Authors Note: Hi. I'm uploading a bunch of chapters simultaneously, so I thought letting you know that chapter 9 is the first new one if you're like me and can't remember what chapter you left off on. Otherwise, just keep on going.

This chapter really starts where the story starts getting into the adventure portion. As always, I hope you enjoy and review.

"Fiyero." Said Glinda the week after the broom incident. "I think it's time we unveil you.

"You sure?" he asked. He was still a bit angry from the broom incident.

"Yes. First, it's getting harder to keep you here unnoticed. Second, I think the time is right. Third, getting out will do you some good. You're going a bit stir crazy, and it's affecting us to."

"If you think it's best. So what's the lie I got to spew."

"That's a terrible attitude. It is: you went to Ev to see the world and were suddenly called back by a messenger from me. So very close to the truth, you see. We're just leaving out some things."

"And where's this messenger?"

"It was a magic letter I sent. Everything else, story of the Witch, we'll go over. Ok?"

"Fine."

Over the next week they prepared for Fiyero's reveal. He rehearsed his story for a day, and then they revealed his presence to the staff, which were sworn to secrecy. Naturally they told everyone they knew, just as Glinda planned. She called in a favor at the Emerald Ballroom, the nicest venue in the City, and got a ball set up for that week. She then sent invitations to all the court members, socialites, and movers in the Emerald asking for their attendance. All returned an affirmative response. It was set to be the biggest night of the year. Glinda was too busy during the week to go about her normal activities so Elphaba was left in peace to study the Grimmerie, except in the mornings and evenings. In the mornings Glinda would join her for Agoy, and in the evenings she would collapse on her bed exhausted. Elphaba would help her de-glindafy while listening to her prattle on about all the social functions she did that day. Finally, after one long hectic week, it was time to go to what had been nicknamed "The Scarecrow's Ball".

While travelling in the carriage to the ball, Glinda could barely hold her excitement. She had worn her famous "bubble" dress to harken back to the time she was last with the Scarecrow. Elphaba sat next to her, resplendent in black and green, and Fiyero sat across from them, touched up for the event. She felt like it was almost old times back at Shiz, when they would forcibly drag Elphaba out of the room for some special occasion. A bit of sorrow wormed its way in as she remembered that Boq, Nessa, and some their other friends would have been there too. Their fates attempted to drag Glinda down but she shook it off. Tonight was a happy night. Her plans were coming to fruition.

Elphaba, for her part, felt nervous. Socializing with a small circle of women was fine, even larger groups of people she was ok. Tonight, though, would be all the important people of Oz. They would want to talk, dance, and pry information from her. She was now happy for all the layers she was forced to wear so that none could see her start to sweat. What if something went wrong? Whatever someone pulled her glove off, revealing green skin? What if her veil fell down, revealing a green face? What if she laughed and someone recognized it? These types of thoughts kept running through her head, making her more and more anxious. She would never show it though. Elphaba Thropp, student prodigy, sorceress extraordinaire, ex-Wicked Witch of the West, anxious? Never.

Fiyero, for his part, could almost care less. He wanted the plan to succeed, was invested in it, but hated going to these types of parties ever since Elphaba had ran away and Glinda become "Glinda the Good". He realized they were all either fools or liars, and most often times both. He also was not completely trustful of Glinda. Not that she would betray or hurt them; she cared too much for them both to do such a thing. It's just her help was often more about she wanted than the person. And she had changed. He could not put his finger on it but it was definitely there. She seemed more…dangerous. At least he would not have to play the fool since the "Wizard had given him brains."

Therefore, a bubbly witch, an anxious witch, and a surly Scarecrow made their way to the ball. They arrived (fashionably late of course) and as they exited crowds of onlookers greeted them with applause and cheers. Glinda was first, and she went to the crowd to meet some of the people. Elphaba came next, trailing behind Glinda, but no one really took notice of her (something she did not mind). Finally, Fiyero stepped out and there was thunderous noise. The people were dying to see him, one of the company of Dorothy, and erupted with his presence. Glinda stifled her annoyance as she told herself this was what was needed, even as she was jealous of the greeting. Fiyero smiled his Prince smile, charming and broad. It was the same he flashed at Shiz all those years ago; only now the two ladies could tell it was fake.

He met the crowd, vigorously shaking hands and greeting people. He lingered, trying to get as many as he could (as the Scarecrow would have done). Finally, he met Glinda and Elphaba at the entrance. He turned to the crowd.

"It's so nice to be back in Oz among the friendliest people in the world. I've missed you all." He said. He was not using the slightly goofy Scarecrow voice he used to, figuring if he was smart now he did not need it. He then extended an arm to Glinda, who placed her hand in his elbow, and they entered. Elphaba followed, looking imposing.

As they walked into the ball they were met with applause. The guests were all on their feet for the honored guest and hero of Oz. Fiyero and Glinda moved through them, greeting each individually and chatting for a bit. Fiyero had forgotten what it was like to be around so many people. He felt energized again. Elphaba, he knew, must have been hating it but she was right there, seemingly calm as could be. Fiyero tried to watch her out of the corner of his eye, but everyone wanted his attention. The little snatches of conversation and interaction he saw of her she handled perfectly, if a bit brusquely. At least it was better than before.

Finally, after nearly an hour, they made it to the head table. Glinda had placed them alone so as not to offend anyone. They waved again and sat down, each of the witches on either side of Fiyero. As they did, Fiyero whispered to Elphaba,

"You doing ok?"

"Fine." Was her terse reply. "It's nice not to be the center of attention." Fiyero laughed.

A light dinner was served, consisting of all the Emerald City favorites. Afterwards, the main floor was cleared out and an orchestra was brought in. They began to play but nobody was getting up to dance.

"I guess they're waiting on us." Fiyero said, and stood. He offered his hand to Glinda, and the walked to the floor. They began their dance, and soon the floor was filled. Elphaba was asked to dance by a lower baronet and, though she wished not to, accepted. It was what would have been expected of her. The dancing lessons seemed to have paid off, as she was doing a good job, or at least good enough for it not to be noticed and commented on. As the first dance ended partners switched and the dancing continued. To Glinda it was heaven, to Fiyero it was nice, and to Elphaba it was torture. However, she behaved herself.

Elphaba was beginning to wear down, though. The crowds, the idle conversation, the dancing, all were draining to her. At the next switch between songs she was about to excuse herself when a hand caught hers. She turned to see Fiyero with a wide smile.

"May I have this dance?"

"Of course." She breathed.

They moved into the slow waltz that was playing. Elphaba was caught up in the dance. She had not danced with Fiyero since Shiz and definitely never as lovers. She was also much better this time, not stepping on his feet and crashing into him. They floated across the dance floor. She did not notice Glinda beaming, or the looks of other dancers. There was only Fiyero, and the joyful smile on her face. She felt, for once, normal. She ignored the little part of herself felt like something was amiss.

Glinda, for her part, was beaming. She felt so happy for her two friends, enjoying their first romantic dance together. She had planned this once the music started but of course etiquette required him to work his way down the social ladder until it was appropriate to dance with Elphaba without snubbing someone else. The look on Fiyero's face, and the look in Elphaba's eyes, was worth it. Glinda crushed the little pang of jealousy under that joy, telling herself that it was just an echo of an old feeling.

Glinda diverted herself from her happy task to her required task. She began to move amongst the socialites and talk of current events. Of course she knew that the people were not happy with the administration and Throne Minister; she had people who kept her so informed. The discontent was as high at even at this level, though, which bode ill for him. For her part, Glinda always stated she was content but disagreed with some of his actions. It was the safest path.

After a while she began to pick up murmurs. It seemed that Fiyero and Elphaba had continued to dance through several songs, and it was starting to be thought irregular. She huffed internally, not wanting to break them apart, but knew she had to.

"Oh, silly me. The girl is probably so awe struck she hasn't realized. Excuse me, gentlemen." Glinda said. She moved to the floor to where the couple was maneuvering.

"Miss Sarima, I understand the Mr. Scarecrow is an intriguing figure but you can't have him all to yourself." She said and Elphaba looked startled. Her eyes flashed in anger but then she realized all the looks. Elphaba bowed.

"I apologize, my lady. I did not realize so much time had passed."

"It's alright. For your part, Mr. Scarecrow, you did not know."

"I apologize too. I was enthralled by meeting someone from the Vinkus. I've travelled through there many a time, but never met a native."

Well done! thought Glinda. Perfectly in line with the story. "That's alright, Mr. Scarecrow. But now we best be moving on."

"Of course, my Lady Glinda."

Fiyero strode off to begin socializing. Glinda knew, from what he said, that he would start spreading his story of the Wicked Witch's demise. Elphaba watched him go, and then hurried back to the head table. Glinda followed. Elphaba grabbed a glass of water and put it under her veils. She drank deeply.

"I'm so sorry, but I couldn't let it keep going. People were starting to talk." Glinda whispered.

"Then let them talk." Elphaba whispered back harshly, but then took a deep breath. She relaxed. "I'm sorry Glinda. It's just…I've never had that before."

"I understand. Once you can walk freely and Fiyero's back to his normal self, it will be even better. I promise."

"Thanks."

A man walked up to ask for a dance, but Glinda smiled and said, "I'm sorry but all this dancing has made us both faint. In a few minutes." The man smiled, bowed, and left.

He picked his way across the ballroom until he met with a group of other men.

"Did any of you notice that?" he asked.

"What? You getting shot down?" one replied.

"No, you idiot. I'm sure you all noticed that. I meant the weird attraction between the Scarecrow and Vinkun girl."

"Maybe they attracted to each other's uncouthness?" another said.

"Have you been using your word of the day toilet paper again? Speak plainly."

"Their barbarity."

"No, there' something there. And the way Bubblehead was looking at them during it. Anyway, which one of you plugged the Scarecrow for information?"

"Me." A third said. "He's been in Ev. Hasn't kept track of what's been going on here. Came back after getting a call from Bubblehead. The witch they encountered was painted green but when Dorothy threw water on her she didn't melt. Dorothy ran away screaming, the Scarecrow says he saw her make up run. She started ranting about Munchkinland becoming free. Scarecrow chased after Dorothy to protect her. Tin Woodsman came back covered in something Scarecrow thought looked like blood. Told them she melted. They grabbed broom and left."

"Hm. That matches up with the Bubblehead's story. I wonder how she convinced him to change it."

"Boss, what if it is the real story?"

"No, it's a lie. I just don't know why. Come one. Let's go to the Commander. He'll figure it out."