Later…
"How much farther will we have to walk?" complained Elliot after walking for about an hour.

"It's at least a day's journey," said Elphaba, who was at least ten yards ahead. "At least, it is if you walk fast. You two are walking like snails. Wait, that's not fair to the snails."

"Would you quit attacking us?" snapped Elliot. "That's all you've been doing since day one." But he started walking faster so that Olivia had to run to keep up.

"So, wait," said Olivia breathlessly, "we're going to walk at this speed for a day without stopping?"

"That's the plan."

Olivia stared at her. "Do you always walk everywhere?"

"Pretty much. We never leave The Land of the Froggy People. We're almost there, luckily for you sloths."

Olivia sighed with relief. Elliot started slowing down a little.

"That doesn't mean stop!" said Elphaba, exasperated. "Are all New Yorkers this slow?'

Elliot would've asked how she knew they were from New York, but he kept his mouth shut. After all, she was going to become one of the most famous witches of all time in a couple years.

"No," said Elliot, "we're normally fast walkers, but not for long distances. We hustle to the subway, or to catch a taxi, but we like to sit and rest our feet whenever possible."

Elphaba mumbled something that sounded like, "Lazy," but Elliot couldn't tell exactly what she had said. She stopped abruptly. "Welcome to the Vinkus," she said, turning sharply. "Residence of the Winkies, and- more likely than not- my sister's rapists. Onward friends!" She charged forward like a knight in a life or death battle.

Olivia and Elliot stared at her. Olivia reached for her partner's hand, and together they crossed into Winkie country. After setting up camp for the night, Elliot left to get firewood. The two women were left alone at the encampment.

"If any unidentified, assassin-type men start coming for us, run for it. They're the border guards, and they don't like women coming in here alone," Elphaba warned.

"Do you think they're the ones who raped Nessarose?"

Elphaba snorted. "Doubtful. They go after strong, tough women, not weak ones that can't transport themselves."

They sat in silence for half an hour –save Elphaba humming her little song. Then they heard footsteps and saw the shadows of five young men approaching. Elphaba sat up straight, but Olivia kept lounging, half asleep, as the men drew closer and closer. Elphaba gave her a pinch. As if she knew Olivia would scream, she clasped her hand over the detective's mouth.

"Shhhh…" she hissed. "Border guards."

Olivia nodded and shoved Elphaba's hand off of her face.

"Hello, ladies," said one of the men, who was clearly the leader, "I'm Kriss. How are you beautiful young women doing on this lovely evening?"

"Fine, thanks," said Olivia, immediately liking them. Elphaba remained stubbornly silent.

"Cat got your tongue, Peridot?" Kriss teased Elphaba.

Elphaba stayed still as a statue.

"A little fun should loosen you up," said the Winkie, peeling off his shirt.

Suddenly, without a warning, Elphaba shot up like a rocket. Before anyone realized what had happened, there was a loud SMACK and Kriss was holding his hand up to his stinging cheek.

"Stay away," she growled, "we can take care of ourselves."

Kriss and his gang stared at her. The seemingly delicate little plant had grown into a weed that threatened to destroy them forever. "Come on, guys," said the leader, "Peridot doesn't want us here." He turned to Olivia. "Sorry, Chicky." They turned and left.

"Well," said Elphaba, as if nothing had happened, "I think we've found our perps."