AN: I want to apologize for the brevity of these early chapters. I swear it won't be like this forever, but short bursts was the only way I could find to properly introduce it. Also, I really want to thank the people who have reviewed the first chapter--even with so little to go on.^_^ It's all very encouraging.

7, the Month of the Dragon, 22 Post Ozma

We are so far here—from Oz, from Glinda, from who we once were. We are far from anything we imagined. No one intends such a distance.

I fear that we've lost everything in the simple pursuit of life. We cannot go back, but there is no forward step from where we now stand. Something must be done.

Fiyero will never again be the Fiyero he was. He is not the man who loved the beauty in himself. I am not the girl he loved for the fire of passion—out here, there is no passion. I've abandoned it for the flimsy hope of freedom. We left for safety, and safety is all we have found here. We did not find life.

We are safe. And we are lost.

OZ

"Fellow Ozians, I ask your patience and your perseverance." Glinda spoke to the mob as a friend appeals to another. And why not? Had they not become her only connection to the world? Orphaned charges left to her by Elphaba, to guide as the Wizard had not. She, a lovely icon they would follow like puppies—goodness or no. So she strived to be not only what they wanted, but what Elphaba would have expected.

"I ask for your trust, even without understanding. We all must be asked this much—parents ask it of children, doctors ask it of patients, professors ask it of students. I am ashamed to admit that not all those who hold such trusted positions prove themselves worthy—but yet I must ask you to trust me. For goodness' sake.

"We have healed from the frightening times of witches—together we have healed. And together we must move forward. We must take up the world that was left to us by the Wizard and come together—friends, humans, Animals, survivors. We have lived through terrors and survived.

"The light of dawn breaks slowly. There will always be clouds to cover the sun. But remember that the rain waters the land, friends, and we drink and eat the fruits of past storms. Trust in me, my fellows—let us trust in ourselves, as one Oz."

Chistery huddled out of sight, fidgeting as a roar went up from the crowds. He watched Glinda and for a moment thought to reach for her hand. But she could not be touched. In front of the masses, she stood alone. In the dark of night, away from other eyes, she cried alone. Yet she stood with a smile, and she fought as Elphaba always had—alone. And she fought as Elphaba never had—entirely alone.