A/N: To answer a question one reader had...the gods' time is the same as Earth's time.

Chapter 21: A Truth Revealed

Pegasus flew at astonishing speed towards the location Stheno and Euryale were. Elphaba knew she couldn't fail, for this was her only chance to see her family again among the living. This test would be extremely hard, for it was two against one, and even if she was lucky enough to slay one the other would be consumed with vengeance. Elphaba decided not to worry about it at this time. She knew there would be plenty of time to worry when she was face to face with the gorgon sisters.

...X...

Back in Rome Sir Chuffrey had demanded Elphaba's body be brought to him, but no one could find it. Every inch of the underground had been searched, but no body could be found. This perplexed all the gladiators because it seemed like the green warrior's body had disappeared into thin air.

"Fiyero, where is Elphaba's body?" Nanny asked, as her eyes slowly slipped closed.

The Scarecrow shrugged his shoulders as he patted the old woman's hand. "I don't know, it's like it has disappeared."

"That's for the best. I would hate for Lord Chuffrey to have her body." Nanny was losing consciousness fast, and Fiyero knew she would be dead very soon. "My body is ready to part this world. Stay strong, Fiyero, and keep training with such strength, for you never know when a uprising will show itself."

"I will," Fiyero whispered, as he kissed the old woman's forehead.

Nanny took in her final breath and whispered, "I'll be joining you Thelma, TurtleHeart, and Elphaba," With those words she was gone from this world. Fiyero then covered the old trainer's body and face with a sheet.

...X...

Glinda's tears seemed unstoppable. She had been weeping for hours about her fallen green spouse. Nothing brought comfort to her, and she wondered how long it would be before her eyes ran out of tears.

"Drink this, it will help ease the pain," The Wizard's voice came out, as approached the Empress, before holding out a very familiar green bottle to her.

"I doubt drinking from that will help me alleviate the pain of losing my spouse," Glinda spat. Her anger and grief were becoming mixed together, in such a way; her mind was filled with haziness and distress.

"Your spouse?" The Wizard jeered. His voice was filled with attitude and an arrogance the Empress wasn't going to tolerate. Glinda spun around to face the advisor. Her eyes were filled with fury, and he twitched slightly at seeing this.

"Do not disrespect me! You better show me obedience as well as honor. If I say Elphaba is my spouse then, damn it, she's my spouse! GOT IT you dumb twit?"

"I'm sorry, my Empress, please forgive my mockery at your words." The Wizard exclaimed. His voice was trembling and his head was bowed down in a manner to show compliance. "I had no idea you and the green fre...I mean Elphaba were so close."

"Surprise," Glinda whispered, as she turned her head away. "Where's my son?"

"I believe he's with Sir Chuffrey," The Wizard answered, in an unsure tone. Just then Lord Chuffrey came storming down the hall.

"Glinda, my wife, there you are! I have been looking all over for you." The Emperor of Rome then turned his attention to the Wizard. "Leave us!" The Wizard gave a bow before leaving at great speed. "My Empress are you still weeping over the green gladiator?"

"I don't know how you can be so cruel! Putting Elphaba up against her daughter was shameful!" Glinda growled.

"I can do what I wish!" Lord Chuffrey snapped, as he grabbed Glinda around the waist and kissed her neck. He would have gone farther but the blonde woman wouldn't have it.

"Don't touch me you bastard!" Glinda shouted, as she slapped him hard against his cheek. "I'm NOT your wife! I am Elphaba's one and only! Even in death nothing will change that! I don't love you! I am Elphaba's wife!"

"You have forgotten your place!" The Emperor of Rome screamed, as he slapped Glinda across the face in return. The strike was so hard that the Empress crashed down to the floor.

"Stop!" Liir's voice could be heard not too far away, and with in a few seconds ran up to them. "Strike my mother again, and you will lose your hand!" Liir snarled, as he stood between the colossus Emperor and his mother.

"You dare threaten your own father?" Sir Chuffrey roared, as his hands balled into fists.

"Son, please, stand down and let me handle this." By the sound of her voice one could tell Glinda was exhausted and because of this state she was finding it a challenge to rise to her feet.

"It's okay, Mother, for all the times you protected me I can finally return the favor."

"You have turned him against me!" Lord Chuffrey yelled at Glinda. "You turned my own son against me!"

"You did that yourself!" Liir growled, as he took a step closer to the Emperor of Rome, and drew his dagger. "I do not fear you!"

"It's a sad day when a father witnesses his own son turning against him. I guess it's my own fault, for not putting you in your place!" Lord Chuffrey then was about to hit Liir, but something stopped him. His eyes narrowed as he focused on the young man in front of him.

"By the gods it cannot be true," Chuffrey whispered, with a shake of his head. For the first time the Emperor of Rome noticed certain things he hadn't until that moment. For example, Liir had dark eyes and equally dark hair. His hawk-face was stern as he stood in a pose Sir Chuffrey knew that he had seen before. And as Liir held his dagger the Emperor of Rome couldn't help but observe he held the weapon in his left hand. "It's impossible..."

"What are you babbling about?" Liir spat, at Sir Chuffrey as he helped his mother to her feet. The Emperor nearly fainted when he saw the last bit of evidence. As Glinda was being helped up she gripped her son's shirt to aid her up. By doing this the shirt lifted slightly exposing Liir's emerald birthmark.

That was the last piece of proof the Emperor of Rome needed. It was all too clear now...Liir was not his son. He was Elphaba's and Glinda's child. Just then, for a spilt second, Lord Chuffrey saw Elphaba standing in front of him, not Liir.

The Emperor shook his head trying to will the vision of the green gladiator out from his mind. He then began to grind his teeth before shouting at Glinda, "You whore! I can't believe I didn't notice those things about Liir sooner! You will pay, mark my words! You WILL pay! " With those words Chuffrey made a hasty retreat.

"Mother, are you alright?" Liir asked, as he ignored Lord Chuffrey's outburst, and looked at his mother with worry.

Glinda didn't make any answer with her words, instead she pulled her son into a tight embrace. Liir returned the hug as Glinda did her best to hold back a fresh patch of tears that were forming behind her blue eyes.

...X...

Back down in the underworld, in the Elysian Fields, Thelma was still sitting by the lake. She gave a deep sigh before she heard a familiar laugh.

"Daydreaming are we?" The voice came out.

Thelma's head snapped behind her to see who was speaking to her. When she saw the familiar face she jumped up to give this person an embrace.

"Nanny! I can't believe it's you! You're so stubborn I thought you would never die!" Thelma laughed at her own joke and the old trainer joined her. Nanny then scanned the area like she was searching for someone. "Something wrong, Nanny?"

The old trainer cocked her head as she spoke. "Where's Elphaba? She should be down here with us. Don't tell me she has been sent to Tartarus!"

Thelma smiled. "Elphaba has been given a test by the gods. If she passes then she will get a second chance at life."

Nanny's eyes widen in shock. "Really?" Thelma nodded her head. "Hot damn!"

"Let the gods be with her whatever her mission be," Thelma added, with a bow of her head.

Nanny gave her a smile before replying, "I second that."