Chapter 14

Glinda could hear what Elphaba was saying. She heard the hurt in her voice when Elphaba found out that she lied to her. Then she heard her little speech about how she should be the one hurt and she and that Elphaba thought she failed her. 'She never failed ever. She came to me when the Wizard got me.' Glinda thought.

"Please, just don't leave me, Glinda. Not yet, please." She heard that then silence.

'I won't leave you, Elphaba, Lurline knows I love you so much.'

Because of Elphaba she woke up from the coma. Glinda slowly opened her eyes and blinked them a couple of times. She looked around the room and saw Elphaba laying her head on the bed. She heard the light patter of rain drops against the window. Glinda saw that Elphaba held her hand. Carefully she extracted her hand from the green woman's. Glinda got up from the bed and took Elphaba's hat off and put next to her. The blonde woman looked over her. She still remembered the hurt in Elphaba's voice. Tears started to form in her eyes from the pain she caused Elphaba.

"I'm sorry, Elphie." With that Glinda left the room softly closing the door and turned around right into Fiyero. Fiyero was the only one awake when he saw the door opening, and so he got up. He figured it was Elphaba and he thought he go see how she was doing.

Imagine his surprise when Glinda walked right into him. "Gl-Glinda?" He gave her a big hug "Thank the Unnamed God your all right." Glinda winced.

"Fiyero, please let go. I'm still hurt." Fiyero immediately let go of Glinda.

"I'm sorry." Then he turned serious. "Does Elphaba know you are awake?"
Glinda shook her head no. He was shocked.

"Why not?" he demanded. Glinda was taken back by the force in Fiyero's voice. Tears started to fall down Glinda's face.

"I can't face her, not after what I did to her. I heard the pain and hurt in her voice." Glinda moved around Fiyero and started walking towards the door out to the hospice. Fiyero turned around and stopped Glinda before she made it out the door by grabbing her arm.

"Glinda don't go out there."

Glinda wrenched her arm out of Fiyero's grip. "Why not?"

"Well for one thing it's raining out."

Glinda shoulders started to shake. "I don't care."

Fiyero continued as he put a soothing hand on Glinda's shoulders. "And for another reason the person you love is back in your room, who doesn't know that you're awake."

"Then...then tell her for me." Glinda ran out into the storm, crying. Fiyero just stared at the spot that Glinda just was.

'What the hell just happened?' Thunder cracking brought him out of his stupor. "Glinda...Elphaba." Fiyero ran into the room where Elphaba was. He found her sleeping. He shook her awake. "Elphaba wake up."

Elphaba's head shot up when she felt Fiyero shaking her. "Wh-what is it?" Fiyero stopped shaking her.

"It's Glinda." Elphaba noticed the bed was empty.

"Sweet Oz! What happened to her?" Elphaba asked, as she jumped to her feet and put her hat back on once she noticed it wasn't on her head.

"Glinda's okay." Fiyero said as he grabbed the green woman's shoulders to calm her down. "She woke up not too long ago, but I guess she heard some little conversion you had and she was so sad that she upset you that she ran outside." Just then another round of thunder could be heard.

"She went outside?" Elphaba asked, as she looked out the window, but then headed towards the door.

"Elphaba, where are you going?" Fiyero questioned. "You're not thinking about going outside, are you? It's raining."

"I'm going to find Glinda and nothing is going to stop me." Elphaba answered, as she exited the room and headed towards the outside door. Before exiting the hospice Elphaba wrapped her clothes around her a bit tighter so the rain would have more trouble touching her skin. "Glinda!" Elphaba shouted, as she started to walk towards the line of trees. "Glinda!" The rain was beating down upon her as she continued to into the thick brush.

Not too far away Glinda was sitting under a tree. Her body shivering from the coldness of the rain. "How could I hurt Elphaba like that? Why did I lie to her?" Glinda whispered, to herself as a lighting bolt came down several feet away and hit a tree. The blonde woman screamed in fright as she saw a huge branch barely hanging on by the trunk of the tree.

Elphaba heard the cry from Glinda and quicken her pace is that direction.
"I need to get out of here." Glinda said, as she started towards the direction of the hospice, however as she started to walk she had to pass under the tree that was just hit with lighting. The giant branch started to sway in a dangerous fashion as it began to give way.

Elphaba just got through the brush to see Glinda just about passing under the branch. "Glinda!" Elphaba said in joy but her excitement soon became horror as she saw the branch was about to fall down any second now on the blonde woman. "Glinda look out!" Elphaba shouted, as she released her hold on her black attire and took off at top speed. Glinda turned around to have herself being tackled several feet from where she was walking. No sooner as Glinda was pushed away the branch fell.

"What in Oz? Oh, Elphie!" Glinda cried out once she pulled herself to her feet. Her gaze quickly fell on the curled up form of Elphaba.

Glinda ran to the green woman's side to see she was breathing heavily. "Elphie? Elphie, by Oz please be all right. Say something."

"The rain...er...it burns." Elphaba answered, her voice filled with pain.

"Oh, Elphie." Glinda exclaimed, in worry when she saw the burn marks on the green witch's hands and face. "Why did you..." Glinda stopped when she looked to see the branch had fallen right in the spot she was standing. "Oh, my brave Elphie." Glinda said, as pulled Elphaba into a her arms and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Let's get you back to the hospice."

Elphaba just nodded her head. Glinda put Elphaba's arm around her shoulder and her own arm around the green woman's waist. "Glinda don't, not when you are badly hurt." Elphaba said softly. "Just go to the hospice and get Fiyero or the doctor."

Glinda shook her head no. "I am not leaving you here out in the cold rain. I will put up a bubble to protect you from the rain."

"But..."Glinda looked at Elphaba with determination.

"No buts Elphaba, I'm helping you and that's final." She gave her the look that Elphaba always gives in to.

Elphaba sighed, "I always give into that look." Glinda giggled. "But we need to talk." The blonde witch looked away not wanting Elphaba to see the sadness in her eyes and she didn't want to see the hurt in Elphaba's own eyes. Because no matter how hard Elphaba tried to hide the hurt her eyes always gave it away. Glinda sniffled.

"Okay." With that she helped Elphaba up, pain going through her. Now both Elphaba and Glinda were breathing heavily. Elphaba was observing Glinda and was about to say something but Glinda cut her off. "Don't say anything. We need to get you back and get those burns checked out before they become worse."

Elphaba looked at her with worry, but Glinda didn't look at her knowing that Elphaba was checking her out. Glinda did a chant and a pink bubble formed around them. "Now lets get going."

They started walking back to the hospice. Not one single drop of water got on them while going back. Elphaba slipped her arm, that was on Glinda's shoulder, down to the blonde woman's back. She felt something very wet beneath it. Elphaba looked back and went wide eye when she saw blood was starting to seep through.

'Oh no, some of the stitching must of came out. Does she know? We need to hurry back.' She wanted to say something but knowing Glinda she would have told Elphaba to shut it when she would hear the worry in her voice. Instead she quickened the pace and said, "Wow, I am amazed."

Glinda looked to Elphaba and smiled, "Thanks I am glad that you liked it." They were back at the hospice. Glinda took the bubble down when they were safe in the doorway. Glinda opened the door with magic and in they walked. Fiyero was in his seat talking to Dr. Bananas. He jumped to his feet when he saw both witches come walking in.

"Glinda, Elphaba, thank the Unnamed God you are all right." He got a closer look at Elphaba. "What happened?"

"Dr. Bananas, please take Elphaba she is burned." The Ape nodded and took Elphaba from Glinda. She didn't have time to say what has happened to Glinda. Soon Elphaba and the doctor where gone in the next room that was next to Glinda. Fiyero stood in front of Glinda. He got a really close look at Glinda. She was very pale and breathing heavily.

"Glinda, are you all right?" Glinda nodded her head yes.

"Yeah, I'm just worried about Elphie. I need to go to her." She took one step forward and then fainted into Fiyero. Fiyero caught her by surprise. He gasped when he saw the blood on her back. "Nurse Steppe." he yelled. The white Wolf came running out behind the receptionist desk and to Fiyero.

"What's wrong?" then she spotted the blood. "Oh no...hurry take her to her room."

Fiyero nodded and with Nurse Steppe's help got her into bed. "Looks like we have to redo those stitches." The Wolf said, as she took started to get to work. "Go check on Elphaba. When you get back I should be done."

Fiyero nodded as he exited and went into Elphaba's room. "How's Glinda?" Elphaba asked once she saw Fiyero.

"Nurse Steppe is just taking care of her stitches as we speak." Fiyero answered as he stood by the green woman's bed. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay." Elpahab replied. "My burns weren't that bad. So Glinda is okay?"

"Yes, yes, she's fine." Fiyero answered.

"Can I see her now?" Elphaba asked, like an impatience child.

"A little excited are we?" Dr. Bananas said, with a laugh to her voice.

"Nurse Steppe is just fixing her stitches, but Glinda fainted after you left I don't know if she's awake yet."

"I need to see her." Elphaba said, as she jumped up from her bed and took off towards Glinda's room.

"That woman sure does have a lot of energy." The Ape pointed out.

"I guess love does that to you." Fiyero answered with a smile.

"Glinda!" Elphaba said as she burst through the door to Glinda's room.

"Sweet Oz, Elphaba are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Nurse Steppe asked as she finished the last stitch.

"I'm sorry." Elphaba said. "I just wanted to..."

"You just wanted to see Glinda, yes I know." Nurse Steppe answered, as she noticed Glinda was starting to stir.

When Glinda opened her eyes and saw Elphaba she smiled warmly. "Elphie."

"How are you feeling, my sweet?" Elphaba asked as she ran her hands through Glinda's golden locks.

"I'm okay." Glinda replied back as she caressed a green cheek.

"I'll leave you two alone." Nurse Steppe said as she exit the room.

Glinda waited until Nurse Steppe was gone before speaking, "How are you doing?"

Elphaba looked to Glinda. "I'm doing all right just a couple of burns on my hands and face."

Glinda took Elphaba's hands into her own. She saw blisters had formed, so she lightly kissed them. Elphaba shivered when Glinda did this. "Dr. Bananas put some kind of ointment on them she said they will be gone in a couple of hours."

Glinda's head was filled with guilty thoughts. 'She could have been more seriously hurt and all because of me. All I do is cause her pain.'

"We need to talk." that had drawn Glinda out of her head.

She sighed and turned so now she was on her back. "I know, so get talking."

Elphaba put her folded hands up on her knees and she rested her head on her hands. She looked straight at Glinda, "Why did you lie to me? Saying that the sedatives were taking effect when in reality you didn't take the sedatives, and you ended up in a coma?" Elphaba tried to keep the hurt and anger from her voice but she didn't secede.

It pained Glinda to hear the hurt and anger that was coming from her lover. She couldn't stand being so near Elphaba, so she got up from the bed and walked over to the window looking out it. She was trying to think of why she lied to Elphaba but she couldn't think of any reasons. Glinda decided to remain silent, well at least for now. Elphaba was now starting to get pissed off. "Glinda, look at me." Glinda didn't look at her because she didn't want to see the anger and hurt that, which she knew, was in Elphaba's eyes.

After a few more moments of silence did Glinda finally talk. "I don't know why I lied to you."

Anger was now coursing through Elphaba. She leapt up from her chair. "Bullshit! How can you not know why you lied?" She started pacing back and forth. The green witch soon stopped and looked at Glinda with a lot of intensity. Glinda could feel Elphaba's on her. She closed her eyes trying to control her erratic breathing. Glinda was in so much pain and Elphaba being mad at her wasn't helping her at all.

The blonde witch snapped opened eyes. "I told you I don't know." Glinda raised her fist and smashed into the window and the window shattered cutting up her hand pretty good. Glinda didn't even feel the pain. Elphaba was taken a back by the force of what Glinda just did. Her anger cooled a little bit.

"Glinda.." Glinda dropped to her knees screaming in pain.

Elphaba went to her and kneeled by Glinda's side in worry. "Why did you do that?"

"I don't know." Glinda answered, tears from being overwhelmed flooded down her face. It wasn't long before Nurse Steppe ran into the room.

"What is going...Sweet Oz! Glinda your hand!" The Wolf quickly took some bandages that laid in the drawer and bent down near the blonde woman and helped her wrap her wound. Once Glinda's hand was wrapped the Wolf gazed up at the window. "Glinda, did you break the window?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Glinda answered, her voice shaky. Elphaba then turned to the Wolf and said, "Can you give us some more time alone?"

"I did and look what happened!" Nurse Steppe replied. "Glinda gets hurt and not to mention the window is destroyed."

"Please, I need this time with Glinda." Elphaba answered.

Nurse Steppe gave an angry sigh but answered, "Fine, but Dr. Bananas will hear about what happened."

With that she left. Elphaba then turned back to Glinda. She held the blonde's woman wounded hand and said, "Look what I have done to you. I have made you hurt yourself...again. I don't want to hurt you anymore. That's why I need to leave."

"Leave?" Glinda asked. Glinda couldn't believe what she just heard from Elphaba.

"Yes, leave. You obvious don't want to be around me if you're lying to me. Besides look what have I done for you? I'll tell you what I have done for you. I have failed you!" The green woman then stood up and went to get her broom. "I always fail you. I don't deserve to be around you. If I must leave to protect you than so be it."

"Please don't leave." Glinda replied, as she got to her feet and grabbed Elphaba around the shoulders. "Elphie, I beg you. Don't you dare leave me. You have never failed me. I don't know why you think that. When I was captured by the Wizard you were the one that came to my rescue. When I was hurting from my wounds you did everything in your power to help me. You went and got the Grimmerie, you went and got the Willoeal leaves, and you never gave up on me even when everyone else thought I couldn't make it. It's because of you, Elphie, that I fought these wounds. I fought these wounds, so I could come back to you. But if you leave me I won't have a reason to fight these wounds. Please, don't leave me." Glinda answered. "I'm sorry I lied, I really am. I might not know fully why I did it, but I know, I don't want you to leave. Not now, not ever." Elphaba let out a sigh as pulled Glinda into a hug. Glinda returned the hug with great force, as she whispered through tears, "Don't leave me."

Elphaba kissed the top of the blonde's head, and replied, "I won't leave you. Please, don't cry."

Glinda pulled back, wiping away the tears that have fallen down. "I should apologize."Elphaba turned her head sideways. "What for?"

Glinda turned around, trying so hard not to cry again. "For causing you pain and hurt."

"You di.."

Glinda cut her off. "Yes I did, by lying to you. Even though you always try to hide it, Elphaba. I could always see it in your eyes. I am so sorry."

Elphaba heard sorrow in Glinda's voice. She went to Glinda and put her arms around her waist. Glinda slightly stiffened and Elphaba noticed this. She put her head on Glinda's shoulder like always. "I will forgive you if you forgive me." The green woman kissed the side of Glinda's face.

Glinda smiled and said, " I already had forgiven you. Have you forgiven me?"

"I already did." Elphaba whispered, in Glinda's ear and she notice that Glinda has relaxed into her arms.

Glinda noticed the broken window and then to her bandage hand. "I can't believe I did that."

Elphaba chuckled, "Remind me never to get you mad."

Glinda giggled but then the pain returned ten times worse than it was before. Glinda started grabbed her chest and started to breath shallow gasp. Elphaba saw the change in Glinda. She was very concerned. "Glinda what's wrong?"Glinda tried to reply but the pain stopped her. Instead she going to the floor because her legs couldn't keep her up. Elphaba went down with her, never wanting to let go of Glinda. "Glinda say something."

Glinda finally said something in short bursts of breath, "Elphie...it...hurts...so...much."

Understanding what Glinda was saying she yelled, "DR. BANANAS!"

Then she returned to Glinda saying soothing words in her ears. The Ape came bursting through the door with Nurse Steppe right behind. "What is it? What's wrong?"

Elphaba replied never looking back. "Glinda, is a lot of pain." She looked to the Ape with tears in her eyes, "Please help her."

Dr. Bananas nodded and went to take Glinda in her arms. She quickly looked over Glinda, her eyes widen when she realized what was happening to Glinda. Elphaba noticed this and started to panic. "What is it? What is wrong with her?" Her voice was frantic. The Ape didn't reply instead whispered into Nurse Steppe ear before leaving the room with Glinda. Elphaba jumped to her feet and was about to run after Dr. Bananas when the Wolf stopped her. Elphaba looked to her, "What the hell are you doing? Where is she taking Glinda?"

The Wolf looked at her with sympathy and said, "I'm sorry I can't say yet."

Elphaba took a step back in disbelief. "What the hell do you mean you can't say?"

Nurse Steppe just said, "I'm sorry," and left in a great hurry. Elphaba dropped to her knees in worry, confusion, and a whole lot of other emotions. Fiyero and Dorothy saw Dr. Bananas leaving Glinda's room with Glinda in her arms very fast. They heard Elphaba's voice coming from the room, it sounded angry and confused. Then Nurse Steppe soon left following the Apes path. Both Dorothy and Fiyero got up and went to see what has happened. They saw Elphaba sitting on the floor, her hat in her hands.

"Elphaba? Elphaba, what just happened?" Fiyero asked, as he touched her shoulder lightly.

"I don't know." The green woman answered. "One minute Glinda's fine and the next she's in extreme pain. To make matters worst Dr. Bananas and Nurse Steppe won't tell me what's wrong with her." Elphaba then buried her face into hat so Fiyero and Dorothy couldn't see her tears and she could catch them before they hurt her skin.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Dorothy asked.

Elphaba just shook her head saying, "No, at least not now. I just need to be alone."

"All right." Fiyero said. "Feel free to call us if you need anything." As he lead Dorothy and himself out of the room. Once they left Elphaba placed her hat back on her head before taking a seat on the bed to think.

After ten minutes had passed the green woman was visited by Takai. "How are you feeling, deary?"

"I could be better." Elphaba answered as she patted the Crow on the head. "I wish I knew what was wrong with Glinda. I mean this pain that hit her was so sudden. I'm not sure what to think. My mind won't stop spinning I'm worried for Glinda so much."

"You know, it's hard sometimes but you just got to think positive. Sometimes that's the only thing you can do." Takai replied, her voice calming. Elphaba just gave a nod as she smiled weakly at the Bird.

Back in a room fairly far from Elpahaba's Dr. Bananas was trying to help Glinda deal with her pain.
"Dr. Bananas, do you think we should tell Elphaba about what's going on?" Nurse Steppe asked.

"I don't think that would be wise. At least not at this time, anyway." The Ape answered. "Steppe call three more nurses in here. We're going to need all the help we can get."The Wolf could only nod as she left to do what Dr. Bananas told her. When Nurse Steppe left the room she was met by the Tin man and the Lion who had heard what happened.

"Is Glinda all right?" The Lion asked. "What's wrong with her?"

"I'm sorry, Dr. Bananas has told me not to discuss this with anyone at this time." The Wolf answered, as she passed by them with great haste.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Boq said, as he gave the Lion a worry look.

"Same here." The Lion replied. "I thought Glinda was doing better."

"I guess she's not." Boq answered with a sigh.

Back in Elphaba's room the green woman was so worried she had tired herself out and had fallen asleep with Takai sitting on her lap. Just then Doctor Dillamond walked through the door. When he saw the broke glass on the floor he said, "My goodness, it looks like a twister hit this place."

"Sh..." Takai replied. "Elphaba's resting, and the Unnamed God knows she needs her sleep."

"Sorry." The Goat whispered, as he approached the Crow. "I heard a lot of shouting and such. What's going on?"

"I'm afraid Glinda is still not doing well." Takai answered. "Only a little while ago she had unbelievable pain. Dr. Bananas took her away, but no one will tell us what's wrong with Glinda."

"No wonder why Elphaba is sleeping. The stress was too much for her." Doctor Dillamond replied. "Come, Takai, we better leave Elphaba to her sleep. Maybe we will have better luck finding out what's going on with Glinda." Takai nodded and flew on the Goat's shoulder before they left the room.

Fifteen minutes passed before Elphaba started to awaken. When her eyes opened she saw what looked like to be Nurse Steppe sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Well, Elphaba, haven't seen you in a while." The Wolf said, with a chuckle to her voice.

"What are you talking about?" Elphaba asked. "We just saw each other not too long ago." The green just blinked her eyes a few times, for she swore Nurse Steppe looked a little blurry. Elphaba soon noticed though that everything else around her was clear. "What the heck is going on, Nurse Steppe? I must be seeing things. I guess this stress is effecting me more than I thought."

"Nurse Steppe?" The Wolf questioned. "Why are you calling me by my niece's name?"

Elphaba's head shot up as she peered at the Wolf that was sitting only a few feet from her. The green woman's heart started to race as she replied, "You...you are... sweet Oz! Dr...Dr. Timber!"

"Took you long enough." The Wolf answered, however suddenly she was gone.

"Dr. Timber! Dr. Timber!" Elphaba called but there was no reply. Just then the green witch's gaze fell on a small piece of paper that laid where Dr. Timber was just sitting. Elphaba picked up the paper and read it. The note read, 'Beware, the Wizard is sending his Gale Force deeper into the forest. Don't let this hospice and it's staff face the same fate as myself.' Elphaba kissed the note before heading out the door and down the hall.

She saw Nurse Steppe standing in front of unmarked door, like she was on the look out. 'Glinda must be in there. By Oz I hope everything is all right.' Elphaba felt her heart pounding when she got closer. Nurse Steppe saw Elphaba coming down to the door.

"Elphaba stop...you can't go in and you can't come any closer." Elphaba stopped where she was, which wasn't far from the Wolf.

"Are you going to tell me what is going on?"

The Wolf just shook her head no. "I'm sorry but I still can't tell you anything."

The green woman sighed sadly and looked to the ground, she thought for a moment before looking back to the Wolf. "Look, you guys are in danger."

Nurse Steppe ears perked up at what she heard Elphaba say. "Danger...what do you mean danger?"

"Some of the Gale Force is coming this way, no doubt looking for me and Glinda." Elphaba paused, memories of what happened before came back. Especially Dr. Timber' death.

Nurse Steppe saw Elphaba's pause and the sudden change in her stature. "Elphaba what's wrong?" Elphaba looked to the Wolf with a pained expression across her face, debating on where or not to tell her. "You can tell me."

"You probably don't want to hear this."

"Try me."

Elphaba took a deep breath before saying what had happened before. How she took Glinda to a hospice not far from this one and how the doctor took care of the both of them.

"You mean the one my aunt runs?" asked Nurse Steppe, she sense something bad had happened.

Elphaba nodded her head as she continued. She told her that she and Glinda were close to Dr. Timber and then she got the part where the Gale Force came in and shot and kill Dr. Timber.

Nurse Steppe dropped her head in remembrance of her favorite aunt. Elphaba wanted to go and comfort her but some how she couldn't. "I promise you your aunt's death won't be in vain. I got to go stop them before they burn down this hospice like they did to Dr. Timber's. I also promised her that I will rebuild her hospice in memory of her." With Elphaba turned around and started walking to the door out the hospice.

"Wait" she heard. Elphaba stopped and turned around.

"What?"

"How did you know that the Gale Force is coming?"

Elphaba smiled as she replied. "Your Aunt."

Then she speed to Glinda's old room to get the Grimmerie and ran out the door, hearing in the distance from somebody yelling at her, "Where are you going?" Nurse Steppe ran into the room where Dr. Bananas with Glinda, informing her on what is going on. "Elphaba deserves to know what is going on after all she is risking her own life to protect this hospice." The Wolf said after she was done relaying everything that was said.

Dr. Bananas sighed as she looked to the now sleeping form of Glinda, The Ape had to put her under to keep her from feeling the pain. "I know...but I don't know how she will take. But if we don't hurry we could lose her again." Then she hugged Nurse Steppe tightly and whispered into her ear. "I am so sorry for what happened to your aunt. She was an amazing person."

"Yes she was." Nurse Steppe replied, as she relaxed into the embrace. A few moments passed before they parted from the hug. "The other three nurses should be in here soon."

"Good," Dr. Bananas said, as she looked at a sleeping Glinda. "Then we can operate."

In no time Elphaba had gotten the Grimmerie and was going to go outside to meet the Gale Force. Luckily the rain had stopped so she wasn't worried about getting burned. As the green woman made it out the door she was met by Takai.

"And where do you think you're going in such a hurry?" The Crow asked.

"To face the Gale Force. I'm not going to give them the chance to burn this hospice down." Elphaba answered. "I won't let this hospice suffer the same fate as Dr. Timber's."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" The Crow asked, as she perched herself on the green witch's shoulder. Elphaba thought for a minute or two before an idea cam to her, and she whispered something in Takai's ear.
"Consider it done." The Crow replied before flying off.

As Elphaba watched Takai fly away a confident grin came across her face as she said. "It's time for this green warrior to fight."

X

"What's the word on the infection?" Nurse Steppe asked, as the three other nurses, a raccoon, a snake, and tiger came in to help.

"Glinda's body has kept it at bay as long as it could. Now it's our time to finish the job." Dr. Bananas answered, as she nodded to the Nurses. "Let's get this over with."

Elphaba had made it to the top of the hill and waited for the Gale Force to come. She could only wait now. In one hand she held her broom and in the other hand the Grimmerie. The wind was especially strong that day and it blew Elphaba's hair in a wild and untamed fashion. Off in the distance Elphaba could hear the faint noise of soldiers. She could hear their many feet hitting the ground in prefect rhyme. Another noise above her soon filled the green witch's ears as well and when the noise above her quieted down to silence she then whispered, "Let the battle begin."

X

Back at the hospice Fiyero, Dorothy, Boq, the Lion, Doctor Dillamond, and Ben all sat in the same room. Each looked concerned for they had heard the Gale Force was heading their way.

"I sure hope Elphaba is going to be okay." Dorothy spoke up, her voice soft.

"I'm sure, Elphaba knows what's she's doing." Doctor Dillamond said, as he patted Dorothy's shoulder. 'We can only hope she knows what's she's doing.'

X

"Halt!" The Captain of the Gale Force shouted to his men, when he caught sight of Elphaba standing on the hill. "There's the Wicked Witch."

"Turn around and leave and you shall not be harmed." Elphaba called to them as she tossed her broom to the side.

"What are you trying to pull?" The Captain yelled back. "You can't beat us. Magic cannot beat steel."

"Do you want to bet your life on it?" The green woman shouted.

"Don't kid yourself." The Captain replied, with a laugh.

"You and your army will be defeated." Elphaba spat, her voice filled with determination.

"Ha! You and what army?" The Captain asked.

Elphaba gave a great cackle before replying, "I call upon the murder."

"What?" The Gale Force Captain questioned, his voice showed he was clearly confused.

"I said, I call upon the MURDER!" Elphaba screamed, as a huge group of crows flew out from the trees and started to fly around in a circle above the guards. The entire Gale Force looked extremely frightened as the Crows, led by Takai, picked up speed.

"Gale Force met my army." Elphaba replied, as she opened up the Grimmerie and started to speak a chant, "ECNAEGNEV SI ENIM, NIWI, ECNAEGNEV SI ENIM." Just then the ground started to shoot up and the roots of trees around them began to take hold of some the soldiers and shook them. "Hell has no fury like a woman's scorn." The green witch snarled, as she shot her free hand out and a great powerful gust of wind shot out and knocked the rest of the guards off their feet.

"Shoot her!" The Captain shouted, but just then the murder of crows descended upon the guards pecking at their faces and heads.

"There's too many of them!" One guard yelled, as another round of wind, sent by Elphaba, hit them again. As the guards remained powerless the green witch started to cackle again.

The Captain soon realized they weren't going to win this battle. Their only chance was to retreat.
"Retreat!" The Captain screamed, as he grabbed his gun and sped away. Soon his men followed suit.

"Where are you going?" Elphaba shouted to the Gale Force. " My little party's just beginning." But the Gale Force knew when they had lost. Elphaba cackled some more before yelling on last thing to the army, " Tell the Wizard I'm coming for him next!"

Once the whole army was out of sight the murder of crows had dispreaded. Only Takai was left and she flew over to Elphaba.

"How was that?" She asked.

"Fantastic, couldn't been more prefect." Elphaba said, her voice showing she was clearly happy that the Gale Force had left. "Come on, let's get back to the hospice, and see if we can find out what's wrong with Glinda."

Takai nodded her, "All right then let's go." Takai landed on Elphaba's shoulder, for she was a little tired after what she did. Elphaba just smiled at Takai as they walked back to the hospice. When they got back to the hospice the sun was almost done setting. Elphaba stopped before the door, contemplating on where or not to go in. Takai saw the hesitance. "Elphaba what's wrong?"

Elphaba breathed in shakily "I'm scared to go in there and they will say that Glinda has died or is dying."

Takai's heart broke at the pain she heard in the green witch's voice. "I won't lie to you and say the Glinda is going to be all right because we both know that is far from the truth." Elphaba just nodded taking in the Crow's words, " But if you don't go in there and Glinda does die, you will feel horrible for the rest of your life. You will be thinking how you should have been or you could have done something. I know you love her with all your heart. What you two have is something very special. Glinda won't give up with out a fight because she has you. Now go in there and be by her side."

Elphaba wiped away a few tears, "Your right Glinda hasn't given up and neither will I. Thank you my friend."

Takai smiled warmly with her eyes. "You're Welcome. You ready?"

Elphaba took a deep breath before entering the hospice. Dorothy and Fiyero jumped to their feet when they saw Elphaba and Takai coming through the door.

"Thank Oz that you guys are all right." Fiyero said as he hugged the witch. Takai flew off Elphaba's shoulder and landed near the sleeping Lion. "She will tell you all the details, I would but I am really tired." Takai then closed her eyes to get some rest.

"Sleep well Takai." said Elphaba. After Fiyero was done hugging her Dorothy then took her turn in hugging Elphaba.

"What happened?" asked Dororthy after she was done hugging Elphaba. The green woman took a seat next to the all so sleeping Dr. Dillamond. Elphaba looked around everybody was asleep expect for Fiyero and Dorothy. "Everybody must be exhuasted."

"Yeah..they still haven't told us anything that has happened yet. All we saw were three more nurse go back to where they kept Glinda." Fiyero said as he and Dorothy took seats next to Elphaba. "So are you going to tell us what happene?"

Elphaba nodded before going into what happened.

"And they all ran away with their tails between their legs." Elphaba finished.

Fiyero whistled, "Wow that was amazing." Dorothy nodded her head in agreement.

"It wouldn't have worked if Takai wasn't there with the other Crows."

Dorothy yawned, "I'm sorry that was rude."

"It is all right, why don't you get some sleep you look tired."

"Thank you...I will do that." With that Dorothy laid her head on Fiyero's shoulder and fell asleep. Fiyero wrapped an arm around her waist and gave her a kiss on the head.

Elphaba chuckled.

"What?" asked Fiyero when he heard Elphaba chuckle.

"That is cute...So you and Dorothy." She eyed the two love birds.

Fiyero smiled, "Yeah me and Dorothy."

Elphaba smiled back, "I am happy for the both of you. So when did this happen?"

"I will tell you when you tell me when did you fall for Glinda?" Fiyero shot back.

"Touche." replied Elphaba.

"No really when did you realize that you fell in love with Glinda?"

Elphaba thought for a moment before answering, "I guess, it was when we first meet at Shiz."

Fiyero looked at her with his head to the side, "Go on."

"At first I thought it was loathing you know...and then I realized it wasn't loathing...it was love."

"Love at first sight and you mistook it for loathing, how did that happen?"

Elphaba looked to Fiyero "I never experienced love before in my life. Maybe that is why I mistook it for something else."

"Oh, that is a good explanation."

Elphaba eyed Fiyero. "So what about you?"

Fiyero was about to reply back but he saw Dr. Bananas and Nurse Steppe coming towards them. "I will tell you later."

"Okay but dont' try to worm your way out of it."

"I promise but now the doctor and the nurse are coming towards us."

Elphaba saw them and jumped to her feet. "Are you going tell us what the hell is going on around here?"

Dr. Bananas and Nurse Steppe stopped walking until they were near Elphaba. "We are but you might want to sit down."

Elphaba started to get impatient. "Damn it just tell us."

Dr. Bananas took a deep breath before speaking. "The reason why Glinda had that bad pain is because an infection has worked its way into her system. This certain infection is extremely deadly to the person carrying it."

"Why didn't you tell us before?" Elphaba asked, her voice a little angry.

"We weren't sure that a infection had gotten into her system. We were hoping it was something less serious." The Ape replied.

"Is Glinda going to be okay?" Elphaba questioned, her heart was beginning to race.

"It's too soon to tell yet. She seems to be stable but this infection is very mysterious in it's own way, so knowing an answer is not yet possible." Dr. Bananas said.

"Does Glinda know what's going on?" Fiyero asked.

"She has been informed after we operated to try to kill the infection. We just have to hope what we did killed it before it got too strong. If the infection has grown too powerful nothing will be able to stop it I'm afraid." Dr. Bananas answered.

"You can see Glinda if you want." Nurse Steppe answered, as she saw the three other nurses exited the room.

Elphaba didn't waste anytime entering Glinda's room. "Elphie!" Glinda greeted her before the green woman kissed her on the lips.

"How are you feeling, my sweet?" Elphaba asked as she cupped the blonde's cheek.

"I'm all right, I guess. Dr. Bananas told me they did all they can. Now it's up to me." Glinda replied, with a heavy sigh. "And what about you? Are you all right? I heard you defeated the Gale Force army."

"With some help I did." Elphaba said. "Takai and some of her friends helped me drive them away."

"I'm so glad you're safe." Glinda answered, as she brought her lips on green ones. This kiss was more drawn out as the green woman deepen it. When they parted Glinda could see tears filling Elphaba's eyes. "Elphie?"

"I don't want you to die." Elphaba whispered, as she drove her nails into her palm so it would stop her tears from falling. "Don't leave me."

"I'm still here aren't I?" Glinda asked, as she started to run her fingers through the green woman's raven hair.

"I just don't want you getting any ideas." Elphaba replied, her voice was shaky as she tried to hide that she was so upset.

"Trust me, Elphie, I won't leave you if I can help it." Glinda answered. "Just don't leave me."

"I won't." Elphaba said, as she took one of Glinda's hands in her own and gave it a gentle squeeze.

X

"What do you mean you and you're army failed?" The Wizard screamed.

"The Wicked Witch had help to fight. We were attacked by crows, trees, and the Earth. She even called upon the wind to do her bidding." The Captain replied. "We didn't even get a chance to fire our weapons. She was just too fast."

"I give you one task and you FAIL!" The Wizard spat.

"She's not easy to trick." The Captain said. "To be honest, Sir, she has slipped away from your gasp more than once."

"You don't think I KNOW THAT?" The Wizard screamed, as he slammed his fists on the table. He then took a deep breath before adding, "Well, she might have won the battle but the war has just begun."