. The clatter of dishes, movement, quiet but deliberate kitchen noises drifting in from the living space only a few yards away.

They both lunged out of bed. Elphaba pulled on her robe while Fiyero grabbed his jacket, tossing her her broom without a word. She held it in front of her and began crossing the room, Fiyero at her heels. Elphaba slowly drew back the curtain that separated their small bedroom from the rest of the space. Together, they stepped out, bracing for whatever waited on the other side, and then they froze.

“AH!” A scream came from the creature in front of them, who dropped the papers they were holding. “Who are you! Why are you-“

The creature stopped.

“Little one?” Dulcibear spoke frozen herself at the sight of Elphaba and Fiyero.

“Dulcibear?” Elphaba spoke up quietly and was astounded.

“Is it really you?” The bear nanny asked, stepping a small foot forward.

“It’s…it’s me,” Elphaba said, tears welling in her eyes as she handed Fiyero her broom.

“Elphaba.” Dulcibear spoke, moving quicker to go hug Elphaba. Elphaba dropped in her arms and for the second time since being back in Oz, broke down in tears- happy tears.

“Dulcibear, I missed you.” Elphaba cried.

“Oh, I can’t believe you’re here.” The bear hugged her tightly. 

“As usual I’ve missed your hugs.” Elphaba laughed through her tears. Dulcibear let go and looked over Elphaba.

“Little one, why are you here? How?”

“You told me you knew I wasn’t going to stop fighting for Oz.”

“You came back…to fight? Again?”

“I did. I never really died, I just…I had to fake my death so we could escape and leave to the land beyond Oz.” Elphaba looked at Fiyero.

“You’ve been living in the land beyond? How is it? What is it like?!”

“It’s…different. More accepting people in some parts. Dulcibear, Oz isn’t the Oz I left it as, is it?”

The Bear sighed. “No…I fear it's getting much worse. But Glinda the good is trying.”

“Tell me what’s happening. I have these visions, but…I’m unsure.”

“When you fought against the wizard, that was in private, with very public ridicule happening. Now things seem great in public…but there is much worse happening in private to the animals. People who serve the wrong people. And poor Glinda, as I said, she's trying, but she cannot fight against all these forces on her own. It’s a divided time in Oz. No one knows who or where to turn, even with Glinda's magic, the small bit she has; people are uncovering very real horrors and truths. Some have even begun questioning her.”

“Why are you here? Why not help Glinda?” Fiyero spoke up, coming alongside Elphaba. Dulcibear looked between the couple, and Elphaba nodded to her.

“I help in Munchkinland with the rest of the bears. It's home for us, it’s our calling. But occasionally I feel a need to, well, to come here to this space, to make sure no one defames it or burns it.”

“How did you know it was here? How did Glinda find it?” Elphaba questioned confused. 

“Chistery. Glinda wanted this preserved, to be cared for. Chistery told her about it after…after your ‘death.’ And when Glinda wanted him to protect it, he came and found me. He wanted me to maintain it in case-” she looked over Elphaba. “In case you were alive somewhere or some how or even ever came back.” She stared at Elphaba and looked her over once more, not believing it. “And here you are. Very much alive.” Dulcibear hugged her again. When she let go, she wiped Elphaba's tears. “Glinda tells stories of you and your time at school. They pass through the land. When I hear some, it makes me smile. People leaning good things about you, truthful things. She tries to get Ozians to see a more human side of you. Though she has not tried clearing your name, I’m unsure why.” Dulcibear looked concerned.

“I told her not to.” Elphaba looked away. 

“What? Little one, why?”

Looking back towards her nanny bear, Elphaba said, “She needed to be good. Oz needed someone good to believe in. Someone who could stand up to Morrible, the Wizard, if he returned. All of the people who believed in their evil cause and hatred and oppression, she had to be the one who could save them.”

“That was very noble of you, Elphaba. Very good of you.” The Bear laid a paw on Elphaba’s shoulder. “There are people who believe in you. Always have. Even if it's few. You were made into something hated, but not everyone chose to believe it.”

“Eh I was always unliked by most people.”Elphaba shrugged. “Dulcibear…are you able to go to and from freely from Emerald City?” The Bear nodded. “We need to get in touch with Dr. Dillamond. Can you help with that?”

“Dr. Dillamond? Why?"

"We need to get a sense of what's happening and where. Who is doing it, and we think he would know. Would you be able to do that?"

"I can help with that, yes. It's a good thing you came back now. Just at the right time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, the professor is planning on retiring this year. There’s speculation on whether he’s being forced to or not, but that was the decision. Though, as of current, I imagine that’s not the news people care about.”

“What do you mean? What other news do they care about? Surely Glinda is not sharing about what is happening to the public.”

“That is correct. And it's not that. The only thing most Ozians seem to care about right now is the news of Glinda’s engagement.”

At the same time, Fiyero and Elphaba both responded.

“Beg your pardon?”

“Her what?!” Elphaba and Fiyero proclaimed as she looked at Fiyero, who looked just as shocked as her.

“La, la, la, la la.” Glinda hummed as she fixed up her hair. Some birds brought her her crown, and she put it on- one that felt a lot heavier and much more demanding these days than before. She looked at her beautiful diamond ring on her finger and cocked her head, staring at it. Glinda then turned to the birds.

“It’s not quite like I anticipated, but I suppose that doesn’t make it any less…wonderful. Thank you for helping.”

She then grabbed her wand and began her rounds around the Emerald palace, checking in on the usual tasks and things required of her. Tasks such as looking at status reports, making sure Morrible was still where she needed to be, and checking in on how Oz was functioning. It was a challenge always trying to figure out solutions to things; like why almost out of every five guards she would send to guard Madame Morrible, only two or three would come back to report to her. Maybe she didn’t have as much trust and loyalty of the people of Oz as she thought. Some duties, however, stayed the same for her with the Wizard's leaving. She still tries to be there for Ozians and grant what she can for them if possible. Even if she couldn’t read that book, she tried for them. Glinda struggled to read the Grimmiere and could only make half of things happen. She knew Elphaba could help heal and figure out all that was going on in Oz if she were here more than Glinda could. It was a tedious task practicing reading that book everyday. It rarely worked. 

Glinda walked through the room that was once her supposed wedding hall and would be again soon. Though she wasn’t sure how she felt about that now. It has changed much since then, more pink added, and it needed an upgrade from when the animals crashed her first wedding. She continued on down the halls. Every time Glinda walked through these halls, she couldn’t help but remember telling Elphaba just how well Pink went with green, imaging walking through them with her by her side, just for everything to go horribly wrong. Glinda couldn’t have been more right about the colors though. She should’ve known then how well the two went together because they were to be best friends, each other’s other half. The one that went well with the other. Glinda’s heart longed to see her friend again, even when she knew that was impossible. As she turned once more, where some extra rooms were, she saw a familiar face passing by down another hall. The sun shining in through the windows. 

“Oh! Dr. Dillamond!” She sang in a high-pitched voice. Dr. Dillamond stopped and turned to look at her, saying goodbye to a tall, feathered creature.  

“Hello, Miss Glllinda.” He baa’d at Glinda, as they approached one another.

“What are you doing here in the city? A bit farish from Shiz.”

“Ah, indeed. I had a meeting with the committee of Ozians for change, the one you allow to meet here. I meet with them about once a month. We were discussing the future prospects of Oz and, of course, my retirement.”

“Right. I heard about that. I was so disheartened to hear about your leaving.” She put her wand down in front of her and fidgeted with it.

“Yes. Well, it seems my time at Shiz must come to an end. I fear I may be of more use outside those walls in these times.”

“More use? Is there something happening at Shiz as well?”

“As well? You mean you know all about what has been happening still?” He asked.

“Well, yes. Though it’s not common knowledge. I can help now, or try. I mean, I can go there to Shiz and-” Glinda spoke, already feeling inferior and powerless to all that was going on. Surely if Elphaba were here, she could find and stop all these people. Glinda still had people walking over her, not letting her rule. “I do not know what I would be able to do.” She started sadly looking away.

Dr. Dillamond shook his head. “No to fret, dear Glllinda. There is nothing to be done. I mean, what I mean to say, is that there is nothing you can do. You and your magic, I’m sure, will find a way to help in other ways, here. You always do.”

“You and I both know even I’m not strong enough to help what I thought was fixified here in Oz.”

“Maybe not, but maybe.”

“Only one person we knew was powerful enough make Oz the place it needed to be.” Glinda looked out of one of the windows in the hallway and saw a huge banister. It was an exaggerated picture of Elphaba in her witch's attire that read:

‘Ding Dong, the Wicked Witch is still dead!

Welcome to the 5th year

Celebration and Anniversary

of the defeat of Oz’s greatest

enemy!’

Dr. Dillamond followed her eye line, and he looked down and away for the sign. “Mmm. So, she was. I miss her too. But we cannot let her memory fade, or the purpose of her death be in vain. Good day to you.” He bowed and continued walking down the halls and out of the green palace.

Glinda nodded hesitantly and looked back at the poster as it blew in the wind. She felt guilt for, in just a few minutes, she would have to go out and address all of Oz about how grateful she was that the witch was still gone and how better off Oz is for it. When in reality she knew Oz was worse off without Elphaba, and she was the only one who could heal what had happened here. But for now? She had to play her part. She had to lie. Something Fiyero resisted and could look past, yet somehow Glinda couldn’t. She has failed both of them. She walked back through the halls and through the double doors that led to the Wizard's grand ballroom-like space. She couldn’t help the wrong she felt and the ache in her heart from missing Elphaba.

Elphaba.

Glinda turned and walked to the Wizard's control room, the room where the wizard once stood, faking the power he had but still helping Glinda become who she was now. Though it was now her own office, her space where she meets with concerned Ozians, it still held all the memories associated with it. Fiyero betraying her and siding with Elphaba, the Wizards' lies, all of it. She walked over and up the stairs as she sat at her desk. Flyers all announcing her engagement, praising her for being good, some warning about the dangers still threatening Oz. Mystery posters for where the Wizard and Morrible were and why they left. And even the ones Glinda had to approve about the Wicked Witches' death. Glinda took a deep breath, once again feeling overwhelmed with her tasks and duties and her fight to heal Oz that Elphaba left to her. Looking around, something familiar caught her eye.

“Oh, Oz!” Glinda jumped, surprised yet wishful. When she realized, she sighed that wish fleeting from her thoughts.

She got up and walked over to the stand where Elphaba’s hat was. She picked it up and looked at it as she hugged it close to her. “Oh, Elphie…” Glinda whispered as tears welled in her eyes. She fell to her knees, holding the hat close to her. “I miss you dearly." More tears fell. “Not that you can hear me.” She forced a slight chuckle. "You’d probably tell me I was made for this. Their love, to heal Oz. But I wasn’t…you were.” She cried some more, hugging the hat close to her heart, giving herself this. This space to break. The time ot feel what she truly felt for her dead and gone friend. “My dear friend, for a second, I thought you were alive, seeing this hat, that you came to tell me everything would be-was- alright. How sillifying of me.” She spoke through tears. “I’m trying to do right by you. It gets more difficult every day. I still can barely read that hidiordorous book I need to learn to read. I don’t know how you ever did it.” She forced another laugh and began to stand up, giving herself a few brief moments of silence, putting the hat back on the stand.

She put the hat back and walked out of her office space. Glinda walked over and looked in a gold mirror where the wizard's circular picture once stood. The one that led to the caged animals, which was now a file holder for all accounts of what had been happening. She stared at herself in the mirror, taking deep breaths and brushing some stray wrinkles from her pink and lilac dress, and fixing her makeup, so it looked perfect and without a smudge. 

“Miss Glinda?”

Glinda, startled for the second time, turned around as a man approached her.

“Apologies. I didn’t mean to frighten you. They are asking if you are ready?”

“No need to apologize. It’ll take more than that to frighten me. I, too, know how to make myself known in a room.” She teased. The man approached her and grabbed her left hand, kissing it.

“Are you ready to go and celebrate?” He asked again.

“Celebrate…” She spoke, offended, rolling her eyes. But reality hit her once more.

“Yes, this is the fifth anniversary of the Wicked Witch's death-"

“It’s already been five years?” She looked back at the mirror. Glinda cleared her throat, looking back at the gentleman in front of her. “I mean, yes. Yes, I suppose I am.”

“We don’t have to do this if you don’t-“

“No, I think they need to see me. I have been locked away for a bit too long. My mind was just elsewhere.”

“When will you learn to trust me, my love? Every time the wicked witch is brought up, or there is anything that has to do with her or the Wizard, you become moodified and distant.”

“I do not.” Glinda lied.

“I’m on your side. Why won’t you trust me, darling?”

“I cannot have this conversation right now. We have an appearance to make.”

“Glinda-“

“Chuffery, please. Can’t we just let it go?”  She stated defiantly.

He sighed, “Very well.” Chuffery then held out his arm for her to take as they walked towards the balcony, but stopped when she turned to him.

“I apologize for my outburst, Sir Chuffery.” He stared at her as she looked straight at the open space that led to the balcony. “I appreciate your help.”

“Anything for you, Miss Glinda.” He spoke, looking at her, hopeful and wanting yet still confused.

"For you, it’s just Glinda. Glinda is fine."

"Understood." As they began walking once more. With a breeze from the opening, Chistery flew in and perched on his watch spot.

“Miss Glinda.” He bowed.

“Chistery.” Glinda turned to Chuffery and removed her arm, holding up a finger and touching his arm, “Just give me one second, dearest.” She demanded and approached Chistery, who flew down to the floor. “Any news?”

“There's a group of soldiers, not Ozian. No one knows where they are from. Who they a..are. Though they wear faded Oz soldier jackets. They attacked a family of deer and gumps on their way to the city.”

“Attacked? What about the family?”

“A..Ad…Advocates for the committee. They were coming to speak against the Wizard.”  

“And are they-“

Chistery nodded.

Dead. Murdered. And no one knew a thing. No one but her, Sir Chuffery, and Chistery. And the soldiers who killed them. Glinda sighed and looked down at the city.

“But why? What would that matter? Ozians are allowed to speak their minds, aren't they?” Chuffery chimed in. “Why would someone want to kill the animals? What was so wrong with the Wizard? I thought he was the grandest of them all?”

Glinda ignored him. “I promised to protect Oz…and I am failing at every road.” She stated to Chistery as she began to pace.

“Darling, you are not failing.” Chuffery went to her side. “These things take time. I may not know as much about his city as I do the border of it, but the solution to helping will not happen overnight. You are doing the best with what you know.” Glinda may not know in what way she loved Chuffery, but she knew she did. It was a different kind of love than Fiyero's and for Fiyero. Not obsessulated or dependent love, but a genuine, pure love she didn’t understand fully. An unconditional love she was not yet used to. No matter how hard she pushed him away, he stood by her patiently and willingly.

Glinda put her hand on Sir Chuffery’s face and let out a forced smile. She dropped her hand as her face turned back to worried in a matter of seconds and slightly approached the balcony, where just in the distance she could see the start of the yellow brick road. Through the crowd, and already hearing the cheers, she watched confused and with intent as she saw Dr. Dillamond walking on the road away from the crowded city. Why wouldn’t he just take the train back to Shiz? Glinda thought. She looked closer as she noticed Dulcibear approaching the Goat professor frantically. An exchange happened between the pair, and he was taken aback and shocked. Dulcibear began running away as he quickly followed behind.

“Chistery.” Glinda called out. The monkey flew to her and stood up at attention.

“Will you do me a favor and make sure Dr. Dillamond gets home alright?” She watched the goat and bear run off from view.

“You want me to-“

“Follow him. Yes. Just see where Dulcibear is leading him, please. They might know something I don’t that may help.” She said. “Most people do.” She mumbled to herself.

“Miss Glinda. Are you s…su…sure? You do know Elphaba-“

“I know she’s dead. This isn’t about her. Just please follow him.” She looked at him pleadingly, and he huffed a noise but nodded slowly and flew off.

“Elphaba…” Chuffery began, and Glinda whipped around to him. “You’ve mentioned her in the stories. Who is she? You are always telling marvelish stories but never say where they came from.” He asked, and Glinda turned away and looked at another banister hanging outside, right in front of her, celebrating her best friend’s death. Chuffery followed her eyes. Everywhere she looked, she was reminded of Elphaba, her best friend. And then of her own failures to protect Oz. 

“Oh. Um, she’s…someone very special to me.”

“Did she know the Wicked Witch?”

“In a way, she did.” Glinda tried to compose herself once more, fixing her dress and crown, and ring. “How about we greet those Ozians?” Glinda’s heart raced, and anxiety swirled in her stomach. She knew Elphaba and Fiyero were dead. She knew that. But a part of her hoped they’d be alive somewhere, somehow... was that where Dr. Dillamond and Dulcibear were going? No, no, they couldn’t have been.

“What is it?” Chuffery asked.  

She turned to him. “I need to clarify something to you. What we’re celebrating- The ‘wicked’ witch- she wasn’t always wicked."

"I agree. No one is born wicked."

"What I mean to say is, she wasn’t really wicked at all. She was just… I mean, it’s just… people should not believe everything they hear, even if they hear it from me. It’s nothing. Just thinking about what I should say on this anniversary.” Chuffery grabbed her left hand with both of his.

“My dear, I do not know what more I can do to get you to trust me. But if something is bothering you-“

“No. No, nothing is bothering me at all. I’m sorry. I’m being dramticocious. Shall we?” She turned to face the balcony fully as Chuffery sighed, and Glinda grabbed his arm, and they finally walked through the curtain of the balcony, where the crowd, Glinda's fellow Ozians, were waiting and cheered and roared with applause when they saw the couple. People shouted The wicked witch is still dead while music played in celebration.

Glinda smiled and waved at her citizens, but couldn’t help her focus shifting to the distance where she had seen Dr. Dillamond and Dulcibear. Two people who loved Elphaba and cared for her greatly. Where were they going? For a small second before hearing the music and watching the pink confetti cannon go off, Glinda let herself hope, just barely, just one more time, and for the last time, before turning to address the crowd, remembering the role she had to play as their public figure. Their leader.

She was so focused on the crowd, Glinda didn’t even notice Chistery sneaking back in through the balcony space. He removed the same hat Glinda was clutching moments ago from the stand in Glinda’s office. He snuck back out through the balcony, flying back over the crowd, avoiding confetti and balloons. He headed in the same direction that Dr. Dillamond followed Dulcibear, the hat of the Wicked Witch of the West in his possession. He flew away from the City and the celebration, eagerly wanting to reunite the hat with its true owner. 

Chapter Text

“I can’t believe Glinda is getting married already, again. I didn’t think she would move on in that span of time. I’m happy for her.” Fiyero spoke to Elphaba as they went out and picked some more plants and herbs, while also filling a bucket with some water by the stream. This was just their usual nighttime routine from Everbloom, and now back in Oz. It was the simple things, simple routines that helped me adjust to all these changes. 

“If you think about it, it’s really not that suprisifying. I think Glinda is the type of ruler who needs someone by her side, true love or not. And it’s been five years; that’s more than enough time for her to move on.” Elphaba grabbed the bucket and scooped water into it. 

“You don’t think she loves him?” Fiyero asked, cutting some mint leaves from a tiny bush in the ground.

“I don’t know. We don’t even know who it is.” Elphaba said, setting the pale of water aside by the stream. She looked at him as he kept cutting, not looking back at her. Elphaba cleared her throat trying to get his attention. When he wasn't receptive, she tried to determine what was bothering him, trying to see how he truly felt about the news.

“Yeah. That’s true. You’re right, it’s probably just another ploy of duty, not love. Maybe she just sprung this on him without a choice.” Elphaba turned, setting down the pale, and kept staring at him as he kept cutting and placing them in a basket, almost robotically.

“Does that bug you- that she moved on like this?”

“No.” Fiyero shrugged, not turning around. “Why would it?”

Elphaba sighed.

“Is this bringing up something for you? Do you feel used by her?” Elphaba stared at Fiyero. No response. “Yero.” She called. He just kept on snipping away and not responding. Elphaba got up and walked over to him and gently knelt beside him. “Fiyero.” He turned to her. “Are you okay?”

“Of course I am.” He gave a halfhearted smile and turned back to the plant. "I'm always okay." 

“You aren’t answering me.”

“I’m listening.”

“What's bugging you? Is it that you feel used by Glinda? Or are you maybe jealous of the man she chose? Is the thing that’s upsetting you the fact that…it wasn’t you?” Elphaba nervously got out. This drew his attention to her.

“What?” He asked as if it were the silliest question. Fiyero brushed his straw-like cotton hands off and looked at Elphaba in her eyes. He grabbed her cheek. “Elphaba. How could you think that? No, of course not.” He said reassuringly. “And it doesn’t bother me any that she may have used me; It led me to realize my true feelings for you.” He grabbed her hands in his own. “I may have cared deeply for Glinda, but I am in love with you. I am quite happy with my choice of woman, thank you very much.” He let go as Elphaba gave a short and small upward change of her lips and nodded. Fiyero went back and gathered all the herbs in his basket.

“So, what’s bothering you then?” She continued to pry.

“I don’t know what you mean. I’m good, love.”

“Fiyero, please talk to me.”

“Really, it's nothing.” Elphaba stopped his hands from organizing in the basket of leaves and herbs, and he turned his head to her, slightly annoyed by the gesture.

“You know, you don’t need to be okay all the time. Not for me. No person can be okay all the time. It’s normal not to feel alright or unsettled with any of this. We don’t always have to focus on what I'm feeling- it doesn’t always have to be if I’m alright. I can clearly see something is bothering you. You are not that good a pretender." She tried to tease. 

He sighed. “You’re right.” He faced her, changing his position. “I just…” Fiyero trailed off. “I- we-“ he gestured between them, “never got to apologize to Glinda and truly tell her the truth of what happened at all, aside from what she knew. What’s bothering me is that I never really got to thank her or even apologize properly before I got carried off.” He stared once more at the residue on his hands as if it were the only thing to look at, as if the residue had suddenly become interesting. “She thinks us dead, she’s moving on.”

“But that’s not what’s bothering you.” Elphaba challenged. “Closure, that’s not the issue...” Elphaba invited. “Why does her moving on bother you?”

“You know me too well, Fae.” He shook his head with a tiny smile and stared at Elphaba once more.

“Go on. I’m listening.” She gestured at him to continue.  

“I want Glinda happy, I do. Her moving on doesn’t bother me. But I just keep thinking about how easy it is for the people here, Glinda even, to… rewrite us…to forget.”

Elphaba tilted her head. “Rewrite how?”

He gave a soft, humorless laugh. “The whole point of what went on and how we helped is remembered differently. For me, I spent my whole life being the joke. Being the careless prince in a family of people who I was never good enough for. I never wanted to take part in any Winkie traditions or take anything seriously. I was the pretty idiot who was always going to be a disappointment. Until I came here and until I actually wanted to be something for myself. Something more.”

“I know that feeling well.” Elphaba put her hand on his leg.

He finally looked at her with his true attention, not looking away, but at her. Connecting with her.  

“Now that I’m ‘gone’, according to Oz, Winkie country… everyone, that’s all I’ll ever be. That’s how they will rewrite me or know me as. A spineless and careless ex-prince who broke Glinda’s heart." 

"Don't forget, pretty." Elphaba played, and FIyero shook his head with a tiny smile. 

"And pretty, of course. They'll remember me as the one who ran off with someone they wrote as Wicked." 

Elphaba’s chest tightened. What did he mean? That he regretted going with her? Was he finally about to turn on her and join the hateful side of Oz against her? She was worried that now, when she's able to feel and admit her love for him, to know him and him her, he would leave for Glinda while they are back in Oz.

“They’ll celebrate her wedding,” he went on quietly. She listened, a rock in her stomach and a lump in her throat. Her heart began beating quicker than she could keep up with. “To someone who suits her better and with a relationship that suits her better. They’ll talk about the men she loved before. And I’ll be a muddy puddle of a mistake. Something she outgrew and stepped on- gladfully so.”

“But that’s not who you are,” Elphaba said. That was all she could say. She didn’t want to speak into existence- his not loving her or wanting to move on. She tried to keep her thoughts light and doubt at bay. “Glinda wouldn’t let your name be dragged around like that. Our true purpose- the one she has been trying to fulfill for us. You were brave, kind, and dedicated. More than just Glinda saw that about you. And coming with me…that showed it. It got people to think why. Why would someone who was so dedicated to her leave for…for…” she sighed herself but forced it out, “For the Wicked Witch of the West.”

“I know,” he replied. His voice didn’t waver- but something behind his eyes did.

“I’m sure stories of your braverism and heroism are going around, and you’re not getting rewritten or our purpose forgotten. You won’t just be some pretty idiot of her past.”

“Maybe. Or maybe she’ll tell stories of my betrayal and exile. My ‘death.”

“Does that bother you about the lies? About Glinda finding someone? About people talking about you left for me- the 'wicked witch?” She spoke, her voice shaking, terrified at what he would say or think about this. Elphaba was just beginning to feel secure with Fiyero and in her relationship with him. But if her visions predict the future. Maybe this was where he leaves. Nothing good lasts forever for Elphaba, not even her name, her magic; it was only a matter of time. “What I mean to say is, um, do you feel you made the wrong choice? Feel as if you made-“

“No.” Fiyero cut her off before her train of thought went too far off the rails. “No, Elphaba.” He adjusted his position and made her adjust hers, so his whole body was pointing to her. He took both her hands in his once more. She looked at his hands and then at his face, her eyebrows showing the true worry she felt. “Don’t do that to yourself. That’s not what I’m saying. I told you, I do not feel as if I made the wrong choice. I do not feel as if it should be me instead of him. I do not love her like that; I love you and only you. I’m not saying I want to take back what I did or how I did it. What I’m trying to say is that I just want people, especially now that we are back, to see me more than what I was. Both of us. I don’t want them to have some confirmation on who they thought we were. Ozians are so easily distracted. I mean, she's just now engaged and they already, I’m sure, have forgotten about everything in the past. The stuff that led them there. It's all about the next celebration.” Elphaba nodded slowly. Trying to take deep breaths and believing his words.

“I understand that. And we can fix that while we’re here as well. Help Glinda, Oz, and clear both of our names along with Oz’s perception of us. Get them to see what this place really is and what it should be. Hopefully.” She reassured him, and this time Fiyero nodded.

“Elphaba.” She looked at him, still raking deep breaths, her heart racing. “Your nightmare is not going to come true. Just because we’re back here does NOT mean I’m going to just up and wobble out of here for Glinda or believe what anyone in Oz says about you. I will stand with you, even if it's just me standing. Which you think would be easy for me.” He scoffed a laugh.

“Of course. I know that.”

“Do you?” He accused looking at her in her eyes as they watered.

“I…I’m trying too. I just thought maybe with the engagement and the way you were speaking-”

“That I would just leave and forget every promise I have ever made to you, or ignore every feeling I feel for you? You are mine. And I do not want anyone else. I have my worries, though, as well.”

“This conversation is for you, not for me,” Elphaba stated, removing her hands.

“Why can’t it be for both of us?” She nodded and slowly got up She looked back at him. He nodded to her in confirmation as he looked back at the leaves gathering them all in the basket and getting ready to stand up. There was a silence that followed.

Elphaba took this quiet space to walk back and picked up the pale of water from the stream. She walked back over as Fiyero stood up, leaves and berries, and nuts in different cloths, and the basket in his hands. “I told you, and believe me when I say, I care about how you feel, too. It’s not always about me in this relationship. I know you also have your own fears and worries.”

“Thank you, love. But I’m okay. I promise. I just had to get it off my chest, I suppose.”

“You can always tell me your true feelings.”

“I know that, but this journey, these things happening, it’s about you and your redemption, not me or mine.”

“That doesn’t make you any less crucial or important. I feel unsettled, even if I know it’s right. This journey is about everyone, especially you.”

He kissed her forehead, and she closed her eyes, feeling the embrace. “Come on, let's get this inside, it's getting dark.” The pair took their water and spices, and plants back to the hideout and set all of it up as Elphaba began boiling some water. And Fiyero began preparing a small dish and plate of something.

“Fiyero…” He looked at her. “Do you want to try and continue the reverse change spell tonight?”

“Do you?” She glared at him, irritated, but softened as he looked at her, mocking her face back to her. “Be serious!” She chuckled.

“Elphaba, you know I don’t mind.”

“I just feel different being back here. There's magic in Oz that I have the ability to tap into.”

“Then I say let’s try.”

They finished preparing their meal, and Elphaba got a spell ready and the potion ready for Fiyero to drink. As they sat down at the small table, there was a screeching chatter in the distance. Elphaba heard wings flapping as she and Fiyero stood up and began walking towards the entrance. In the blink of an eye, Elphaba watched as her old hat, the one Glinda had given the night of the Ozdust dance, the one that allowed her to act the part of wicked witch, dropped from the sky.

“What in Oz?” She spoke softly, walking over to it. Fiyero followed and looked around. They walked out of the hut and up on the makeshift roof as Chistery squatted there smiling. “Chistery! Is this my old hat?”

Chistery nodded once.

“Wherever did you find it? I wanted Glinda to have it. She gave it to me, and I wanted to return it to her. A momento.”

“Miss Glinda.”

“So she did have it… she gave this to you? Chistery does she know we're-“ he shook his head no and came down to their level. He picked it up and handed it to her.

“Took.”

“You took this from her?” He nodded again as she gently took the hat from his grip.

“It's yours. She ce…cel…celebrates your death today.”

“We died five years ago? Wow…” She and Fiyero made eye contact. Fiyero looked at her, impressed. Elphaba turned back to Chistery. “She doesn’t mean to. She is a leader to the Ozians, an example. I know she wouldn’t if she had a real choice.”

“She kind of does. We all do.” Fiyero chimed in. “She could be a better example.”

“Fiyero.” Elphaba looked at him, confused by his comment.

“We know. But its yo…yours.” Chistery spoke.

“Thank you once more.” She stated as he bowed to her and nodded at her to put it on.

Elphaba hesitantly took her hands and placed the hat on her head, turning it so it stayed. Chistery nodded in approval as he looked to Fiyero, who was just staring at Elphaba.

“You may look like the wicked witch, but you are far from.” He stepped to her.

She took a deep breath, reveling in the familiarity of all of this. Oz. Her broom and hat. Chistery. Chistery turned to Fiyero and walked to him. He reached into the back of his belt and took out something. It was a gun- similar to the one he was given as captain to hunt Elphaba. The same one he pointed at Glinda to rescue Elphaba.

“What’s this for?” Fiyero asked.

“Protection. For y...you. And her.” He said simply. Fiyero nodded to him in thanks, and he put the gun in its holster within his makeshift belt.

“Would you look at us, a couple of ex-Ozians ready for a battle.” Elphaba lightened, not being serious.

“A battle they pinned on us. We are just being prepared to fight back.” Fiyero spoke.

“The whole point of returning to save Oz-“

“That doesn’t mean there won’t be people who try to hurt us. And we need to be ready.” Fiyero interrupted, and deep down, even if she didn’t want to believe it, Elphaba knew he was right.

“Thank you, Chistery,” Fiyero spoke.

“I will take m…my my leave.” He began flying but turned back. “Oh. One more thing.” They looked up at him. “You have co…com…company approaching.” He said as he flew off and out of sight.

“Company?” Elphaba looked to Fiyero as they walked around the hut and walked closer to the dirt path that led to the yellow brick road. They knelt down in some bushes, Elphaba’s hands at the ready, Fiyero cocking his gun. Why would Chistery announce that there was company just to fly off? Why wouldn’t he help them? Elphaba was pulled from her thoughts.

“It's not fair. You get to blend in.”

“So do you. There are plenty of scarecrows in the woods of Oz. You and I could practically blend in anywhere.”

“Except against the color pink.” He messed.

“Maybe that’s because we aren’t supposed to blend in with pink,” Elphaba spoke metaphorically. They looked back at the road as two creatures came into view. “Wait- Fiyero.” She tapped him. “Fiyero, look!” As they peered closer, they noticed the two creatures. It was Dulcibear and Dr. Dillamond. Elphaba stood up and casually walked out of the bush, and Fiyero put his gun away and followed.

“Dr. Dillamond!” Elphaba exclaimed, looking towards the Goat professor, trotting towards them.

“Elphaba.” He shouted. He approached the pair, and she got down on the ground. She put her hand on, and he lightly laid his hoof in her hand and bowed his head to her. “It’s good to see you, alive.” Dr. Dillamond spoke.

“It’s good to see you, too. I’m glad you are able to talk once more.”

“I had a feeling you wouldn’t be really dead.”

“I mean, the 'Wicked Witch' is trulyociously dead. But not me.”

“No, not you.”

“Seriously? That’s an Ozian word, too?” Fiyero joked with Elphaba.

“Not now.” She laughed back.

“Miss Elphaba, I am so sorry for everything that has happened to you.”

“Oh, please. Dr. Dillamond, that wasn’t your fault.” Some crows were flying overhead, finding a place to rest for the night, and this caught Fiyero’s attention.

“Elphaba, again, perhaps we should go inside and out of sight,” Fiyero suggested, looking up, and Elphaba followed his eye line. Elphaba could not be too careful about who or what was a spy for either Glinda or Morrible. 

“Right. Good call. Follow us.”

“Little one,” Dulcibear got Elphaba s attention. “I am going to take my leave. I have much to do.” Dulcibear stated. Elphaba looked at Fiyero and nodded to take Dr. Dillamond inside. She tuned back to her Bear nanny as the two men went inside.

“Will I see you again?”

“Of course you will. I have a small shack in the western plain to maintain.” Dulcibear smiled, and Elphaba gave her a hug. “I am glad you are alive and back.”

“Thank you. You can come and maintain this space anytime.”

“You do not need to thank me. Please stay safe, little one. And the hat suits you, but I think it’s time to retire the black.”

“You too. Take care of Munchkinland. And I will think on that.” The Bear nodded and began walking the dirt path.

“I forgot to ask,” Elphaba called out, and the Bear turned around. “Who is the Governor of Munchkinland now, after Nessa’s…passing?”

“They don’t have one. There have been some interim Governors, but none who want to keep the position. It’s a dark time over there.”

“I see. Be safe, Dulcibear. See you soon.”

“You too, Elphaba.” Elphaba waited until she was out of sight to return to her home. She walked inside as Fiyero grabbed Dr. Dillamond some tea.

“So this was where you were hiding. All that time?”

“You knew about that?” Elphaba asked, saddened.

“Indeed. I could see and hear, but my brain would become foggy, and I could not talk. If you hadn’t shown up and rescued us, I would have almost forgotten how to think and speak like I was born to. You saved me. All of us in those cages. Thanks to you, we all began to talk again and do what we used to do. Even if some of us are only now getting it again.” Fiyero looked at Elphaba once more knowingly. She was always doubting the good she did, the Animals she saved, but she saved more than she even realized, even though Fiyero did.

“When Dulci told me to follow her, that it had to do with you, I didn’t know what to think. I never go to truly thank you properly for what you did for us.”

“Clearly nothing if there is still bad happening in Oz.” Elphaba huffed.

“Is that why you're back?” She nodded. “Miss Elphaba, there will always be something bad happening anywhere. It’s not always caused by you, though. Oz is a stubborn land, with stubborn people. Everyone wants the best for themselves, selfishness, but nobody wants to help themselves or create ‘better’. They want someone to do it for them. They will listen to anyone who has power to make decisions and lead them, so they don’t have to, and then they get lost when it doesn’t go the way they like. That is what creates a divided land, Ozians not thinking for themselves. You didn’t create that.” Elphaba listened intently.

“Yes, that does seem to be the historical pattern, doesn’t it?” She spoke and was about to sit down with the men. “Dr. Dillamond, I was sorry to hear about your retirement. I know how much you loved teaching.”

“Ah, yes, well, I do believe it’s time to move the fight away from Shiz and do other important work to help Oz outside of teaching. It seems it didn’t help the first time, but it can now.”

“Tell me what’s been going on. What do you know? What does Glinda know? How has anyone tried to help?” Elphaba frantically asked, though as she did, she felt something calling to her. Something like a pull saying her name. She excused herself quickly to get some air, only to feel a vision begin to form. Elphaba moved into a more secluded area and put her palms facing up, closing her eyes. Her vision became more than shapes and noises; she opened her eyes and looked at the floor of the forest floor. She saw Glinda. She was in the wizard's office in the Emerald City. Only now, it was pink. She saw her walking around the office, picking up her hat. The hat she was wearing. How was this possible? Elphaba took off her hat and watched the vision unfold, holding the hat close.

“Oh, Elphie…” Glinda cried, falling to her knees, holding the hat close to her. Elphaba felt as if Glinda was right in front of her, like she could console her right there. She hugged the hat just like Glinda did. 

“Glinda.” Elphaba breathed, shocked at seeing her friend again this clearly, even in a vision. She got on her knees and looked closer at the image.

“I miss you dearly. Not that you can hear me. You’d probably tell me I was born for this. But I wasn’t, you were. My dear friend, for a second, I thought you were alive. That you had come to tell me everything would be, was alright. How sillifying of me. I’m trying to do right by you. It gets more difficult every day. I still can barely read that hidiordorous book I need to learn to read.”

“I am alive…I’m here. Glinda… I’m here.” She spoke softly, knowing she couldn’t hear her. “You can do it; you must do it. For Oz, for me. You’re stronger than you seem. You’re far stronger than me. Please…don’t give up.” Elphaba whispered, reaching to the vision as a tear fell as she sat there watching Glinda sit there and cry. 

The vision blurred a bit and moved to Glinda fixing herself up, someone coming in and grabbing her arm- a man- her fiancée presumably. They walked to the balcony to celebrate another year of Elphaba’s supposed death. She saw Glinda look at the poster as she greeted the Ozians alongside the man Elphaba didn’t recognize. The vision disappeared, and Elphaba sat there, wiping her tears and looking at the hat. Maybe Fiyero was right. Glinda did have a choice for celebrating her death, for how she was viewed. But wasn’t it Elphaba who told her not to clear her name? She stood up, hat in her hand, and just stared at the ground.

Glinda.

Her best and only friend.

She missed her just as much. Even with all these complicated feelings and being back in Oz, Glinda was the only person she wanted to see. Glinda, who always seemed too confident, felt like she was struggling, not only felt- she was struggling. She felt as if she wasn’t meant to do this. None of them were meant to be or do any of this. Both of them were just thrown into an act, and their sides were chosen for them. They just wanted to learn magic, do some good, and be known for something better than who they were. Until the Wizard and Madame Morrible messed it all up.

Elphaba knew she needed Glinda to see her, talk to her, and Glinda her, but how? How could Elphaba make herself known? Glinda was guarded, protected, and who knew where Glinda stood now. Who knew the kinds of people that were out there? A thought hit Elphaba. She could leave now in the dead of night and show up, like she did the night of her wedding. No one would bother her. No. Elphaba quickly shook the thought away. She promised Fiyero she wouldn’t go this alone. They had a difference on when or if to talk to Glinda; it was the first time they had really disagreed. Regardless, she wouldn’t betray him like that. She would keep her promise. Elphaba tried to change her face and presence, and taking a deep breath, she walked back into the hut.

“Everything alright, Miss Elphaba?” Dr. Dillamond questioned.

“What’s that? Oh. Yes. I just, um, I thought I heard Chistery back, so I had to go and check. Must have just been a tree or something.” Fiyero looked at her, knowing she was lying. Elphaba pulled out the chair and sat down as Fiyero watched her closely. She looked at him and shook her head 'no' as in saying ‘now is not the time’. He slowly turned his head back to Dr. Dillamond while keeping his eyes on Elphaba.

“So, we were discussing Glinda. What does she know? What has been happening?” Fiyero started.

“Yes, I heard some events from Dulcibear, but I figured you’d have much better insight.”

“Very perceptive of you. Glinda only knows what people choose to share with her. Most notably, what her captain shares with her. I believe you said his name-“

“Chistery?”

“Yes, him. Amazing ally to have. She is only made aware of things either he reports to her that he sees, or guards that come back from guarding Madame Morrible.”

“She is still locked up, right?” The Goat professor nodded.

“Where?” Fiyero asked.

“A castle a few miles west from here, near the mountainsides.”

“Kiamo Ko…” Fiyero said, making eye contact with Elphaba.

“I’ve heard the rumors from being in the palace that she would send guards to check on Morrible or do a shift change to guard her, and some don’t come back. In that same time span, animals going to Emerald City, or teaching others about history, to talk, anything related; they are getting, not even silenced, they are just being obliterated altogether. Just recently, a group of soldiers, ones that looked different than what Glinda had sent out, attacked a family of deer and gumps on their way to the city. My dear friend Gullard was one of them. He was an advocate for the committee for change I’m on. They all were. But they were murdered- them and their family. They were coming to speak against the Wizard during the celebration of your death. They believed you, they believed in you. And it’s not just here. I have colleagues, friends, and members of the committee from all over, talking about how much worse it is in their towns. As I can see from your map,” The professor nodded to Elphaba’s marked map following the attacks before she left. “Quox, Winkie Country, Uplands, Gillikin Country... It's happening everywhere now. And when I snuck by the scene, there was a symbol, like the kind Morrible had on her robes, drawn in their blood.”

“So the soldiers Glinda’s sending there are turning against her and working for Morrible? They're aiding her?” Fiyero asked.

“We don’t know. Some come back, but supposedly, they have no memory of anything happening. But then somehow someway- in private no less- animals are being silenced and people, magic, praised. Meanwhile, everyone thinks everything is fine again; that Oz is perfect again. I fear it's much worse. The committee and Glinda already have pushback from loyalists of the Wizard. One who thinks he needs to return, that Oz under him was the best Oz.”

“That’s because that’s what they were told and brainwashed to think,” Fiyero spoke up angrily.

“I agree. But that doesn’t change the fact that it is now. Glinda’s magic is…subpar. It doesn’t do much. She cast half spells and barely anything to help. Her public appearances are not doing what they did. It's only enraging the ones who know what’s happening. She has information but does nothing with it. She distracts Oz, not helps. I know Miss Glinda tries, but I fear her magic alone isn’t strong enough.” He eyed Elphaba.

“Because she doesn’t know how to use it. What to do with it. What can we do? What do we need to do? Dr. Dillamond, do we know why it's happening?”

“Elphaba…your magic can save us. You are the one prophesied to be Oz’s ruler. I know it. You know how to stop this, to heal Oz, to make it what it should be. You know why this is happening. Animals, Munchkins, those deemed ‘not normal’ need to die so that there is a divide. That humans or witches are the highest, and everyone else is below. It's the classic hate for power or leadership dilemma all lands in history inevitably face. That people different from them are bad, and that allows others to get on a bandwagon because of fear. Fear creates this. That and when they don’t think for themselves. And Glinda doesn’t even realize these things are happening to keep her in power, that she is still in Madame’s control.”

“You think Morrible still has control over the situations in Oz?” Fiyero put his elbow on the table and leaned his chin on his hand. Dr. Dillamond nodded slowly.

“Well then.” Elphaba spoke up optimistically. “I think it’s time to let a certain wicked witch know we’re alive and she will be stopped. I will tell her where she can shove-”

“No. You can’t, mustn’t. She will spread rumors that you are back, where you are, and they will hunt you. It will send Oz into a frenzy. The people will be fearful again, and you won’t be able to hide for long. People do horridable things when afraid.”

“But you just said people need to think for themselves. Maybe I don’t hide then. Maybe it's time to make myself known.”

“Elphaba, we need to discuss this and think about it.” Fiyero interrupted.

“No. No more discussion about it. We need to visit Morrible. And then we need to see Glinda. I’m done living in fear and being afraid. Fiyero, this isn’t like last time. I’m not a naïve girl wanting approval. I’m here to save Oz. I know who I am and I know who they are.”

Dr. Dillamond sighed.

“I guess change won’t happen unless someone changes it. Unless something is done, I can’t say I support it. But I can say it might be worth a try. If anything, it’s a road to healing, hopefully.”

“Thank you.” Elphaba grabbed his hoof. “For everything then and especially now.”

“I am on your side. I believe in you.” Elphaba nodded and smiled at him. “I always have. We will be in touch.” He spoke as he got up, and Fiyero walked him out as Elphaba sat at the tabl,e drinking a cup of tea made from the spices and leaves, and watched the fire with the kettle on it burn.

“Well, that was a step towards something. Now we know a bit more about what’s going on.” Fiyero said. "I knew I always liked his class." 

"You always slept during it."

"Times have changed." 

“Fiyero, I was being serious. I want to visit Morrible.”

“Yeah, I was afraid you’d say that. But what I would like to know is where you went.” He questioned. “I mean, this journey and relationship are about both of us.” He teased from their earlier conversation.

“What are you talking about?”

“When Dr. Dillamond came inside, you left.”

“Oh. That. I had a vision…”

“Of what?”

“It was Glinda. It was of Glinda. I saw her. She felt powerless; she missed me.” There was a pause. “Fiyero-“

“I know, I know. You want to see her, too, make yourself known.” He rubbed his hand down his straw-like face.

“But perhaps it's not time yet?”

“Perhaps not yet.” Fiyero sat next to her and put his arm over her. “We won’t be hidden forever. If we can accomplish what we came to accomplish, you not only will be able to see Glinda again, but you could have everything you ever wanted from Oz. Acceptance. Love. Peace”

“Even if I don’t get that from them, I have it from you. What I want is something different. For Oz to be what it's meant to be.” She looked at him and smiled. He put his forehead against hers. “I need to do something. We need to start helping Oz.”

“And we will. No one knows we’re here, that’s an advantage.” Fiyero explained.

“Maybe we don’t have to confront Madame. Maybe we can just spy on what’s happening over there. We know the castle well.”

“We can see what she’s doing or what’s happening to the guards.”

“Right. And then we go from there.” Elphaba planned.

“Right. And then go from there.” Fiyero echoed.

The pair fell into a silence as Elphaba leaned to Fiyero and they stared at the fire, enjoying each other's company. “Are you ready to drink the potion and attempt the spell for the first time in Oz?” She spoke up hesitantly.

“Don’t sound so worried. I’m safe as long as I’m with you.” He reassured her, and she kissed him and nodded as she got up and began preparing everything.

After a couple of hours of repeating the spell, covering the straw in the potion, Fiyero attempted to drink the bitter potion, but very little happened. Fiyero’s straw, hair, and nails would all turn to flesh or what it once looked like, and then turn to straw and flesh vanished as quickly as it would appear. Elphaba got frustrated, not understanding why this was happening. What was she missing? There was some important ingredient, or incantation, or phrasing she was missing that wasn’t helping it last. She knew a spell from the Grimmerie wasn’t reversible, but she had hope. Hope in her magic, her power, the spell she cast, hope in her ability to be who the prophecy referred to. But maybe she wasn’t the one, after all; it’s not like she believed that she was the prophesied one anyway. After a long night of trying, Fiyero crying out in pain, then, in a flash, not being able to feel pain, Elphaba had had enough. She went for a walk outside to clear her mind and figure out what was going on. When she came back, Fiyero was sitting watching the fire, eyes closed. Elphaba looked at him wearily. As Elphaba entered, he woke up, and she let out a sigh of relief. Both decided to retire for the night, Elphaba in for a night of tossing and turning, Fiyero in for a restless night of reading a random map Elphaba had lying around. Both knew sleep was not their fate for tonight.

The following day, Elphaba and Fiyero, getting no rest, got up and prepared to go to Kiamo Ko to spy on what was happening with Morrible and the guards, as Dr. Dillamond had said. They had planned it all out. The route, where they would hide, when, and if they would go into the castle or not. Elphaba recommended flying, but Fiyero said that was too easily spotted- especially near there. Elphaba knew if she needed her broom, all she had to do was say the spell, and it would come to her, so there wasn’t much debate needed. They packed a few items just for the day, knowing they’d be back here tonight, a weird feeling for both. Even with the rain the night before, the sun was out bright today. As they were about to leave, Fiyero felt a feeling he hadn’t felt in a long time. Elphaba froze at his comment, turning to him as if something caught her attention.

“You know what’s strange? Today, I am feeling a bit hungry for something.” He laughed, playing it off, even with the familiar feeling of a stomach growl. That’s when Elphaba froze, turning to him.

“Yero! Your face!” She exclaimed.

“Thank you, Fae. You’ve got a beautiful face as-“

“No, Fiyero. Look.” She went to shuffle to find anything, a mirror, a glass, something that could reflect his look. Picking up a shard of a broken mirror, she showed him.

Picking the shard of glass up for himself, Fiyero touched his face as if it were something totally different. There, looking in the mirror, was not only more human-looking, straw-like hair, but his face was, it was him. It was Fiyero, not the Scarecrow. He looked like him, with only patches of straw and fabric surrounding patches of skin.

“It’s…me.”

“It’s you.” She spoke, tears welling in her eyes. “Almost.”

“It's itchy.” He spoke still in shock, looking at his real eyes and nose.

“Well, magic has its lim-“ Elphaba was caught off guard by Fiyero dropping the shard and picking her up, spinning her around.

“Elphaba. You did it. You actually did it. Look! You did this!” He put her down and kissed her, and she put her hand on a part of his cheek without any patches. Fiyero shivered at her touch again, never knowing if he’d ever feel her again- truly feel her. Elphaba pulled away.

“But it’s not…I mean, it’s not lasting, it’s not all of you. Its pieces and patches, and it won’t stay, I’m sure. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.”

“Just celebrate the good, love. Look at me. You did this. Limits or not.” He explained, hugging her and picking her up once more as she laughed. “I was content either way, with how you saved me. But thank you.” Elphaba looked away, cheeks gaining a slight pinkish tint. She went to put the fire out with some water.

“You’re welcome. I mean, it was nothing. I just wanted to fix- I mean, try to heal what I- how I- saved you.” She stood up facing the smoke coming from the fireplace, and he came up behind her and hugged her once more, kissing her cheek.

“You saved me then. And you continue to save me now. Whether it lasts or not, look how powerful you are.” Elphaba turned to him and once more put her hand on his cheek as his eyes closed.

“Shall we? We have a long journey ahead.”

“Yes, yes. I believe I have new profound pep in my step.” Fiyero stated, doing a little skip movement with his legs, causing Elphaba to chuckle once more, and they grabbed their sacks, Fiyero also grabbing his gun. She eyed her broom once more but knew Fiyero was right about it. It would be too easily spotted if they flew. She couldn’t. She just grabbed her hat and followed Fiyero out.

“You’re going to wear your hat?”

“What? Do you not like it?”

“Elphaba…we are trying to be discreet. Trying to keep the impression we’re dead. If someone sees you in your hat…” He left the statement hanging.

“Okay, okay. Fair point.” She took the hat off and hung it up, looking at it as Fiyero grabbed her hand and they began their journey to Kiamo Ko.

After about 3 hours of travel, they paused, reaching the end of their dirt and forest path, and reached the only road for the next few miles- the yellow brick road. Elphaba gave Fiyero a look and rolled her eyes, and he jumped on it in a dance-like manner, bowing and offering Elphaba his hand. “Wicked Witch?” He whispered playfully.

She took it gingerly, a slight smirk coming across her face. “Scarecrow.” She spoke as he brought her to him and began dancing around with her. “You definitely were the one who created that jig with the farm girl-“

“Dorothy.”

“Yeah, her. I know you created that little ‘off to see the Wizard’ dance.”

“Your point?” He grinned as she rolled her eyes, and he stopped dancing. “It’s more fun when you’re dancing-“

“Through life. I know, I know.” She grabbed his arm as they cautiously began walking down the yellow brick road, pausing and hiding in trees every time they thought they heard or saw someone or any animal. They walked down the road about a mile before Fiyero began recognizing something.

“This field…” Fiyero let out quietly, looking around the corn and wheat field. “This is the field where-“

“You were beaten, tortured, and left to die, waking up with amnesia.” She looked down and fidgeted with her necklace. “All because of me.” She said barely audible. Fiyero turned to her, looking at her incredulously in his disbelief. When there was no reply, she looked up and saw him staring at her. “What?”

“I was going to say the field where my life was saved by the woman I love. But please do go on with your pessimism.”

“Oh.”

“Oh.” He echoed obviously. They continued waking, as a crow cawed and landed on Fiyero’s shoulder. He paused and slowly turned to look at the bird. “Uh…hello.” He said calmly. The bird started to chip away and nibble on some of the straw, and Fiyero began swatting at it, speaking up a little more fearfully. “Go away. Get off me.” Fiyero stated running in circles.

“Fiyero.” Elphaba chimed in. “It's alright, it’s just a crow.” Elphaba looked confused as she stepped forward. “He doesn’t know any better.”

Fiyero paused as the bird flew off his shoulder and flew up to his head. Elphaba couldn’t help but laugh.

“It’s not funny. I’ve had enough birds landing on me and chewing on me to last me…well, a lifetime.” He said shooing the bird away, but it wouldn’t budge.

“It is funny! You are failing miserabuciously at being a scarecrow. The point is to scare them off, Yero. Not let them land on you.” She approached him again as he stood still, looking up. The bird finally saw Elphaba when she came closer, and the crow cawed and screeched in fright as it flew away. “Would you look at that? I’m better at scaring things off than you.” She watched the bird fly away quickly. Fiyero grabbed Elphaba’s hand, and she turned to him.

“Crows tend not to be the brightest; you are not anything or anyone to be afraid of.”

“It doesn’t bother me. It’s just a crow. Some things won’t change, and I just have to accept that. I'm more afraid of if they're on a side.”

"I don't think so, I think they were just crows." 

"Let's hope."

It was early afternoon as the couple continued on their journey down the yellow path, sticking towards the edges and hiding under leaves and branches. The path grew smaller and veered off to rockier paths as they approached the mountainsides, knowing the castle was coming up shortly. Both felt a slight tingle of nerves from the other as they approached. Many memories came up for the pair as they got closer to Kiamo Ko. They continued the path, Fiyero out of precaution, taking his gun out, and Elphaba stayed back a few inches and let him lead.

Fiyero and Elphaba walked off the yellow brick road and down onto a rocky path leading to the castle. After a few years, there was a rustle heard in the forest surrounding them. Castle in sight, Fiyero got his gun out and cocked it as Elphaba tightened her sack and rolled up her sleeves. They followed the noise, which seemed to be a mumbled conversation. As they got closer, the word became apparent. It was a mumbled ‘help’ or ‘hey’. The noise came into view as Elphaba stepped into sight and looked at Fiyero, who was gripping his gun ahead of her. There in front of them was a man, made of tin- not just any man, one they knew all too well.

Boq.

He was mumbling for help, he was trying to get their attention, not knowing it was them. Elphaba looked him over with a saddened look on her face and noticed an oil can was attached to a chain with a heart at the end of it that ticked like a clock.

“He got that from our oh so very kind wizard,” Fiyero said sarcastically. “He asked for a heart. Didn’t get one, I don’t think.” He eyed Boq.

“Appropriate ask.” She said, glaring at him. The tin man moved the only thing he could move,  his eyes, to make eye contact with Elphaba, and his eyes widened in shock as he made a grunt-like groan.

“Hello, Boq,” Elphaba said. The eyes continued to flare daggers at Elphaba as Fiyero began to try and unchain the oil can. He handed it to Elphaba. Boq stared as if they were going to take it and run.

“Wait-“ Fiyero stopped and grabbed Elphaba’s arm that was about to spray the first spritz of oil.

“What is it?” Elphaba asked, and Fiyero stepped in front of Elphaba and glared back at Boq. It pained him to see his once friend, like this, full of hatred and lack of freedom. But Elphaba’s safety was more important. He looked at her. “Give me a second.” She nodded, and Fiyero turned his attention to his once, friend.

“Boq.” Fiyero started looking directly in Boq’s enraged but still shocked eyes. “Elphaba will help you to move again and put that oil on you only on one condition. If you talk, if you want to have a conversation, you do NOT lift a single finger or piece of tin on Elphaba. You do not harm a single hair on her head or one piece of straw on mine. If you so much as think about it, you will never see freedom again.” Boq’s eyes rolled, but softened looking at Fiyero. It was as if he noticed just for the first time, the patches of normalcy on Fiyero’s face. Still, Boq blinked once, as in saying ‘yes’ to Fiyero’s terms. “Go ahead, love.” Boq looked confused, looking between the pair at Fiyero’s usage of the word ‘love’. Fiyero stepped out of the way and cocked his gun, pointing it at Boq. Not that it would do much, but the threat was there, and Boq needed to be aware of it.

The first thing Elphaba oiled was his feet, which were stuck to the ground from the rain. She oiled his feet and his knees. He began lifting them and moving them around. Then she did his neck next, and he cocked his head back and forth. She wanted to make his arms and mouth last just in case he decided to swing or yell. She did his face, his hands, and finally she oiled his elbows and shoulders, and then his nose, and lastly with a deep breath, his mouth. Boq took a few deep breaths himself as Fiyero pulled Elphaba from him and behind him. Boq stumbled around for a second, bent over, and slowly came back up, finally regaining his abilities. He turned to Fiyero and Elphaba, Fiyero’s gun still cocked and pointed at him, Elphaba holding the oil can. Boq looked like he wanted to say something; his face showed sadness, gratitude, pain, but his face quickly changed into anger, hatred.

“A thank you is in order,” Fiyero demanded, picking up on Boq’s hesitation. Boq looked between the pair again and then at the oil can. Elphaba followed his eye sight, face full of distrust, but almost as if she was waiting to see his next move. She hesitated herself, but as an act of trust, she handed him the oil can back. He yanked it from her and attached it back to where it was by the ticking heart.

“Thank you?” Boq finally spoke, moving his neck and limbs once more. “You want me to say thank you, Fiyero? You want me to say thank you to this wicked witch?” He taunted Elphaba. “You. You’re the reason I’m made of tin. This,” He gestured to his body, “is because of you!” Boq moved closer to her as Fiyero stepped forward, gun to his head. Boq snickered. “You and I both know that won’t do much to me.” He looked at Elphaba. “You want me to say thank you? Fine. Thank you- for ruining my life!” He yelled angrily. Elphaba stepped forward and was about to reply, but Fiyero held his arm out to stop her.

“Boq, you can’t be serious-“ Fiyero tried to talk sense.

“Can it, Scarecrow!”

A beat.

“It’s Tin Man now.” He looked down.

“Don’t talk to him like that!” Elphaba defended. The tin man looked back up at Elphaba, pure disgust in his eyes.

“Elphaba, don’t-“ Fiyero tried again.

“I cannot believe you both are here. Not even here, but in love?” He laughed, menace in his tone as he gave both a repulsed look. “How crazy are you?” Boq shot at Elphaba.

“Crazy? You want to talk about crazy? You know full and well it wasn’t just me as to why you’re like this. I know you do!” She spoke, pushing past Fiyero right in front of Boq. “I’m not the reason. Nessa- Nessa would’ve killed you. If it wasn’t for me, you’d be dead! I may be the reason you’re tin, but I’m also the reason you’re alive!”

“Then you should’ve let me die! At least then I would have control over my own life. Who said I wanted to be alive? You don’t get to decide if I should live! I’d rather be dead than be like this. Glinda…you…Nessa…all you witches are just evil and do not care about anything or anyone but yourselves. I didn’t want to be saved if I had to live in a world without love. Even now, I have to rely on anyone else for protection and help.”

“I didn’t do it for you! I mean- I wanted to save you… You were my friend! But Nessa…I did it for her.”

“So you’d rather make me a continued prisoner of that witch the rest of my life? You and your sister are just alike.” Elphaba fumed, hands turning into fists, and the leaves and branches rustled above them. Fiyero and Boq both looked up and around, sensing it.

”People do awfutiable things when they’re afraid. Something I feel you know a thing or two about.”

“You’re supposed to be dead.” A thought hit him. “Both of you. Aren’t you both supposed to be dead?”

“Wow, you really showed a very different side to Dorothy.”

“She didn’t cause any of this. She was just a child who wanted to get home.”

“And you think I caused all this? I left Oz to believe I died, leaving them to heal and for Glinda to be good-“

“You already know she's not good. She’s just as manipulative as you.”

“We left for Oz, for the protection of everyone,” Fiyero stated, getting aggravated.

“Yeah? So why come back then? Huh? To turn more people into-“

“To save Oz,” Elphaba said.

“Didn’t you already try that?’ Boq scoffed.

“You ungrateful-“ She stepped forward, and Fiyero spoke up, stopping her.

“Breathe.” He said to Elphaba and looked at Boq. “It’s been five years, Boq. Surely you have come to terms with all this by now. Sometimes the people you love don’t love you back. You can’t make that everyone else’s problem.”

“What would you know about any of that? You’ve been loved and chosen by everyone that you’ve ever loved. You may have looked past what she did because you’re under some spell of hers, but I haven’t.”

“I’m not under any spell. We were all friends, we all knew who the other was at their core. I don’t know why you’re the only one blinded by this. All of this had nothing to do with us; it was bigger than us. We just became collateral damage.”

“Collateral damage? Blinded? That’s what you call it? If you think-“ He laid his hand on the axe attached to his tin cloth-like belt.

“What if we can reverse it?” Elphaba asked, looking to Boq, and Fiyero whipped his head to Elphaba.

“What?” Boq said, removing his hand from where it was placed by his axe.

“What if I can reverse the spell that made you the tin man? Or at least try.”

“You think I want you using more wicked magic on me again? It went so well the first time.” He said snarky. “I do not know how you fell in love with someone like her, Scarecrow.” Boq spat.

“You'd better start to have care how you speak to her. And me. We don’t have to help you. We didn’t need to oil you. She should have left you here to rot with the way you treated her. The way you tried to kill her. As she said, you know she wasn’t the reason you ended up the way you did. She may be the reason you’re made of tin, saving your life, but she’s NOT the reason you ended up heartless. Or without love. That was all you.” He stopped letting that sink in. Boq looked as if he was thinking on that statement. 

“And you.” He blamed. “It was both of you. I don’t just blame her for how I am. You also took Glinda away, just to leave her! I blame Glinda too.”

“Did you ever stop to think that she just didn’t love you? Or couldn't?" Fiyero spoke.

"Fiyero left, we left, and Glinda still didn’t come looking for you, Boq. Why would you want to be with someone who doesn’t love you? The same reasoning Nessa had, probably. It wouldn't matter if they loved your or not because at least you were with them, at least you ‘had’ them. But isn't that its own prison? False love?"

Boq paused. He looked as if this thought never occurred to him. He had nothing to say to that. 

"Glinda's moved on. We have all moved on. We are trying to better Oz, our home. Why can’t you?” Elphaba continued. “We can work together as a team to fix all of this.” 

“Look,” Fiyero said, showing him the parts of hair mixed with straw, the patches of skin, the sweat on his body, things that started to show him as a human again. “Elphaba can do it. She has the power to possibly change you back.” This snapped Boq from whatever thoughts he was thinking. 

“Possibly?” Boq asked as if what Fiyero had said was ridiculous. He scoffed. "I am going to bank my life again, on a possibility?" 

Fiyero sighed, annoyed. “Well, as you can tell, there’s still some limit to a Grimmerie spells-“

“No.” Was all Boq said, backing up. “No. I don’t care. I want nothing to do with her. Either of you. You’re talking as if you know all about this magic and what it does. You don’t. Every time it rains, every time Glinda makes an appearance to the Ozians, I have to live with all of it. The pain, the hatred for her, you, the past… my heart is gone, thanks to your sister, I’m never going to love again."   

There was a silence as a small breeze brushed past in the air. Fiyero and Elphaba gave a look, and Fiyero moved over, letting Elphaba get closer to Boq.

“Boq-"

"It’s Tin Man! Has been for the last five years."

Elphaba continued ignoring his tantrum, "I’m sorry for what happened. Truly, I am. I just wanted to- I just didn’t- couldn’t watch you die. We were still friends.” Elphaba attempted to speak, but Boq just seemed to be ignoring her as well.

“And now we’re not.” Boq spoke. “None of us are.” This hit Elphaba and Fiyero. At one point, they all were good friends; they laughed together, shared stories, knew each other’s pasts, and all that in this moment meant nothing.

“You know what, Tin Man?” Fiyero began, “If you want to stand around rusting after every rain and not help us, then suit yourself. But it wasn’t her fault you ended up like this.”

“I just wanted to save you…” Elphaba stated.

“If you want to remain the heartless tinman with no purpose and never have hope, then so be it. But we’re going to save Oz.” Fiyero spoke, turning away and walking from Boq, and he holstered his gun.

“You really are under a spell. She got you good.” Boq murmured loud enough for them to hear. Fiyero replied, barely turning back.

“She saved me by turning me into the scarecrow. That’s the only spell I'm under. Unlike you, I'm in her debt for it. And I know you saw with the help of her, I'm turning human again. That is also because of her. Figure out your own truths, but stop blaming us for your miserableness. Elphaba is innocent, just as Dorothy was.” He turned back and began walking, leaving Elphaba standing there a moment.

“Makes you wonder who wasn’t actually innocent in all this… Boq.” She said, and with one more glare, followed Fiyero.

They both walked a few more yards, took the path down the entrance of the castle, and hid behind some boulders overlooking the entrance slightly. The pair scoped out and watched as they noticed a few guards- an Ozian guard in different-looking soldier clothing. Almost like the one Fiyero had worn as captain. There stood guards who looked like they worked for Glinda.

“She probably has guards standing out and guarding the door to make sure no one enters,” Elphaba spoke.

“I can’t say for sure. When I was Captain, we were focused more on a certain witch hunt.” He teased. "If my family only knew what their summer castle they never used, was being used for."

"Or how much action it has been seeing these last few years." She joked back. 

As if it in a dream, or a nightmare, Elphaba felt a pressure on the back of her head, as if a rock hit or or…or… she fell to the floor, eyesight blacking in and out as they saw Boq standing over her, the hilt of his axe in his hands. Fiyero, also knocked out next to her, but not by the axe. He looked as if he was falling asleep, with poppy dust next to him.

"I didn't lay a single finger or tin piece on her head, Fiyero. My axe is made of steel. You never said anything about that." Boq said to an almost sleeping Fiyero. He turned to Elphaba, who couldn't speak. This all seemed like a nightmare. One where she felt powerless. She tried to cast a spell but couldn't. She couldn't move or talk. 

“You didn’t even think to question why I was over here near this castle in the first place, did you?” He smiled at the pair fighting to stay awake. “Here’s your thank you, Elphaba,” Boq spoke as Fiyero gritted his teeth and scowled at Boq, not being able to move. “Thank you... for allowing me to move again. And thank you... for using your magic to make the scarecrow more human. It would appear that poppies can affect him now, when the right intention is there. Let’s go see…the real wizard or should I say witch, of Oz.” He mocked as the pair both blacked out, unconscious.

Chapter Text

In the writing process... :) <3