So sorry for the long wait for this, getting a little stuck still with this, hope I'm not boring you all to death but hopefully it will pick up soon, who knows the way I keep getting writers block with it lately ahh any comments welcome :)

Elphaba stayed locked in her cell for the next few days, and she didn't mind. She didn't want to be bothered, it gave her time to think things through and think of a way, if any, of getting out of here. Or was it just hopeless? Was she soon to be a hazy mist of a face that once was, like those of Sarima, Manek and Irji? Whatever the outcome, she knew Fiyero and the girls were safe, she had achieved some good in her life and that was rewarding enough for her. She never was a religious person; she listened to her father preaching as though it were poetry to her ears. She never understood the existence of a God, if there even was one in this world they lived in. How could there be with so much hurt and horror with them everywhere they went. With all of this into account, she knelt down on her knees and leant her head against the bricked wall and closed her eyes. She clasped her hands together and muttered a prayer under her breath, she remembered from her father. She concluded finally talking to God, if there really was one and spoke from what little of a heart she thought she had.

''Keep them safe - inflict everything to come their way - on me instead - I have done enough damage on their lives - I owe them this much. For once- for once in my life - let something I wish for come true. Do this for me - let this happen, if it's the last thing I do in this world - let me die for those I love. Please.'' She finished the prayer with a deep breath, taking extra care not to hurt her throat anymore than it was. The pain was still excruciatingly sore. She didn't open her eyes, she didn't even move, she kept her head leant against the wall, still kneeling, her hands still clasped in prayer.

He was dying to turn back. He would be all heroic and think of something to do, to make this all better. But he was kidding himself and he knew it. If it wasn't for the girls, he would have given into the stupidity of it all and ran to her side, but this was what she requested. She did this for them, for him and the girls. If he turned back now, it would be a lost course on both sides. They wouldn't be safe and The Grimmerie has already no doubt been given to him. Sweet Oz what was to come of Oz? No Elphaba wouldn't do that. It wasn't in her blood to give into him of all people.

''Fiyero.'' One of the younger girls tugged on the bottom of his ragged shirt.

''Yes Sami?''

''My feet are hurting.''

''Would you girls like a break for a while?'' They nodded weakly to him.

''Ok then, let's go and stop by that tree over there ok?'' He picked Sami up in the meantime and she clung to his back as they made their way over to their rest point.

''Where are we going Daddy?'' Nor looked up at her father.

''I don't know yet.'' She thought to herself for a second and then looked back at him wide eyed.

''Will Elphaba find us?'' He didn't know what to say back.

''She's a very clever lady, she'll find us when the time comes.''

''I hope so, I miss her already.'' He stroked her hair, with his free hand and she smiled back at him. They settled down under the tree and Fiyero worked out where about they were. They were traveling to the east, without intentions. The girls talked amongst themselves, staring in awe at the sunlight and how beautiful it looked in such a blue sky. They hadn't seen day in so long, that became clear to Fiyero in that moment and he felt a stab of sadness for them. He smiled along with them at how happy they looked right now. Pointing at the birds, as they flew high in the sky. Fiyero was glad to see them smiling at least, even if they still had a long way to go. He glanced over at Nor. His smiled faded. She was staring back at the birds, just like the other girls, but her eyes were brimmed with tears, not happy tears; genuine mournful tears. As though she could feel him staring at her, she turned to face him and allowed her tears to fall down her rosy cheeks.

''Nor what's wrong baby?'' He walked over to her and knelt down beside her. For a second she was trying to be brave but the tears fell no matter how hard she tried.

''I miss mommy and Irji and Manek Daddy.'' He pulled her into his lap and she rested her head against his chest. It was like all those times she cried when she hurt her knee or when the boys had picked on her, she would only feel safe in her daddy's arms afterwards.

''I want mommy back I love her.''

''I love her too.'' He kissed the top of her head and felt tears burn his own eyes.

''I love them too Nory.'' He rocked her in his arms and the other girls surrounded them once they noticed she was crying. They tried to comfort her aswell as Fiyero She clutched onto his shirt as he slowly rocked her like a newborn baby.

''I wish I had a mommy too.'' Yaneque bowed her head, she reached out a hand for Nor and Nor let her hold it.

''I never knew my mommy.'' The older dark skinned girl continued. Fiyero stroked her back comfortingly.

''Girls we're going to be ok. Elphaba made sure we would all be ok, we'll find somewhere safe to stay and wait for her.'' He looked at each one, hoping they would believe him, because he doubted his words never mind them. They all however seemed to believe him, their spirits seemed to rise even Nor's. She rubbed her eyes with her small fist and gave out a gentle giggle when Fiyero tickled her sides.

''Will the Wizard hurt Elphebe like he did to us?'' Sami questioned trying her best to pronounce Elphaba's name correctly.

''Elphaba will be fine girls, she'll find a way back to us, she always does.'' He smiled weakly at them. The idea of leaving her with that animal made his heart beat wildly inside of him, it made him feel physically sick knowing she was still back there and that hell.

''Come on then girls shall we get going?'' The girls nodded in chorus.

''Keep close now.'' The girls got in pairs and held hands with their partners, feeling safer already this way. Nor being the odd one out glanced up at her dad and grinned when he held her hand in his.