Controlled chaos. That was the only way to describe the scene at Upland Manor.

Elphaba made several trips between the Emerald City and the manor thanks to the mirror spell, bringing Fiyero, Lion and a squad of twelve Gale Force guards, including their newest captain, Cade, back with her. Elphaba, Fiyero and Cade started setting up a command center in the family parlor while Lion and some of the guards scoured the house for things they might be able to use during their search. Lion was in charge of keeping track of what they were taking so they could pay her family back, despite the fact she told them they didn't have to worry about it.

Addena surprised everyone by coming out of her room to help Bernice and a few of the other guards get the guest wing ready as makeshift barracks for the impending onslaught of visitors. And still more staff members and guards were doing the same thing for whoever might want to use the stables or barn. Her father was staying out of the way by holing up in his study, undoubtedly cursing everyone for invading his house. And Eadlyn hadn't shown his face in quite some time.

Everyone was doing something accept her.

"I think we should split up and enter the forest here and here." The sound of Cade's voice pulled her from her thoughts as he pointed at the map on the table.

"But if we put the men in four groups we can enter from here, here, here and here." Fiyero duplicated his actions. "We'll cover more ground in a shorter amount of time."

"The smaller the group, the more apt they are to get lost."

"Not to mention the trappers." Elphaba agreed with Cade. "They might be able to overpower a smaller group of men."

"Good point." Cade nodded.

Fiyero furrowed his brow. "Armed men?"

"They managed to take one of the most powerful witches in Oz and a Lioness captive along with who knows how many other Animals." Cade reasoned. "It sounds like they have their attacks down to a science."

"You're right." Fiyero sighed. "I didn't exactly think that through did I?"

"You were just trying to help." Elphaba gave him a tired, half hearted grin.

"When I tried to help I got my head bit off." Glinda grumbled from her position behind her lover.

Elphaba looked at her over her shoulder. "What was that?"

"Don't mind me. I'm just being, how did you put it… Stubborn." Was the flip response.

"Can we not get into this again right now?"

"Into what? I'm standing here minding my own business."

"No, you're pouting because I told you you couldn't join the search party."

"Told me?" Glinda scoffed. "You ordered me not to even think about it."

"Glinda."

"Don't 'Glinda' me Elphie. I grew up here. I know those woods better than anyone."

Cade raised his eyebrows as Elphaba finally turned around completely and took Glinda by the arm, leading her away from the table. "Is that what it's always like when they fight?"

"They're not fighting." Fiyero didn't bother to look up from the map.

"They're not?" The captain looked confused.

"Nope."

Cade watched them as they continued to bicker. "I'd hate to see an argument."

Fiyero grinned. "Me too."

"What are you doing?" Glinda tried to pull away.

"I'm talking some sense into you."

"More like trying to tell me what to do again."

Elphaba stopped once they weren't within earshot of the table anymore. "Glinda, I don't need this right now."

The blonde frowned. "Don't need what? Me hanging around?"

Elphaba sighed. "That's not what I meant and you know it. I'll always need you."

"Then why won't you let me go with you?" Glinda asked. "I'm not completely helpless Elphie."

"I know. It's just…"

"Just what? You don't think I can handle it?"

"No, that's not it at all."

"Then explain it to me because I don't understand."

"I can't risk anything happening to you," she blurted out before the blonde could say more. "Just the thought of losing you the way I've lost Bree…" Her voice cracked. "I wouldn't survive."

"Oh Elphie." Glinda caressed her check. "You haven't lost Breena. She's out there and we're going to find her."

Elphaba sighed. "I keep trying to tell myself that, but the longer she's gone the harder it is to believe."

"Then it's a good thing I'm here to remind you." Glinda grinned. "And you could never lose me."

"Promise?"

"I'm yours forever." Glinda closed the gap between them, placing a tender kiss on green lips.

"See." Fiyero nodded toward them. "Arguments don't end with kisses like that."

Cade smiled. "They do if you know how to argue."

"If you two are done being voyeurs you can get back to planning the search." Elphaba tried to sound stern but ended up grinning in spite of herself. She wrapped her arms around Glinda, pulling her close. "Thanks for being my port in the storm."

"Any time." Glinda rested her head against Elphaba's chest.

"I didn't mean to be so short with you earlier. I'm…"

"Overwhelmed." The blonde finished the thought for her. "I really wish you would rest for a while Elphie."

"Glinda, we've been over this too."

"I know, but you're exhausted."

"I'll be fine."

"She's right you know." Fiyero chimed in. "Cade and I can handle things."

"It's really going to be more of a preliminary search for now anyway." Cade tried to help out. "The sun will be down soon and I don't think it would be a good idea to spend too much time in those woods after dark."

"No one asked either of you." Elphaba gave her lover a squeeze. "And I'm not the one you should be worried about. Why don't you go check on Addena?"

"Don't use my sister to try to get rid of me."

"I wasn't…."

"Yes you were." Glinda cut her off. "The way I see it, you have two options. Either I get to go out there with you or you have to stay here and get some rest."

"Glinda," she sighed her name.

"What did I tell you about 'Glinda'ing me? You didn't sleep last night Elphie and you've been on emotional overload all day. Not to mention the energy it took to bring half of the Emerald City here through the mirror. You're worried and tired and wearing yourself too thin."

"But…"

"Pushing yourself until you pass out isn't going to help Breena." Glinda interrupted her. "Stay here. Get a good night's sleep." She put a dainty finger over Elphaba's mouth when she tried to respond. "I don't want anything happening to you either."

"It won't." Elphaba tried to reassure her. "I'll be careful."

"So what you're saying is you're going despite the fact we all think you should get some rest first." Glinda shook her head. "I never took you for a dictator Elphaba. And I certainly never thought you wouldn't trust Cade, a man your father thinks the world of, and Fiyero, one of your best friends, to be in charge for a few hours."

"I never said I didn't trust them!"

"Maybe not outright but you implied it."

"Yeah." Fiyero joined in again, sounding hurt.

Elphaba rolled her eyes. "That's hardly fair."

"All's fair in love and war." Glinda quipped. "Especially if it gets you to slow down a little."

"Let me get this straight." Elphaba pulled away from the blonde to pace. "If I stay here and rest you won't give me any more trouble about not going out with the search party?"

Glinda pursed her lips. "I still think I could help, but no. If you agree to get some sleep, I won't say another word about it."

She turned to Cade and Fiyero. "And you two will come get me if you find anything?"

"The very instant we do." Cade assured her.

"You win." Elphaba threw her hands in the air. "I'll take a nap."

Glinda gave her a look.

"Fine." She sighed again. "I'll sleep."

"Good girl." Glinda walked to her, looping her arm through her lover's. "Now come on. I'll take you up to my room and stay with you until you drift off."

"More like stay with her until she wakes up." Fiyero corrected her. "You know she'll be sneaking out of that room the minute your back is turned if you don't."

"Yero." Elphaba looked at him in disbelief.

"You're right." Glinda nodded. "Cade, will you please have one of the guards let Addena know where I'll be in case she needs me?"

The captain nodded. "Consider it done."

Elphaba swallowed hard and drug her feet, stopping their progress as Glinda tried to lead her out of the room. "You're sure you can handle this? I could…"

"Go." Fiyero pointed toward the door. His heart nearly broke when he saw the emotions swirling in the green woman's eyes. "I owe her a lot, Fae. She's important to me too."

She gave a half nod. "I know."

"Then stop lollygagging and go to bed already. The sooner you shut your eyes the sooner you'll be awake and back down here badgering us."

"Badgering?"

He grinned. "Get going."

"Come on Elphie." Glinda starting walking again.

"They're quite the couple aren't they?" Cade watched them go.

"They sure are." Fiyero agreed. "Now let's see what we can do about getting the other lovebirds back together."

"So you have no idea who she is?"

"None. She just appeared out of nowhere and started helping us."

She groaned as the voices managed to filter their way through the darkness surrounding her.

"I think she's coming around."

"Thank Oz."

Her eyelids fluttered, finally cooperating enough to open. She frowned at the blurry images around her as she tried to sit up.

"Take it easy." A hand fell on her shoulder. "You're…"

"Don't touch me!" She shoved the hand away, somehow making it to her feet only to have her knees give out.

"Whoa."

Strong arms caught her. Or should that have been paws considering the appendages holding her up were covered in fur?

"I'm not going to hurt you, OK?" The one who kept her from falling on her face spoke. "It's pretty obvious you're not strong enough to be up yet."

She found herself eased back down onto whatever she'd been lying on.

"I'm sorry I frightened you."

All she could make out was blonde hair as the one who tried to touch her knelt in front of her. "Addena?" Her voice was scratchy.

"I'll get you some water." A blur moved off to the right.

"Did you say Addena? As in Addena Upland?"

She blinked a few times, bringing the woman before her into focus a little more. "Mrs. Upland?"

"Do I know you?"

"We kind of met once."

The woman's brow creased in doubt. "I'm usually pretty good at remembering names and faces but for some reason yours is eluding me."

"Maybe that's because I had a different face."

"Different face?" The woman frowned.

"My name is Breena. Breena Thropp."

"Not Miss Breena the Animal activist." The Lioness suddenly appeared behind the older woman.

The corner of her mouth turned up at the look of amazement on the feline's face.

"Thropp." Mrs. Upland thought for a moment. "Where have I heard that name before?"

"Miss Elphaba's last name is Thropp." The Lioness supplied.

"She was my daughter Glinda's best friend."

"Still is." Breena tried to clear her throat. "Elly is my sister."

It was the Lioness' turn to frown. "But I thought her sister was killed by…"

"Different sister."

"Oh." The Lioness nodded. "The two of you being related explains your being able to do magic."

"You have powers?" Mrs. Upland was intrigued.

"I'll say." The Lioness offered Breena the cup she was holding, nearly jumping out of her skin when she knocked it out of her hand. "Hey!" She wiped at the liquid drenching the front of her. "It was only water."

"Sorry." Breena brought her hand to her forehead as memories washed over her.

"Are you all right?" Mrs. Upland put her hand on the girl's knee.

"I think..." She frowned, trying to make sense of the fuzzy images in her head. "We fought some men right?"

The Lioness nodded. "Yes. Well, you actually did most of the fighting. They shot us with tranquilizer darts."

Breena nodded. "And brought us here?" Her voice was hoarse again.

"I'll get you more water." Mrs. Upland volunteered.

"No, I'll get it." The Lioness retrieved the cup from the ground and filled it from a pitcher on a nearby table.

"Have I been here the whole time I was out?"

"No." Mrs. Upland shook her head. "They just brought you here a little while ago. I thought I was going to have to tie her down when she woke up and couldn't find you."

"You watched my back." The Lioness shrugged sheepishly. "The least I can do is return the favor."

The comment was lost on Breena. "Then it really happened."

"What happened?" The Lioness handed her the cup.

"Thanks." She peered into it, smelling the contents before taking a tentative sip. Once the moisture hit her parched throat it didn't take her long to down the rest. "Someone gave me a potion to bind my powers."

"What?!" The Lioness was shocked. "Who?!"

"I don't know." Breena shook her head. "It was like I was awake but my body wouldn't respond. I just remember hearing some man say 'she won't be able to use her powers anymore.'"

"No wonder you flipped out when I tried to give you something else to drink."

"You poor thing." Mrs. Upland gave her leg a gentle squeeze. "Have you tried to see if whoever it was is right?"

"Yeah." The Lioness agreed. "Maybe you were having some weird tranquilizer induced dream or something."

"Maybe." Breena sounded doubtful. She looked around, settling on a makeshift chair nearby before motioning with her hand. "Agito."

Nothing happened.

"Absentis." She sighed when the chair still didn't budge. "No. They're gone."

"So much for our ace in the hole." The Lioness half growled.

"Scratch me."

The oversized cat frowned. "What?"

Breena held out her hand. "Scratch me."

"Why in Oz would I want to do that?"

"Because I usually have a healing power too."

"But..." Mrs. Upland stopped short when Breena shot her a look. "It's the only way we'll know for sure isn't it?"

The Lioness' frown deepened. "I don't like this."

"I'm not asking you to claw my hand off. Just give me a little scratch." Breena gestured with her hand. "Please."

"Oh all right." She barely let one of her claws out, gently raking it across the palm of the witch's hand.

Breena's shoulders slumped in defeat when tiny beads of blood were still coming out of the barely existent wound a few seconds later. "Shit!" She instantly looked at the older woman before her. "Sorry."

"There's no need to apologize. I probably would have gone with 'well hell' but shit covers it too."

The Lioness stifled a laugh as Breena grinned. "I can see where your girls get their sense of humor."

"How are they?" All sense of levity was gone from her voice.

"When I left them this morning they were getting ready for Addy's wedding." Breena's tone was bitter.

"Wedding?" The older woman repeated the word. "You've got to be kidding me."

"I can assure you I'm not."

"I can't believe Max!" She clinched her jaw. "He's gone too far this time."

Breena frowned. "Who's Max?"

"My sorry excuse for a husband." She growled. "Not long after Addena was born he made a deal for her to marry into the Merrick family in the hopes of landing them as an account for his firm. He didn't even bother to tell me. I overheard him trying to explain the whole thing to Addena when she was all of seven. After I finally got the sordid tale out of him I demanded that he contact the Merricks and tell them it would never happen. I assumed he had until Eadlyn showed up on our doorstep and Max told me some sob story about how he hadn't called the marriage off for fear of losing the Merricks as an account and getting fired and how he never thought the wedding would actually happen."

"But it's going to." Breena interjected.

"I tried to tell Eadlyn to go to hell but he just laughed, made some flip comment on how Max should get better control of his woman and had his men bring me here. Obviously I'm being used as some kind of insurance policy because Addena never would have so much as looked at Eadlyn otherwise." Tears filled her eyes. "My poor baby."

"So your daughter is being forced into an arranged marriage to save you?" The Lioness tried to keep up.

"It would appear so."

"She lied to me." Breena sighed, shaking her head in disbelief. "She told me he was some long lost fiancé she thought was dead. She told me she loved him."

Mrs. Upland shook her head. "He must really be threatening me for her to come up with something like that."

"And she knew if I found out what was going on I would do something about it. She pushed me away to keep both of us safe." She made a disgusted face. "And I threw a fit like some damn fool."

Mrs. Upland grabbed her hand. "You love her, don't you?"

"What?" Breena was obviously shocked by the question.

"It's written all over our face."

"I..." Breena stared into the older woman's eyes. "This isn't exactly how I imagined you finding out."

Mrs. Upland smiled. "Love has a way of sneaking up on you."

"Tell me about it. I knew Addy was the one for me the first time I laid eyes on her."

The Lioness pursed her lips. "That's so sweet."

"I'm glad she found someone special like Glinda did with Elphaba."

Breena went back to being shocked. "You know about them?"

"Sweetie, I knew how Glinda felt when she sent her first letter home from Shiz. The only time a girl her age describes someone as unusually and exceedingly peculiar and all together quite impossible to describe is when whoever it is has caught her attention."

"That sounds like something Glinda would say." Breena chuckled.

"She was so devastated when she thought Elphaba was dead. I was afraid she'd never stop crying." She paused. "Can I assume they're together now?"

"Yes they are and they're incredibly happy. When we're not in danger that is."

"You didn't get much down time after the whole Morrible thing." The Lioness was sympathetic.

"Story of my life." Breena groaned as she started to climb to her feet.

Mrs. Upland frowned. "What are you doing?"

"Can't crash the wedding from here can we?"

The Lioness steadied her when she swayed a bit. "We've got to stop meeting this way."

Breena grinned. "Sorry, I'm spoken for." She quirked an eyebrow. "I just realized I don't even know your name."

"It's Penelope, but my friends call me Penny."

"And mine call me Breena, without the Miss."

Penny returned her grin. "Wait until the others get a load of me with you."

"Others?"

Mrs. Upland nodded. "The same men who took the two of you have other Animal captives."

"I can't believe there are still trappers in Oz." Breena frowned. "How can someone justify taking someone against their will to sell them?"

"That's just the thing, they're not selling them." Penny clarified. "They're forcing them to fight."

"Fight?"

"Each other. The men who captured them. Whatever tickles their fancy. And if the Animals try to resist or refuse, they kill them."

"Some of them get killed when they do fight." Mrs. Upland added.

"You mean they fight to the death?" Breena swallowed hard when neither one of them told her she was wrong. "Those bastards."

"And it's not for money or anything." Penny continued. "It's all just some kind of sick joke to them."

"And me without my powers."

Mrs. Upland was quick to say, "That's not your fault."

"Maybe not but like Penny said, it would have been a nice trick to have up my sleeve."

Penny scowled as she started out of the tent. "Where do you think you're going?"

"To stretch my legs." She smirked when Mrs. Upland gave her a doubtful look. "And to scope out the situation for myself."

"That's what I thought." The older woman gave her a motherly sigh. "Just be careful."

"I'll go with her." Penny volunteered. "She'll need someone to take care of her when everyone else finds out who she is."

"Will you be all right by yourself?"

"Don't worry about me dear." Mrs. Upland waved away Breena's concern. "They tend to leave me alone."

"If you're sure." Breena gave her a second to change her mind. "All right. We'll be back in a little while."

"Breena?" Mrs. Upland spoke just as they were about to step outside.

"Yeah?"

"The name's Ginella but my friends call me Ginny."

"All right Ginny." Breena gave her a lopsided grin.

Ginny chuckled as the two youngsters left, feeling hope for the first time in days.