Boq kicked at a stone in the road, sighing dramatically as he watched it skitter to the edge of the dirt and disappear into the underbrush. He hated being alone. Really truly with all his heart hated it. Of course he technically didn't have a heart anymore so that last bit didn't apply. He couldn't even get that right.
He sighed again as recent events replayed in his memory. He never should have been so hard on Breena. Yes she reminded him of Elphaba, but she was only trying to save Glinda. And what had he been thinking, finding that Gale Force guard and accepting a ride back to the palace to tell Nevin everything he knew? If he had kept his mouth shut he would still be with Glinda and the others right now. He knew she would never love him, but at least he wouldn't be alone. Even Lion hated him now. The dent in the side of his head from the big cat's paw proved it.
And why shouldn't he? Why shouldn't everyone hate him? Elphaba might have been the Wicked Witch of the West, but that didn't mean he had to kill her. Unfortunately that's exactly what he did. The moment that dagger entered her chest he knew she was going to die. And what did he do? He laughed like a mad man. How could he stand there, knowing he had just taken another life, and laugh?
Temporary insanity. That's what he tried to tell himself but it really didn't stand up. He had hated Elphaba from the instant she and Nessa turned him into the tin man. So much so that that hate leaked off onto Breena simply because she reminded him of the green skinned woman. And the fact that they both won Glinda over so easily burned him up. He couldn't get close to the blonde as a Munchkin or as a tin man but she readily accepted the two of them.
Maybe it was jealousy then. The Unnamed God only knew how he felt for Glinda. Even now, knowing she would absolutely despise him for killing Elphaba he would have given anything to hear her voice or see her smile. But that wouldn't happen ever again. He was alone. Completely and utterly alone and he didn't have anyone to blame but himself.
Thunder rumbled overhead, drawing his attention to the heavens. Good. Maybe it would cut loose like it had the day before. Maybe this time he wouldn't be too scared to do what he knew he needed to. Being rusted in place for all eternity out in the middle of nowhere seemed like a fitting punishment for what he had done.
He moved into the trees as the first raindrops fell. It wouldn't do to rust too close to the road. Someone kind hearted like Dorothy might come along and try to oil him.
He walked until he found the perfect spot in a little cove of trees. It would be beautiful there in the spring as things came to life and fall as they withered away again. Maybe birds could use him as a perch or find a way to pop a few of his rivets and use him as shelter. At least then his life would be worth something.
"You better get in out of the rain."
He frowned, looking around when he heard the voice. But no one was there.
"Great." He mumbled. "Now I'm hearing things."
"No, I tripped over a tree root and fell. I'm not as spry as I used to be."
He turned to his left, shocked to see an all too familiar face. "You!" His face was a metal mask of disbelief. "But how? You… All of Oz watched you leave!"
The Wizard smiled as he walked toward him, dusting himself off as he went. "Yes, well my balloon wasn't quite up to the trip. I didn't make it very far before the blasted thing popped. Luckily the basket landed in a tree. See."
Boq looked up to where he was pointing, amazed to see the remains of a brown basket tangled in the branches over their heads.
"I managed to climb down without hurting myself too badly and found an abandoned cabin nearby." He raised his eyebrows. "I've been living the life of a hermit ever since."
"But why would you do that? Why not go back to Oz and reclaim your place as its ruler?"
"That would never do." The Wizard shook his head. "I wasn't quite as wonderful as everyone made me out to be." Sadness flicked across his features. "Especially to one person in particular."
Boq frowned. "What?"
"Enough about me." The sadness was quickly replaced with another smile. "What about you, my boy? What are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere? In the rain none the less."
"I…"
"What do you say we move this conversation to my cabin?" The Wizard interrupted him. "It's not much, but at least it's dry."
"No." Boq shook his head. "I'm staying right here."
"But you'll…"
"I know." He answered before the older man could continue, knowing his resolve would be shattered if he actually heard the words. "That's why I'm here."
"What?!" The Wizard frowned. "Why would you want to go and do a thing like that?"
"Because it's what I deserve."
"Deserve? How could you possibly deserve being a rusted old hunk of junk?"
Boq flinched at the image. "I did something awful."
"Come now, it couldn't have been that bad."
"I killed someone!"
"Oh." The Wizard's eyes got big. "That is pretty bad."
"I know."
"Who?"
"Who what?"
"Who did you…" The Wizard made a slicing motion across his neck.
"The Wicked Witch of the West."
Boq was too busy looking at the ground in shame to see pain fill the older man's eyes. It only lasted a second before he regained enough control to speak again.
"That was over a year ago, my boy. And you weren't the only one responsible for what happened to her."
"No." Boq shook his head. "You don't understand. She didn't die a year ago."
The Wizard's blood ran cold. "What?"
"I don't know how, but she was still alive. I…" He swallowed hard. "I stabbed her two days ago."
"You what?!"
"I know." Boq felt tears filling his eyes. "The new Gale Force captain released Morrible from Southstairs and some friend of the Witch rescued Glinda from the palace and took her to the Witch and I got so mad when I saw her again that I… I turned on them. I ratted them out and ended up stabbing the Witch." He took a much needed breath. "I killed her and for that I deserve to rust out here."
"Wait, wait, wait." The Wizard made a slow down gesture with his hands. "You're telling me that the new captain of the Gale Force Guard released Madame Morrible from Southstairs?"
Boq nodded.
"Why would he do a thing like that?"
"She's his mother."
"No!" The Wizard was taken aback. "She has a child?!"
"Obviously."
"And some friend of Elpha… Of the Witch rescued Miss Glinda from them?"
Boq nodded again. "They were going to throw her in Southstairs."
"And this friend took Miss Glinda to the Witch?"
"Yes." Boq hung his head again. "Do we really have to rehash all this?"
"Oh, sorry my boy. Sorry." The Wizard patted him on the shoulder. "I'm just trying to get my head around all of it."
"Then go back to your cabin and leave me to rust in peace."
"In a minute. I have one more question for you."
Boq sighed. "What it is?"
"Are you sure the Witch is dead? Did you actually see her die or are you just assuming that she did?"
"I…" Boq's mind reeled. "No, I'm not sure."
"Then don't you think dooming yourself to rust out here might just be a bit premature?" The Wizard reasoned with him. "The way I see it, even if the Witch is gone, Oz is going to need someone to take a stand against Madame Morrible and her son. She's a bit…" He used the index finger of his right hand to make a circular motion by his ear. "And I'm sure her son isn't much better."
"You're probably right."
"Then come back to my cabin with me, my boy. We'll wait out the storm and head for the Emerald City as soon as it's over."
Boq thought about it for a moment before pursing his lips and nodding. "All right."
"That's a boy." The Wizard clapped him on the shoulder again as they started to walk together. If what the tin man said was true his daughter might still be alive. He might finally get the chance to make up for what he did to her. If not at least he had her killer close at hand so he could deal with him in a suitable manor.
Morrible was a whole different ball of wax. Dealing with the woman wouldn't be a walk in the park, but he felt responsible for her. After all, he was the one who petitioned her to watch for magically inclined students at Shiz who might be able to read the Grimmerie. He was the one who gave her a taste of political power by making her his press secretary. He was the one who told her to deal with Elphaba however she saw fit to get the Grimmerie back.
No, it wouldn't be easy, but he would do it. He was going to rid Oz of her lunacy. And maybe, just maybe, he would find a way to make his daughter proud at the same time.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Everyone had spread out in the cavern. Lion was sitting at the table with Fiyero, Betak and Breena, catching Fiyero up on what he had missed since he and Elphaba disappeared the year before. Milynn and Leto were taking a nap on their bedroll and Elphaba and Glinda were cuddling by the fire. Elphaba was more than a little anxious to start for Upland Manor, but they couldn't travel in the monsoon outside, so they were hunkered down for at least another night.
Breena followed Fiyero's gaze to Elphaba and Glinda, wanting to kick him under the table but knowing it would earn her a smack in the back of the head from Betak. She had taken it upon herself to make sure the scarecrow didn't monopolize Elphaba's time so she couldn't be with Glinda and Betak, picking up on what she was doing, was chaperoning. She had already earning herself a few hard pinches to the arm and a sound elbow to the side for comments she made to Fiyero.
"Show them the springs."
She frowned at the whispered words in her ear.
"He's driving himself crazy watching them and you're doing the same watching him. It's a vicious cycle that can only end badly."
She turned to look at Betak.
"Go on." The older woman nodded. "Leto, Milynn and I went down yesterday evening to wash up but Glinda wouldn't leave her side. Get them out of here. When they're done you can have your turn."
Breena grinned.
"Scoot." Betak gave her a gentle nudge. "Lion and I can keep him occupied."
"Thanks." She didn't waste any time getting up even though she was tempted to turn around and tell Fiyero to mind his own business when she heard him ask where she was going.
She smiled as she got closer to the fire. Elphaba was sitting on the ground, her back against one of the pieces of wood that served as a seat with Glinda on her lap, nestled against her chest. They were putting the finishing touches on an intimate kiss, neither one saying a word as they stared lovingly into one another's eyes.
"Are you two done playing tonsil hockey for a minute?"
"Breena!" Elphaba gave her a look as she squatted down beside them, but Glinda grinned.
"I think we could spare a few seconds for you." The blonde winked. "But make it snappy. Elphie's tonsils get lonely if I'm gone for too long."
Elphaba gave her an identical look. "Glinda!"
"I was going to show you something but you two look way too comfy to bother. So never mind."
"We're in a cavern Bree." Elphaba furrowed her brow, knowing her cousin was up to something. "What could you possibly show us?"
"Oh, nothing much." Breena shrugged. "Just a hot spring."
"A hot spring?" Glinda squealed. "So that's where everyone went last night."
Breena nodded. "Betak sent me over to be your tour guide, but like I said, I don't want to interrupt." She started to get up. "Maybe later."
"Don't you dare!" Glinda lunged for her, catching her by the arm before she could stand.
"Ow!" Elphaba frowned at the sudden movement.
"I'm sorry Elphie. But I could really, really, really use a bath." Glinda pouted. "You can wash my back."
"I bet she'll wash more than that."
"Breena, I swear." Elphaba shook her head.
"What?" Her cousin feigned innocence. "Glinda thinks I'm funny."
The blonde tried to stifle a giggle but didn't do a very good job. "It is cute the way she makes you blush."
"I should have known you two would gang up on me." Elphaba grinned. "Come on. Let's go see this hot spring."
"Yea!" Glinda accepted Breena's help up.
"Come on, Elly." Breena offered her cousin her hand next. "You can wash the stink off too."
Elphaba sighed. "I have no idea where you come up with this stuff."
"It's a talent."
Glinda giggled again, grabbing Elphie's hand as soon as she was on her feet. "Onward tour guide."
Breena bowed. "At your service madame."
"Can you not call her that?" Elphaba made a face. "It reminds me of Morrible."
"All right." Breena bowed again. "At your service lady."
Elphaba chuckled. "Would you just get moving already?"
"I still can't believe Leto found this place. The first time he showed it to me I was completely blown away." Breena made small talk as they walked further into the cavern, away from the campsite. "We were only going to store supplies here in case we needed them, but you know me. I couldn't have us roughing it completely if we had to hide out for any significant amount of time."
"Uh…" Glinda gripped Elphie's hand tighter. "It's getting awfully dark, isn't it?"
"You're right. A little light if you please, Elly."
"What?"
"Just do it." Breena sighed.
"Accendo." Elphaba played along, pointing into the darkness.
Strategically placed torches sprang to life along the smooth rock walls of a passage before them.
Breena grinned. "Come on, the spring is just up here." She started down the passage.
"That was pretty impressive." Glinda looked at Elphaba.
"It was no big deal." The green woman downplayed it. "Just one of the many tricks I have up my sleeve."
"I can't wait to see them."
"I can show you another one right now." Elphaba pulled her into a steamy kiss.
"Hmm." Glinda licked her lips as they parted. "I'd say that's one of your best."
"Are you two coming?!"
"Yes mom!" Elphaba grinned as she pulled Glinda in the direction her cousin had gone.
"Honestly. I try to give you two a little alone time and you can't keep your hands off each other long enough to get where we're going." Breena teased them as they finally reached her. "Take a look." She gestured toward an opening to her right.
"Sweet Oz!" Glinda's mouth fell open as she stepped through the opening.
"This is amazing." Elphaba agreed as she followed her.
Before them was a large chamber containing a huge underground lake. Steam rose in lazy waves off the water, making the air in the enclosed space warm and heavy with moisture.
"I thought you'd like it." Breena smiled. "There are towels on that rock ledge over there. Take your time, enjoy and I'll see you in a bit." With that she left. "Oh," she peeked back through the opening, "and for some odd reason this chamber is virtually soundproof so make all the noise you'd like."
Elphaba turned a darker shade of green. "I can't believe she said that."
"Have I told you how cute you are when you blush?" Glinda cupped her cheek.
"Is that the only time I'm cute?"
"Yes." The blonde giggled when the woman beside her pretended to pout. "But you're always adorable." She quickly touched her lips to Elphie's before hurrying toward the water.
"Hey!" Elphaba frowned.
"If you want more, you're going to have to join me." Glinda waggled her eyebrows as she started unbuttoning her shirt.
"Not if I beat you to it."
Elphaba slipped the tunic like shirt she was wearing over her head and had her pants unfastened by the time she reached her. For her part Glinda flung her shirt aside and made short work of the skirt she was wearing. They both scrambled to get their undergarments off.
"Ha!" Elphaba finished first. "I…" Her voice died in her throat when she saw the blond standing naked before her, underwear still in hand.
"Oh Elphie." Glinda was mesmerized by her love's slender body. They had seen each other in various states of undress at Shiz, but never like this. "You're…"
"Green." Elphaba finished for her. "You're gorgeous and I'm green." She started to reach for her clothes, suddenly self conscious.
"No." Glinda dropped her underwear and grabbed Elphaba's arm. "I was going to say perfect."
"Hardly." Elphaba avoided her gaze.
"Look at me, Elphie." The blonde waited a moment before gripping Elphaba's chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. "If I'm gorgeous, you're breathtaking." She kissed a green cheek. "Stunning." She kissed the other cheek.
"Glinda, I…"
"Mine." Glinda finished, capturing her lips.
Elphaba groaned at the intensity of the kiss, wrapping her arms around the blonde and pulling her close. A warmth unlike anything either of them had ever felt spread to their very souls as their bodies pressed together.
"I love you." Glinda breathed against green lips as she lowered herself to the rock ledge next to the water.
"I love you too." Elphaba followed her down, quickly positioning herself half beside and half on top of the blonde. Her mouth found Glinda's again before trailing feather light kisses down her neck to her chest, stopping to concentrate on her breast.
"Oh Elphie!" Glinda moaned. "Ouch!" She suddenly hissed in pain.
"I'm sorry." Elphaba pulled back.
"No, no. It wasn't you." Glinda hurriedly reached under her and pulled out a rock.
"Let me get the towels. We can use them…"
"To dry off when we're done." Glinda used one hand to pull Elphaba back into a kiss and the other to caress the soft green skin of her back.
They kissed passionately, barely bothering to breathe at all as they hungrily explored each others bodies. It didn't take long for one of Elphaba's hands to find its way to the inside of Glinda's thigh.
"Yes." The blonde spread her legs ever so slightly to give her access. "Take me, Elphie."
"I…" Elphaba stammered. "I'm not sure…"
"Whatever you do will be perfect my love." Glinda kissed her, letting their tongues dance for a moment before pulling away. "I'm new to all this too."
"I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't. You never could."
Elphaba moved her hand as they sunk into another kiss, the thrill of new discovery filling her body as her fingers entered the blonde. Glinda trembled at the sensation, bucking her hips in anticipation of what would happen next. Elphaba set a leisurely pace as their lips continued to mesh, slowly increasing her rhythm as she felt Glinda responding.
"By the Unnamed God!" Glinda threw her head back as she reached her limit and fell over the edge.
Elphaba kissed her neck and chest as her body shuttered, slowing her rhythm to bring her down. "I love you." She whispered in Glinda's ear. "I always will." She removed her hand and rolled off the blonde, taking her in her arms to hold her close as she shivered.
Glinda clung to her, her body tingling. "That was…" She swallowed hard, trying to keep her voice steady. "Amazing."
Elphaba smiled, placing a kiss on her shoulder. "I'm glad you approved."
They laid like that for a long time before Glinda initiated another make out session. This time she took control, putting Elphaba on the bottom. Her blue eyes shone as she voiced the only thought her mind could form.
"Your turn."