AN: Hey all, here it is.
Just a warning this chapter will be a bit of a roller-coaster of emotions (at least to me it was while writing it). And it will sad at the end of it, so just a warning.

I will separate each event with a page divider.

I hope you'll enjoy chapter 26.

Chapter 26:

The trip back was as uneventful as the journey to the Upper Uplands. Except for the fact that Rachel slept this time.

When they arrived back at the castle it was just after lunch so they were given a quick meal before being told to change and get ready for court.

Izzy was made to go sit on the smaller throne next to her mother. She made a fuss about wanting Lion Quinn with her, but since Lion Quinn was neither a pet nor a royal anything, she couldn't. That made the little girl pout for a while until she caught a look from her mother, so she stopped and sat still, looking out at the audience they had.

"I call forth Elphaba Thropp," Ozma Brittany said as Elphaba stood forward in front of everyone, "There have been charges laid against Elphaba Thropp of Munchkinland for treason and crimes against Oz and her people, charges of cruelty and evil, may the one representing this claim speak their peace,"

"Your majesty, for years now this witch has been getting away with murder and destruction, she should be punished for what she has done," a farmer said.

"And who has she murdered? Was this in your sight or your assumption?"

"Uh, well, one hears stories your majesty,"

"If it is not an accusation of either yours or a kin's witnessing then it cannot be used,"

"But,"

"I deal with proof, prove to me that she murdered someone or do not present yourself at all, is the claims you are making for you or for the people?"

"I, the crops your majesty,"

"When?"

"About three and a half weeks ago,"

"Three and a half weeks ago? While Mombi was still alive and Rachel of Lima appeared?"

"Yes your majesty,"

"Then I can attest to you that Elphaba Thropp was with me at Kiamo Ko, I was there,"

"You were cohorting your majesty?"

"And what is it that you are suggesting? That I in my goodness would associate with an evil witch? Since I became Queen and had my power restored have I done anything to prove to you that I would resort to evil?"

"No, no your majesty,"

"So say to me again, what is your complaint?"

"I, she destroyed our crops, our livelihood, she terrorised us,"

"I see, again I ask, when?"

"Before you came back your majesty,"

"And is there anyone who will speak in her defense? Glinda may not as she will be seen as biased to many of you,"

For a moment no one said anything until someone stepped forward.

"I will your majesty," the man said as he took off his straw hat.

"Jenkinies?" the first farmer said in surprise and shock.

"It's my only chance to do what I should have," Jenkinies said as he looked at Ozma Brittany, "Your majesty I can attest to you that it was indeed not Elphaba who damaged our crop and hurt our people, I have seen it with my own eyes,"

"Proceed," Ozma Brittany said.

"On the day in question, I was taking a break and I heard two women cackling, I thought it suspicious, so I peeked over the edge, there in the hedge was Elphaba and Morrible, but something didn't seem right, Morrible kept calling her Mombi and saying that it was clever of her to disguise herself as the green one while terrorising people, I never said anything because no one would have believed me, but I believe that the real Elphaba Thropp is innocent your majesty,"

"You can think this over your majesty as the court awaits for your answer," Enforcer Puck said as he looked over the crowd.

Ozma Brittany thought for a moment before saying, "Elphaba Thropp of Munchkinland, do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"Yes your majesty," Elphaba said.

"Then say it,"

"I'm innocent, I swear it on my life that I am, I was framed by Mombi and Morrible because I refused to follow their demands of taking Oz over, they swore that I would have evil entrusted upon me for going against them and that no one would believe me otherwise, since then I've helped who I could in the shadows,"

"Can anyone else give witness to your claim?"

"Yes, we can," the Mayor of China Town said as he walked forward, "Permission to add to the talks your majesty,"

"Granted," Ozma Brittany said.

"Miss Thropp has helped our town many times in our time of need, we have seen her, she also helped Beatlesville and the newer Animal Town that is being built, she is good your majesty, I swear that on my china head,"

Ozma Brittany was seen thinking before saying, "I decree that Elphaba Thropp be pardoned for any crime that Morrible claims that she has committed, I say to you all now that there is no evil in this woman and I have seen it myself, she is good, what you were told of her by the former Wizard and Morrible was a lie, and I can confirm with you all that Mombi was part of the reason why she was portrayed in such a bad light, Elphaba Thropp, you are pardoned of all crimes, go in freedom,"

The crowd chattered a bit before nodding their heads in agreement with the Queen as Glinda had tears in her eyes.

"Right, is there any other matter that I need to attend to?" Ozma Brittany asked as Enforcer Puck nodded his head.

"Yes your majesty, the matter of mayorage of the Emerald City," Enforcer Puck said, "The Wizard seeks your audience,"

"Okay, enter Wizard," Ozma Brittany said as the Wizard took his position, "Speak,"

"Your majesty, I'm old and I'm tired, all these years I have tried to serve Oz as the Wonderful Wizard, but I am too tired to keep going, the citizens need someone who they can trust, who can do what it is asked of them," the Wizard said.

"Was it not you Wizard who was the reason Elphaba was criminalised?" Ozma Brittany said. (Even though she knew the answer, she was just saying this for the benefit of the Ozians).

"Yes your majesty, and I deeply regret that, Elphaba was and is a gifted individual who deserves a chance to fly, if you get my meaning,"

"I do, so what is your request?"

"I ask, your majesty, that Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland be the two to serve Oz through the Emerald City as the city's mayors,"

Ozma Brittany looked like she was thinking before she said, "So be it, Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland are henceforth asked to lead the Emerald City, do you two agree to take responsibility?"

"We do your majesty," Glinda and Elphaba said at the same time.

The court in general, including some of the citizens of the Emerald City nodded their heads.

"The Queen has decreed what she needed to for the day, all the hail the Queen," Enforcer Puck said as everyone cheered and Ozma Brittany and Izzy stood up and left the throne room.

Once everyone was gone, Izzy happily ran up to Lion Quinn again and cuddled into the Lion's head, who was purring happily with a bit of her tongue sticking out again.

"Quinn, my Lion," Izzy said as she hugged Lion Quinn's head.

"Your Lion?" Ozma Brittany asked as she placed a hand on her daughter's head.

"Yeah,"

Lion Quinn could be heard rumbling as the little girl was patting the big Lion's head.

"Come, let's all go, we have a wedding to finish last minute preparations for, I don't know about you, but I can't wait," Ozma Brittany said with a smile.

"Me neither," Izzy said as she jumped into her mother's arms.

The next day the castle was abuzz as everyone was preparing for the wedding.

Ozma Brittany was happy holding the event at the castle, knowing that it would be a sad day the following day as Glinda and Elphaba would go somewhere together for a honeymoon then go straight to the Emerald City to begin their new roles.

And of course Rachel was due to leave.

"Quinn, have you seen where my headband is?" Rachel asked as she searched through the room.

The Lion was already changed and ready to go. She was wearing a black and white tuxedo.

"Oh Quinn you look so dapper," Rachel said as she combed the Lion's mane.

"But everyone's going to think I'm a boy," Lion Quinn grumbled.

"You chose the outfit, so I don't know why you're complaining,"

"I didn't realise I'd look this much like a boy,"

Rachel laughed before saying, "Right, headband, have you seen it?"

Lion Quinn raised an eyebrow at her.

"What?" Rachel asked.

"Really?" Lion Quinn said.

"What?"

"You don't at all feel your hair being pulled back into a headache inducing fashion?"

"I'm wearing it aren't I?"

Lion Quinn nodded her head at her.

Rachel watched as Lion Quinn stood on her hind legs making her quite tall. She held out her paw for Rachel to take as the two walked down the stairs and to the castle's chapel.

As everyone gathered together in the castle, Rachel went off to find Elphaba to help her prepare to walk down the aisle and Lion Quinn went to find Glinda.

Tin Man Santana and Enforcer Puck were standing on opposite sides of the altar guarding the ceremony that was about to take place.

Ozma Brittany was going to officiate it, as it was Glinda's request that she do so.

Soon it was time for the ceremony to start.

Izzy giggled gleefully as she skipped down the aisle throwing white and red rose petals on the ground in front of her.

Next was Lion Quinn and Rachel, walking down the aisle arm in arm. Smiling at everyone who were gathered there.

Elphaba entered first with the Wizard walking her down the aisle with a proud look on his face. Elphaba herself was wearing a white simple gown, simple was always her way, but it was quite flattering on her and people couldn't help but awe at it.

The Wizard lead her to the altar, smiled at her and bowed before walking back down to get Glinda.

As he walked Glinda down the aisle, Elphaba felt tears fall from her face. She was happy, really and truly happy, and life it seemed was finally turning out right for her.

Ozma Brittany smiled as she started the ceremony, "Fellow Ozians, we are here today to join in holy matrimony Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland in marriage," she said as the two women smiled at each other.

Lion Quinn sniffed a bit as Rachel looked up at her, "You okay?" she whispered quickly.

"Yeah, just, um, dust in my eye," Lion Quinn answered as Rachel patted her paw.

"Do you Glinda Upland take this woman to be your magically and lawfully wedded wife for as long as you both shall live? For richer, for poorer? In sickness and in health and until death do you part?" Ozma Brittany asked Glinda.

"I do," Glinda said happily as her tears fell freely, thank god for waterproof make-up.

"And do you Elphaba Thropp take this woman to be your magically and lawfully wedded wife for as long as you both shall live? For richer, for poorer? In sickness and in health and until death do you part?"

"I most definitely do," Elphaba said with a smile.

"Does anyone have any reason why these two should not marry? Speak now or forever hold your peace," Ozma Brittany said.

"I object," Glinda's Father roared as he marched in.

"Stand your ground where you are and speak your peace, and if I deem it fitting I shall not proceed with this union, now speak your peace,"

"She can't marry that thing,"

"For what reason?"

"Because I do not approve,"

"For what reason?"

"Look, you're a young lass,"

"Do not bring age into this Upland, I am older than you think and wiser than your years, now speak your peace or I shall arrest you, not only for ruining what was a wonderful ceremony, but for pushing past the guards and trespassing to an event you were not really invited to,"

"Your grace,"

"Do not patronise me Upland, now speak your peace, why can these two not marry?"

"Glinda is engaged to someone else,"

"I see, who?"

"To Chuffery,"

"I most certainly am not," Glinda said angrily, "You are just saying that because I'm marrying someone I want and not someone you want,"

"Absurd," Glinda's father started.

"Mr Upland," Ozma Brittany started.

"It's Lord,"

"I shall give you no such respect or title unless you earn it, now speak the truth or this day may be your last, is Glinda really engaged to Chuffery? And did she consent to it?"

"I, no, no your grace,"

"So say to me again, what is your peace?"

"I do not approve of her marrying beneath our family,"

"That does not hold, so I shall not take you into consideration,"

"Stupid,"

"You are the stupid one, you dare question the Queen of Oz,"

"I,"

"You do not realise the gravity of the situation you have found yourself in," Ozma Brittany said as she started to glow with her blue aura, showing part of her power and authority, making Glinda's father shake a bit as he realised who he was up against, "Guards take him away,"

The Tin Men stepped forward and arrested Glinda's father as commanded, angry that they had to miss part of the wedding now thanks to him.

"So, with that irritating matter settled, since there is no real cause for you two not to be married, I pronounce you spouses, you may kiss your bride," Ozma Brittany said with a smile as she stepped back and let Glinda and Elphaba share a sweet kiss to the cheer of the crowd.

As the evening progressed everyone was having fun as they danced, laughed and joked at the reception.

They watched as the two women shared their first dance as a married couple and they laughed and cried at the wedding toasts.

Lion Quinn danced first with Rachel then she danced with Izzy.

Eventually the night drew to a close as everyone retired to their rooms.

Rachel wanted to say goodbye to Elphaba and Glinda first, but they told her that they'd be there in the morning to see her off.

She smiled sadly at them as she hugged them.

Lion Quinn moved up to her legs once she let the two women go, and rubbed her head against Rachel's leg.

"Oh Quinn," Rachel sighed sadly as the two retired to their room.

Lion Quinn jumping onto the bed so she could cuddle up to the brunette one last time.

As the morning rose, Rachel was nervous. Breakfast was incredibly quiet and the mood was dull.

Even Izzy didn't make a comment.

Rachel wanted it as a quiet affair so it was just Lion Quinn, Tin Man Santana, Elphaba, Glinda, Izzy and of course Ozma Brittany who were there to say goodbye to her.

As the group went to the courtyard, tears were starting to fall from her face as she hugged everyone tightly and told them all how much she'd miss them.

"I don't want to leave but I know it's my time to go," Rachel said as she broke down and cried.

Ozma Brittany gave her a hug, "You are a wonderful friend to have and I know that when you get home, people will start to see you differently and perhaps treasure you more,"

"You think?"

"Yes,"

"See ya munchkin, thanks, you know, for being my friend and all that," Tin Man Santana said as she hugged Rachel tight, "You take care of yourself now,"

"You too, I'm going to miss watching your kick butt fights with Quinn,"

"Hey, she can't stick my head in a tree anymore, too dangerous,"

Rachel laughed as Izzy jumped into her arms and hugged her tight.

"I'll miss you Rachel," Izzy said, "You're a cool person,"

"I'm going to miss you too Izzy, you be good for your mommy, okay," Rachel said as she sniffed away tears.

"Okay,"

Next was Elphaba.

"Thank you Rachel, for being here and helping us," Elphaba said as she hugged Rachel.

"I'm still sorry about Nessarose," Rachel said as she hugged Elphaba back.

"Not much you can do, it was all Morrible and Mombi's doing, so,"

"I guess, take care okay,"

"You too,"

"Well Rachel from Lima, thank you so much for everything," Glinda said as she hugged Rachel tightly.

"You're Glin-tastic Glinda," Rachel said with a smile as she hugged the blonde.

"You take care in that world of yours okay,"

"I'll try,"

"And if you can, visit us sometime,"

"If I find a way that won't involve me getting injured, sure,"

Everyone laughed at that as Rachel pulled away from the blonde and looked at Lion Quinn.

"Hey Quinn," Rachel said as she hugged the Lion, "I'm going to miss you,"

"Rachel, please, don't leave me," Lion Quinn said as tears fell from her face.

"I have to get home," Rachel said sadly as she hugged the sobbing Lion tighter.

"You're leaving me how you met me," the Lion laughed a bit.

Rachel laughed too.

"I want you to stay," Lion Quinn said.

"I can't Quinn, this isn't my World," Rachel said.

"But, I love you, I can feel it,"

"And you will find the me of this World, she will be here somewhere for you Quinn,"

"But, she, what if I don't,"

"A part of me was meant to find you Quinn, and the me of this World, she will find you, trust that,"

Lion Quinn just nodded her head but didn't let her go yet.

"Quinn, she might be an Animal too, you know, another Lion," Rachel added as she stroked Lion Quinn's head.

"It doesn't matter to me,"

"Quinn, you have to let me go,"

"No,"

"Quinn, please, I have to go home,"

"I can come with you, maybe I can be turned human?"

"But then you won't be true to yourself, you're a Lion Quinn, that's who you are,"

"Then I'll go with you as a Lion,"

"You have to abide by the rules of the World you're in Quinn, in my world you'll be a lion with no voice and more animal instinct than human ability, and you will age horribly, remember, once you go beyond Oz's borders you will age as you were supposed to,"

"I guess, but I,"

"Quinn, please, you have to let me go,"

The Lion looked at her before slowly letting her go. Tears pouring down her face.

Rachel kissed the tip of Lion Quinn's nose as she looked at her sadly before stepping away, taking in one final look at them all.

"I will miss you all, truly," Rachel said as she looked at them.

Lion Quinn roared sadly as she tried to step forward, only to have Glinda hold her back. The Lion looked up at Glinda before looking at Rachel.

"Goodbye everyone," the brunette said as she clicked her heels three times and whispered "There's No Place Like Home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home,"

And as Rachel disappeared from Oz, Lion Quinn roared out in pain as she ran.

"Quinn!" Izzy cried as she tried to run after the Lion but was caught by Tin Man Santana.

The Lion didn't know where she was going to go, but she kept running and soon disappeared from view.

No one saw her again, at least, for now.

AN 2: So, there we go. Next chapter is Rachel back home again.
And for those of you wondering about the people in Oz, don't worry, we will get back to them eventually.