Disclaimer- I do not own Wicked or Rent.

It was before dawn the next morning when one by one, those closest to the girls gathered in the main foyer. The Bohemians had found their way there as well. They milled about until General Gavilan arrived, and at that point it looked like Joanne and Mark might collapse. The Winged-Horse may not have made them pass out but it did cause their absolute silence as they watched him confer with Emrys in detail. Finally, it seemed that everyone was there…everyone except Maureen and Elphaba.

When Maureen appeared, Fiyero laughed slyly. She was wearing her leather pants and boots. She had worn this outfit in New York and during their battle against Morrible. Maureen looked at Fiyero and tossed her head defiantly.

"What?! It's an attitude! I need to be comfortable when I fly!"

Fiyero took the bait and shot back, "Fine! I have no problems with you flying in that, it's your landings I worry about! The boots? The last time…"

Maureen wagged her finger at him. "The last time I flew in these, I was practicing landings. I may not be Faba, but I can nail a landing now…and I have the scars to prove it." She looked pleased with herself although this last admission had dented her pride somewhat.

They all turned at a flapping sound and watched Chistery and several of the other Monkeys light on the floor near Fiyero.

"We will come. Our Elfie…our Emmy…they may need us." Chistery and the others looked firm and unswerving. This was their chance to help their girls and they would do whatever was needed to see they made it home safely. Fiyero nodded silently, he feared his voice would crack, and leaned down clamping his hand on Chistery's shoulder tightly. He chose to divert himself to forget what could go wrong. He eyed Glinda up and down in her full, flowing blue gown.

"Glinda, is that really what you plan on wearing?"

Glinda preened, misunderstanding Fiyero's intention. "Why, yes! Do you like it?" She looked at him so seriously Joanne had to put a hand over her mouth to stop from giggling.

Fiyero shook his head in amazement. "Glinda, you're the only woman I know who would consider wearing some confection like that into battle!"

Glinda raised a hand to silence him. "Confrontation, Fiyero! We're going into a confrontation. Battle is so….hideodious…and inaccurate. Elphie would never battle with the girls there!"

"You're right."

Many heads spun to the top of the stairs where Elphaba had spoken from. When they saw her they gasped. She stood straight and tall, her face filled with controlled conviction. The gasps came from what she wore. Even Fiyero was taken by surprise. He knew this woman, this was the woman he loved, this was the strong, determined, beautiful woman he had married…and right now she was wearing the black gown, hat and cape she had worn when she was known as the 'Wicked Witch of the West'.

"Fae?" He asked his questions silently as she slowly walked down the stairs.

"I want her to know who I am. I want her to know who she's facing. I want her to be so thrown by the sight of the Wicked Witch of the West that she never sees the girls run to Glinda and her bubble. I want Zara so distracted, that she never hears Maureen begin the spell that will put her to sleep. I want this to be bloodless; and if bringing back this gown and hat…this Elphaba will achieve that, then so be it!"

She paused when she reached the foot of the stairs. Joanne and Mark watched the Monkeys surround her. Elphaba made more than an awesome spectacle. She stood tall in the black gown, pieced together during many years on the run. It had been stitched and re-stitched numerous times as needed then, then when she hid from the world and fought in the shadows. Her black conical hat sat upon her head and her black cape was tossed over her shoulders. With a broom in one hand and the other hand resting on Chistery's shoulder, she presented the very picture of strength and power. Her eyes were clear, piercing, and direct.

"If Zara wants the Wicked Witch of the West…she's going to get her!"

There was a pause as everyone took in the woman before them. She was a princess, a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend…and a warrior. The Monkeys knew that well. She was their warrior, their champion. Fiyero smiled. They would win!

"Glinda, I want you to use your bubble and drop behind the tree line behind Zara. Stay there. Don't let her see or hear you. Reena, I want you to fly in near Glinda, behind Zara, but close enough to work the sleeping spell we worked on. I'll join you chanting when I can. General Gavilan, would you please fly Fiyero in and bring him behind me? If she defeats me, he can cut her off and stop her escape long enough for The Queen's spell to start working." The General nodded silently, with obvious respect.

Chistery pulled on her skirt, to get her attention. "Elphaba…we must…help! We must help you!"

He watched Elphaba smile at them. They had fought many, many fights together…many, many battles.

"Will you stand with me? Beside me? Will you stand beside me once more my friends? For Elfie…for Emmy…for Grale."

They remembered their friend, lost to them because of Zara's insanity and the little girls still swept away...as if by some fierce storm. The Monkeys knew that Elphaba was the only chance Zara had and that Grale would want her to have that chance. As one they took hold of her arm, Chistery answering for all of them.

"We will stand beside you, Elphaba….always."

Elphaba nodded and their looks were the only sign of affection they needed.

"Then stay with me. Fly in with me and when I confront Zara, stay beside me…but do nothing! I want her to see the Witch of the West not Princess Elphaba of the Vinkus. With this dress, this hat, this cape, this broom and you…how can she see anything else? If she tries to attack though, I want you to fly up, out of her reach. Glinda might need your help with the girls. Keep them safe, my friends. Keep yourselves safe! Let's fly! We're heading toward Mount Evish."

They paused as a group and then headed for the doors to the courtyard. Before they left, Fiyero grabbed Elphaba and pulled her close. The kiss Fiyero gave her was smoldering and his body leaned into hers. His arm snaked even farther around and pulled her even tighter against him.

"Remember, I love you! I love you, Elphaba Tiggular! Beyond time, beyond reason, I love you. Stay safe for me…for us. Do what you must, but stay safe and come home to me. I need you beside me. Elfie needs you. Life would be too damn boring without you there to bewitch my days…and nights. Come home to me so I can bewitch your nights…and days even more, love. That's a promise!"

Once more Fiyero pulled his wife's pliable body against his own and let her know just how much he loved and desired her. It was palpable. His kiss left her breathless and everyone watching realized that they were staring at them out of sheer jealousy. All of them wanted what these two lovers had…even Maureen and Emrys. Happy though they were, Maureen knew that Faba's connection with Fiyero was stronger than her connection to Emrys. Emrys knew that it came from the years of struggle and pain Elphaba and Fiyero had endured together before the bliss they knew now.

He looked at his queen now and saw the hunger for that bond that bliss, clearly in her eyes. He made up his mind then and there to bring them to that state of passionate, knowing desire that his sister-in-law and brother-in-law shared.

Finally, with a nod to the others, Elphaba and her broom rose gracefully from the ground, circled the courtyard and once the Monkeys surrounded her, she streaked across the sky toward Mount Evish. For Mark and Joanne it was a surreal moment…half real and half a scene from an old movie.

Elphaba's black skirts and cape flowed behind her and they watched her in awe as she rose higher and began to grow small in the distant sky. Joanne heard a horse run past her, and watched as Fiyero rode General Gavilan with ease and then together, they began to rise off the gravel and fly in the same direction. Glinda waved with a smile and a general air of casual fun, and was suddenly enveloped by a large bubble, a bubble that began to float rather swiftly behind them on the breeze. Mark looked at Maureen now. Emrys had his arms about her waist, holding her in place.

"Promise me you'll be careful. Don't…act rashly; and for the sake of Lurline, be careful when you land! Fiyero can't catch you!"

Maureen scrunched her face up toward his with an impish grin and shook her head. "No, but it might be fun to see his face if he thought he had to though! Don't worry, Rys. You'll have both your girls back today. Both of them! Cross my heart. You hold down the fort and pray. I know it's not your thing, staying behind, but it's important. Fiyero and Faba would agree."

Suddenly, Emrys' face grew concerned. "He asked me…" She was watching him intently. "Fiyero reminded me of our old promises to each other. If something happens to Fiyero and Elphaba, to protect and raise Pixie. He's worried, Reena…and Fiyero doesn't worry easy. Stay safe, my love."

"Damn straight I will! I have too much to come back to! Glinda might be back with the girls first. You'll be waiting for them, Rys, won't you? They'll need to feel safe and…hugged! Hugged and loved. Do that till we all get back?"

"I'll be here, love." With that, they wound around each other's bodies, and with great forbearance, Maureen separated herself and jumped on her broom. Before their eyes, she rose in the air and was off chasing the wind and her sister, praying that their plan would work.

"Be careful!!" Mark and Joanne yelled it at the same time and turned to see Angel and Collins comforting Emrys. Now would come the hardest part for them…waiting, praying, and hoping. The Bohemians watched as King Emrys excused himself very politely. When he disappeared inside, Joanne looked at Angel questioningly. Angel's smile was half sure and half sorrowed.

"He's goin' to the nursery again. I'd… leave him be for now. We'll know the outcome soon enough."

They waited there together and watched the skies. With any luck, soon they would see a pinkish bubble rise over the green hills and land with the two little girls that they all missed and prayed for.

Fiyero watched his wife flying ahead in the distance. She was sure and steady and as they approached Mount Evish, her eyes never left the ground. He could tell by the tilt of her head. Elphaba knew that the Monkeys would warn her of any impending danger ahead. He realized at that moment that she and the Monkeys were a formidable team. They had become one for sheer survival's sake all those years ago. Fiyero wasn't jealous… only even more humbled by the woman he had married. Fae would see to it that they won and their girls made it home safely…or she would die trying! Even more amazing was the compassion she had for Zara. She would risk everything for her as well.

As Gavilan flew silently on, Fiyero searched the ground for his girls. He looked behind to check on Maureen and Glinda. Glinda was sure and flying high and Maureen, well, she really had improved! While she was not the flyer Fae was, at least now she was sure and steady. He still worried about his sister-in-law's landing. Time would tell.

Elphaba suddenly saw a flash of color down in the woods. She knew that it was Elfie's blue dress! Silently, she motioned to Chistery and the others warned them into silence. Pointing out where Zara and the girls moved, she sped up, then flew wide and around, avoiding Zara's line of vision by dropping below the tree line. Fiyero saw her square her shoulders before she flew down well ahead of Zara, disappearing in amongst the trees. The Lioness would need to cross Elphaba's path now.

Before Zara, the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying Monkeys watched and waited. Behind Zara, Glinda and Maureen dropped down out of view once they saw Elphaba disappear. As he and Gavilan flew wide and around, just past and behind Elphaba, Fiyero found himself hoping that both women managed a quiet landing. Zara would certainly hear them if they made their usual noise.

-----

"Move!" Zara snapped at Emaurie and Elfie as they trudged along.

Unfortunately, the girls were more than tired and long since hungry. Unseen by Zara, was Mimi. She walked beside the girls, preparing to do whatever she could to protect her charges. She sensed a change now and realized that Elphaba was somewhere near. Mimi was relieved but more than cautious as they walked along. She only hoped she would know when to act…and how. She spoke to the girls now who had long since stopped looking at her when Zara watched them.

"It's almost over, my chicas. I can sense your mama here, Elfie. Careful, don't look around! Now listen to me! When I tell you what to do or where to go, don't you dare look back! You go…together! You run! No matter what, you stay together! I'll help your Mama however I can. Just trust me, okay?" The girls nodded carefully, but Mimi saw Elfie's eyes fill with tears. "Hey, it's alright! Don't you worry!"

Softly, Elfie whispered, "But what about you? I don't want you to get hurt like Grale!"

Her tears flowed now, but quietly. Mimi thought her heart would either break or sing.

"Ah, sweetie, she can't hurt me now! Don't you worry! She can't even touch me! I'm long past that now. I'm here for you two, my chicas, and I love you! That makes me stronger than her. I promise!"

Elfie calmed down and as they moved toward a large, thick copse of trees, Mimi turned and looked behind them and saw Glinda hiding behind a tree, pulling her long, full skirts from view. She saw Maureen too, and heard her begin to chant softly:

"Eo setesh, Setesh e elo.

Arima abrathax hadim.

Carash ithium adeer."

Softly, so softly that it appeared only her lips were moving, Maureen chanted. All her concentration was on her words and their intent. It was hard. She wanted to run forward and grab Emmy and Elfie, but she closed her eyes and did what she knew needed to be done. "Eo setesh, Setesh e elo. Arima abrathax hadim. Carash ithium adeer."

Over and over the Queen of Burzee chanted. Using all her strength of will and significant determination, Maureen would do this. She would put Zara to sleep this way, or clock her over the head with a tree limb if she had to; but one way or the other, Emmy and Elfie would be sleeping in their own beds tonight!

Slowly, Zara began to feel strange, almost like she hadn't slept the previous night. She shook her head trying to clear it, and yawned. She allowed herself the pleasure of stopping and throwing her head back, stretching and closing her eyes as she did. When she opened them again, her blood ran cold.

Standing before her not 50 yards away was the Wicked Witch of the West! Around her, her flying Monkeys gathered and they looked more than ready for a fight. The girls had stopped dead in their tracks. They stood frozen, wanting to run to the witch, but smart enough to realize she could catch and claw them to shreds.

Elfie and Emmy stood yards away from Elphaba. Both of them longed to run into her arms. Mimi had warned them to stop though and they trusted her enough to listen. As they looked at Elphaba, both girls realized they had never seen her look like this. Her gown and hat were strange, but it was her eyes and facial expression that gave them pause. Her face was set, firm and steady and her eyes…her eyes were cold and determined.

From behind them, they heard Zara spit, "You!"

Elfie watched her mother slowly, ever so slowly smile….but not in a pleasant way. Her mother's voice was audible and calm, yet cold.

"Yes, yes. Me."

When Zara took a step forward, the Monkeys hissed and set Zara back a step with their wings flapping, their voices hissing at her wildly, and their claws bared. As they did, Elfie and Emmy heard Elphaba begin chanting.

"Eo setesh, Setesh e elo. Arima abrathax hadim. Carash ithium adeer."

Over and over, her voice firm and set, she continued. A spell! The girls watched as Zara, occupied with the Monkeys, lost her balance. Suddenly she heard the Witch and made the connection. The Witch was using a spell on her! Fury filled her mind and she decided to teach the Witch a long over-due lesson. As she stepped toward the girls, Mimi yelled to them.

"Run! Now! Run behind Zara! Maureen and Glinda are in the trees! Go, now, my chicas, run!"

The girls did as Mimi told them. They spun and cutting wide, they began to run past Zara to their Aunt Glinda and Maureen. Emmy didn't cut wide enough however and as she started to pass the Lioness, Zara began to slash out with her paw. Elphaba saw what would happen, and moving quickly dashed forward, placing herself between Emmy and Zara's claws.

The claws ripped through her gown and slashed Elphaba's upper arm. The pain was intense, but still Elphaba chanted…perhaps stronger now than before. Emmy slowed down to check on her aunt but Mimi urged her on.

"No, keep going! Go!"

Elfie grabbed her cousin's hand and pulled. Soon they were yards away and Aunt Glinda stepped out to them, grabbed them both and held them tightly as her bubble formed and they began to float away. After so much time alone…Emaurie and Elfie were finally with their family.

Down on the ground, Maureen stepped from the trees. She moved closer now and raised her voice so Zara could hear. The Lioness stood trapped between them; both witches chanting the same thing and suddenly, she was dizzy and as she lost her balance and her eyes began to close unbidden, she saw the witches come together…one green, one pale, yet alike…except for the blood that ran down the cursed Wicked Witch's arm. Then, with a curse, Zara passed into unconsciousness.

Fiyero had watched from a distance, ready to step in if needed. It had taken all his strength to remain hidden when his Fae was hurt, but he had. Now, he ran toward his wife and her sister, General Gavilan close behind him. He got there just as Maureen was asking Fae about her arm. Elphaba made little of it and shook it off.

Then they began the spell that would transport Zara to the very core of Emrys' palace. It was an area that was ready for her…strengthened walls and heavily locked doors. On and on they chanted until Zara's body seemed to appear first translucent, then became transparent and finally disappeared completely. Elphaba knew it had worked; she could feel it within her.

Maureen was excited. "That rocks! I mean, we taught her not to mess with us, didn't we?! I am so stoked!" Fiyero watched Maureen as she stalked around the clearing. The power had obviously given her an absolutely amazing reaction. As he turned to remark on it to Elphaba, he watched in horror as her eyes glazed over and her knees began to give way.

"Fae!"

Fiyero lurched forward and grabbed his wife before she could hit the ground.

"Faba?" Maureen suddenly remembered that they had not come through this unscathed.

As Fiyero knelt on the ground, holding Elphaba's body close he checked her injured arm and was suddenly afraid. Zara's claws had struck deeper than any of them realized. The black of her gown had disguised and absorbed a great deal of blood. Elphaba was losing blood… very quickly. Fiyero put pressure on the wound and lifted her in his arms. He turned hurriedly to Gavilan.

"We need to get her back to the palace…quickly! She's losing too much blood! Can you fly us back?!"

The General came forward and knelt down so Fiyero could hold his wife while he mounted. "Get on!"

They were in the air in no time, with Fiyero yelling back over his shoulder to Maureen to bring Elphaba's broom. He need not have worried. Chistery was flying beside him already, broom in hand. The look on his face mirrored the other Monkeys. Horror…fear…concern. As they flew, Fiyero prayed that Fae would live to hold their daughter again.