A/N: This is my first ever story in Wicked. Much of it will be AU and will primarily focus on the evolving relationship between Elphaba and Galinda. So if you're not into that kinda stuff, I did warn you. I hope you enjoy!
Her father is a boss. Her mother is a renowned activist. She, herself, is beautiful and clever, always winning the hearts of everyone around her.
For so long, Galinda had grown up listening to the praises of others. Once her father moved from the Gillikin to the Emerald City to expand his hotel business, Galinda often accompanied one of her parents to high-end events. There, it was not uncommon for Galinda to have her pink frilly outfit complimented or to have her soft facial features gushed at by her parent's companions. Once Galinda began school, a similar trend followed where all the children would gather and compliment her outfit, her looks, and her generosity in hopes of snagging a spot as Galinda's best friend. She had grown accustomed to flattering words and never once questioned the spotlight. An outsider might have noted that Galinda even grew entitled to other's affections.
Yet in the past ten years, to the colossal annoyance of Galinda, she had never once basked in the glory a victory in any wager against a certain girl could offer.
Overlooking a bridge to the ornate Emerald City one unassuming night, Galinda huffed and removed her unblemished hands from her golden curls as she arrived at her verdict. She had meditated long and hard about this proposal for the past couple of days and whether any good could come from it. Upon last-minute speculation, Galinda surmised that all the cards were stacked in her favor and there was not way she could lose. She was certain she had more experience in this matter than her competition could ever dream of having. With her clenched jaws and scrunched eyebrows creating a stark contrast against her delicate features, she turned to look at the apathetic expression of the emerald girl beside her. This girl, who always ignorantly outwitted her at every corner of her life, had become the bane of Galinda's existence.
"Elphaba," Galinda swiftly commanded the attention of her rival. As Elphaba turned to face Galinda, the shining lights of the city speckled softly on the solemn's girl's spectacles, creating the illusion that she was excited to be in the highly-esteemed presence of Galinda. Galinda internally laughed at the observation, knowing that if Elphaba were to display any outward emotion, excitement to listen to Galinda's challenges ranked low.
"So I do get an explanation for being dragged out here after all. For a while, I thought you bringing me to this bridge above a cold body of water was your attempt at an intimidation tactic," Elphaba responded, leaning on the bridge as if to prove that she wasn't scared to be in such close proximity to her greatest physical weakness.
Galinda frowned, before continuing. "I've decided that we should bid for a final competition. Our last match. Our last game. Will you agree to these terms?"
Elphaba smirked, "Only if they come with a side of warm, chocolate chip cookies."
Thus, the last challenge between the two life-long rivals began.