The world had been thrown into chaos.

At least, that's what it seemed like to Elphaba. She urged her broom faster, trying to leave her thoughts behind with the ground that blurred beneath her. It didn't work.

She had never seen Peric as agitated as he was outside the Emerald City. She almost asked him to go with her to Munchkinland, but she knew better. He had to stay in the city. The underground was restless and uncertain, and they needed all the help they could get. Besides, there was nothing he could do once she reached Colwen Grounds.

Traveling across Munchkinland took a lot longer than traveling from Shiz to the Emerald City. More than once, Elphaba had to land and rest. At least the sun was bright and a little warmer than in Gillikin. She was out of food, too, but didn't dare swipe anything from the fields she landed in. Oz knew these farmers needed every crop that could grow.

What was going to happen to Munchkinland now? What was Nessarose going to do? Peric said they knew almost nothing about what had happened. The only reason they knew at all was because someone's cousin worked in the kitchens at Colwen Grounds, and they had sent word as soon as possible. The news hadn't spread throughout the city yet, but it had still been several days since the new Eminent had been sworn in as leader of Munchkinland.

A horrible thought occurred to Elphaba as the grounds came into view on the horizon. Even if the rest of Oz wasn't talking about it yet, the Wizard had to know. Would he make a visit to meet the new Eminent Thropp? Would he be here at the grounds, already trying to manipulate Nessa? Perhaps even waiting for Elphaba, knowing she would come?

Elphaba grit her teeth and kept flying. It was too late to turn back now. Nessa needed her. The Resistance needed to know what was going on. Even if the Wizard was coming, it would take a while for him to prepare and travel out here. Maybe she still had time.

She landed on the dirt path just outside the iron gates, shouldered her broom, and walked up to the Munchkin on duty. Despite everything that brought her here, she smiled as she recognized him.

"Master Viko," she said. He jerked upright, then leaned forward, narrowing his eyes at her.

"Miss Elphaba? Is that really you?"

"Are there any other green girls that come to Colwen Grounds?"

He thought about it. "We get a lot of strange folk here, but no. I believe you are unique in that respect."

"Only in that respect?" Elphaba asked. He smiled a little.

"No," he said, shaking his head. "In many ways. How in Oz did you get here so fast? I figured you'd be here eventually, but…"

Elphaba grinned. "Would you believe me if I told you I flew here?"

Viko paused. "If it were anyone else, no. But you, Miss Elphaba, seem to be a girl of many talents. I'm assuming you want me to open the gates for you?"

"That would be nice."

He hopped down and went to the gate. It swung open with a low creak. Elphaba stepped forward, but paused in front of him. She looked down the gravel path toward the castle.

"What has it been like?" she asked, almost in a whisper. "What has she been like?"

"I haven't seen her," Viko said, just as soft. "But things have been…quiet."

"Quiet?"

He nodded. "Like the calm before the storm. I don't know what you're doing here, or how long you'll stay, and I know it's none of my business. But you best be on your toes, Miss Elphaba. Something is coming, and when it gets here, I don't think any of us are going to like it."

Elphaba met his eyes, noting the warning that was in them. Stay safe, he was saying. But she was beyond safe.

Maybe they all were.

"Thank you," she said. She started forward again, but then stopped. "Master Viko? One more thing. I know news of the Eminent is only just getting around, but has anyone visited yet?"

He gave her a long, knowing look. "No, Miss Elphaba," he said, turning and heading back to his post. "You're the only one."

Elphaba nodded, thanked him again, and made her way up the path to the castle.

The sun was setting, casting the grounds into low, blinding light and eerie shadows. The castle was still dark and imposing, but it seemed muted, somehow. Elphaba studied the grounds as she approached. Something was different. There were carriage tracks in the path, far more than Elphaba had ever seen, and she wondered who had been coming and going so often. Off to one side, the stables seemed to be completely full—not of the handful of well-groomed horses that pulled carriages for the Thropp family, but of short, muscular horses that Elphaba had never seen before. Near the stable was a small shack. Elphaba remembered seeing it on her first visit to the grounds, when Nessa had told her it was once used for weaponry. It had looked all but abandoned then, but now it was clearly in use. There was construction surrounding it, clearly adding on to the building, and several grim-faced Munchkins were bustling about, carrying armfuls of swords, clubs, and armor.

Elphaba turned her attention back toward the castle. She made her way up the front stairs, but she was stopped at the door by two guards. They stepped together, blocking her path.

"Her Eminence is not receiving visitors," one of them said.

"I'm her sister."

The second guard met her eyes. "We have our orders. No one is allowed in without the Eminent's permission."

Elphaba adjusted her grip on the broom and narrowed her eyes. The first guard shifted.

"If you wait here, I can find someone to go ask—"

"No," a voice said. Elphaba closed her eyes and breathed in through her nose. "She is not allowed in."

She turned to face the figure that was coming up the path from the chapel. "Hello, Father. It's nice to see you, too."

"What are you doing here?" he growled. The guards stepped back into their positions and stared ahead, pretending not to hear.

"I came to see Nessa," Elphaba said. "Where is she?"

"You're not welcome here. You can't see her. I won't—"

"Enough." The front doors swung open, and behind them was Nessarose. She looked coldly at all of them. "Let her in."

"But—"

"I will see her." Nessa cut their father off with a glance. He scowled, but turned and left, heading back the way he came. Elphaba didn't bother watching him go.

"Nessa—"

Nessarose said nothing. She wheeled around and started off, leaving Elphaba to hurry after her. They stayed silent as Nessa led them through the castle and to a small, cluttered room. Elphaba glanced around, recognizing it as the Eminent's office. Nessa moved to the far side of the desk and faced Elphaba.

"Close the door," was all she said. Elphaba did so, leaning back against it and crossing her arms over her chest. Her hat was still on and her fingers still gripped the broom tightly. Nessarose raised an eyebrow.

"You look different."

"So do you." She did. She sat taller. Her skin was paler and her hair was pulled back into a tight bun. The bones in her cheeks stuck out more, making her look a little older, and her eyes were harder, making her look a lot older.

"Where have you been?"

"I can't tell you that."

"And if I guessed?"

Elphaba shrugged. "You're a smart girl. You'd probably be right."

"If I am right," she said, "then it's a mistake letting you be here."

Elphaba sighed. "I heard what happened. I came to make sure you were okay."

"Oh? You didn't come to get information?" Her voice was colder than Elphaba had ever heard it.

"I wanted to be here for you."

Nessa met her eyes and held them. They stared at each other for a long moment, Elphaba's gaze quiet and closed off, and Nessa's hard and accusing. Nessa broke first, looking around the office.

"He died in his sleep," she said quietly. "The physician said it was painless."

"When was it?"

"Six days ago." Nessa sighed. "We had a quiet service—just everyone here at the grounds and a few of his closest colleagues that were in the area."

"You didn't want word to get out."

Nessa looked back up at her. "No," she said slowly. "The news will get around soon enough—I'm sure it already has, if you're here. People will find out, and they will start investigating the change of the Eminency. I want to put that off for as long as possible."

"Is that why you aren't receiving visitors?"

"I'm sending out word that Colwen Grounds is closed until further notice. We need time to mourn, and to reorient ourselves."

"Is anyone going to respect that?"

"They have to." Nessa pressed her lips together. "I know you're worried about the Wizard. He won't be here. Not until I'm seeing visitors again."

"Do you really think—"

"He's trying to get on my good side," Nessa said. "He could never get anything from Grandfather, and he's hoping he'll have better luck with a new Eminent. Munchkinland is in a fragile place right now, and he's expecting me to be just as delicate as our situation. So yes, he will respect my decisions. For the time being."

Elphaba studied her sister. "The last few months, when you were working with Grandfather," she said, "what have you learned?"

"A lot." Nessa's voice was quiet, and for a moment Elphaba saw the young, vulnerable side of her. But then she cleared her throat and gripped the arms of her chair, and all her uncertainty was gone. "I've learned enough to know that we are facing great danger, and great change."

A chill ran down Elphaba's spine. "What do you mean?"

"The Munchkinlanders are losing their rights. More and more are forced to go to the Emerald City to work under terrible conditions for little pay, and the loss of workers is hitting our farms hard. If we continue under the Wizard's rule, we will lose everything."

"What are you proposing?"

"Munchkinland must secede from Oz."

Silence. Elphaba blinked. She stood up from the door, slipped her hat off, and ran her fingers through her hair.

"That's…Nessa, this—"

"There are people who have been calling for secession for months now, and with every ban that the Wizard passes, the movement only grows. When Grandfather and I discussed it, he never thought we were ready. He always spoke as if he were waiting for something…some big change, to start it all."

"Like his death," Elphaba whispered.

Nessa nodded. "Munchkinland has grown restless. The death of the Eminent only increases that. If there was a time to act, it's now."

"Do you realize what you're saying? This isn't some law you pass. You can't just decree this and let it work itself out. You will be building and leading an independent nation all on your own. And it won't be peaceful, either. If you do this, you're likely to start a war."

"We're already at war," Nessa snapped. "I think you would know that, seeing as you're fighting in it."

"I'm not—"

"Spare me your excuses, Elphaba. I'm not stupid. You're in the Emerald City, fighting against the Wizard." Nessarose glared. "I thought you of all people would support the secession. If it happens, I will no longer be loyal to the Wizard, which means it will no longer be a crime to allow you inside this house."

"House?" Elphaba scoffed. "With towers and armed guards and armories that I know are being restored? Don't look so surprised, Nessa. I'm not stupid, either."

Nessa shut her mouth and glared at her. Eventually she folded her hands on her lap and softened her expression. "I'm glad you told me that," she said carefully. "When we do start receiving visitors again, I will need to make our preparations less obvious."

"So you are doing this. You've already made your decision."

"I am beginning to meet with Munchkinland's leaders. Once we finalize our negotiations and draft our own laws, I will take a declaration of secession to the Wizard."

Elphaba pressed her palms to her eyes. "Oz, Nessa. How many people know about this?"

"Only the governors and representatives I am meeting with."

"And everyone who works at the Colwen Grounds, and everyone who works for all the other people you're working with, and everyone who knows all of those workers, and everyone who knows them, and—"

"Enough." Nessa rolled her eyes. "So word will spread before it is official. What does it matter?"

"What does it matter?" Elphaba threw her hands up. "You do realize that the Wizard will try to talk you out of it. And if that doesn't work, he'll try to force you out of it. He'll treat the Munchkins worse than ever before. Hell and Oz, he'll probably invade Munchkinland itself."

"He can try," Nessa said firmly. "I never claimed this would be easy, Elphaba. I only said I would do it. Munchkinland cannot continue to be a part of Oz."

"This is insane."

"You said you came here to make sure I was okay. You said you wanted to be here for me."

Elphaba shifted her weight. "Yes."

"And? Are you here for me?"

"Nessa," she sighed. "You're talking about—"

Nessa's eyes drilled into hers. "Forget the politics and answer the question, Fabala. Are you here for me?"

Chaos, Elphaba thought. The world has been thrown into chaos. She swallowed. "Yes."

Just like that, Nessarose softened. She slumped in her chair and let out a heavy breath. Her eyes grew a little warmer and the corner of her mouth turned up. In an instant, she had gone from the hard, determined Eminent Thropp to the sister Elphaba recognized.

"Thank you. I…am glad you're here."

Elphaba allowed herself one small moment to marvel at how much Nessa had changed. But then, she had changed too, hadn't she? She shook her head and returned the smile.

"I am, too."

Nessa smoothed her fingers over her legs. "You must be tired. And hungry. We can grab some food from the kitchens and find somewhere to catch up. Let's just get out of this office. It makes me claustrophobic."

Elphaba walked around to grab Nessa's chair. She glanced around at the books and papers that filled the room. All of this used to be their grandfather's work, and now it was Nessa's.

Claustrophobic indeed, Elphaba thought. She pushed Nessa out of the room and let her lead them through the castle, settling effortlessly into their old dynamic once more.

They grabbed a light dinner and wandered automatically toward the covered porch at the back of the castle. Elphaba sat cross-legged beside Nessa and picked at her food.

"You know, I can't actually tell you anything," she said, avoiding Nessa's eye. "So I'm not sure how much catching up we'll be able to do."

Nessarose rolled her eyes. "I can't tell you much, either. I don't know who you're answering to."

"Fair enough." Elphaba grinned a little. "Tell me this, though, since I haven't been around Munchkinland. When exactly did talk of secession start?"

"I'm not sure. Over the summer, when the Wizard's bans started. There were little uprisings here and there. Remember when Father went to give his sermons and had to come back early?"

"Even back then?"

Nessa nodded grimly. "There's been unrest throughout Munchkinland. Protests, farms being destroyed, skirmishes. It started near the Gillikin border and has mostly stayed there, but it does move inward from time to time."

"Munchkinlanders are fighting each other?" Elphaba asked.

"No, mostly just with outsiders. Carriages passing through, soldiers from Gillikin—they're the biggest victims. Everything else is just collateral damage." Nessa looked sideways at her. "Secession would prevent that damage. It would prevent this violence altogether."

It was Elphaba's turn to roll her eyes. "You're right. These little uprisings would end, and instead you'd have entire battles fought on your land."

"You don't know that."

Elphaba snorted. "You don't have to convince me, Nessa. Nothing I say is going to change it, anyway."

"You never understand, do you? I don't need your permission; I just want your approval."

Elphaba curled up, hugging her knees, and stared out across the grounds. "My approval doesn't change anything here. This is beyond me."

"This is what you're fighting for," said Nessa. "Isn't it?"

"I'm fighting for an Oz where everyone is safe and has all their rights. Not one that is divided and at war."

"I'm not trying to start a war," Nessa said sharply. "We are trying to move quickly and declare independence from Oz before the Wizard can act against us. Once it is official, we can negotiate peace between Munchkinland and Oz."

"And what about the other parts of Oz? If the Wizard lets Munchkinland go, who does he turn to next? Will Quadling Country rebel? Will the Vinkus? Will either of them draw up an alliance with you or each other? How long before Oz is nothing but a time bomb of fragile new nations, just ready to explode?"

"If Munchkinland sets a precedent, then so be it. The Wizard cannot have control of Oz forever."

"And one person can't change the world."

Nessarose raised her eyebrows. "Since when do you of all people believe that?"

"Since I experienced the real world."

"Well. Just because whatever you tried to do at Shiz failed miserably does not mean I will."

Elphaba pressed her lips together. Silence stretched between the sisters, cold and heavy. Eventually Nessa placed her hands on the wheels of her chair and turned away, heading for the door that led to the rest of the castle.

"Your usual room is already prepared for you," she said. Her eyes were hard again. "I have a meeting in the morning, and I don't expect I'll see you again until the afternoon. Good night, Elphaba."

Nessarose disappeared from the room without another word. Elphaba sighed and scooted forward to press her forehead to the glass panes that sheltered the porch. It was cool beneath her skin, relieving the slight ache that was building.

How long would she stay here? It didn't seem like there was much she could do. Nessarose had risen to her role as the new Eminent, and while she was clearly busy, she didn't seem to need Elphaba.

No, that wasn't right. She did need Elphaba. She needed someone to look out for her, to be at her side as she carried out the biggest event in Oz since the Wizard took power. Elphaba had always been there for Nessa, as her sister, her caretaker, and sometimes even her friend. That's what Nessa needed right now, but she would never admit it.

And Elphaba wasn't even sure she could be that. The Wizard might be respecting the distance now, but it wouldn't last. Nessarose had only said it to hurt her, but she was right: it was dangerous for Elphaba to be here. Even if it wasn't, she couldn't stay here forever. The Resistance needed to know about the secession. The Munchkinlanders in the Emerald City needed to know. Best case scenario, they would be stuck in Gillikin, unable to return home after the declaration was made. Worst case scenario…well, either way, the Resistance needed to know about this, as soon as possible.

Elphaba pulled the tie out of her hair and ran her fingers through it, undoing the braid. At least she had the broom. She could leave at a moment's notice if she had to, and she could be back in the Emerald City within a day. She would just have to wait and see what happened.

For now, though, she was exhausted. She climbed to her feet, stretched her arms above her head, then picked up her bag and her hat and her broom. She wandered the semi-familiar path through the castle and back to her room. When she got there, she closed the door behind her and sank onto the bed. Her fingers grabbed at the scarf around her neck, automatically taking it off and wrapping it around her hands. She thought of Glinda. Had it really been this morning when they last saw each other? Wasn't it years ago? Wasn't it just a few minutes?

Elphaba curled up tight and pressed her forehead to the fabric covering her fists. If she'd had any more energy, she was sure she'd be shaking. But she was completely drained. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she thought of Glinda one last time.

And then she was asleep.

Viko had been right. Life at the Colwen Grounds was, despite everything, quiet. Servants floated like ghosts around the castle, speaking to each other in hushed whispers in corners. Grim-faced Munchkins with swords strapped at their waists wandered around the grounds, never saying much of anything to anyone. Elphaba hadn't seen her father since the evening of her arrival, which she was perfectly fine with.

Nessarose herself stayed mostly in the Eminent's office—her office, Elphaba had to keep reminding herself. No one left the grounds, and no one but the handful of politicians Nessa was working with entered. She would greet them at the door, introducing herself both formally and firmly, effectively establishing her authority within the first minute of conversation. Elphaba stayed out of sight and only overheard a few snatches of the discussions that were occurring behind closed doors, but from what she could tell Nessa had their tentative respect. For now, at least while they were working toward the same goal, they supported her.

The castle seemed to be in a bubble, muffling all noises, and it was unnerving. But if she didn't think about it, it was just quiet, and Elphaba liked the quiet.

She spent hours in the library, comforted by the sight and smell of being surrounded by endless shelves of books. It made her think of Shiz, too, but she would quickly push those thoughts away, telling herself that there were more important things at hand.

She read more on sorcery, practicing in a relatively empty corner. She found a huge, dusty volume about the use of sorcery in wars throughout Ozian history, and she spent an entire day reading it from front to back. She wondered how much use her magic could be, if it came down to a battle at Colwen Grounds. There were spells to fortify buildings, make traps, enchant weapons—and that was without the powers she already used in fights. If Munchkinland's secession led to war, would she be able to help?

Would she even be here? Elphaba asked herself one night. She sighed and rubbed her eyes and fell back onto her bed. It had been four days since she arrived at the Colwen Grounds, and talk of the secession was flying through Munchkinland. Letters were starting to pour in from farmers or mayors of small towns or even workers in the Emerald City, acknowledging their support and detailing the latest uprisings and even giving advice to the new young Eminent. If the Munchkinlanders were talking about it, then the rest of Oz wasn't far behind. The Resistance had to know by now, which meant that Elphaba could stay at the grounds a little longer.

But…how long? Nessa needed her, but she clearly didn't want to need her. They didn't even see each other that much—only in the early mornings or late evenings, or when Nessa snuck food from the kitchens and ate privately with her. They rarely had a conversation that didn't end in an argument. She could tell Nessa was trying to lean on her, and Elphaba was trying to give her the support, but there was too much in the way: the Eminency, the Resistance, the secession, the Wizard.

Time seemed suspended. She and Nessa were locked in a struggle, having circular arguments that never went anywhere and never told Elphaba whether she should stay or leave. Munchkinland was frozen, tense, waiting for whatever move came next. A time bomb, Elphaba thought, remembering what she had told Nessa.

She didn't know what came next or what she should do, so Elphaba stayed. It did nothing to ease her uncertainty, but at this point she didn't think anything would.

Besides, she had an uneasy feeling that, once she left Colwen Grounds, she would never be coming back.