"I can't feel my legs!"

Elphaba's frantic statement cast the landing in silence.

A chill shot through Breena when Glinda's azure gaze locked with her own, begging her to do something. If she had been a little more with it she would have realized the blonde was giving everyone else the same look, but she didn't. She was too busy mentally berating herself.

She was a healer for Oz's sake. How many lives had she saved with her powers? Yet when her sister needed her the most she couldn't help her. She was too exhausted to do anything but stand there and stare.

No you're not.

Breena frowned at the all too familiar sound in her head. It wasn't her conscience, that ever present entity that strove to help her determine right from wrong. No, this was a completely different beast. Something she had been hearing for as long as she could remember. Something that was supposed to be a perfectly natural part of who and what she was.

It was the sound of her power.

You can help your sister.

"We all need to calm down."

"Mom's right." Addena was quick to agree. "Getting hysterical isn't going to help anything."

"She's not hysterical, Dena." Glinda gestured at her girlfriend. "She's hurt!"

"Is there anything we can do?" The Wizard asked.

Yes. You can use someone else's energy to heal her.

Breena's frown deepened at the idea. Was that even possible?

"Of course." Addena spoke up again.

Breena did a double take at her girlfriend, thinking she was answering her question but realizing that wasn't the case when she saw Addena wasn't even looking at her.

"But first I need to know exactly what's going on." Addena concentrated on Elphaba. "Can you describe what you're feeling?"

"She just said she can't feel anything!" Glinda snapped.

"Glinda." Ginny chastised her.

"What?" The blonde frowned.

"Let your sister do her job."

Addena ignored their exchange. "Are your legs tingling?"

Elphaba shook her head.

"Numb?"

"No." She squeezed Glinda's hand to keep her from saying anything. "It's like, uh..." Elphaba swallowed hard. "It's like they're not there at all."

"Oh Elphie." Tears glistened in Glinda's eyes.

Addena nodded, obviously deep in thought. "Can you try to move one of your legs for me?"

"Dena!" Glinda scowled at her.

"I'm not trying to be cruel, Glinda. I'm trying to access the situation."

"She said she can't feel her legs. How in Oz is she supposed to move one of them?!"

"I'll try." Elphaba interrupted before they could argue more.

It won't work.

Elphaba's brow creased in concentration.

The only way she'll be able to move them again is if you help her.

Tense moments passed.

She'll end up in a wheelchair if you don't.

"I can't."

Just like Nessa.

"I can't move either one of them." A tear slid down Elphaba's cheek.

"It's all right, Elphie." Glinda stroked her hair. "Do something for her Dena. Please."

"I will, Linny." Addena put her hand on her sister's shoulder. "As soon as the guard gets here with the backboard and neck brace we'll move her to the Gale Force hospital."

"Will they be able to help her?" The Wizard asked.

No.

"Yes." The doctor answered. "We can run some tests to determine how much damage was done to her back. Once we do we can determine a course of treatment."

There is no treatment. You're the only one who can help her.

Glinda sniffled. "Will she be able to walk again?"

Not if you don't do something quickly.

Breena had finally had enough. "Shut up! There's nothing I can do for her!"

Everyone looked at her but it was her father who said, "Breena?"

"I..." She scrambled to think of something to say.

"Ignore it Bree." Elphaba advised her.

She looked at her sister. "You can hear it too?"

Of course she can. We're all part of the same collective.

The Wizard frowned. "Hear what?"

"Nothing." Elphaba winced and shut her eyes.

"What's the matter?" Glinda's voice was panicked. "What's wrong?"

She winced again as she chuckled. "My right side is killing me."

"Don't say things like that!" Glinda groused.

"You have a couple of broken ribs." Addena came to her rescue.

Glinda frowned as her lover continued to chuckle. "How is that funny?"

"It's not. I'm just glad I can feel something."

You need to listen, otherwise this will break her.

Elphaba snorted. "I'm already broken."

"What's wrong with her?" Glinda asked her sister. "Who is she talking to?"

"I have no idea." Addena looked at her lover. "Do you Bree?"

You can fix her.

"No she can't." Elphaba answered again. "I have a feeling no one can help me now." Her last words were barely audible.

"Don't say that." Glinda reprimanded her. "Don't even think that way."

"She's right Elphaba." The Wizard joined in. "You have to stay positive."

"Bree?" Addena continued to stare at the witch.

You listen any other time. Listen now. You can draw off of someone else's energy to use your powers.

"Bree?"

Like you did to heal yourself in the Uplands.

"Breena?" The Wizard gave her a squeeze, his brow etched in concern when she didn't answer.

But if you don't do it soon, it will be too late. The swelling around her spine will increase to the point that it causes permanent damage. Damage even you can't repair.

"It's not permanent now?" Breena asked.

"What? Her not being able to feel her legs?" Glinda looked back and forth between Elphie and Breena. "It's not permanent? You can do something about it?"

"No." Elphaba answered. "She can't."

Breena looked at her sister. "But..."

"No." Elphaba repeated herself. "You've never tried something like this."

"Something like what?" Glinda interjected.

"What about..."

"That was different Bree. I can't let you do this."

"Elly..."

"It could be dangerous!"

The Wizard watched their interaction like a tennis match. "Could one of you fill the rest of us in on what's going on?"

"Our power is talking to us." Elphaba complied.

"Does it have a way for Breena to help you?" Glinda watched her expectantly for a moment before gesturing in exasperation. "Elphie?"

"Yes." Breena answered before her sister could.

"What is it?" The Wizard asked.

"I can draw off of someone else's energy to use my powers."

"How could you possibly do that?" Ginny frowned.

"Isn't that what happened in the Uplands when she and Elphaba fell into that coma like state together?" Penny piped in.

"Then it could work?" Glinda turned her attention to Breena. "You can heal her?"

"No." Elphaba insisted.

"Maybe." Breena answered at the same time.

"No you can't." Addena added her two cents. "Elphaba's right. Now is hardly the time to be trying something new as far as your powers are concerned. You're exhausted."

"But she would be using someone else's energy." Glinda argued.

"It could be dangerous for both of them." The doctor added, "What if it makes Elphaba's injuries worse?"

Glinda swallowed hard. "Could that happen?"

Addena shrugged. "Who knows? Breena's never done this sort of thing before. It's hard to tell what could happen."

"But her powers haven't stirred them wrong before." The Wizard flinched at the look Addena gave him. "Well they haven't."

"He's right." Breena agreed. "I think we should try it."

"No." Elphaba shook her head.

"Elly."

"I'm the one who's hurt Bree and I don't want you to do it. I'd rather take my chances with Addena." She gave the doctor an apologetic look. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded."

"It takes more than that to offend me." Addena assured her, glad someone was on her side.

"Think about this Elly. If we don't act now the damage to your back could be permanent."

"I know."

"And you're all right with that?"

"That's kind of a loaded question don't you think?" Elphaba held her sister's gaze. "I don't want to end up in a wheelchair Bree, but I don't want anything to happen to you either. How would I be able to live with myself if it did while you were healing me?"

"And how am I supposed to live with myself if our power gave me a way to heal you but we didn't try it and you end up paralyzed?" Breena retaliated. "I don't want you to be in a wheelchair either."

"I don't think we should risk it."

"Elly, please." Tears shimmered in emerald eyes. "Let me try. If it doesn't work I'll hold your hand while Addy runs her tests."

"Bree."

"I'm doing this, Elphaba. I have to."

"You can't." Elphaba argued.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you're a captive audience right now." Breena looked at the other around them. "And I dare any of the rest of you to try and stop me." She paused for a moment. "Now I need someone's help."

Glinda and Penny both said, "I'll do it," at the same time.

The blonde looked at the Lioness. "I'm her girlfriend."

"Exactly." Penny agreed. "If something happens to you everyone will be upset. Not so much so if it's me."

"That's not true." Ginny corrected her.

"I didn't mean it that way." Penny defended herself. "I just meant that Glinda is an important part of Elphaba's life and while I'm sure Elphaba would appreciate her volunteering I would be a better choice because I'm not as close to the situation. Besides, I'm a Lioness. I have more energy for Breena to use."

"No one's volunteering for anything because this isn't going to happen." Addena pointed at Breena. "And I dare you to try to stop me from stopping you."

"OK." Breena nodded. "Cade?"

The captain looked shocked to hear his name. "Yes?"

"I want you to seize Addy and keep her under house arrest until I'm through."

"What?!" Addena's mouth popped open.

"Are you serious?" Cade asked.

"Yes I am." Breena was quick to answer. "You don't have to drag her off to our room or anything, just don't let her interfere."

"Breena, I'm not sure that is such a good idea." The Wizard cautioned.

His daughter looked at him. "Are you going to tell Cade not to follow my order?"

He chose his answer carefully. "No."

"Gee thanks." Addena dead panned.

"Then let me help Elly." Breena nodded toward Cade.

Addena stared at him in disbelief as he walked toward her. "You're actually going to do this?"

"I'm sorry." Cade apologized as he took her by the arm and pulled her away from Elphaba and Glinda.

"Breena?" She turned to her lover.

"I'm sorry too Addy but I have to help Elly." Breena turned away from the doctor, not wanting to see the hurt in her eyes. Because she knew, no matter how many times Addy said it didn't bother her, the doctor was always upset when she used her powers to help someone instead of letting her use her medical prowess.

You're doing the right thing. She'll understand.

She ignored the voice as she looked at Penny. "Are you sure about this?"

"Positive." Penny confirmed. "The way I see it, this is the least I can do after what you did for Lion today."

Breena sighed. "Please don't do this because you feel obligated."

"I'm not and I don't."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure." Penny joined her as she went to Elphaba's side.

"Glinda, I'm going to need you to let go of her."

"Do I have to move?"

"No." The corner of Breena's mouth turned up. "Just let go."

"I'm right here Elphie." Glinda leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Everything's going to be all right."

"I'm glad you think so." Elphaba watched as her sister and Penny knelt at her side. "There's no way I can talk you out of this?"

"None." Breena answered. "I have to try Elly. You would do the same for me. And don't even try to say you wouldn't."

"You're right, I would." Elphaba hated to admit defeat but had no other choice. She would do absolutely anything in the world for Breena and even though she was worried about what was about to happen, it warmed her heart to know her sister felt the same way about her. "Just be careful."

"I will be." Breena gave her a small smile. "I'll only hold on long enough to heal your back. The rest Addy can take care of."

Addena mumbled, "That's what you said about Lion earlier."

"Now isn't the time Addena." Ginny's voice was stern. "If you want to be angry with her, do it later."

"Yes ma'am." The doctor hung her head.

Breena quirked an eyebrow at Penny when she swallowed nervously. "Are you having second thoughts?"

"If you are I'll be more than happy to take your place." Glinda added.

"No, I'm fine." Penny shot them both down. "What do I need to do."

"Take my hand." Breena reached for her. "When I touch Elphaba my powers will kick in and the connection between us should let me use your energy to heal her."

"Bree?"

The witch looked up at her girlfriend. "Yeah?"

"I love you. If I wasn't under arrest right now I would give you a good luck kiss to prove it."

Breena chuckled. "I love you too. And you can save that kiss for later." She gripped Penny's paw. "You're sure about this?"

Penny nodded. "Let's do it."

Everyone watched as Breena put her free hand on her sister's arm. She instantly sucked in a breath as her eyes slammed shut.

"Bree?" Elphaba looked up at her worriedly.

"I'm a little... busy right now." She spoke through clinched teeth.

Glinda wrung her hands for a few seconds before asking, "Is it working Elphie?"

"I think so." The green girl furrowed her brow. "My legs are starting to tingle."

"That's a good sign." Addena jumped in. "It means the feeling is coming back."

"Are you all right Penny?" The Wizard asked.

"I..." The Lioness shook her head. "I don't know how to describe what I'm feeling."

Elphaba's eyes suddenly got big. "I can feel my legs again. Bree, you can stop now."

"Not..." Breena's face was scrunched. "Yet."

"You said you would only heal my back." Elphaba argued.

Breena let go of both of them with a whoosh of breath. She quickly scrambled to her feet and staggered a few feet away.

"Breena?" Addena started toward her.

"I..." Breena's voice was shaky. "I'm fine. Check on Elly."

"I've got her dear." Ginny bustled over to the witch, putting her arm around her shoulders. "Are you sure you're all right?"

Breena nodded as she leaned against her, grateful for the support.

The Wizard looked at Penny when he knew his daughter was in good hands. "What about you?"

"I'm great." The Lioness shrugged. "I don't even feel drained."

"You will." Breena warned her.

"Elphie?" Glinda was looking down at her lover anxiously.

"I'm fine Linny." Elphaba started moving her legs to prove her point. "See."

"I'd be careful with your right one. You sprained your ankle pretty bad." Breena warned. "I don't think it's broken but it's going to be sore for a while."

"Ow." Elphaba winced. "I can feel that."

Addena gave her girlfriend a look. "How did you know about her ankle?"

"I could feel it when I was healing her."

"Move your legs for me again Elphaba." Addena was in full doctor mode as she went back to the green girl's side. She breathed a sigh of relief when the witch complied, bending both of her legs at the knee. "Is there any more tingling or numbness?"

"No." Elphaba shook her head. "My back doesn't even hurt."

"Do you hurt anywhere else?"

"My side and my ankle."

Glinda looked at her sister. "Does that mean she's going to be all right?"

Addena smiled. "I think it does."

"Oh Elphie." The blonde put her head on her love's chest, being mindful of her ribs the whole time. "I was so scared."

"It's all right my sweet." Elphaba ran her fingers through blonde curls. "Everything is going to be all right."

"Thank Oz." The Wizard commented.

"Elphaba, do you think you can get up or should we still wait for the backboard to..."

"No, I can definitely get up." Elphaba didn't let the doctor finish her question.

Glinda sat up. "Elphie, are you sure?"

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life." She started to get up to prove her point. "You're not getting me on that stupid board."

"Slow down tiger." Addena and Glinda helped her up. "You're sure you can handle this?"

"Yes." Elphaba hissed in pain as she tried to put weight on her bad ankle, which made her ribs flair in agony. "OK, maybe I can use a little help."

"I'll carry you." Cade volunteered. "Unless you think it will hurt too much, then we can wait for the..."

"Everyone needs to stop talking about that damned board." Elphaba cut him off. "Carrying me will be humiliating enough."

Glinda rubbed her back. "Everyone needs help sometimes Elphie."

"What about you Breena?" Ginny still had a grip on the girl.

"I can make it on my own." Breena answered.

Elphaba reached for her sister, pulling her into a hug. "Thank you Bree."

Breena returned the embrace. "You're welcome." She pulled back to look at her. "Now let's get you upstairs so Addy can work some magic of her own. I know from experience that she has some wonderful pain medicine."

Elphaba cupped her check. "I love you Bree."

Breena grinned. "I love you too you sap."

"Here we go Elphaba." Cade swung her into his arms as gently as he could, furrowing his brow when she hissed in pain. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault." Elphaba answered. "You're not the one who pushed me down the stairs."

"You were pushed?" Glinda squeaked.

"Yes." Elphaba confirmed everyone's worst fear. "I heard a noise behind me on the staircase just before someone gave me a good shove."

Cade clinched his jaw. "Did you see who it was?"

"No, it all happened too fast."

The Wizard shared a look with Cade. "We can talk about all that once Addena has taken care of your injuries."

No one else said a word as they started back upstairs but unanswered questions loomed over all of them. Who was behind all the attacks?

And was anyone safe?

AN - I want to apologize for this taking so long. Things have been super hectic lately but hopefully they've calmed down to the point that I'll be able to update more quickly. If not please be patient... I won't leave you hanging for too long. Thanks to everyone who's reading and especially to my loyal reviewers. You know my muse loves each and every one of you.