A/N: A shout out to my anonymous reviewer. the show down begins next chapter. ;) Thanks so much!
Chapter 15
One week later, with Gale Force, Vinkun, Gillikinese, and Quadling troops lining the route from the Emerald Palace to the courthouse, the Wizard was walked out from the safety of the Palace walls. The Flying Monkeys were in the skies, keeping an eye on things while Fiyero personally led the Wizard, with Lieutenant Zetti, Sergeant Duncan, and Corporal Bock helping the Captain.
"We all know this is just a sham," the Wizard said as they walked.
"Nope. All the people here represent the governments of Oz that are here to ensure you get a fair trial," Fiyero said.
"Funny I don't see the Munchkins," the Wizard pointed out.
"They're too busy trying to wrap their brains around the fact that the Witch wasn't the evil one. It's going to take them a bit," Fiyero gave him a look.
"They always were a slow bunch but loyal to a fault," the prisoner said.
"Only loyal to those that think like they do – everyone else be damned," Fiyero was going to lose his cool if he wasn't careful.
"You know the same goes for you Winkies. Follow the King and Queen to your deaths," the Wizard said using the derogatory term. Fiyero managed to hold back his anger at its use because he knew he was being baited.
"We have brains of our own. We do not have blind loyalty," he told him. Zetti was listening to the exchange, wondering what the Wizard was hoping to achieve. Luckily, they were just outside the courthouse and the Lieutenant took over control of the prisoner.
"Come on you treasonous bastard," Zetti poked the bear, before yanking him through the doorway. Fiyero began his walk back to the Palace to fetch Glinda.
"Me? You're all blindly following the blonde?" The Wizard gave him a look as they went in through the main doors.
"You tried to kill the blonde remember? Seems she wouldn't be worth your effort if she wasn't important," Sergeant Duncan pointed out as he opened the door to the courtroom. Inside the room were Elphaba and Private Schultz. The judges and lawyers would be there shortly.
"What is she doing here?" The Wizard asked.
"She's here to ensure you don't get any dumb ideas," Corporal Bock spoke up.
"That and she'll be testifying against you," Zetti smirked. Sergeant Duncan and Corporal Bock sat the defendant down in the designated seat and chained him to it.
"All set gentlemen?" Elphaba wanted to know.
"Ready for enchantment," Bock smiled. Elphaba nodded and quickly chanted a spell and the chains that bound the Wizard would now only answer to her.
"How fair is that?" The prisoner demanded.
"Again no dumb ideas remember? You need to be present and accounted for at your trial with no interruptions or escape attempts," Zetti said. That's when the panel of three judges walked into the room, carefully working behind the large bench where they would sit for the trial.
"Ah, glad to see the defendant is on time. Have we found him a defense attorney?" Judge Mikhail asked.
"Yes, your honor. He should be here soon," Lieutenant Zetti turned toward the judge and explained.
"Very good. Please take seats in the area behind the rail. Are all witnesses accounted for?" Judge Griffin wanted to know.
"Captain Fiyero is getting Lady Glinda. I think only she and Miss Elphaba are on the docket," Private Schultz spoke up.
"And you young man?" Judge Cenk wondered, looking right at the Private.
"I will be protecting Miss Elphaba, your Honor," Schultz said.
"She needs it in our courtroom?" Mikhail was surprised.
"I have been charged by the Captain to keep her from harm and I take my duty very seriously. Whether she really needs me or not, I will be here," the Private told them.
"Your sense of duty is admirable son," Griffin nodded. Just then the back door of the room opened and in walked the prosecution lawyers.
"Where is the defendant's lawyer?" Cenk asked the two lawyers.
"Kahui promised he'd be here your Honor," Prosecutor Doruk said.
"We'll give him a few more minutes. If he has not arrived by then, we must send the Gale Force after him," Mikhail told the room. Everyone took their appointed seats and began to chitchat amongst themselves.
"Your Honors, we have a bit of a situation," Fiyero spoke as he entered the door at the back of the room a few minutes later.
"What is it?" Cenk asked.
"Lady Glinda caught this one trying to run away," Fiyero jerked his head toward the lawyer that Glinda had trapped in a bubble. The blonde had a displeased look on her face.
"Mr. Kahui, what is the meaning of this?" Judge Griffin demanded.
"I will become a target if I defend this man!" It was obvious the man was terrified.
"You signed up for this. You knew that was a possibility. Please take your seat and we'll begin with opening statements," Mikhail shook his head. Kahui was released from his bubble and the trial of the Wizard of Oz was about to begin.
To Be Continued…