Disclaimer: I don't own Wicked or any Ozian settings. I do, however, own my OCs and the school I made up. Enjoy the story! :)

Kendra's P.O.V

"Okay, are we ready?" my coach addressed the class.

Sort of was my mental reply, but I really answered "Yes!" like everyone else.

We were playing soccer in my middle school P.E. class. Why can't P.E. actually be fun? I mean, why can't we swim, or do something that I'm actually good at? Then again, you don't really make a living in Oz by being some brawny punk; you get a job, you work, and you get married. At least, that's how it should be… to me.

Anyway of course my team and I get stuck facing all of the athletic kids. You know how athletic kids are; they usually show off a lot and kick the ball into the woods, never to be seen again. Well, it happened today. I was playing goalie (which is a horrible position to be in, since I'm afraid that the ball will get kicked in my face), and some kid kicks the ball over the goal and into the woods.

"I guess that's it, then," I shrugged, looking upset but really glad I didn't have to play anymore.

"Or you could go get it," the boy who kicked it over snaps.

"No way! We're not allowed to go into the woods!"

"Haven't you ever heard of 'sneaking in' and then 'sneaking out' afterwards?"

"As a matter of fact, I have! I just… what if the Witch is out there?" I knew it was a stupid excuse, but I really didn't feel like cleaning up someone else's mess. We students all know by now that when the adults tell us the Wicked Witch of the West is hiding in the woods behind our school, they're doing it just to keep us out of there. True, the Witch was on the warpath, but she rarely attacked people living in Winkie Country, where I live. She mainly sticks to targeting the Emerald City.

"Oh, fine!" I finally relented. "I'll get your stupid ball! But you better not tell Coach!"

"We won't," smirked the boy.

Well, I hope that boy is happy. My knees were now scratched several times from stray twigs, and when I finally did find the ball, something happened. As I knelt down to pick up the object I had been searching for, I saw a black figure dart behind the tree. At first, I thought I was just imagining things, but then I saw the shape again.

I could make out it was a woman. But there was something odd about her… didn't she have a pointy hat, too? Oh snap…

Running as fast as I could, I managed to get to the field safely and bring back the soccer ball. I was still shaken from the experience, though. Whatever the teachers may have told us, intended to be a lie, they were actually right.

The Wicked Witch of the West was near our school.