Sorry this took so long, but here it is, Boq's arrival. I hope you like it, and as always: please review!


Really, it was almost inevitable. It was almost ironic; Glinda was traveling to the Emerald City with the Scarecrow and had run across the Lion. Of course the Tinman would pop up sooner or later. She laughed to herself, wondering if this made Cade the dog. Dodo, had that been it's name?

Despite her silly musings, Glinda's throat caught when she was face to face with the Tinman, now that she knew who he had once been. She felt horrible; much worse than she felt for Fiyero... she'd been able to reason to herself that her former fiance somewhat deserved his fate. He had cheated on her, hadn't he? Her logic was slightly twisted, she knew. Fiyero loved Elphaba, and that was his only fault. But they'd both hurt her. So she could reason that it had been Fiyero's fault, at least a little.

However Glinda could not cast any blame on Boq for his fate. She couldn't blame Elphaba or dear, dead Nessarose, either. The only blame she could come up with was herself. If she hadn't told him to date Nessarose, he never would've. And she likely would never have become obsessed with him, and eventually harmed him. Glinda could only blame herself; if she hadn't played with emotions, Boq would've still been himself. "I have to do something," she said quietly, "It's not fair for him."

Fiyero was close enough to hear her. "The spell? Glinda, I hate to tell you, but that's been Elphaba's main mission for the past year. Turning me back. I'd assume turning him back wouldn't be any easier."

"Maybe... maybe..." she was speaking to herself, mostly. It still didn't seem at all right. But she didn't have any ideas.

Boq had been standing outside a small cottage, and had watched them approach. He bowed to her, "Lady Glinda," something in his voice made her throat catch. She could now recognize his voice, and place it. The sweet young man's voice seemed out of place coming from the Tinman.

"How do you do, Tinman?" she murmurred, feeling ridiculous. She'd greeted him as if he'd come over for afternoon tea.

"Rather well. You look lovely, though you always do." She blushed, but didn't say anything. "Nice to see you, Scarecrow. I haven't seen you in a long time. And you friend."

"I'm Cade." He stepped forward. Glinda knew Cade felt out of place, but he was the most relaxed among them. He had no unfinished business from the past that was being shoved in his face. Cade shook the Boq's metallic hand, and then retreated to stand at Glinda's side. In a small gesture, Boq angled himself to stand nearer her.

She could hear Fiyero laugh a little and fought the urge to swat at him. Luckily, he said nothing to mortify her. Instead, he casually greeted his old friend, "Hey Boq. Good seeing you."

Boq frowned. "How do you know my name? I never told you my old name. You never told me yours. It was always just 'Scarecrow'. How do you know my name?"

Glinda had no idea what Fiyero was doing. He didn't seemed at all phased. "It's Fiyero."

Now Boq looked more than a little concerned. "The only Fiyero I ever knew was engaged to Lady Glinda, and then ran off with the Wicked Witch of the West. He was killed for being a traitor. So it really can't be you."

"But it is... I just didn't die. Elphaba was able to turn me into a Scarecrow to keep me from dying. Like she turned you into a Tinman to keep Nessarose's spell from killing you."

Boq frowned. "The Witches put this curse on me, there was no saving involved."

A little bit of Fiyero's friendliness faded. "I'm sure if Elphaba knew you felt that way," he emphasized her name, "She could've just let you die from not having a heart." He knew he was being harsh, but felt Glinda's kicking him in the shin was a little unnecessary. "Hey, it's true."

She rolled her eyes, "Boq I know this might be alot to take in. But I know for a fact that my best friend never meant to cause you any harm. She still feels guilty about it." If she'd learned one thing in her life it was this: you caught more flies with honey than vinegar. Fiyero's slight hostility would do no one any good.

Boq frowned. "Elpha-The Wicked Witch of the West died. I was there. She doesn't feel guilty about anything."

Glinda bit on the edge of her lip. "Well, you see, that's not so true... it's a bit of a long story." She went on to explain Elphaba faking her death, and living in the Animal Village. She also explained her illness and the decision to ask Madame Morrible to help lift the curse. "So you can see why we're here," she finished, lightly touching the back of his hand.

"But she's Wicked," he insisted, looking more than a little shaken.

"No she isn't!" Fiyero spoke up, before Glinda could hush him.

"Well, Boq, that was a lot of propaganda. But Istill trust her. She's still my best friend, and she needs our help. Can't you see why we need to help her? I know she wouldn't hurt anyone, not if she could avoid it." He looked down, considering what Glinda was saying. She decided it was then or never. "And Boq? I would appreciate it if we had your help. Would you help? As a favor to me?"

He looked at her, and despite his metal features, Glinda could still see who he had once been. "I'd do anything for you, Glinda." He groaned a little. "Even help save the Wicked Witch of the West."

She smiled at him. "Thank you, my friend."