Elphaba was in a somewhat sour mood in the morning as she was to go on a shopping trip with Glinda that would span over the entire day. Although she had resigned to her fate, she made certain everyone knew that she was extremely unhappy with it. The day had begun with her and Glinda arguing over what she was to wear.

"Surely, you're not going to wear that," remarked Glinda as Elphaba pulled out a rather dull looking black cotton dress.

"Not by itself no," replied Elphaba as she motioned towards the bed. On it lay a pair of gloves along with a scarf and a hat with a veil attached; all the items matched the color of the dress, black. "I'd prefer to go unrecognized."

"But people know the truth now, so there's no need for the disguise. Besides you'll draw just as much attention to yourself completely covered up as you would if dressed normally. Then again wearing all black isn't exactly normal unless you're attending a funeral or in mourning. Neither situation applies to you of course, but since you've made poor decisions regarding the color of your wardrobe, you could at least wear one of your prettier dresses!"

"Yes, people know the truth, but do they believe it?"

After smuggling Elphaba and Fiyero into the city, Glinda went to meet immediately with Ozma to inform her of all the events both past and present. Not long after, an important, mandatory meeting for all the citizens of Oz was organized.

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Flashback: In front of the Emerald Palace, Two days earlier

"...and therefore you can see that the atrocity of the situation is that you all have been greatly misguided in your attempts to perform deeds for the sake of goodness," concluded Ozma looking briefly back at Glinda who gave her a smile of reassurance; this meeting was only the second time she had addressed such a large audience. The audience remained momentarily stunned. Then, in a matter of minutes, they began shouting out question after question.

"She's still a witch! How do we know she won't revert back to her wicked ways?"

"How can we be sure she won't harm anyone?"

"What are we supposed to do if she lashes out at one of us?"

"If the Wizard was lying, then how do we know you're not lying? You could just as well be a fraud," remarked one bold Munchkinlander.

A look of irritation spread across the face of Ozma as she flushed angrily. She didn't respond to the attack on genuinity. She couldn't; she didn't know how. She'd long been surrounded by people who respected and revered her. Countless times they had emphasized their loyalty to her. She'd always assumed that once the Wizard was gone the rest of Oz would be quick to do likewise. Glinda, noting the distress Ozma was in, rushed to her aid by quickly declaring her faith in the young monarch. Although several were dubious of the new Ozma's reliability, few doubted the word of Glinda the Good.

"My good sir, I understand your concern, but if you have been closely following the actions of Ozma, you will have noted that those actions are for the benefit of all those living in Oz. I have put my full trust in her, as you all should. Furthermore, this woman, who you refer to as a witch, has done more good under the pretense of evil than the Wizard and all his 'wonderfulness' ever did!" retorted Glinda, drawing herself up to best look dignified.

Elphaba couldn't help smiling as she watched her friend take charge of the situation. After sitting there on the steps of the Emerald Palace listening to Ozma's long speech "explaining matters," which basically consisted of denouncing the Wizard and his actions, and affirming her (Elphaba's) innocence, Elphaba not unlike the rest of the audience had become extremely bored. It was now, after at least half an hour (more like an eternity), that the events finally took an interesting turn. Although, she didn't appreciate being refered to as 'wicked,' she had to admit she rather liked the youth's questioning attitude.

"Finally, someone who's not going to just sit and accept that what he's told is true," she whispered to Fiyero who had been lost in a daydream.

"Hmm...? Yeah," responded Fiyero, his attention quickly snatched back into reality.

"There is hope for the rest of the population after all," Elphaba added thoughtfully.

"Glinda seems to be doing well," said Fiyero struggling for a moment to find a comment relevant to the situation he hadn't been paying attention to.

"Yes. She may have been unsucessful as a sorceress, but her skills as a politician are undeniable."

"She's turned out to be quite a leader."

"That's because she can manipulate people so well." At Fiyero's shocked expression she added, "It's true, and she knows it. Glinda's desire to do good is what prevents her from using her ability to acheive her personal aspirations."

Glinda and the young man were still involved in a heated argument when Elphaba diverted her attention back to the matter. The man, although willing to trust in Ozma, was still unassured that Elphaba wasn't wicked.

"It's difficult to accept that someone you've known for so long as 'wicked' is suddenly a misunderstood outcast. Based on the circumstances, you can't help but doubt her," expressed the Munchkin firmly. "Why didn't she proclaim her innocence before or after the Wizard's departure? How come you never said a word in her defense until now? Frankly, I'm still unconvinced and will remain so until some sort of proof appears to dispel the rumors."

"Oh, for pity's sake this is getting ridiculous," said Elphaba impatiently, rising from her chair.

"Elphaba don't do anything rash," warned Fiyero eyeing the crowd nervously.

Elphaba murmured something inaudible and gestured with her right hand causing a bucket of water to appear. Before Glinda could launch into another speech, Elphaba, in one swift motion, dumped the entire contents of the bucket over herself. The crowd anxiously moved closer expecting to see her melt.

"Ugh," she remarked casting the bucket aside. "There is your proof," she said shooting irritated glances towards the spectators, specifically the person who had doubted her. Many more questions arose in the people's minds, but the sight of a solid yet soaking wet and aggravated witch was enough to deter them. Their mistrust had been replaced with curiosity.

End Flashback

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"I should think so. Your actions gave them all quite a shock.

"Since they all expected to see smoke and puddle of liquid.

"Likely you converted all disbelievers, therefore," continued Glinda turning back to the subject of their argument, "there is no need for you to skulk about dressed so."

Elphaba sighed. She couldn't understand why Glinda was being so persistent about the matter, yet she knew she wasn't going to win the situation

"Very well Miss Glinda, since you are an expert in the field of fashion, what do you recommend I wear?" she asked tartly.

"Honestly, Elphie, I don't understand why you're so against looking pretty," said Glinda rummaging through the many black dresses hanging in the closet.

"I just don't understand why I have to look pretty," Elphaba shot back. "I'm quite satisfied looking respectable or 'plain' as you call it."

"Wear this," said Glinda ignoring the comment as she handed Elphaba a black taffeta dress. It was a rather elegant item. It had a full skirt with long sleeves that lightly puffed out at the shoulders. At the topmost part of the bodice, on either side of the collar, there was a section of translucent fabric with thin lines of taffeta criss-crossing over it. The rest of the bodice was simply black. The collar was high, but surrounded the neck as a choker would thereby accenting the neck of the wearer as well as allowing the neck to be seen. Elphaba obligingly pulled the dress over her gray shift, and expertly buttoned it. Then she turned around so that Glinda could see and voice either her approval or disapproval.

"I don't care what she says. I'm dressed and that's how I'll stay," thought Elphaba silently.

"Oh, Elphie, you look positively charming!" exclaimed Glinda clapping her hands together. "Now about your hair..."

Elphaba fled the room before Glinda could launch an attack on her hair.

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AN: Sorry for not updating sooner. I know this is kind of short and that not much happened, but this is another one of those "building/background information" chapters. Plus, where I left off seemed like a good place to stop. The next chapter is when the girls will actually embark on their shopping trip which I hope will be very exciting. This story revolves around Glinda and Elphaba rebuilding their friendship, so Fiyero will not be heavily featured. Again, disclaimer in Chapter 1, and I welcome all comments, especially constructive crticism. Thanks to all those who've reviewed. -Lan