Here it finally is! Those of you who follow me on Twitter know I have incorporated a bunch of readers in this fic as Miss Emerald beauty pageant contestants. A list of who is who can be found in the AN at the bottom. Also, thanks to Humole for helping me with the cover picture, which is Danna Paola, the Mexican Elphaba I've used before.

I don't usually ask you to bear with me on something, but I have to now: can we all en masse pretend there is TV in Oz? I've tried to make this work with only live performances or with magical projections, but TV just worked best, so yes - bear with me on this.

Let the competition begin!


1. Under the Surface

"So let me get this straight." Elphaba Thropp leaned across the table, meeting the gaze of the man sitting across from her. "One of your opponents has made a threat against several important families in Ozian society – including my own family and the family of my best friend?"

Oscar Diggs nodded, watching his daughter as she began to pace up and down the room. "Yes," he said. "My security department takes this very seriously because of the details these letters provide. There are always people who are unhappy with certain important families in Oz, but usually, there does not seem to be an actual threat. This person, however, mentions names – Tenmeadows, Upland, Minkos, Thropp – and that is not all. He mentions a specific time and place, too, for the threat – a bomb threat – to be carried out."

"Which is?"

"The finale of the Miss Emerald beauty pageant in the Emerald City," said Oscar.

Elphaba stopped pacing to stare at him. "You're joking, right?"

He had to smile a little at her horrified expression. "No. Daughters of most of these families are participating in this beauty pageant and their families will be there for the competition," he explained. "My security department is fairly certain that this is when whoever is making this bomb threat will strike. Of course, security will be tightened now that we know about this, but it will be a tricky situation nonetheless. This person doesn't even make any demands – he just want to see the rich and influential families suffer and deliver a blow to my government… no pun intended."

Elphaba snorted a short laugh.

"It's like he's taking some kind of twisted joy in informing us about his plans so he can laugh at us if we fail to prevent them from happening," Oscar continued, looking troubled. "He certainly seems very confident that his bomb threat will be carried out, even if we take measures to prevent that from happening."

Elphaba watched him as he started pacing back and forth across the room, continuing to talk.

"The first few shows of the competition will be recorded and they'll be on TV each Friday night; the final couple of shows will be broadcast live. All of Oz will be watching this event." Oscar smiled a little. "It's a brilliant invention, really - TV," he said. "It will be problematic, though, to say the least, if this time it means that all of Oz will be watching as dozens of people are killed at the event."

"Why don't you just cancel the whole thing?" the young witch asked, impatiently pushing some stray strands of raven hair out of her face. "The beauty pageant, I mean. Why risk it?"

Dr Dillamond, who had been quiet so far, now chuckled. "Don't let Miss Glinda or your sister hear you say that, Miss Elphaba."

Elphaba snorted again. "Yes, well, Glinda is a little bit delusional when it comes to beauty pageants. Crazy girl." She rolled her eyes fondly. "As for Nessa, she just really wants a chance to show people that she's more than just the girl in the wheelchair. Which I can relate to," she added. "Really. I've always been known as nothing more than the green girl, so I know how that feels. I'm just not willing to risk her safety over it."

"Unfortunately, that is not your call to make," said Oscar. "Warnings have been sent out to all the families mentioned in these letters, but only the Minkos family has decided to withdraw their daughter from the competition."

"Shenshen." Elphaba smirked at that. "She's going to be given a hard time by her other girlfriends for not being able to participate."

Dillamond frowned a little. "Your father did not pull your sister out, Miss Elphaba?"

Elphaba shook her head. "He didn't tell me about these threats," she admitted. "Neither did Nessa – she probably knew I would try to get her to pull out otherwise; but she wants to participate so badly, she probably convinced Frex to let her despite the threat. As for Glinda, that girl wouldn't let a thousand threats stop her from partaking in this silly contest."

"In any case," Oscar continued, "even if we were to cancel the pageant, that wouldn't solve anything – this opponent of mine would just find a different time and place to strike. We need to come up with a plan. We cannot allow this threat to be carried out. Ideally, we would find a way to discover who exactly is behind the letters before the date of the competition so we can apprehend him, but we hardly know anything about this person."

"Except for the fact that he must really hate beauty pageants," said Elphaba. "I can relate to that."

"Not to the point where you would threaten to kill people, I hope," Dr Dillamond said sternly and she gave him a look, but bit back a sarcastic retort. Despite everything, he still always acted like a teacher towards her, which somehow made all this feel more normal.

Sometimes she still couldn't wrap her mind around the fact that the Wizard of Oz was not only a normal man, as opposed to the Wonderful Wizard he was made out to be, but also her father; let alone the fact that he had changed his ways – for her – and that she and Dr Dillamond were now both working for him, although not many people knew that. She still went to Shiz and Dr Dillamond had gotten back his old post as History teacher there, but they were now occasionally visited by Oscar in order for them to help him with something. They mostly helped with cases involving Animals, for example when problems arose due to them being re-introduced into society – Elphaba suspected it was his way of trying to redeem himself to her, but she appreciated it.

Now, however, it seemed like they were going to have to play detective.

"There is one thing we know," Oscar said thoughtfully, "or think we know, anyway. I have put a lot of my people on the threat and according to them, it can be deduced that the person behind all this must be involved in the beauty pageant itself. He mentions information he can't possibly know otherwise."

"That does not tell us all that much," Dr Dillamond pointed out. "It could be anyone – a contestant, a judge, a family member – or even one of the people taking care of the candidates' hair, make-up, and clothing."

Oscar sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I know. But at least it is a lead."

"What do you want us to do?" Elphaba asked as she sat down in a chair opposite Oscar and started undoing her braid, which had loosened. "I'm sure you've come up with some semblance of a plan, at least."

"Not yet," he said, watching her as she combed her fingers through her long hair and then started braiding it again, tighter this time. "But I'll think of something. What we really need is for someone to be on the inside, undercover – someone who can listen in on conversations and try to discover who could be behind this."

"A spy," Elphaba summarised and Oscar grimaced.

"If you want to call it that."

"Oh, excuse me," she said mockingly, "would you prefer for me to call it a "scout" instead? Because that makes all the difference in the world, right? Are you sure you don't want to make Chistery do this?"

He glared at her. "I thought we agreed to let that little incident slide."

"I'm not sure the Animals would agree with you that that incident was "little"," she snapped. "Neither would I."

Oscar sighed. "Elphaba, I've apologised a thousand times, changed all of my policies for you, involved you in the issues I deal with and even let you neutralise Madame Morrible's magic with that spell from the Grimmerie. I really don't know what else you want me to do to make it right. I've tried. I'm still trying."

"It's not about me," she corrected. "But you're right, you've done your best. You can't just expect us to forget about it, though. I've been trying very hard to forgive you, but sometimes that is hard when I come across a newspaper article about a young Animal that has been so traumatised by your practices that it will never learn how to speak, or when I hear Dr Dillamond's stories about how he has been humiliated and abused by your men."

She really was trying to let it go, but it was difficult for her. Even after all this time, she couldn't shake the image of Chistery sprouting wings and his screams still haunted her nightmares. The flying Monkey was now a respected member of the Wizard's staff and also a member of their little group, even though he was not present now – he was off helping some of his fellow Monkeys settle back in their old homes – but Elphaba still felt guilty for what she'd done to him, however unintentional.

Oscar had done his best to earn her trust. He had allowed her to cast a spell from the Grimmerie that would take away Morrible's powers, so she would no longer pose a threat to Oz. He'd also had Morrible degraded to a regular teacher, rather than the Headshiztress she used to be. This was one of the main reasons why Elphaba had slowly begun to trust her father, but she also found that the past was not so easily forgotten.

Elphaba had visited Oscar a couple of times since that fateful day she'd met him in the Emerald City with Glinda and they had discovered that he was her father. Ever since, he had been trying to mend their relationship. He and Elphaba talked a lot, about everything, and the Wizard undid everything he had done to the Animals, trying to help re-instate them in society and offering them an official, public apology. Elphaba helped him with all this and eventually, tentatively, he had suggested publicly announcing their relationship.

It took him a lot of convincing to get her to agree. She was worried about Frex's response, convinced he'd kick her out of the house and cut off her tuition for Shiz and her access to Nessa. She was also worried about the people's reaction to a green-skinned princess who wasn't very ladylike at all and she had no interest in appearing in the public picture. She eventually agreed under the condition that she would get to finish her education at Shiz and she would not have any responsibilities in the near future.

Her predictions about Frex's reaction, however, turned out to be right. He told her he wanted her out of the house and that he would no longer be paying her tuition for Shiz University. Oscar, however, had by then already offered to pay the tuition for her, given the fact that he was her biological father and he wanted to actually be a father to her. He had intervened and convinced Frex to allow Elphaba and Nessarose to continue seeing one another whenever they liked; after that, Frex had packed Elphaba's things and shipped them to the Emerald Palace, where she would be going home to twice a year from now on. That would definitely be something to get used to. She was still debating going home with one of her friends instead for Lurlinemas – she just couldn't see herself sitting in the Palace, making nice with a father she didn't even really know, for two weeks.

So, yes. Despite everything, she still had a hard time forgiving her father for what he had done.

Dr Dillamond placed one hoof on the green girl's shoulder. "Miss Elphaba, I appreciate your concern for us," he said. "We all do. But this is your biological father. You should at least try to get along with him."

"We are getting along," she said. "Don't fathers and daughters fight all the time?"

Dr Dillamond gave her a look and Elphaba grumbled and crossed her arms, slumping a bit more in her chair, but she didn't say anything else. She knew Dr Dillamond was right – as he usually was. She was always torn between wanting to hate Oscar for what he'd done and wanting to let him in and let him be the father she had never really had. She already didn't have a mother anymore and the only father she'd ever known had never cared about her. She didn't really want to blow her chances at a father-daughter relationship with Oscar. It was the only relationship with a parent she'd ever have.

She noticed Oscar was still looking at her and she sighed. "Fine," she said. "I'll try to let it go, Dad. Continue – you were saying something about a spy."

"Yes." He kept his eyes on her as he continued talking. "I'm just not entirely sure how we could accomplish such a thing."

"Someone on the inside, you mean?" Elphaba shrugged. "Easy enough. Just get some security guard of yours to pose as a make-up expert or whatever and he can report back to us."

"Those people can't go everywhere, though," Dr Dillamond pointed out, "and their roles in the competition are relatively small, considering the big picture. They won't always have to be present during the recording sessions and events and they aren't even allowed at some of the smaller events hosted for participants only. It would be difficult for such a person to spy on everyone." He tilted his head a little to the side. "Of course, we could inform your sister or Miss Glinda of our plan and she could keep an eye out for us… they are both contestants, after all. They will attend everything and be allowed everywhere..."

"No," said Elphaba fiercely. "We are notputting them in danger like that. I'd much rather do it myself."

Oscar suddenly sat up, his eyes shining. "Now there's an idea…"

"What?" Elphaba stared at him, then realised what he meant. "What?! Oh, no. No way. I didn't mean I wanted to – oh, come on, don't look at me like that!" She threw her hands up into the air. "I can't be a spy, I'm the only green girl in all of Oz! I stand out more than anyone and they already know I'm your daughter!"

"No-one knows that you're working for me, though," Oscar said. "Since Miss Minkos dropped out of the competition, it won't be too hard to get you in as a contestant from the Emerald City. They'll just think the princess of Oz is finally appearing in public some more. No-one will suspect that you are spying for me."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "You're really set on doing this, aren't you?"

"It's a good idea, but you'd need a lot of work," Dr Dillamond said thoughtfully. "No offence, Miss Elphaba – you know how fond I am of you, but you are not exactly the picture of a respected young lady from a wealthy family."

"Because I'm not a lady!" Elphaba leapt to her feet again, locking her eyes with her father's. "You can't be serious. Please don't make me do this."

"Elphaba," he said gently. "No-one is going to make you do anything."

"If you want to help discover who is behind these threats, though," Dr Dillamond said casually, "then this would be our best shot."

Elphaba groaned. "I can't pull this off! I'm terrible at everything girly!"

The Goat smiled. "I think your roommate could teach you quite a bit about those things, Miss Elphaba."

"Of course," Oscar agreed. "We can tell Glinda about all this and she can help you – perhaps your sister can help, too."

Elphaba was shaking her head. "I could never do this. I don't want to do this. Can you see me parading around in revealing dresses covered in frills and sequins? And besides, no-one would believe I got into the competition in the first place. In case you forgot, I'm the Artichoke. Frog Girl. Everyone hates me and everyone thinks I'm ugly. Princess or not, they'd consider it a big joke!"

"Miss Elphaba," Dr Dillamond said firmly. "You are not ugly and not everyone hates you. Your fellow students are merely a little small-minded."

She snorted in agreement.

"But," he continued with a warm smile, "I can't think of anyone more deserving of the title of Miss Emerald than you are."

She glanced down at her skin and then scowled at the Goat, even though she could tell from his smile that he had actually meant it as a compliment and there was no underlying sarcasm. It reminded her of the time in her first year of Shiz when he had given her that same smile as he spoke about Oz becoming less colourful. Sometimes she thought that without her even realising it, Dr Dillamond had been the first person to not care about her skin and see her for who she was inside.

"You don't have to do it," Oscar said to her, now rising as well. She suddenly noticed the tired look in his eyes. "But it would be immensely helpful in solving this situation if you did."

The dark-haired witch laid her head back and closed her eyes for a moment. "Sure," she grumbled. "Guilt-trip me."

"So you'll do it?" Dr Dillamond asked. Oscar was looking at her expectantly and really, if this was the best chance they had at catching the person who was threatening her sister and her best friend, then how could she possibly refuse?

"Fine," she said. "I'll do it. But we're going to need a plan."

Her father grinned widely at her. "Don't worry, Elphaba. I'm on it."


The contestants:

Emerald City:
Elphaba Thropp
Nathalinia Hearst (Fae'sFlower)

Gillikin:
Glinda Upland
Lunare Kaiara (xXStefyXx)

Glikkus:
Umbia Zespri (humole)
Caila Westin (HC247)

Munchkinland:
Nessarose Thropp
Macy Lezwis (Ultimate Queen of Cliffies - I couldn't think of a name, so I took inspiration from John Travolta's major mispronunciation of Idina Menzel's name and used a "Travoltafy Your Name" generator to come up with this. :P)

Quadling Country:
Karise Fennows (Moreanswers24)
Micaela Kaunis (PocketSevens)

Vinkus:
Faye Alis (DorothyThropp)
Saraphina Bulok (VinkunEmeralds)

The process of the competition will be explained in the story itself. :)