Thank you to chokingonhello for reviewing. I'm happy you liked the magical battle. I have always viewed Elphaba and Glidna as Ying and Yang and definitely let it show here. I also believe Elphaba is a truly good soul who cannot willing kill, so pushing her to the brink was a way of showing that. As for Fiyero….

Thank you to MyLittleElphie for reviewing. I'm glad you enjoyed it. The magical battle was kind of the culmination of the maturing of Glinda and Elphaba compared to the relative naiveté of Glinda and Elphaba at the End of Act 1.

Thank you to LilyFae for reviewing. Lol, its a lot, but I hope I dropped enough hints so as to not seem like I'm pulling them out of the air. And Shenshen is sitting at home in Wittica, minding her son.

Thanks to RavenCurls for reviewing. Pfannee makes bad decisions as she is too scared to take big risks. And both Pfannee and Milla will get endings here, and you'll see how they work in the sequel. As for Duran killing Morrible, it would stain Elphaba's decision, making it meaningless.

Thanks to nursejoy7 for reviewing. Read and see.

Thanks to Varia for reviewing. His cry is actually inspired by the Templars battlecry for Hellgate:London, which is For the Living.

Thanks to chinaluv for reviewing.

Thank you to my western skies for reviewing.

I apologize for asking so long on this. The last month has been very busy for me with weddings and other things. As such, I apologize for the month long wait.

There is one more chapter after this and an epilogue. I can also post the first chapter to the sequel if there's interest in it.

As always, read, enjoy, review. Comments and critiques welcome.

11/3/14

The General Ess Tee walked away from the drama playing out at his back and towards the two advancing Munchkinland leaders. His gait was strong and back straight. He clasped his hands behind him so as to appear confident. As he came within two paces he looked both leaders in the eye and gave them sharp nods.

"General; Provisional Governor." He acknowledged. Jinjuria returned his nod but the Tinman fidgeted.

"And you are?" Jinjuria asked.

"I am the general in charge of the Home Guard forces, Ess Tee." He replied. They gave him a strange look. The Tinman fidgeted some more, and finally got the nerve to speak.

"That's Governor." He replied weakly. The General smiled.

"I'm sure it was. However, by the constitution of Munchkinland, the Governorship is a hereditary titled passed down the Thropp line." He corrected evenly. He motioned over his shoulder. "As you can see, Miss Elphaba Thropp has returned, therefore making you a provisional governor until she can claim her proper title."

"Munchkinland wants nothing to do with the Thropps!" the Tinman yelled. Jinjuria shook her head but the General did not acknowledge change of tone.

"Then perhaps when Munchkinland seceded and changed their constitution they should have done more than eliminate any reference to Oz. As you did not, I must assume that you were content with how it was written, including the Thropp lineage."

"That's not true!" the Tinman whined. "If we had known-"

"Shut up, you fool!" Jinjuria snapped. The Tinman clamped his jaw shut with a clang. He looked at her with a slight shocked expression but only met a hard stare. She looked back to the General. "I see your verbal command goes with your field skill."

"I am honored at the compliment from the mighty Jinjuria, conqueror of Munchkinland." He said and bowed deeply. He smirked at the rattle of anger coming from the Tinman. He straightened with the smile still in place.

"Please stop trying to provoke the Tinman. Even if he is so dense," she continued, smiling at her own joke, "as to let you steer him into giving the governorship back to Miss Thropp, I would never allow it."

"Allow what?" the General feigned confusion, and spread his hands. "The governorship rightly belongs to Miss Thropp. It is your duty as a citizen of Munchkinland to see her in that position, if only so long as impeach her."

"A clever ploy. It falls apart on two points, however." Jinjuria said and raised two fingers. "One, I am not a citizen of Munchkinland. I'm from Gillikin, though just across the Madeleines from Munchkinland and Glikkus."

"And the second?"

"As you said, I have conquered Munchkinland." She replied with a confident smirk and gesture with her hand. "As such, the old ways are gone. A new world shall rise to take its place."

"That so?"

"Yes. However, if you want to give Miss Thropp to us," She continued sinisterly and snapped her fist closed, "we will take her."

"And what would you do with her?"

"Justice." Jinjuria hissed. The General arched an eyebrow.

"That sounds personal. For what?"

"Never you mind. Miss Thropp is a Munchkinland citizen; it is your duty to turn her over to us if we desire it."

The General's brow dropped and furrowed with its twin.

"Miss Thropp," the General said slowly, "is a citizen of Oz. She was part of Munchkinland when it was loyal, making her such."

"Semantics." Countered Jinjuria.

"She was publicly disowned by the Free State of Munchkinland not long after they seceded, though as I stated before they were foolish to not write out her inheritance." He continued and the Tinman looked bashful.

"As for the New State of Munchkinland you are planning to establish, Jinjuria, she never has been a part of it. So your claim is unfounded."

"You will give her to me!" Jinjuria spat.

"No. She is a citizen of Oz and I will not hand her over to a hostile government."

"Then we will take her." She growled

"You would have to take over all of Oz to do that, and you do not have the strength." The General countered evenly.

"We are in your city, might General, or haven't you noticed?" she mocked. "We have already taken you!"

"Really?" the General retorted, and arched his brow again. "I seem to see at least two regiments of Home Guard there that would contest that, along with at least one Gale Force and Palace Guard."

"You think four measly regiment can stand against me? Against us?"

"Us?" the Tinman echoed confused. She rounded on him.

"Yes, us. We can settle our spat after we crush the Emerald City."

"I don't know about that…"

"They would hail you as the leader who took the Emerald City, something no one has done. It would vault Munchkinland to the front of all of Oz."

"Yeah, okay…." He said a little unsure. Jinjuria turned back to the General.

"What say you now? Ready to give the Witch to us?" she challenged. The General remained calm, though sweat began to creep down his back. Here was his last ploy.

"Is that what you consider winning? You and your army may be unsurpassed in the field, Jinjuria, but they know nothing of urban warfare. Both of your armies are not enough to put down the City."

"You think your four regiments are strong enough to beat us just because we're in the City?" Jinjuria questioned. The General smiled ferally.

"No; in fact, my soldiers won't have to fight much. Let me fill you in on a little secret. The reason the Emerald City has never been taken isn't because of its walls, or its soldiers; it's because of its citizens. If you try to take the City by force they will rise and strike out against you from every possible point. Are you ready to fight knives from dark alleys, tiles from rooftops, fouled drinking water, and fire in your houses? If the answer is no, then you'll understand why I am not fearful."

"I will tear this City down brick by brick until no house stands to make alleys, have rooftops, or be set fire to." she bit out through clenched teeth.

"Then so be it. This City will return to its original function as a mausoleum; but instead of the Ozma's, it will house us. For make no mistake, no one here will leave this place. Your army will perish, as will mine, and the Tinman's. He may be able to raise another, but once yours is gone, Jinjuria, all hope of your new Munchkinland dies with it."

"We can bring in more forces." She retorted. The General shrugged.

"You could. So could I. And Gillikin has still yet to enter the fray. However, they currently view this as a spat between the City and Munchkinland. Tell me, if it starts over the rightful ruler of Munchkinland, do you think the Barons will stay out of it? Or will it be reason enough for them to join? I know what I'm betting on, thought I won't live to see a unified Oz again."

Jinjuria ground her teeth but said nothing. The General knew he had struck a chord. A loud cry came from behind him, and he turned to see Elphaba throw something away and collapse to the ground. Glinda instantly wrapped her arms around her. The sight pulled at his heart.

"So what do you suggest?" came the softer whisper from Jinjuria.

"A cease-fire. You pull both your armies out of the City and across the Munchkinland border near Restwater. Figure out your own situation while we figure out ours. If it is to be hostilities again, we won't have to go far. If it isn't, then we can go from there. Either way, you're in good position to attack and defend." He replied but did not turn around until he concluded it. He could tell Jinjuria was mulling it over. Finally, she nodded and stuck out a hand.

"We have a deal." She said and the Tinman nodded too.

"I apologize if I gave the wrong impression." He said with a hint of embarrassment. "I am not authorized to broker such a deal. It was just my recommendation."

"Then who is? Your superior officer?" Jinjuria snorted in derision.

"No; I am currently the senior military official for the Emerald City. However, a deal of this nature must be made by the Throne Minister." He replied.

"It seems your Throne Minister is a bit tied up at the moment." Jinjuria responded cheekily and the Tinman groaned at the joke. The General chuckled lightly.

"Yes. By Ozian law, an interim Throne Minister needs to step up and take the reins."

"So, does she have an assistant or something?" the Tinman asked.

"No." The General replied. "Ozian law states that if a Throne Minister can no longer do their duty, and if the Hall of Approval is not in session to appoint one, the previous Throne Minister is required to step up."

"Galinda." The Tinman with a bit of awe. Both the General and Jinjuria looked at him strangely.

"And what if she refuses?" Jinjuria asked bitterly. It was the Tinman's and the General's turn to look at Jinjuria strangely.

"Then we're in trouble. There have only been three elected Throne Ministers: the Wizard, Glinda, and the previous minister Morrible deposed. Considering the Wizard is gone and the ex-Throne Minister is dead, the only person legally capable of running the Emerald City is Glinda the Good."

"Does she have to go through some ceremony?" asked Jinjuria. "How long will it take to assume her position?"

"She merely has to publically invoke the law and declare herself minister. If there is no opposing minister then she can immediately take the position."

"Shall we go over now?" asked the Tinman quietly. The trio glanced over to where Glinda was still holding Elphaba. The General sighed.

"We do no good with waiting. Let's go." He answered and began to slowly walk over.

As they approached, whatever conversation the witches were having died down and both stood. Glinda seemed to be slowly consumed by light until she exploded in a marvelous display. The General could hear the gasps of awe from the surrounding crowd. When his eyes readjusted there stood Glinda the Good in all her glory. She turned and cast a beaming face on the three but then subtly faltered.

"M-Milla?" she stuttered. The General and the Tinman stopped, confused.

"It is nice to see you again, Miss Glinda. But most call me Jinjuria now." Jinjuria replied.

The General was still confused, but surmised they must have been acquainted previously. The Tinman had become rigid as his name. He remembered a Milla from school, but this woman near him could not be her. Galinda must be mistaken. However, as he looked over the red haired general again, he finally saw what had been in front of him the entire time. She was the same girl from all those years ago.

"It's nice to see you, too." Glinda replied, regaining her composure. A smile lit her face again and she turned it on the Tinman. "Nice to see you again, Tinman."

"Y-Your Goodness." He slightly stuttered, still struck by her.

"Now," Glinda said, "I'm guessing you need me for more than catching up on old times."

"Yes." The General confirmed. "You need to formally take control over the Emerald City and then negotiate a cease fire with Munchkinland."

"And how do you suppose I assume control?"

"Under the law stating that if a Throne Minister is indisposed and without a second, then previous ministers are able to assume the position temporarily."

"Ah, yes. That one." Glinda sighed. "If I remember correctly, it is just a public declaration, correct?"

"Correct, Your Goodness." The General answered.

"Fine. But this is only temporary." Glinda warned, and then cleared her throat. The voice that came out afterwards was magically amplified so all could hear.

"I, Glinda Upland of the Upper Uplands, who is sometimes called Glinda the Good, former Throne Minister of Oz, do hereby temporarily assume leadership of the Emerald City under-" Glinda was drowned by cheers from the crowd.

Citizens began to hug and clap their hands. Some had tears streaming down their face. Glinda looked towards the General and he nodded. She looked back at the gathered crowd and lightly tapped her staff. A burst of light and sound emanated from it, gathering the crowd's attention. She smiled at the confused faces.

"As I was saying," she continued, "this is only temporary. I hereby reinstate the Hall of Approval, and will convene it shortly to start the process of selecting another Minister. I will start negotiations immediately with the Munchkinland forces to obtain a cease fire."

Cheers erupted again, and Glinda sighed, letting the magical amplification die out. She turned towards an Emerald Palace Guard who had approached after her ascension and motioned him close. Saying something to him too quietly for the rest to catch, he nodded and saluted sharply. Grabbing Morrible by her bound hands, he hauled her off. Pfannee waited for the same treatment but it did not come. Tentatively, she reached down and picked up Morrible's wand. Glinda gave her a reassuring nod and then turned her attention to the two Munchkinland leaders.

"Before we retire elsewhere to hammer out this ceasefire, I must first request that you withdraw your forces from the City." Glinda said politely, but the sternness underlining left no room for discussion.

"The talks go nowhere until you hand over the Wicked Witch." Jinjuria countered harshly.

"There will be no handing over of anyone." Glinda responded evenly.

"We discussed this; there will be no handing over of the Witch." Hissed the General. Jinjuria glared venomously at him.

"I have changed my mind. You will either hand over the Witch to us, or we will burn down the City with her in it! To hell with the consequences!" yelled Jinjuria. Her voice echoed across the courtyard.

Murmurs started to come from the crowd. Elphaba began to fidget. She knew the signs; soon, they would turn against her and use her as a scapegoat. She looked around but could not find a way out. Her eyes met the wearied blues of Pfannee's but the dirty blonde gave a small shrug. She too knew what was going to happen but had come to the same conclusion as Elphaba.

"No."

A loud bang accompanied by a flash of light and a strong gust of wind burst as Glinda rapped the butt of her wand against the cobblestones. Everyone near her turned away but to Elphaba's enhanced senses it was a starburst of colors and smells.

When everyone could refocus on Glinda, there were startled by the shift in her appearance. She seemed to slightly glow with power from the tips of her golden locks to the vibrant blue of her eyes. The biggest change, however, was her face. Often described as molded from ivory, the high cheeks now look cut from marble. Both the leaders and the crowd were unnerved. Their gentle Glinda seemed to be replaced with this hardened one. Elphaba recognized that Glinda had dropped one of her masks, and her face settled in sadness. She had seen this Glinda far too much over the past year.

"There will be no handing over of Elphaba. To anyone." Glinda said heavily.

"She must stand trial for her crimes." Bit out Jinjuria.

"I agree, Throne Minister." The General added. "She will not go to the Munchkinlanders, but she must be punished for her crimes against Oz."

"And what crimes would those be?" asked Glinda. There was something in her voice that made the hackles rise on other three leaders.

"Sedition." Answered the General carefully. Glinda's delicate eyebrows rose.

"Oh? And how so?"

"She was a terrorist against loyal Oz."

"And how do you know that?"

"What?" the General asked shocked. The Munchkinlanders were content to watch this drama unfold.

"I said, how do you know that? Because someone said so?"

"She openly defied the Wizard, both in words and actions."

"Last I checked it was not illegal to speak out against the ruler of Oz. The Wizard even knew such, which is why he threw his detractors in prison secretly. And as for actions, I assume you meaning on the Animal Bans?"

"Yes."

"And do you recall that when I took office those Bans were swiftly repealed, and another was passed to guarantee Animal rights?"

"Yes."

"And do you recall how I pardoned any, alive or dead, who had stood up for those rights?"

"You planned this." Interjected Jinjuria with a sense of awe. Glinda turned to her and raised a perfectly sculpted brow.

"That would imply a deviousness, forethought, and brilliance I have never been accused of." She said cheekily.

"Oh, I know you Glinda; you may use that deviousness for good now, but you were always devious."

"How unflattering." Glinda replied, feigning hurt. "I think I shall take offense."

"If she will not stand trial here, then she will in Munchkinland!" demanded Jinjuria.

Jinjuria took a step forward, with a hesitant Tinman a split second behind her. A loud crack filled the air and the cobble in front of them split in a flash of light. Both jumped back, and Glinda lightly lifted her wand off the cobblestone. She gave them a knowing smile.

"As I said before, she is not going anywhere. Do you really think you could take her from me by force?" Glinda asked sweetly. Jinjuria chopped her hand through the air.

"I don't care what your General said; we can get her and get out without losses."

"Do you think you can fight me?" Glinda asked, the false sweetness bleeding out of her voice.

"You are exhausted-"

"Do you think you can fight Elphaba too?"

"So is she!"

"And my Adept?"

"Your what?" Jinjuria asked.

"Your what?" echoed Elphaba and Pfannee. Both looked at Glinda quizzically, but then Pfannee stepped up and crossed her arms, brandishing the wand in her hand.

"Yes, my Adept. Though Morrible kept her ill trained, she has much talent." Glinda said. Her voice had gone dead of emotion.

"She is exhausted as well." Jinjuria countered.

"How about the Resistance? Those in the purple surcoat are old Royal Guard; you think they won't join? How about those Animals lurking around the edges? Those who call Elphaba Her Goodness, as the Ozians call me. Do you think the Animals in either of your forces will stand to see their hero in chains?" Glinda's voice held an unnaturalness that sent a shiver down everyone's spine.

"You give too much credit." Jinjuria whispered.

"Perhaps." Glinda replied and let out a jarring giggle. "Care to find out?"

A moment, then,

"No."

"Good." Glinda's voice was back to normal, if with a hard edge. "For if you even make such an insinuation again, I shall not wait for an actual transgression; I will order your destruction myself. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Then pull back your forces, and meet me outside the Shiz Gate tomorrow morning. Will that suffice?"

"Yes." Said Jinjuria.

"Yes." Agreed the Tinman.

Both bowed and were about to set off when two Emerald Palace Guards approached with a prisoner in tow. Seeing it was the Scarecrow, both lingered. The Guards brought him before Glinda and stood him upright. He smiled at the two witches, and then nodded to the Tinman.

"It's like a class reunion." He said with a laugh. It brought a weak smile to both of the witches' face and confused looks from the rest of the bystanders.

"You're right. It's about time for a reunion. Elphaba, do you still have the spell?" Glinda asked. Elphaba looked startled.

"Yes, but here? Now?" Elphaba asked uncertainly. Regardless, she picked up the Grimmerie and leafed through it until she found the piece of paper she was looking for.

"Yes, now. One of your supposed crimes was the killing of a dashing Captain of the Guard. It's time to put that to rest."

"What are you talking about?" asked the Tinman. Glinda smiled at him, which struck him like always.

"Just a moment, Boq, and you'll see." She replied patiently. The Tinman nearly fell to his knees in shock.

"You know who I am? How?"

"No silly questions now. I have to concentrate." Glinda chided and turned back towards Elphaba.

"Are you sure, Glinda?" asked Elphaba. She was glancing nervously at the people around her. The crowd, no longer held in suspense, was slowly starting to tighten around them.

"Positive."

"But we're both exhausted."

"Elphie, with your eyes you can do it. Trust yourself."

"Ok." Elphaba said, taking a deep breath. Glinda smiled. "Everyone back up. I don't know how big this spell will be. Better safe than sorry."

Everyone around her took a step back besides Glinda. Elphaba looked at her but did not even arch an eyebrow. She somehow knew Glinda would not leave her side. Taking a deep breath again to calm herself, she looked at Fiyero.

"Ready?" she asked, a slight quiver in her voice. He smiled back at her.

"As I'll ever be. You can do it, Fae." He replied.

Elphaba nodded. She began to chant the spell and felt the magic rise within her. The heat of the earth coursed through her, setting her aflame. She now knew this to be the earth and fire aspects of magic. The cool of the wind swept into her, chilling her. Air and water combined. The sun and moon raced past her, alternately bathing her in light and darkness. Love and death intertwined.

Elphaba pushed the spell out to Fiyero. She felt-saw-smelled-tasted the magic weave over his form, trying to break down the walls that held him. Even now, though, the magic would not unweave. Her added power and knowledge loosened the binds, but not nearly enough. Instead of releasing the spell, Elphaba's held onto it in desperation.

"I can't do it." Elphaba's voice was heavy. "I'm not strong enough."

"See the threads, Elphie, and pull them apart like the maelstrom." Glinda begged.

"I can't. Their too tight."

"Focus." Glinda urged.

Elphaba focused her gaze, and her eyes alit with white light. It slowly spread until her only the light peered out from Elphaba's face. Those around her gasped. To Elphaba, however, the golden haze surrounding Fiyero slowly sharpened until she could see the magical chains that bound him. Elphaba forced her spell upon the chains. They crashed into and between them, spreading and severing some. However, thick strands still held in place. There was a backlash and Elphaba had to scramble to keep the spell from discharging.

"I can't do it. I'm still not strong enough." She cried, her voice reverberating as from far away.

Elphaba began to despair but then, like a burst dam, new energy surged through her. It was warm with love and air magic. Elphaba turned her head to see a golden sun of a person grasping her hand. Once again, two became one. They attacked the chains of magic, cast aside any and all. With a magical snap, the chains fell from Fiyero and the counterspell washed over him. Both women came out of their magical trance just in time to gasp in horror.

Tiny flames licked at Fiyero's body and he stumbled back. He tried to beat them out but the flames only grew. Soon they were racing up his body. Fiyero cried out in pain and flailed his arms as his body immolated. The flames burnt with an unnatural heat that caused everyone to step back, incapable of rendering aid. They watched as he danced macabrely in the flames until finally he collapsed into a burnt husk. The witches gave choked sobs and clang to each other. No one moved or made a sound. Then, a strange echoing laughter rang across the courtyard.

The husk of a Scarecrow at their feet shook and both witches instinctively jumped back. Then, slowly, cautiously, Elphaba took a step forward and reached a hand out. Suddenly, the husk moved and Elphaba let out a shriek of terror. She was ecstatic that Glinda's (and some of the crowds) overrode her own, as it would have been embarrassing to be caught shrieking like a school girl. Her shriek continued as the husk lifted her up off her feet and spun her around.

"You did it!" came a familiar voice. As he spun, the Scarecrow hat and clothing fell to ash around him. Dark hair flowed about dark shoulders while deep brown eyes twinkled with merriment. As he set her down Elphaba looked over the chest of her once lover. The cut jawline, the tribal tattoos, the strong chest and back muscles that led into a lean waist-

"Oh, Oz, Fiyero! Cover up!" Glinda yelled and covered her eyes. He looked down and shifted his hands.

"Uh, I guess it was too much hope to ask to be returned with clothes." He said and gave them his charming smile. An Emerald Guard approached and shucked off his coat. Fiyero took it with a nod of thanks.

"Nice to see you again, sir." The man said with a salute as Fiyero threw the jacket on over his bare body.

"Nice to be back, Figun." He replied and the man swelled with pride at being remembered.

"Is it safe for ladies' eyes?" Glinda asked, uncovering hers.

"Sorry. I guess I didn't notice." He replied, still smiling. He turned to Elphaba. "I was just so happy to see you with my own eyes."

"So I noticed." She quipped, and then blushed. Fiyero grinned.

"Best to have it covered up." Glinda continued. "We don't want any fainting spells. Or worse, someone losing an eye."

"What happened to you to?" Fiyero asked with a laugh. "My wholesome ladies are now so vulgar."

"Being on the run can do that." Glinda retorted. The three smiled at their old dynamic, both witches pushing away the conversations that needed to be had to an obscure corner of their minds.

"By Oz? Fiyero?" the Tinman said. Fiyero turned his grin to him.

"Yes, Boq old boy, it's me."

"You were the Scarecrow all along?"

"Yep. And yes, I knew you were the Tinman; I just didn't think you would appreciate drudging up those memories."

"Hold on for one Munchkin tick!" yelled Jinjuria. "This nonsense about Boq is a cruel joke! The Wicked Witch of the East killed Boq!"

"Not quite." Boq said and looked embarrassed. "She, or rather Elphaba, turned me into this."

"Is it really you?" Jinjuria asked, reaching a hand out. She pulled it back before it touched his tin skin.

"Yes, it is me."

"So Elphaba did this to you." Jinjuria growled and spun to glare at Elphaba.

"Not wait just one clock tick!" Elphaba yelled back. "If it hadn't been for me, he would have died! Nessa tried to cast a love spell on him and it went all wrong! I saved him best I could."

"Some life." Snarled Jinjuria.

"But can you change me back? Like Fiyero?" asked Boq, hopeful. Elphaba furrowed her brow.

"I don't know."

"But Fiyero-"

"Fiyero's spell was called To Shelter Those Exposed. Nessa jumbled one called Capturing the Heart, which is why yours shrunk. The one I used to save you was called Fortifying the Body, which I guess is why you're made out of tin. The counterspells aren't the same."

"Can't you counterspell the ones on me?"

"I could for the one I cast but for Nessa's? I'd have to remember the precise incantation. There's no way I could do that. If I removed my spell you'd be back to normal, but also without a heart. You'd die."

"I'd almost take it." He said as he hung his head.

"Boq, no. Don't give up." Jinjuria whispered and touched his arm. He looked at her.

"Elphie." Glinda said after a moment. "Could you see the spell and unweave it that way?"

"Possible. But I don't know a spell to make a new heart." She replied, her voice becoming distant. Glinda smiled slightly; she had sent Elphaba's mind from despair to academic.

"What if the spell placed upon him are unwoven and the counterspell for Fiyero incanted as a normal spell? Would that work?"

"That's brilliant Glinda!" Elphaba said and dropped a fist to an open palm.

"So that will work?" asked Boq hopefully. Jinjuria glared at them suspiciously.

"It's the best shot we got." Glinda said. She felt it best if Elphaba did not speak as much as possible. Both witches looked over the spell again and Glinda nodded thoughtfully. "If I am to understand this correctly, the spell we used on Fiyero is not a reversion spell; rather a recreation of the person in our mind while keeping their consciousness intact."

"What?" Boq asked confused.

"What it means is that you won't go back to your old Boq body; you'll enter a new Boq body that will be transformed from your current form."

"And how will that work?" Jinjuria asked suspiciously.

"Essentially, we'll recreate the body from our own memories. Nothing large, like organs and things; they'll develop as normal. Just the superficial stuff." Glinda answered.

"Is that why I feel…larger? I thought it was my imagination." Fiyero asked. Both girls looked at him quizzically.

"You do seem bigger than I remember." Boq agreed. "More muscular, too."

"Well, it's been a long time since I've seen Fiyero." Elphaba defended herself. "I was a little hazy."

"And lovesick." Glinda mumbled.

"What?" Elphaba asked.

"I said: and I'm short. Fiyero always seemed gigantic to me."

"That's not what I meant." Fiyero said, looking down and shuffling his feet. Both witches blushed deeply. "But I do feel stronger than before. Maybe taller."

"You're Scarecrow body probably influenced it a bit." Glinda quickly covered, and then coughed. "Well, Elphie, are you ready to get this show on the road?"

"Let me examine Boq first." Elphaba said, and took a deep breath. She focused her senses again, and Boq dimly glowing form slowly sharpened. Her eyes began to glow white again.

"What is she doing?" whispered Boq loudly.

"She's using her magical senses to see the spells binding you." Glinda whispered back just as loudly.

"Magical senses? Has she always had that?"

"No, she-"

"Do you two chattering Chanels want to finish later?" Elphaba snapped, all light leaving her eyes. "I'm trying to focus here."

Both apologized. Elphaba took a deep breath to steady herself again, and then proceeded to focus. The aura of magic came back and then slowly sharpened. The strings of magic binding Boq appeared. Unlike Fiyero, there were two sets of binds; one that was smooth as it flowed around him, and one that was twisted and knotted, bumping and writhing beneath the other. Elphaba guessed it was one Nessa had cast. Seeing its deformed nature, she knew that Glinda's plan was the only way to go. She sighed and the light died from her eyes.

"What's up, Elphie?" Glinda asked.

"Nessa's spell is so tangled I don't know if I can unravel it." She answered with a sigh.

"You mean you can't change me back?" Boq asked with a quiver. Elphaba shook her head.

"No. I can still break the spell, but it will be just that; breaking. It wouldn't be unraveling and replacing at the same time."

"Oh." Glinda said. Boq looked at her.

"What does that mean?" he asked.

"What it means is that I will have to shatter the spells surrounding you with re-creation spell." Elphaba answered.

"Is that bad?"

Both witches looked at each other.

"It's dangerous." Glinda finally answered. "There will be only one shot at it. A partial breakage or cast of any of the spells could will kill you."

"That's unacceptable!" said Jinjuria.

"I'll do it." Boq countered. Jinjuria looked at him.

"Boq, it's too dangerous-"

"Milla, please." He said and she stopped. "I haven't felt anything in this world in six years. If I have a chance, I'll take it. If I die, then, well, at least that's something. I don't want to continue existing like this forever. It will be hell."

"Boq, I-" Milla tried but he cut her off again.

"Thanks for caring. But this is a chance I must take."

"Fine." Milla acquiesced. The two witches watched the display uncomfortably. Glinda was starting to feel there was more going on. When Milla looked at the two of them with a fiery glare, both looked bashful.

"So, shall we begin?" asked Glinda.

"Yes. I'm ready." Boq said and stood proudly in front of them. There was a momentary pause. "Uh…what do I need to do?"

"There's good." Glinda said with a reassuring smile. "Ready Elphie?"

"Yes."

Both witches took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. They began the slow incant. The lines between the two blurred and their thoughts and hearts once again became one. Instead of pushing the spell out, they held it close. They shaped it into point; an arrow to penetrate the spells around Boq. Finally, the two wrapped it in their own power and shot it at Boq. It ripped through the opposing spells and tore into his body. The two let the other go and watched with normal eyes as the spell took its toll.

Boq let out a screech as a white pitting began to creep across his body. It started to spread quickly intersecting and coalescing with other pits. In some areas it congealed and fell to the cobbles in globs. Soon, Boq was a mess of pink goo. The bystanders watched on in horror as he lost his fight with gravity and slowly seeped into a messy blob on the cobblestones. No one dared move until Fiyero slowly walked over and put a hand into the pool. His strong muscles visibly flexed as it extracted a solid form of a man.

"A jacket, if you will." Fiyero said firmly and another Emerald Palace Guard handed over his own. Fiyero wrapped it around the quivering figure. He then looked it in the eyes. "Boq?"

"It is strange to feel the warmth of your hands, Fiyero." The young man replied as he opened his eyes. "It isn't a dream, is it?"

"No, my friend." He answered with a growing smiled. "We have returned."