(Alright, guys, the title, well, it means what it means. Feel free to try and figure it out. Just so you know, this follows the plot of the musical. Now this first part may seem a little odd, but stick with me on this, its my first fic so I don't expect it to be all that great. So...without any more gilding of my Lily, and with no further ado...I give you, Lectus-A-Um...)



Anxiety. Intense anxiety. Fear. Unabashed fear.

That's what was coursing through him at that moment. He didn't know what was happening, didn't understand what was going on around him. He knew only the taste of his own fear. It stopped every beat of his heart, froze the air inside his constricted chest, gave vile life to everything around him. He wanted to speak out against this paralyzing feeling, wanted to cry out for help, but the emerald hand that flashed before his eyes halted his voice and threw him further into silence. He cowered back, crouching against the bars of the contraption they'd called a cage, quivering in horror. Just then, his world began to darken, and a voice whispered...



Pain. Intense pain. Ache. Overwhelming ache.

That's what he felt at that moment. He couldn't speak, couldn't think, could only feel. Feeling was the worst. It was as if he lived and died and lived again, trapped in that endless moment betwixt life and death, forever embalmed in s single second of twilight. It felt as though his very insides were being torn out, being shrunken, being horribly deformed even as he stood helpless. He wanted to do something, to yell something, to stop this terrible thing from happening, and just as he moved to do so, he fell forward, unable to catch himself, his world darkening. The last he remembered was a pair of emerald arms encasing him gently and a voice speaking softly...



Blood. Immeasurable amounts of blood. Worry. Uncontainable worry.

That's what he knew. He saw their punches, saw their kicks, but his mind was elsewhere. His mind was with her, worried for her. Had she gotten away? Was she safe? Would she remember that he loved her always? He knew they were beating him, knew their fists flew against his body with heavy blows, knew they were determined to make him pay. Yet, even as he knew this, he felt nothing and was nothing. Without her, he could be nothing. And so his world began to die, began to fade, and in the growing darkness an emerald light shone, encompassing him in its loving glow. Somewhere in this portal between himself and her, a voice called out to him...



Water. Ice cold water. Fault. Total, complete fault.

Nothing could calm her as she watched the tragedy unfold. Nothing could assuage her guilt. Nothing could abate her misery. What had been done in anger was now found wallowing in remorse. Regret now burned where jealousy had once kindled a fire. For even as she listened to the piercing screams that followed the falling shower, even as she watched the dance of joy begin, she knew that ultimately, the blame for all of this was upon her. So, just as that little beat up bucket had poured its deadly contents, she allowed her tears to flow, allowed some part of her to begin to cleanse itself, although she knew her pain would never end. From somewhere in the darkness came a figure, and speaking brokenly, it handed her the most precious thing she'd ever seen. For a moment she imagined an emerald face smiling beautifully at her, but she shook away the image, knowing that the face she longed to see was forever gone. As she turned away, stepping into a bubble of joy, someone somewhere spoke...



Home. Dead hope. Oz. Destroyed dreams.

It lay stretched before her eyes, the awesome land of Oz. Far to the North, the Upper Uplands. Far to the South, Gillikin. Far to the East, Munchkinland. Far to the West, the Vinkus. Brightly winding through all of this beautiful country was one wonderful road of yellow brick. It stretched throughout the entire kingdom, leading all of Oz to its great shining center, the amazing Emerald City. It was directly above that glistening town of green that she now hovered. All she had known was changing, and she was glad for it. For she knew that all in Oz was not as it seemed. She understood something that, to her mind, the people of Oz did not, for she had heard a voice whisper in her waking dreams. Now, as she considered the words that voice had spoken, she thought now of what they meant.



They were the same words four others had heard in that place between life and death, that place between the darkness of sleep and the light of the waking world, that place of twilight, although she did not know it. She thought she understood those words, thought she'd finally found the answer.

She was wrong...

I enjoyed that. I could feel all of the emotions the characters were facing in those moments.
Seriously, I liked it very much.

Now, I'll be watching...........

Well, if you like it, then I'll keep writing.

And yes..do watch away...

ok if your answer would give away the plot, please don't answer, my question is....

are the characters describing their emotions- the lion, the tinman/boq, the scarecrow/fiyero, glinda, and then the last one that im most confused about is elphaba or dorothy...right now im leaning towards dorothy, like the view from the balloon

so if u can't answer this that's fine

this is very interesting so keep up the good work!

Ooooo, I really liked the start. As always, I love your style of writing, and I love how your stuff is different from anything else on the site (in a good way, of course). I shall be looking for more updates!

I do like it. Please continue.

The ICBH has spoken.

Glad you like it. It's Lion, Boq, Yero, Glin, and Fae, btw. Dorothy is long gone from my Oz. The story begins, well it will in the next update, which will be up tomorrow I hope, just after the melting. Dorothy and the Wizard are gone.

I imagine it something like this: Dorothy and that stupid little dog 'melt' Fae. Yero goes back to the EC with Dorothy and the gang just to make sure their ruse worked. It did, so he goes back to Kiamo Ko to get Fae. The next update starts there. This first part, (and I can tell you this because it doesn't really give much away), will not become incredibly important until well on in the story, so kinda put in the back of your mind for now. (but DO NOT forget it.)



*bows* Oh yes, The ICBH, right away....

lol...

more for you tomorrow.

I will however say, that the title is actually three words and not one. I just typed it in as one.

The correct way to write it is:

Lectus
Lecta
Lectum

But you'll find out more about that later.

(Ok, kiddos, here's another one for ya. Forgive the double post, but hey, that was yesterday, this is today.)



Hat? Check. Broom? No, the little Dorothy brat had taken it. It now rested somewhere in the Wizard's palace. Magic Book of Spells? No, that, along with her treasured bottle of green elixir was gone, away to the Emerald City with Glinda. Anything else I need? She turned to the scarecrow at her side. Only one and he's already here.

"You ready to go?" came the scarecrow's soft spoken words. His eyes were filled with love and concern, his face contorting with gentle emotion. She smiled.

"Yero, my hero, where are we going?" His face formed a smile. The expression seemed awkward on the face of the scarecrow and it pained her to watch the face struggle to match the heart.

"Well, my Fae, I was thinking we don't really have to leave Oz entirely. Maybe we can just travel around until we find somewhere to settle."

"The Animals have quite the extensive network throughout Oz. We could use it to keep track of what's going on around Oz while we're traveling."

"In what way can we contact them?" She thought for a moment. Her initial contact among the Animals had been through young Chistery, her favored Monkey friend, but he had followed Glinda back to the Emerald City, her way of staying in close enough contact with her best friend. Then, a thought occurred to her.

"I need to step outside." The face of the scarecrow twisted into a face of confusion, and it seemed to be the only expression that fell upon the tanned face that made any sense among its features. To her, such a thought was heartbreaking, and so she turned away from him and quickly found herself staring up at the night sky just outside the castle walls. Calming herself, she began to whistle, first softly and gradually growing in volume until the unique sound echoed out into the forest. The scarecrow appeared at her side, staring at her in wonder.

"What are you doing? No one is supposed to know we are here." He whispered. She smiled.

"We are still perfectly safe, Yero. No one knows we're here except the Animals, and they aren't intending to tell anyone." Before he could respond, an Eagle fluttered down in front of them. She looked at the scarecrow and grinned, then knelt down next to the Eagle.

"Hello, Miss Elphaba. You called?"

"Hello, Master Tip. I need to deliver a message to Chistery in the Emerald City. Do you know a way for me to do that without being discovered?" The young Eagle took a moment to think.

"I could deliver the message myself, Miss Elphaba."

"Are you sure, Master Tip? I would'nt want to cause you any trouble."

"I would not offer if it were troublesome, and please, just call me Tip. There is no need for honorifics." Elphaba smiled.

"I'll call you Tip if you call me Elphaba."

"I prefer Miss Elphaba, if you don't mind. You saved my life. You deserve the honor. I, a mere humble young Eagle, do not." His face was serious and she decided not to push the issue.

"If you insist, Tip. Thank you for your help."

"Anytime, Miss Elphaba. Now, what's your message?" She turned and looked to the scarecrow beside her.

"Where do you want to head first?" The scarecrow scratched his head and appeared to be deep in thought.

"I was thinking maybe we could head in the direction of Frottica. The Gillikin countryside would be a suitable place to vacation, I think." She turned back to Tip.

"Just make sure to tell Chistery that we'll be heading North, and that we'll have to use the Nest to keep in touch."

"Where will I find him in the City?"

"He'll be at the Wizard's Palace." She paused. "Tip, no one can know this message is from me except Chistery. You must exercise extreme discretion." The Eagle smiled.

"Haven't you heard, Miss Elphaba? There is good news spreading throughout all of Oz. The Wicked Witch of the West is dead." He lifted up from the ground, his great wings moving gracefully. "There is no need to fear anymore. I assure you, you are quite safe." Then young Tip flew away to the east toward the shining city of jewels. Elphaba and the scarecrow returned to the castle, gathering what little belongings they had and headed northeast, toward the beautiful Gillikin countryside. The young Eagle's words echoed in Elphaba's mind as she bid a final goodbye to what had been her home these many years.

There is no need to fear anymore. He'd said.

Little did any of them know, there was.

please continue soon. its nice to have another fic to read.

Monday, Holli.

Monday.

Im like writing the next part right now.

The story will really start to take serious form within the next couple updates.

oooooooooo

(Ok, so the update didn't come that Monday...or the next Monday...here it is anyway...besides no ones bugged me about it yet, so hey, what do I care that its late? RL steps in on ya sometimes, and it did on me and almost killed my muse, but I dragged back and force fed a drink from a little bottle of green elixir. She feeling a little more emerald now. Anyway here goes...)



I can't believe how much my life has changed...

"So, Glinda, shall we pick up where we left off last week?" came the soft questioning voice of her personal adviser, counselor, and only friend Tyuan Tintelus of Frottica. He was Captain of the Emerald Knights. She renamed the Guard not long after deposing the Wizard and putting Morrible in a cell in the deepest pits of Southstairs. The word Guard had sounded too violent for her liking and that sickening title of Gale Force had needed Glindafying, thus the new name. The two of them had quickly become friends, and she'd one day found herself telling him about her days back at Shiz, the days before the Wicked Witch of the West. It was to him she told the story no one else in Oz knew, and in him that she found a similar sympathy for the emerald girl that had battled an entire world. After their first conversation about those days, she and Tyuan had continued their discussion once a week, in total privacy, allowing Glinda to cope with the pain of losing her best friend. But now, as she lay upon the soft grasses of her inner sanctum, the greenhouse she'd had installed in what had once been the Wizard's living quarters of the grand palace, she did not know where to start. The story had finally linked up to the present day during their last session, and she was unsure of what to say next. So, the young blonde decided to simply speak whatever came from her heart.

"I miss her so terribly, Tyuan. You have no idea. She was the only real friend I'd ever known, and now that she is gone, I feel so lonely." She realized what she was saying and looked up at Tyuan. "Not that I don't treasure your friendship, its just..."

"Not the same." He smiled. "Believe it or not, Glin, I do in fact understand how you feel. When my brother left, I was torn apart. I don't know what happened to him when he left, and to this day I know nothing about where he is. Each day gets easier as time wears on. I remember him as he was, and I never forget to miss him at least a little each day. That I way I know I haven't forgotten him entirely."

"I've never thought of it that way before, Tyuan. I just...it just..." She broke off, frustration taking her beautiful porcelain face and twisting it. Closing her eyes, she reached up and took off the crystalline tiara she wore and shook her head, allowing her golden locks to fall gracefully upon her shoulders. She set the tiara upon the ground next to her, and stared at it before speaking once again. "It hurts so much to miss her and know that I can't mourn her because if I do, not only will it defy her final wishes, it will cause total chaos in all of Oz." She looked into Tyuan's eyes, and her blue irises twisted in confusion. "She left me behind to keep Oz safe for her, Tyuan. What if I mess up?" She whispered, finally releasing the fear she had held in these many months. Tyuan's gaze held only sympathy as he watched her tears begin to fall.

"Glinda, no one is perfect. We are all bound to make mistakes. It is not those mistakes that make us who we are, but how we respond to them. Your responses have been above and beyond all expectation." A secretive smile rose on his face. "I think even Elphaba would be proud of you for what you have achieved." Before Glinda could respond, a bell rang and the doors to the greenhouse slid open. Hovering just inside the entrance was a young Eagle escorted by one of Glinda's personal guards. She sighed, and quickly replaced her tiara before standing and walking to the door with a smile. Tyuan watched from his place upon the ground.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Miss Glinda, but this young..."He paused, eying the bird next to him. "Eagle, has requested the presence of a Master Chistery. I didn't know of whom he was speaking..." He fell silent at the look upon Glinda's face.

"You know Chistery?" She asked curiously, her attention solely upon the Bird.

"I am a friend of his. We met during his...travels...out in the western lands. I'd heard he was in the City and came to stop by for a hello and a little chat. If that is not possile at the time, I would be happy to return later or..."

"No. No. There's no need for that. Chistery will be happy to see you." Glinda interrupted him with a smile. She looked at the guard. "Is there anything more, Xai?"

"No, but I should like to meet this Chistery fellow if you do not mind, just in case another one of his comrades comes looking for him." Glinda's response was a light whistle. For a moment, nothing happened and then suddenly the sound heavy beating wings came roaring toward them, and a second later, the Monkey stood before them.

"You called, Miss Glinda?" He said softly, bowing before her. She kneeled down next to him.

"How many times must I ask you to call me Glinda, my friend?" She smiled. "Stop all this bowing that you do. You are a treasured friend, not a servant." He stood and grinned.

"Well, there were others around, I figured it best to follow the rules of ettiquette the Wizard so excellently taught me." The words 'wizard' and 'excellently' were heavy with sarcasm and Glinda had to forced herself not smile wider. The first she'd ever seen of Chistery he'd been crying out in pain as Elphaba had magically gifted him and his friends wings. He'd been unable to speak then. It seemed that his time spent with Elphaba had not only allowed him to regain his speech, but he had a tongue as sharp as any sword and as almost as candid as Elphaba herself.

"Chistery, there is no need for ettiquette with me, whether we are alone or others are around." She matched his grin with her own. "However, I didn't ask you to come in here so we could talk manners. You have a guest." Chistery's face showed his surprise until he saw the Eagle flying behind her. His expression shifted from surprised to worried to eager back to surprised in such a short time that all present missed the exchange save the young Eagle.

"Master Tip!" He said with excitement ringing in the baritone voice. "How did you know I was here?" The Eagle smiled.

"I was in the old wood and happened upon a mutual friend who said I might find you here with Miss Glinda." Chistery nodded at the reference and immediately took flight.

"Well, come, my friend. Let us leave the humans to their work and go have a chat." Tip was more than happy to comply.

"Let me know when you return Chistery." Glinda called after them. She turned back to her two friends. "Well, there you have him, Xai. That was Chistery."

"He's a fine Monkey, mi'lady. I'll be going back to my post now." He turned and walked away. Glinda turned back to Tyuan as soon as the door shut behind him.

"A fine Monkey, he says. I do wonder what trouble Chistery and that young Eagle will get into." Tyuan only smiled a smile that held many secrets.



Later that evening...

She was sleeping peacefully, something that rarely happened given the craziness of her life, when suddenly she heard a loud crashing sound and the powerful pealing of alarm bells. Startled from her sleep, she sat up, heart racing, to find herself staring into Tyuan's emerald eyes.

"Get up and get dressed, mi'lady, we've no time to lose." That got her going. Tyuan only used such honorifics when something serious was taking place. She jumped out of bed and grabbed her wand, taking the time to magick herself clothed before turning back to Tyuan.

"Done." He grabbed her free hand and tore through a secret door hidden in her chambers. It opened into a path that led directly to the throne room, which ironically happened to be the safest room in the palace, despite its incredible size and open space. "What's going on, Tyuan?"

"Someone has broken into the palace." Glinda stopped walking.

"What?! How? When?" A look from Tyuan silenced her questions.

"About fifteen minutes ago and I'm not quite sure how they got in here yet." He started walking again, dragging her with him. "What I do know is that they've managed to subdue the palace guards and wreak havoc among my Knights without being seen. I don't know what they're after, but it must be important to them. You could be in danger." Glinda said nothing, her mind trying to process the information. Suddenly the ringing of the alarms stopped.

"Captain Tintelus!" came the frayed whisper of a soldier. Glinda looked at Tyuan. He pulled back his sleeve to reveal a watch.

"The Wizard had them designed for us shortly before he left. He called them walkie talkies, whatever that was to mean. They allow us to speak to each other over large distances." He held his wrist up to his mouth and spoke into it. "Report."

"The intruder is no longer within palace grounds. We've secured the area. It doesn't seem like anything is gone." Tyuan signed off and turned to Glinda, who had frozen in fear.

"What could they want?" Glinda turned and ran. When she reached her destination, her heart broke. Tyuan found her moments later, tears cascading down her face.

"It's gone." she whispered.

"What is?"

"The Grimmerie."

Three guesses on who took it?

guess away...

unless you're super seriously psychic, you'll be wrong.

(Sorry if this is a bit confusing for some of you, but a consistent passage of time hasn't been inserted yet. This one kind of jumps around, but after this, time gets a bit more cohesive. It's really long, but I couldn't help that. I put like, two chapters in one. Here you go.)



I have no idea what to say to them. I’m so confusified. Oh, Elphie…Why did you have to die?

The sound of her footsteps echoed through the room. Window. Wall. Window. Wall. Window. Wall. Her eyes never registered the room around her. She only knew the same twelve steps, repeated in an endless cycle during which the same sentence possessed her thoughts.

Elphie, why did you have to die? Why? Why didn’t I go with you? Why couldn’t I have just been stronger? Elphie, my beautiful emerald girl, how am I going to live without you?

These same thoughts had been tearing her apart from the inside. She’d never allowed herself to release the guilt she’d felt those months ago when her friend had first defied gravity. She’d never allowed herself to heal from shouldering a burden she should never have been forced to bear.

Oh, what would you think, Elphie? What would you think if you knew the truth?

Her guilt-ridden thoughts were interrupted by the opening of the door. She stopped pacing and turned toward the door. There stood Tyuan Tintelus, Captain of the Emerald Knights. He was wearing his dress uniform which consisted of a green jacket with golden cords at the shoulder, green pants with a thick golden stripe at seams, and a gleaming saber, its golden hilt shining in the light. His scarlet hair was gelled perfectly to form miniscule spikes upon the top of his head, his green eyes contrasting beautifully with his pale skin. For a moment Glinda’s mind was silenced at his wonderous beauty, but before her thoughts could dwell on her seemingly odd feelings, he spoke, his voice the sound of rushing waters.

“Miss Glinda?” She pulled her attention away from his handsome looks and focused upon the words he had spoken.

“Yes, Tyuan?” She responded softly, her eyes somewhat downcast. His eyes showed his concern, but the look went unnoticed as she avoided his gaze.

“You’re going to be late for your speech. The Ozians are waiting.” When her only response was a nod, Tyuan walked over to her, and pushed her chin up so her sorrowful eyes met his. “Talk to me.”

“I have no idea what I am going to say to them. I can’t help but think…” She fell silent.

“You’re thinking about Elphaba, aren’t you?” He said, his voice as soft as candlelight. She nodded, her eyes filling with tears. He pulled her into his strong arms and held her there. It was only a moment, but for them it seemed a lifetime. They stood there, she drawing strength from his tall, firm body, he pouring as much of it into the diminutive blonde as he could. When he pulled away the determination he knew so well in her had finally returned to her crystal blue eyes.
“Come on,” She said, her voice quiet. “We’d better go. The Ozians are waiting.” He answered her with a gentle smile.

“Right this way mi’lady.”

They walked together to the great balcony that stood at the back of the castle, silence around them. As they reached the doors, the sound of the milling about of a large crowd began to slip into their ears. Tyuan watched as Glinda transformed into ‘Glinda the Good’ in a matter of a few steps. Her shoulders straightened, she stood taller, her eyes held a look of pure fire, and the aura about her spoke of great power and unbreakable calm. The most impressive part of her façade was the wonderful smile upon her face. She had an ability like no other to make even her eyes speak whatever emotion she wanted others to see. Tyuan only knew the pain that rested behind those eyes because he had seen it for himself, and now he watched it disappear.

The great glass doors to the awesome balcony opened and a voice called out from among the assembled.

“LOOK! IT’S GLINDA!!!” A hush spread over the crowd as Glinda stepped forward.

“Fellow Ozians,” She began. “As terrifying as terror is, let us take comfort in the fact that we are all safe from harm. I know that many of you have heard rumors that someone broke into the palace last night.” A roar sprang up among the people and while they struggled to calm themselves, Glinda allowed herself a moment to reflect upon her own words. They reminded her greatly of a speech she had given only months ago. That speech had been to announce her engagement to Fiyero. That had been the day she had discovered that happiness wasn’t exactly what she’d thought it would be. She raised her hand, and the crowd was silent.

“Unfortunately, that rumor is quite true.” Another roar soared up, but Glinda quickly silenced them. “Although some portions of the Great Palace were damaged, I can assure you that nothing was totally destroyed. No one was harmed during this rather confusifying attack, and I owe gratitude to all of you for coming here today to show your support. I will do all that is within my power, along with the Emerald Knights, to discover who is behind this unusual event. That being said, I do bid you all a good day.” She waved to the crowd and turned and walked back into the castle, Tyuan close on her heels.



The only sound that reached her ears was his sot breathing, a slow incantation fit for sleep. The only problem being that the scarecrow was, in fact, not sleep. He could not sleep, for as a scarecrow he had no body, only clothes filled with straw, and thus had no need for sleep. No had the scarecrow a need for food or drink. Not much about him remained the way it had been. Now that she reflected upon it, as they lay near each other in the darkness, she found that she could only find three things about him that made him continue to be the man he had once been. His loping powerful stride remained, the strength of heart in his gaze remained, and the sultry quality of his voice remained. Those three things would always make this scarecrow who he really was, Fiyero Adair Tiggular, her hero.

“Fae?” Came the soft whisper of the scarecrow’s voice, the voice of the beautiful Arjikis prince.

“I’m awake, Yero.” The scarecrow sat up slowly, astonishing strength in his straw-filled body. His eyes met hers and a smile contorted the face.

“We’re about a days ride outside of Frottica. I was thinking I could go ahead into town and get some supplies.”

“Are you sure, Yero? It’s broad daylight. What if…” She feel silent and looked away, attempting to hide the only outward sign of her worry behind her long raven locks.

“My dear, I am THE scarecrow. Nothing will dare harm me, and here, hidden from the world, nothing will harm you either. I assure you that you are quite safe. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” She sighed and turned her eyes back to his. Unconsciously, her hand found his face in a soft caress, and though the roughness of the scarecrow’s features shocked her, she could not pull herself away from the feel of him.

“Come back soon, love.” She whispered. He smiled.

“Keep a weather eye on the horizon.” He pulled himself to his feet and walked over to the two horses he had acquired a few days after they’d left Kiamo Ko. Up until then they had walked a series of endless miles, he carrying his emerald princess as she slept. He had known that she wanted to be free of the Vinkun lands as soon as possible. Things being as they were he required no energy and could go on without fail forever. Thus, he had carried his love as far from the fortress as he could every moment her body had succumbed to sleep until his eyes no longer saw Vinkun land.

Smiling to himself as he recalled those days of travel, he mounted the horse and took off toward Frottica. Within a few hours he found himself on the edge of the wealthy town. Summoning the Scarecrow’s country boy façade, he jumped from the horse and sauntered casually into the city.

As was the usual for the Scarecrow, he was greeted with high praises and gifts, neither of which he declined. People came from all corners of the town, all of them watching him with awe. It was as if a god had descended among them, and in the eyes of the Ozians, one had. He graced them with his farmboy attitude and captured their hearts with his easy smile. Yet all the while he watched as the day slowly passed him by, and soon the people were all venturing home. Many asked, no, begged him to stay at their homes, but he very kindly told them that he was only stopping through for a while. When the last of the people finally turned in for the night, he allowed his farmboy face to subside and once again Fiyero came to the surface.

It was as he was leaving the town that he noticed it. How he had missed it was impossible to understand, but he knew that he could not dwell on the thought now. Something had gone terribly, terribly wrong in the Emerald City, and to his mind came the one person he knew would want to know. After checking to make sure all of the supplies he had been gifted with were secure, he mounted the horse and sped toward the darkening horizon, fear slowly whispering into him as he rode on.



A knock sounded on the door. Her gaze turned toward the sound.

Who could that be?

“Glinda, come to the throne room. It’s urgent.” Came the soft tones of Tyuan’s voice. She stood and after checking to make sure she was presentable walked out of the door. She followed Tyuan to the throne room, where he directed her to the throne. Confused, she stared at him.

“What is it, Tyuan?”

“It’s on the throne. None of us have touched it. It’s meant for you.” Glinda’s eyes widened and she stepped closer to the throne, her eyes searching it for whatever it was Tyuan spoke of. She found it immediately. It was a small envelope, upon it written in a flowing script, “For Good.” She picked it up, her hand shaking as a sudden wave of fear crashed into her. Her gaze flickered to Tyuan, calm, cool, collected Tyuan, and she opened the envelope. Inside was a single postcard. She froze as her eyes read the words written there.



The postcard dropped from her hands as she read the signature. She turned to Tyuan and felt her knees buckle as darkness closed in around her.

Unseen in the shadows of the great room, young Chistery took flight.



She was pacing, he was watching, unsure of what else to say. She had stared at him in shock for only a moment as he had explained what he had discovered, and then she had risen to her feet and begun the pacing, which now, two hours later, she continued. He watched the emotions cross her face, an incredible range of feeling he had not expected to see. She tensed suddenly and froze her eyes staring ahead. He followed her line of sight, and was pulled to his feet in wonder. Something was coming toward them, careening at a speed that could not possibly be safe. Just as he began to wonder who or what it was, the thing crashed headlong, right into Elphaba. He watched them as they fell to the ground, and suddenly he realized with both a grimace and a smile what, or rather who, it was. Chistery.

“Miss Elphaba! I am so sorry. You must forgive me, but it was urgent that I see you. I have flown here from the Emerald City to tell you something important.” He quickly jumped off of her. Elphaba smiled at the Monkey then slowly sat up.

“We know about the break in at the palace, Chistery. Thank you for coming anyway.” Chistery’s excitement did not fade.

“You do not understand, Miss Elphaba. He took it!” Elphaba’s smile faded.

“Took what, Chis?” she asked cautiously.

“The Book. He stole it. I only found out a few hours ago, or else I would have been here much sooner to tell you. It’s gone! He stole it.” The Monkey said quickly, his words rushing together almost incoherently.

“Slow down Chistery. What are you talking about?” And so the Monkey launched into his tale, telling Elphaba word for word what the note had said, and image by image what he had seen happen.

“She fainted after she read it, and I do not know why. I think she was in some sort of shock.” Chistery paused, fear finally seeping into his gaze. “He knows, Miss Elphaba. He knows the secret.” Elphaba could only watched as the poor Monkey trembled.

“So it seems that he does, Chistery. Does Glinda know yet?” Chistery scratched his head.

“I do not think so. When I left she was mumbling something but it did not sound as though she was speaking of you.”

“What was she saying, Chistery?” The Monkey paused a moment.

“‘It can’t be. He’s dead. It’s because of him this all happened. It’s impossible. You’re dead. I know you are.’ Then she conked out again.” Elphaba stared at him, shock and disbelief taking over her features.

“Chistery, did you see the note yourself?” He shook his head then after a moment perked up.

“I could only see the name at the bottom of it. What else I told you I heard Miss Glinda read aloud.” Elphaba seemed to tense up even more and she looked to Fiyero, who held her gaze.

“What was the name?” Chistery did not respond, but instead collected some small sticks and began to form the image of the letters upon the ground.

“I cannot say the name, but I can show you what it looks like.” He said as he worked. When he was finished, silence pervaded the air. The name was one that neither Elphaba nor Fiyero had ever expected to see again. Glinda’s words echoed in their minds as they held each others eyes.

He’s dead, she’d said. She was right. They looked at each other, and turned their gazes back to the letter Chistery had formed. Staring at them, they knew confusion and true fear. Disbelief colored their faces as they turned the name over in their minds.



(hey, ICBH, bet you hadn't expected that, had you?)

I am very impressed.
Truly, this update was brilliant.

wow...

that's a major compliment, coming from you...

Don't let it go to your head.
I'm still watching for you latest mass of distruction. LOL

The funny part about all of this is that the devastation I keep watning all of you about happens at the very end. The rest of the story is pretty mellow so far.

I only have to do one thing...

and it will totally make this story angst-ridden.

You mean your going to hold off on your malice until the very end? That is really selfish. I mean to trick moi until the very end. Someone on Fan Fiction .net did that and I personally feel she lost her senses. Along with her fan base. She never writes anymore.......

I feel as if I must intercede, some way, some how. But how could I convince you otherwise? HMMM
You're going to make me think aren't you?

I thrive on making others think.

Symbols.
Metaphors.

Creating them is my hobby. I enjoy convoluted tales, and now that I'm actually reading the book, I'll get even more ammunition.

Speaking of which, I absolutely adore Turtle Heart....and I hate Melena's selfish guts...and I have a new found faith in Frexspar.

(I know. Double post. Don't care. Not my fault no one posted. Here’s a little filler just to tide you kids over until Monday. This is not going to make much sense to you right now, but keep this little smidget in mind. Sorry for the shortness, but this is INCREDIBLY important….Shiz, I should stop donating secrets…)



She stared at the pages of the ancient volume, its gold leaf edges shining against the fading candle light. She had managed, in her way, to interpret the purple script upon the pages. It had taken years to understand the fading words. The problem had not been the reading of the words at all. It was the characters themselves. The writing had begun to fade with time and now all that remained of many of them was a dying, pale violet. She knew the words once she was able to read the letters that spelled them out.

The words were of an ancient time, of a time back when Oz believed, when there was more faith in the unknown and unnamed.

Casting her eyes to the dying embers, she considered the emerald filigree that adorned the borders of each page of the ancient book. She had discovered early in her attempts to discover the meaning of the script upon the many pages that this seemingly decorative addition was actually of greater significance. She had found that the thin strip of emerald was actually impressively small script as well, a script which, even more remarkably matched the last of the lines on the very last page of the book.

It was to that page that the book lay open now, the words taking on an otherworldly essence. Now, even after years of study, she had no clue as to what the words meant. They were the only lines in the book she had failed to understand, for they were not written in the commonly spoken tongue, but in an entirely different unreadable language. As the fire finally found its place among the sleeping dead, she glimpsed once more the words upon the page.

It is hard to believe that it's only been six months since I started writing this.

Ah to the depths with life for intervening. Lucky me i still have all my notes so i remember where I was going with this.

I should have the next part up soon....

if anyone is interested in reading it, do let me know.....

gosh, i feel like I've just come back from the dead....or rather a really horrendous looking melting....

Wow... this is a fascinating story! You write very well and the plot is so original.

I may keep up with it because the writing is so good ... but I may not because I hate sad endings. Sorry.

Anyhow, glad to see you back on the boards!

Stop reading now.

...

I'm serious. Stop reading now.
I love sad endings.
I love writing angst.
Know why?
Cz those endings are usually cliffhangers... that lead to other stories with far happier endings...

*smacks self on head*

I shouldn't have said that.

...

Antewho, I do appreciate the comment. Glad you like it. I'll get started on the next part just for you passionate, so you can read it.

So might you actually be a closet happy ending person?

There is so much anguish in your story. I don't know if I can stand such heartbreak to my super couple.

The writing is first rate as always, but you know my rules have not simply gone away.....

Do you remember them, Lilly dear?



The ICBH

Welcome Back!

I never denied enjoying happy endings, my dear the ICBH....

I just enjoy the angst much more because it makes the ending far more worth it in the end.

And yes I remember your rules...

Do you remember my ONE rule?

I certainly hope so. If not, you'll be reminded soon enough.

i do appreciate your compliments though. I'm working on the next piece. It should be up within a couple days...

prolly tonight if i can work it. I gots a concert then I'll be home again

The one rule, you don't follow rules?

Oi Vey. You'll learn in time, my rebellious friend.

The ICBH

(Alright ladies, from here on in we have a somewhat established time-line. Forgive the randomness of this chapter. It's not as good as I'd like it to be, but I'm still tryna remember where I'd been headed with this. Antewhoo, here you are, the sixth installment of Lectus...It all goes downhill from here, Yin, so get ready.)




Their conversation had finally come to a deadlock. No one spoke. They stared at each other. The tension in the air was palpable. Neither of them was willing to relent. The one of them utterly decided upon forsaking everything that kept them, the other absolutely drawn against such seemingly dynamic displacement of all they had agreed upon.

“You can’t do this. Please just think about this before you do it.” The voice was soft, pleading, the eyes imploring. But the need, the will, could not be shaken or abated. A hand raised and a sorrowful look crossed the resolute face.

“I have to.” And with a blinding suffocating flash of color, silence fell again.




Wake Up.

Wake Up.

Please, wake up.

The words were a soft murmuring inside her mind. She found herself drawn to their screaming whisper, her befuddled mind wanting to make the sound become a vociferous silence. The noise was agonizing to her muddied thoughts and she forced her eyes to open.

“Glinda! Sweet Oz, are you alright?” The voice, she now realized, was that of Tyuan. His jade eyes stared into her blue and suddenly recollection assaulted her. Shock propelled her upward and Tyuan immediately backed away.

“Give me the letter again.” He looked at her, his eyes wary. “Please. I need to see it again.” He gingerly handed her the letter, watching as her eyes scanned the page. After rereading the words, she locked his gaze to hers.

“Clear out, men.” He ordered. The movement of their feet made him aware of their expedient exit. His tone had made it clear they were not to be within hearing distance of the door, and he waited for their footfalls to stop echoing under the vaulted ceiling of the hallway.

“They’re dead. How is this possible?” Her voice was small and uncertain. He opened his mouth to speak, but before words could come from his lips she spun, moving swiftly toward a set of double doors. He followed her without question, listening to the murmur of her thoughts, as she led him through the great corridors until they reached her favored inner sanctum, the beloved indoor garden. As soon as the great doors were shut behind them, she spoke again.

“’Leave your friend, The Witch, out of it.’” She whispered the writer’s words questioningly, her voice bouncing in the hollow room. “Whoever that is, they can’t be talking about… about…” She hesitated to speak the name. “Her. They just can’t be. So what does it mean?” Her crystalline blue eyes bore into his emerald gaze for an answer. He did not speak. “The guy’s crazy. Dillamond is dead. I saw his dead body, his blood. He is dead and so is she.” She began to pace back and forth and he watched her steps solemnly, knowing there was more to come.

“I watched her die, Tyuan. I saw it with my own two eyes. Not that it made any sense at all. Water will melt her?! That shouldn’t even be possible. But then again, she did have a way of making the impossible incredibly real.” Her words fell conversationally, the sentences drifting on the air as she spoke. “Still, I heard her screams, saw her pain. Even now, I can’t believe that she’s really gone, can’t believe that something so simple, so accidental, so undeniably impossible could fell my wonderful, complex friend. Yet, I saw with my own eyes as that horrible liquid fell upon her and she melted. MELTED! It doesn’t make any sense. Why would this person bring her up? Everyone in OZ knows she’s dead. They celebrated her death for crying out loud.” Here, her tears finally began to fall. “Even my tears cause her pain. Water will MELT her?!” Her sorrowful words were angry and thick with frustration, and finally unable to contain himself, Tyuan spoke.

“People are so empty head they’ll believe almost anything.” His whisper was quiet, but in the empty room his voice carried easily to Glinda’s ears.

“Fiyero…” Her voice echoed on the name, a haunting glimmer of emotion twisting in the sound.

“The Ozians were right, you know. She really does have an extra eye that always remains awake.” He continued as though she hadn’t spoken, forcing the words to leave him. Too long a time had already passed. “Of course it isn’t an eye in the conventional sense. Still, it never sleeps.”

“What?” came Glinda’s confused response as she stared at him in wonder.

“You’ve seen for yourself that she can shed her skin as easily as a snake, although again, it is not in the conventional sense.” He spoke slowly, not meeting her tear-filled eyes, his voice calm.

“Tyuan, what are you talking about?” Familiarity at his words danced in her questioning eyes and he continued, acting as though she hadn’t said a word.

“A large contigent of rebels, both human and Animal alike, is making sure is well cared for.” He watched as understanding leaked into her expression as she finally realized why his words seemed so familiar. She had heard them before, the day the Wizard, wretch that the man was, had named her ‘the Good’. The Ozians had shouted them before her ever-smiling face, and she had silenced their fears, believing, then, that they could not be farther from the truth and thus had little to worry about. She had been so wrong.

“Tyuan, what are you saying?” Before he could answer her, crimson smoke unfurled into the room, silencing him.

It was a color and taste both Glinda and Tyuan knew well and it was an incredible shock that he could see it. He looked to Glinda, who stood shocked and frozen as the smoke began to clear. A figure rose like a shadow in the smoke, looking much like a frightening dark angel rising from the depths of the Other World, its black cloak billowing under the torrent of receding fumes. The face, covered by a hood, could not be seen, but it was easily discernible who the rising shadow was. Only one person in all of Oz could make such an entrance.

“Elphaba?” Glinda’s voice was full of both doubt and hope, her face contorted by confusion.

“Glinda!” The figure raced forward, stepping gracefully from the smoke, and the hood fell, revealing her beautiful emerald skin. She glanced at Tyuan, who nodded in return, then returned her eyes back to Glinda, who was still staring at her in disbelief.

“Elphaba?” came Glinda’s small voice, disbelief coloring her tone.

“Yes, Glinda. It’s me.” Elphaba’s answer was swift and gentle. For a moment none of them spoke and then Glinda erupted into a crazed fit of laughter.

“Ok. Tyuan, good one. Whatever it is you’re trying to do, you’ve succeeded so go ahead and give up the game.” He didn’t answer her, knowing that Elphaba would know exactly what to say.

“Galinda.” The woman’s sultry voice was a soft whisper and Glinda turned upon hearing the plea her name had become. Only one person had ever said her name so sweetly, only one had ever uttered in such a way that it was both a beckoning and an underlying threat of safety.
“Elphie?” She whispered, her blue eyes staring at the emerald face. She took a step toward her, her hand reaching of its own accord out in a summons. It was enough to break the walls of time and lies that stood between the two friends and Elphaba flew into the arms of the diminutive blonde girl, tears cascading down her face.

“Oh, Glinda, my girl, I’ve missed you so much. I’m so sorry about all of this. I should’ve told you. I’m so sorry.” The words fell from her like a river as the mantra of her tears cascaded toward the faraway ground. The two friends held tightly to each other, feeling through their shaking shoulders, the life in one another’s veins.

“Now, I know there is an Unnamed God.” Glinda said, finally attempting to still her tears as she smiled tentatively at Elphaba. She took in the sight of her, looking her over slowly to mold the image forever into her mind. Tyuan, who remained where he had been this entire time, took in the image with a smile.

The two women stood in stark contrast, giving morbid life to the adage ‘opposites attract’. Elphaba Thropp, Witch of the West, was covered in her customary black. Her raven locks poured down her black, spilling onto her shoulders, giving her emerald face a dark halo. Her brown eyes were full of warmth as she spoke quietly with her friends. Upright and alert, she exuded a confidence that came with years of depending solely upon oneself. Vitality made her green skin glow and he smiled to know that she was doing well. The clothes she wore did not strike him as odd, she’d apparently become accustomed to living on the move. Rather than her legendary black dress, the formidable costume that struck fear into all of Oz, she wore a simple black shirt with long-sleeves and black trousers. The belt that held the pants to her waist was the only item of color she wore, and was honestly more a scarf that a belt. It was a deep violet, and was laced with small diamonds. He immediately recognized it as a customary Vinkun love gift. This particular piece was especially elaborate, showing the station of the man that had given it.

It must be a gift from Fiyero. He thought to himself, turning his attention now to Glinda. The small woman was about five or six inches shorter than her green companion and her radiant fair skin seemed luminous against the natural background. Her blue eyes glimmered like precious jewels, lighting her face with joy. She too had forsaken her usual overt ball gown for a simple pleated skirt, pink with white stripes, and white polo shirt, a pink lily embroidered on where a chest pocket would be. Her golden locks were pulled into a long tail, the blonde curls resting gently at the nape of her neck. She looked very much as if she was about to head out for a tennis match, her bare feet rocking back and forth with her excitement. Her bright smile was eager, and yet her eyes held reserve, signaling a strength that came from her rapid maturity since the fateful day at the Wizard’s palace, the palace in which they now stood.

“…Elphie, I can’t believe it’s really you.” Glinda was saying as Tyuan once again focused on their conversation.

“I should have told you.” Elphaba answered. Tyuan stepped over to them.

“Actually, El, I was going to tell her today. Something’s happened here that forced my hand.” Elphaba nodded.

“I know.” She said, looking over her blonde friend into Tyuan’s jaded eyes. The girl spun around, pinning him with an accusatory gaze.

“You’ve known this entire time?” She asked vehemently.

“Yes. I’m one of Elphaba’s contacts within the Emerald City. The Resistance placed me inside the Gale Force to keep an eye on the happenings within the City. It was pure chance that I was promoted the way I have been.” He answered smoothly. She nodded.

“So what Ozians said is true.” She said turning back to Elphaba, who stared at her, confused. “You really don’t sleep. Your eyes are everywhere. Rebels are protecting you, and you really can just become someone new right before my eyes.”

“Oh.” The green woman grimaced but Glinda didn’t notice.

“All that’s missing now is Fiyero.” Glinda’s voice thickened with fresh tears. “He would’ve loved to see you now.” This time Glinda did not miss the look of pain that crossed Elphaba’s face.

“Um…Glin…about Yero…” The woman hesitated. Glinda pinned her with a stare.

“What is it, Elphie?”

“We need to talk.”

I really liked the reunion. Very well written.

I also liked Elphaba's clothes. Quite interesting. Especially about the scarf.

That was good. Yet, I need to go back and read the whole thing from the beginning. I forgot tons.
Yet, you've killed him, didn't you?

It may take awhile for me to read your next installment.

I am not pleased. Luckily, I wrote a whole new update in my story.

Someone had to keep true love in bloom.

The ICBH

Actually, I can safely say, and this won't even give away the plot, Fiyero is only my favorite victim in IME. He doesn't die in this. He's not dead.

Remember, this is a few months after the end of the musical, with a few book references, like the purple scarf (i got that idea from the book altho I don't remember if it was actually purple), so Glinda doesn't know about Fiyero's transformation. She thinks he is dead, and Fae is still beating herself up about transforming him.

Still you should probably reread the other parts, just to make sure you know what's going on. Most of its been pretty ambiguous up to this point.

(Well, ICBH, this here is for you. Recently broke up with my bf, needed love in my life, so I gave you a little timid Fiyeraba. Just a little. So here it is, the next update...and once again, no, i didn't kill Yero...yet....)



“So where is he?”

“Frottica. I left him there and came straight here. Unless of course Chistery flew him here, then he may drop in at any moment.” Elphaba had just finished explaining to Glinda all that had happened since Nessarose’s death concerning Fiyero, including the painful recounting of his transformation into a scarecrow, THE Scarecrow, as Glinda kept to referring him. Now, still pacing about the indoor garden, Elphaba was answering her myriad of questions, hoping desperately that she didn’t ask the one question she was hoping to avoid.

“Elphie,” came Glinda’s soft introspective whisper. Elphaba turned and looked into her deep blue eyes. “Why did you do it?”

And there it was. The question she had not wanted to hear, but had known was coming.

“There was no other way, Glinda. I couldn’t stay here and be apart of something that went against all of my convictions. I couldn’t allow them to use me the way I had been used my entire life.” She said, answering the real thought behind Glinda’s question. She had seen in the blonde’s face that the question was not really referring to Fiyero’s transformation.

“But why did you leave?”

Ah. There it was. The deep seated pain Glinda had been hiding finally coming to the surface. Elphaba walked over and knelt beside the seated woman.

“I left to save you. My life had become a chaotic war. It was ruining us all. I couldn’t stay here anymore, knowing what was happening to you, to us, to Fiyero. I left to save us, and to give you the chance to live. I was not going to let my mistakes kill us all, most especially you.”

“Even still, Glinda, she could not leave you behind.” Tyuan’s voice entered the conversation from where he stood. “That’s why she left me here, to keep her in full view of what was going on with you. Fiyero and Elphaba wanted to make sure that you would be protected, so they left a large group of Resistance fighters close to you to ensure that you would be.”

At that moment, a loud whistle pierced the air, and the three friends looked up to see Chistery flying through a window, Fiyero held tightly in his arms. Elphaba smiled, her eyes lighting up at the sight, Tyuan stood at attention, and Glinda rose slowly to her feet, watching as Chistery dropped him to the ground. The Scarecrow landed easily on his feet, his loping stride sure as he made his way toward Elphaba.

“Fae!” He said angrily. She grimaced.

“Yero, I’m sorry, I couldn’t wait.” She started. His glare interrupted her.

“Fae, what if Glinda were to discover you? How would you explain this?”

“Uh. Yero…”

“No, Fae. Honestly, were you trying to bring all of Oz down on you?” His voice softened and he looked at her, fear vivid in his eyes. “What were you thinking, leaving without me here to protect you? I can’t lose you again. I swear I can’t.”

And there, in the open air, came the real reason for his anger. Elphaba had seen it in his eyes, but now, with the words spoken, she confirmed it. Letting all thought of Glinda, the mysterious intruder, Tyuan, or anything else that might have been distracting drift from her mind, she walked proudly to her scarecrow, to her hero, and wrapped him in her arms, love deeply engrained in her eyes.

“Oh, Yero.” She whispered softly, not caring that in the hollow room her voice still carried. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think of that. I won’t let it happen again. I promise.”

“Fae, I don’t mean to freak out. It’s just that I love you so much and I can’t imagine living without you. I’ve done it so long.” He answered, his tenor voice barely audible.

“Yero, my hero, life wouldn’t be the same without you either, but we’re together now. Don’t worry. Besides, Glinda’s already here and we’ve already gone through that entire conversation.” He looked over her shoulder and finally saw Glinda, who stood staring at them, fresh tears glimmering in her eyes.

“I can’t believe I missed this.” The ruler of Oz said, her voice thick with held back tears.

“Missed what?” Elphaba asked without turning.

“This. You and Him. I can’t believe I didn’t see how powerful the love between you is. It’s been there all this time and I didn’t see it. How blind I was.” Elphaba smiled and allowed Fiyero to step away.

“It’s okay, Glin. I think its safe to say that we missed it too.”



A few hours later, after all tears had been shed, and all stories retold, the five friends sat in Glinda’s chambers discussing the intrusion that had brought Elphaba and Fiyero to the palace.

“No one can know that we are here, Glinda.”

“Of course not. I wouldn’t tell anyone and neither will Tyuan as you well know.” Glinda responded.

“What do we do now?” Tyuan asked, looking to Fiyero, who sat with his straw-filled arms around Elphaba.

“I do not know. We’ll need to find the Grimmerie. That’s our first priority.”

“Where do we look?” Glinda asked.

“I’m not sure, but I do know who we can ask for help.” Elphaba said. They looked at her in surprise.

“Who?” They asked simultaneously.

“I’ve only ever known her as Yackle, but from my days at the Cloister of Saint Glinda, I remember her seeming to know a lot about magic. She rarely spoke to anyone, but she certainly spoke to me about it a lot. I wonder if she is still there.” Fiyero looked surprised.

“Yackle? That old lady from the Philosophy Club?” He asked.

“Having never darkened the steps of the Philosophy Club I wouldn’t know, love, but I doubt that it’s a common name.”

“Well, the woman was rather strange.” He seemed thoughtful.

“I could send a man to the Cloister to find out.” Tyuan suggested. Glinda shook her head.

“No. I’ll go myself. I have been meaning to go there anyway to make my annual donation.” She said, rising to her feet. Tyuan and the others stood as well.

“Glinda, are you sure?” Elphaba asked eying her curiously.

“Yes I am.” Regality seemed to fall upon her, and they all watched as the ruler of Oz began to show her face, the cool calm face of Glinda the Good. “Captain, please take them back to the gardens and get them settled in for the night. Make sure you have guards you can trust implicitly on the doors. No one but myself or you goes in or out. I have to prepare for my journey. I’ll leave in the morning.” Glinda drifted toward a door silently. Chistery followed her.

“I will go with Miss Glinda in the morning, Miss Elphaba.” He said, following the blonde through the door. Elphaba and Fiyero watched them leave, and then followed Tyuan back through the hidden hallways to the gardens.

“It is good you are returning, El.” Tyuan said as he led them around.

“Tyuan, what do you mean? I’m not about to expose myself just yet.” She said, her eyes searching the dark, memorizing every feature the low light of the torches illuminated.

“I was referring to your presence in the life of Lady Glinda. She has much need of you. Far more than she realizes I think. Just telling me about you has helped to keep her sane.”

“I had no idea my death would affect her so much.” Regret pooled in the pit of her stomach, stirring up nausea. Fiyero pulled her close, his straw-filled arms impossibly strong.

“What was done was for the best. Don’t berate yourself.” He whispered.

“He is quite right. Glinda needed that definite separation from you. Your holy image has made her grow up a lot these last six months.” Tyuan said, smiling back at them over his shoulder.

“My holy image? There’s nothing holy about being called wicked.” Elphaba responded sardonically. Tyuan laughed.

“To Glinda, the very word is the equivalent of goddess, if only because the word has been forever associated with you.” He stopped and opened a door hidden in the wall. Beyond him, Fiyero and Elphaba saw the shadows of the plants in the garden lit by the falling moonlight.

“I will return for you in the morning after Lady Glinda has departed for the Cloister. No one should disturb you before then. If they should, just whistle, Chistery will alert me and lead you to safety. He’s learned his way around well.” Elphaba and Fiyero nodded and headed into the vaulted room. Tyuan watched them go shutting the door as soon as he was certain they were safely hidden inside. As he walked back to his office, he pondered the day.

Wicked, a word that means goddess, a word that means justice, a word that singly means Elphaba Thropp, Princess of the Vinkus, RIGHTFUL Queen Royal of The Emerald City of Oz. Wicked indeed.

The day ahead, he knew, would bring many changes, and as he sat down at his desk, he pulled out a fresh piece of parchment and began to write. Something told him the document would be very important in the days to come.

How powerful words are, and how easily their meanings can be twisted.

I'm sorry to hear of your break-up. Yet, I have found that creative types such as ourselves, tend to take the pain and use it as a muse to create something amazing.

That being said, the update was wonderful. Despite your little tease as to my Yero's longevity.

Yackle, eh? I feel she is never used as much as she should be. Oh dear.

The ICBH

My intent, as you may be beginning to notice, is to meld the musicalverse and bookverse as much as is possible.

Thus, I am filling in the holes the Musical leaves, with plot info from the book.

Having read both Wicked and SoaW, I feel that Yackle is a VERY IMPORTANT piece of Elphaba's life.

Thus, in this story, where magic and words are EVERYTHING and yet RARELY what they SEEM *hint hint*, Yackle, who I believe GM indicates as the keeper of the Grimmerie, will be a character that comes in handy.

But, much like GM's use of her, she will be a very cameo type character.

Glad you like the update.

I should start on the next piece in a couple days.

PS: It will be my personal joy to play with Fiyero's mortality...just to tease you...

I gots an AP calc test tomorrow.

(ICBH, I again thought of you while writing this. Don’t get too excited though, I’ll get to the torture soon enough. I lied before, there are a few more good things before it “obviously” goes downhill. And oh, will it go downhill…*insert your choice of evil cackle here*…Alright, here you guys go.)



How she’d known the woman was coming no one could say. Yet, as the Superior Maunt recalled the morning as she walked the hallways, she’d known. In retrospect, no one knew much about the old woman. She was the oldest of the mauntery’s elder sisters, and was also the most obscure. When she did speak, it was direct and very ambiguous, her words obviously meant only for the person to whom she was speaking.

The Superior Maunt stopped walking, opening the door to the old maunt’s room, and leading their, correction, her, guest inside. The woman, dressed in surprisingly simple garb, her large ball gown and shining tiara nowhere to be found, slipped inside quietly.

“Mother Yackle. Your guest has arrived.” Said the Superior Maunt. Yackle did not acknowledge her, focusing her keen aged eyes upon her guest.

“I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” Yackle said, smiling. She glanced at the Superior Maunt, finally acknowledging her presence. “You can leave now, kid. The big girls have some conversating to do.” Understanding the impersonal dismissal, she left, leaving the two women alone. As soon as the door slid shut behind her, Glinda spoke.

“You know why I’ve come?” she asked hesitantly. The entire experience was a little befuddling to her. She’d arrived early that morning to find the maunts already prepared for her arrival, despite the fact that she’d come unannounced. Then she’d been led here, after being told that the old maunt was awaiting her.

“Elphaba lives. Why else would you be here?” The old crone said indifferently.

“How do you know about that?” Surprise colored her voice. The conversation was not going at all how she’d imagined it.

“I’ve been on the outskirts of her life since she was conceived. There are things I know about that girl that even she doesn’t know.” Glinda wondered if she knew about… no. Impossible.

“She thinks you’ll be able to help her find the Grimmerie.” Glinda jumped directly to the reason behind her arrival.

“You’ve gone and lost it, have you?” Yackle laughed.

“I didn’t lose it.” She answered indignantly. “It was stolen.”

“It’s no longer in your possession and you don’t know where it is. That means you lost it.” Yackle continued to laugh.

“Fine. I lost it. Can you help us?” Glinda was quickly losing her patience with the old crone.

“No. I can’t help you.” Glinda sighed and moved toward the door. Yackle’s voice stopped her. “But I can tell you how to find it.” Glinda spun around.

Yackle began to pull herself from the wheelchair in which she sat, the blanket covering her falling to the floor falling as she slowly rose. As she stepped away, Glinda saw that the old crone was incredibly spry for her age, which no one seemed to know. There was a bounce in the old step, an energy that seemed to fill her frail-looking body. The woman smiled as Glinda’s face contorted with wonder.

“I look a lot older than I really am.” It was the first comment she’d made that didn’t sound sarcastic.

“How old are you?” Glinda asked in awe.

“The time of this world doesn’t define my age. Suffice it to say that I am as spritzified as you are.” Glinda suddenly noticed that Yackle’s voice no longer sounded thick with age, but rather much like that of a twenty-five year old woman. Her eyes were drawn to the woman, and finally she registered what she looked like.

She was Glinda’s height, slim, pale. It was clear in her vibrant eyes that there was youth in the body, a body that looked as though it had lived four hundred years. Something tugged at Glinda as she took in the image, something about the woman was off-kilter, but she couldn’t figure out what it was. Brushing the feeling aside as her nerves, she smiled.

“I suppose that’s an answer.” Yackle grinned, a youthful happy grin.

“Alright, Miss Galinda, lead the way.” Glinda hesitated.

“You’re coming with me? It’s Glinda, by the way.”

“Of course I am. You don’t think I’m gonna just sit on the sidelines of yet another Thropp adventure, do you?”

“Well, actually…”

“Well, actually, I’m not. Let’s go.”

Glinda didn’t speak again. They went.



Step. Step. Step. Pivot. Step. Step. Step. Pivot. Step. Step. Step. Pivot.

He could only watch as she paced back and forth across the foreign grass, he watching as her mind raced across the skies. He could see in the tension of her shoulders that she was anxious to take off, anxious to know, anxious to understand.

“He said to leave me out of this. That means that whoever he is, he is well aware I’m alive. That could be very dangerous.”

“Yes it could.”

“I’ve no idea what to do about it.”

“Calm down. That would be the first step. Stress won’t keep your mind clear.”

Finally, she stopped pacing.

“Fiyero Tiggular. You’re not helping.” She said angrily. He smiled at the fire in her eyes. No woman could look more beautiful than she did right now. She had a glow, beyond the way the light fell on her bright emerald skin, beyond the pulsing anger that saturated her, that he could not identify, but it was there. She looked more beautiful with each passing second and for a moment he cursed his straw-filled body. His phantom arms ached to wrap around her once again the way they had held her that night in the Gillikin Forest, but alas, he could not. So he settled for simply imagining himself doing it instead.

“Fae, my emerald princess, come over here and sit down.” She glared at him.

“Don’t patronize me.”

“I’m not. I just want you to come and sit with me. There isn’t anything we can do until Glinda comes back. There’s no more we can know. We have to be patient. Digging yourself into this beautiful garden floor isn’t going to help at all.” He said softly, watching as her anger crumbled under the assault of his love. She moved slowly to his side.

“I just can’t help feeling like I should be doing something.” She whispered as she sat beside him. He felt the tension in her body shift. Now, it was directed toward him, rather than the confounding situation they found themselves in. Her shame at his transformation was rearing its ugly head. Again. He sighed inwardly. He wasn’t angry with her about his transformation. He’d finally gotten used to it. He only wished there was a way to reverse it so that she would not have to bear the guilt. He moved himself. It was easy enough, the body was light.

“Come closer, Elphaba. I promise I won’t bite.” He said gently. Fear flashed in her eyes and he saw her body stiffen. “Are you really that afraid to touch me?”

“It’s not that.” Her eyes danced around him, showing her hesitation.

“You saved my life, Elphaba. I’m forever grateful to you for that. I couldn’t care less what body I’m in as long as I have you.”

“You’re brainless.” She said, half laughing. Her words took him once again to the night in the Gillikin Forest and he softly began to sing, the same words he spoken to her then. He desperately wanted her to know how much he loved her.

“Maybe I’m brainless, maybe I’m wise, but you’ve got me seeing through different eyes.” Recognition dawned in her eyes. “Somehow I’ve fallen under your spell, but somehow I’m feeling its up that I fell.” He lifted his scarecrow hand, watching as the burlap appendage tucked its finger under her chin and pulled her gaze to his. There were tears in her dark eyes. “The spell never wore off, Fae. This body I’m in, it’s just a physical manifestation of the real spell you put on me.” He watched a tear descend, and her eyes slid shut, her shoulders falling in pain. Reaching out with his other arm, the Scarecrow pulled her into his unnaturally firm grip, and allowed her tears to soak into him.

“I’m…so…sorry…Yero. I’ll find a way to change you back I swear.” She said brokenly. His heart twisted at the sound of her fragmented voice.

“I know you will.” He whispered in her ear. Slowly, her pain released itself, his body the sponge that soaked it up. They remained that way, her raven locks flowing across them, her face buried in his chest as they sat there, speaking to each other’s souls without a sound. When Glinda arrived hours later, they were still there, eyes unseeing of the world around them.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” Yackle’s voice whispered like wind upon the air. Again, Glinda was struck by her youthfulness, despite the fact that she looked centuries old.

“Yes it is. I only wish that she could turn him back. Then she’d be free of her guilt.” Glinda responded. The two women still stood by the door, watching the young couple with keen interest.

“That boy has been changed for good and for the better. Change him back and he won’t be hers anymore.”

“Oh.” Her voice was colored with disappointment. “I guess we’d better interrupt them now.” Yackle held up a hand, stopping Glinda’s forward movement.

“She will discover us soon enough.”

Indeed, at that moment, Elphaba felt her body begin to tingle, a sensation that was both distinctly familiar and utterly foreign creeping over her instantaneously. It was the presence of magic, deep and powerful magic, and she’d only ever felt that way around one person.

“Yackle.” The name came from her lips, the first word she spoken in hours, and it sent her spinning to her feet. Fiyero stood quickly, albeit a bit awkwardly. A pained look crossed her face as she watched him struggle. He’d grown used to the body, yes, but sudden movements still caused him trouble. The careless body of a Scarecrow could be quite clumsy.

“Elphaba.” Yackle’s response was faint, but full of knowledge. Her words seemed to know, if it were even possible that words could know. She stared at Elphaba, who stared at her, something intangible passing between them. Then a look of confusion crossed Elphaba’s face, and Yackle grinned.

“If you look beyond it,” she said. “Then you’ll understand.” Elphaba’s face contorted in confusion.

“Look beyond it? Beyond what?” Fiyero asked. Glinda looked as confused as Fiyero’s pumpkin-like head tried to.

“I don’t know.” The blonde glanced at her green-skinned friend. “Elfie?” But Elphaba was concentrating too hard to notice. Her focus was on Yackle, and her mind raced, attempting to pierce the powerful magic that emanated from the old woman.

I’ve never felt so powerful a magic before, accept around her. Why is this? It’s as though she isn’t want she seems to be…or what she looks to be…That’s it!

During her studies of sorcery at Shiz, and from the many hours she’d spent staring at the pages of the Grimmerie, she’d learned of a powerful magic called Glamouring. It was the art of changing one’s appearance temporarily. She recalled reading that powerful sorcerers would be able to identify the existence of a glamour in the magical aura of the person using it. In order to remove the glamour, one book had said, one simply had to see beyond it. Doing so required an intense concentration of one’s magical abilities, but if powerful enough, with practice, it could become an easy skill. Staring at Yackle now, Elphaba hesitated only a moment before deciding to test the theory.

There is no way to describe what happened next. The image before Elphaba’s eyes just changed abruptly. One second she saw an old, decrepit woman, the next she saw a young beautiful girl. She looked to be in her late twenties, very close to Elphaba’s age. Her eyes were a strange shade of grey, the hue similar to that of smoke. Her pale skin seemed to radiate light, as though she was a walking sun. Her hair, while short, was thick and dark brown, its straight locks falling gently upon her shoulders. The youthful grin that spread on her face lit across her entire body, the short frame exactly the height of Glinda. Next to the blonde, Yackle looked as though she could have been a distant relative, and yet somehow, despite the immaturity of her body, it was clear from the way she held herself, the firm wisdom that flowed through her, that she had seen far more years in Oz than any of them. Awe flooded Elphaba’s expression.

“See?” Yackle said, stepping toward her. “That wasn’t so hard was it?”

“Can they…do they…” Elphaba fumbled for her words, still in shock from the sight before her.

“No, they cannot see it. But in their own way, they can each feel it.”

“Why can I see it and they can’t?” Elphaba asked as Yackle came closer.

“Two reasons. You have great power, Princess. I have simply not allowed them to see it yet.”

“See what?” Fiyero asked impatiently. Yackle turned toward him and smiled.

“This, my boy, this.” As she spoke, the glamour around her began to fade, and her real visage came into view. Glinda and Fiyero stood in shock.

“I knew there was something strange about you.” Glinda said. Fiyero was silent.

“There are many things you know about me that you don’t realize you know.” Yackle said, returning her attention to Elphaba.

“Now that that’s done, let’s discuss my book.”

Glinda always make sme laugh. She's a keeper.

I hate how you taunt me, but I love how you write.

That's a pretty good quote, no?

The ICBH

Hey, I've just finished reading this, and I would like to say:

I'm so going to screw up my exam tomorrow! I couldn't continue to read my own books anymore: I had to read this!

Anyway, I like your plot, it´s very well written (And, I do have some experience, me as being a writer myself, I recognise a well-written plot). I do have to read very carefully, because you easy miss things in this story.

Haha,

Keep the good work up!

Thanks guys.

Liss, it's nice to see a new face on the topic. I really hope you don't screw up our exams because of me. I'd hate that. I'm glad you're enjoying the story though, I hope you keep reading. I do thoroughly appreciate that you have noticed how important words are in my story. I've done a lot of "imprinting" (i suppose that's a word i could use for it) of the plot in this so far. So, do indeed keep your eyes open.

Tania (haha I know your name), Glinda is my smile person. If anyone keeps a light heart in my story, it will be Glinda. Know that when Glinda loses heart, things are truly dire. And hey, I taunt you because you respond to it. It makes my heavyhearted fun all the more entertaning.

Readers, take a note from Liss, the words are ALL IMPORTANT.

*goes off in thought*

now what to do about that Scarecrow...

LEAVE HIM BE!
The ICBH

not a chance....

I can't leave him AS IS....

that would be....

be...

cruel...

Since when am I cruel?

Do you think I forgot what Yackle said?
You know, this is unfair. I haven't gotten a Fiyeraba fix in days.......

stick around long enough and you might get one....

*totally more than one line*

(so I double posted? it was necessary. Tania, A fiyeraba fix, cuz I needed one too…plus Yero is still alive…for now)

“You want me to do what?” The surprise in the green woman’s voice rippled through the air. They all grimaced. All of them save the woman to whom she spoke, the dimunitive Yackle, who stared back at the green with a simple bored expression.

“You act like it’s going to be difficult.” She said flatly. That sent Elphaba over the edge.

“DIFFICULT? MAGIC LIKE THAT COULD KILL HIM AND EASILY!” She practically yelled. Her shoulders lifted tensely as she glared down at the smaller woman.

“You broke through a glamour that I’ve held, without the slightest expulsion of effort, for twenty seven years without even really thinking about it.” She said plainly, as though it were an everyday occurrence. Her eyes, however, could not hide their excitement. “The moment you realized what it was you destroyed it. I couldn’t fool you with that glamour even if I used all the power I have at my disposal. This is going to be nothing for you.”

Elphaba looked around, thoroughly unsure of herself. First she looked to Tyuan, who had the most distant relationship to her. He had appeared shortly after Glinda’s arrival, and had listened intently to Yackle’s explanation of how the woman could do absolutely nothing about getting the Grimmerie back. His emerald eyes seemed to glow with assurance. Next she looked to Chistery, her trusted Monkey friend. He was practically dancing with anticipation she could see. She turned back to Yackle, not believing that what the old woman said was true.

“The magic of the Book is irreversible. You can’t reverse the spells within it once performed.” Her tone was soft, and she looked as defeated as she sounded.

“You’re right. I can’t, but rest assured, my dear green one, you can. So do it.” Yackle was supremely confident. They could all see it. Only Elphaba kept herself from attempting the seemingly impossible. The young princess turned to Glinda.

Glinda had been her best friend since their first year at Shiz. Even through the tarnishing of her reputation, the hunting by the Ozians, and the Dorothy catastrophe, Glinda still remained her best friend. Elphaba trusted the young blonde implicitly, and saw in her topaz eyes the faith that the girl had in her ability. The only problem was that Elphaba herself placed no stock in her magical ability.

Sure, it had aided her whenever she needed it most, but the fact that it could act of its own will scared the life out of her. For the entirety of her life, she been taught and treated like her powers were an abomination. It was for that very reason all of Oz feared her so. Her powers had been beyond her control for most of her life. It was only recently, trapped in the walls of Kiamo Ko with only silent Monkeys and a powerful magical trinket as company, that she had begun to learn to control the smallest part of it. Magic, she had learned through failed experiments and painful accidents, was a dangerous tool and one that only the wise and great should use. Elphaba felt neither wise nor great when it came to her abilities. It was the magic within her that held all the skill, all the strength, all the power. It was not the woman. Looking now to Fiyero, the subject of all the debate, she couldn’t help but remember badly the results of magic could be if it was uncontrolled.

He saw this fear all over her, saw her struggle for what she wanted most and what she thought to be beyond a dream, and reached out with his straw-filled hand to pull her into his straw-filled arms so that she rested against his straw-filled chest. He wanted her to look into his human eyes, and feel his human spirit, and see his very human love of her. He wanted her to know that he held deep within his human soul a very human trust in her and an extremely human faith that she could never ever hurt him. So he locked his brown human gaze deeply into her brown human eyes, expressing in it the love he held for her, and spoke softly in a whisper so low only her human ears would hear his very human voice.

“Don’t do this for me, Fae. Do it for yourself.” His words were simple but they held such power it was as if he spoken a spell himself. He felt the strength beginning to surge into her emotionally weak body. “It doesn’t matter to me what you do. I will always love you and I have such faith in you the Unnamed God should be jealous. You are a powerful sorceress, and beautiful, and kind-hearted, and the utmost un-wicked woman I’ve ever come across. I love you, Elphaba Melena Thropp. No matter what body I’m in.” A single tear fell from her eye as she stared at him, drinking in the love he was pouring into her.

It was the strength she had needed. Yackle began to speak softly, whispering words in a language none of them understood. As they watched on, they saw the recognition dawn on Elphaba’s face, indicating that she understood what the woman was saying. A broken smile appeared briefly on her face before it was replaced by a look of concentrated worry.

Okay…I’m going to try this. I hope I don’t fail. No more disasters. I’ve got a generous supply of them already. She thought, steeling herself for the encounter ahead. Her shoulders shifted, straightening her spine in heavy determination. She took two steps backward, releasing herself from Fiyero’s grip, but remaining close enough to him to be ready in case something went wrong.

Having heard Yackle’s words of instruction, she held the quiet gaze of her love, feeling energy grow in the pit of her stomach and spill out into the rest of her body. As her concentration deepened, she felt a warmth sprout within her, filling her with a kind of light. The build-up of magical energy came to her so easily she found that her thoughts began to wander, even as she continued to compress the power into a single idea. Her focus found its way to Fiyero, with whom she still held an unbreakable stare, and his name rolled like a ritual chant in her thoughts.

Fiyero.

The name was enough.

He erupted in a blinding light, and she watched, somehow able to see through the sun that he had become, as the Scarecrow’s body began to tear away. First a hand, then the other, then a foot, then a leg, and he was slowly revealed beneath the straw filled flesh. As his humanity came into being, the light dimmed. Lastly, his dark brown curls sprung up from his scalp, surrounding him in a kind of halo.

Impossibly, finally, he was her Yero as she’d known him, as she’d first loved him, beautiful beyond words. And he was smiling.

Like metal drawn to a magnet she flew into his waiting arms, the strong, perfectly sculpted, perfectly pale, perfectly human arms. She inhaled the sweet musky scent of him, the scent that clung to his skin with eagle talons, the scent that was perfectly Fiyero Alasdair Tiggular, Prince of the Vinkus. Unable to contain her joy, she danced within his arms, shock keeping her glued to him. Through the clothing he somehow wore she could feel the intricate sculpting of his body, and she felt desire strum through her like a powerful pulled string. He was so beautiful, so perfectly himself, that tears of exceeding happiness began to cascade down her cheeks. She took a half-step away from him, desperate to stare at, into, his beautiful human face.

“You did it, Fae. You did it.” He said softly, and the sound of his sultry voice almost made her knees buckle. She could hardly believe that she’d done it. Not only had she reversed a spell, but she’d given Fiyero his body back, and alleviated the guilt that had long rested on her shoulders. He was human again, and all the more beautiful for the wisdom that rested on him like a shining light.

“I did it.” She finally spoke words, the barest of whispers slipping from her lips like water flowing endlessly over the dull rocks of a gentle stream. “You’re you again.”

“I love you so much, Elphaba. Now, finally, I can prove it to you.” He pulled her into his loving embrace, and their lips met. Though slow and methodic, the kiss was searing and deep, pouring passion between them in a seemingly infinite cycle. The melded together in a way they had never done before, feeling as though their souls were literally uniting in the touch of their lips. For the never-ending moment that they touched, nothing else existed. It was only them, only their love.

Only Fiyero.
Only Elphaba.
Only the love that united them.

Unfortunately, the feeling could not last. For the instant they touched, a cry came from the door that broke the joy and peace of the moment.

“IT’S THE WITCH!!!! GET HER!!!”

That was fantastic.

I loved everything about it. The emotion, the passion, Fiyero's middle name. But I don't quite know if Yackle is a friend or foe.

I also have a strong feeling our Fae will be carted off, separared from her one true love.

And so it begins..... Yet again.

However, I can't be upset. This update rocked my world.

The ICBH

Speechless...

And I too like Fiyero's middle name. I wish I could make that up! Anyway, I want to read more, so update! (Yeah, I'm evil, and I can wait... for now... for not so long, haha)

Liss

I'm so glad you guys liked it so much.

Liss, I'm starting work on the next part now...

Tania, have faith in my Yackle... she is not the wolf in sheeps clothing.

But someone is...

By the way guys, I can't actually claim Fiyero's middle name as an original creation. I've actually met someone named Alasdair. It's a Scot name. I thought it was beautiful so I kept it in my head for use at some point. Naming my sexy Yero a sexy middle name seemed an appropriate use.

EDIT:

For future readers, and current followers of this dastardly story, there was once a chapter here... so the few comments following this post are directed at that chapter....

As you can see of course, that piece of crappy **** writing is no longer present because I the writer of this aga dastardly story decided that it sucked monkey balls and deleted it in place of this rather sarcastically written but informative note.

Hope this doesn't confuse you as I am working on one AMAZING compensation for the piece of crap which I have just deleted.

Signed,

the humbled and extremely miffed at herself writer of this story,

Lily

So there were two soliders, the boy and another one waiting in the wings?
Which solider is in the cell?

Seriously, I couldn't follow this part... It might be, because I'm sick at the moment, and my thoughts aren't so clear. I think I'll have to read it again later!