Glinda and I trotted along through the Emerald City, heading straight for the Wizard's palace. I was to meet him sometime this morning or early afternoon.

Glinda poked my arm and whispered, "Elphie, I'm scared."

I laughed and said, "Hey, Glinda, can you do me a favor and leave the being scared to me? I mean, after all, I am the one he sent for." I reminded her, smiling at her.

She smiled and reached over, taking my hand.

I squeezed her hand gently and, as we stopped and stared at the Wizard's palace, I whispered, "Alright, Glinda, here we are."

She looked at me and I tried to smile reassuringly at her—she saw right through my smile. "Elphie, don't be nervous," she whispered lovingly at me.

"I'll do my best," I whispered sarcastically back.

After we entered the palace, we were told the Wizard was putting off the rest of his meetings to meet with us.

I grinned and said, "Well, Lin, here we go."

She smiled and I grabbed her hand. "On to the future," she whispered to me.

I gulped and shakily corrected, "On to our shared future."

She smiled again and we both entered the Wizard's main office / meet the Ozians room.

The Wizard bellowed, "Who dares to disturb me—the Great and Powerful, All-Knowing Wonderful Wizard of Oz?"

Glinda grabbed onto me and I pulled her closer. "OK, now, I'm scared," I whispered to Glinda.

"Elph—Elphie, I'm scared too," she stuttered.

I rubbed her back and said, "As long as we're together, we'll be fine."

The Wizard demanded again, "Who are you?"

Glinda shoved me forward and said, "He wanted to see you—not me."

I nodded and said, "I am Elphaba Thropp Third Descending, your Ozness."

"Oh, Miss Elphaba," the Wizard said emerging from behind the giant head. "I am so sorry. It's so hard to see behind that dreadful thing."

I smiled and Glinda ran over to us. I smiled at her and she said, "I am Glinda Upland of the Upper Uplands. The Ga is silent."

"Yes, of course," the Wizard said. "Madame Morrible's two best sorcery students."

We grinned at each other and I said, "You sent for me, sir."

"Yes, I did," he said simply.

"I was wondering what or why I was sent for, my task," I said quickly.

"I'd like the two of you to meet my new Press Secretary," he began.

Madame Morrible came over, carrying the Grimmerie and Glinda and I looked at each other and then said, "Madame Morrible!"

"Yes, ladies, I now work for the Wizard," Madame Morrible said.

"Help the Wizard and good things will happen for you," Madame Morrible added.

"Can I touch it?" Glinda asked, motioning to the Grimmerie.

"No!" Madame Morrible snapped.

She handed me the Grimmerie and the Wizard explained how Chistery, his monkey, wanted to fly like the birds.

I flipped the Grimmerie open to the levitation spell and was ready to start chanting, but the Wizard explained how he wanted to help me fly.

"I am a sentimental man who always longed to be a father. That's why I do the best I can to treat each citizen of Oz as a son—or daughter. So, Elphaba, I'd like to raise you high 'cuz I think everyone deserves the chance to fly and helping you with your ascent allows to feel so parental for I am a sentimental man."

"Ahben tahkay ahben tahkay ahben ahtum ahben tahkayah entayah tinfentah ahben tahkay," I chanted over and over.

When I saw Chistery in pain, I wanted to reverse the spell, but couldn't. So I ran away and Glinda came after me. I took the Grimmerie with me—no way I was leaving a spellbook this powerful with the Wizard—he could use it to harm other Animals—I had to do something.