Thanks for the reviews, guys! Like I said, I thrive on good reviews, (or just reviews in general,) so keep 'em coming!

And to DancingStarOfOz: I see what you mean. It is an odd coincidence, but I promise, it is just that. I'm horrible at thinking up titles, and "Glinda the Wicked?" just seemed so fitting. I also think that with a musical like this, where everyone knows the ending before they go see it, it's only natural to wonder about what if's, such as if Glinda had gone with her. I'd like to read what you did with the what if, though. If you could give me a link or something so I can find it, I'd love to read it. Mostly I've read Phantom ones on this site and very few Wicked ones.

(Later) I just remembered, I did read your story. I remember liking it, too. Yours was more of a lament on Glinda's part, though, correct? If it's the one I think it is, I remember it being a one shot, and I do recall the last line being something like, "If I could do it all again, I'd much rather be Glinda the Wicked." I did have my story idea before I read that, but honestly if you'd like me to change the title, I will.

"Every day more Wicked . . . Every day the terror grows! All of Oz is ever on alert!" the Ozians sang.

It was several months since Elphaba and Glinda had flown away on the broom. No one had seen hide nor hair of them in those months, yet their presence was ever feared. Rumors had sprouted that they were trying to dethrone the wizard, to take over his reign of Oz. But the Ozians refused to believe them. Their wizard was not wicked, the two witches were! But of course . . .

"That's the way with wicked! Spreading fear where e'er they go! Seeking out their victims they can hurt!"

One voice stood out in the crowd and cried, "Like some terrible green blizzard and pure white snow they fly!"

Someone else got up the courage to shout out as well. "Defaming our poor wizard with their calumnies and lies!"

All the citizens joined in. "They lie! Save us from the wicked! Shield us so we won't be hexed. Give us warning, where will they strike next?"

And the crowd dispersed into murmurs of "Where will they strike next? Where will they strike . . . next?"

Morrible approached the crowd with confidence. "My fellow Ozians. As press secretary, I have striven to ensure that all of you know the story of their treachery." She went on, melody taking shape in her words. "On the day they were first summoned to bow before the wizard, and although he only wanted her assistance! When they came before his throne, their true colors were aptly shown! Elphaba and Glinda, the Wicked!"

The audience of Oz burst into fearful cries and applause at Morrible's announcement, confident that the woman would keep them safe. That this knowledge would somehow protect them from the two wickedest witches Oz had ever seen.

(Elsewhere in Oz)

Glinda stared out the window out at the clouds and the land below that she once belonged in. These past months, she had tried to convince herself that she'd done the right thing. That popularity wasn't everything and that she owed it to her best friend to stick by her. But the more days that dragged by, the harder it became.

"Fellow Ozians," she murmured to herself. "As terrifying as you think we are, can't you put aside your panic for one day, and listen to us?"

She stood and went to the lone mirror Elphaba had set up in what had become Glinda's sanctuary. She knew Elphie was trying to make things easier on her, but it wasn't having quite the positive effect that was hoped.

"But still . . ." Glinda said, "We couldn't be happier, right Elphie? Couldn't be happier, right here. Look what they've got, a fairy tale plot . . . But what of our happy ending? I guess I . . . couldn't be happier . . . Elphie? Couldn't be happier . . . And I'm happy I care so little about popularity, just like you!"

She sighed, going back to her seat by the window. "I couldn't be lonelier . . . But, she couldn't be happier, so . . . I couldn't be happier. Because happy is what happens when all your dreams come true."

(Elsewhere in the castle)

Elphaba glanced at the ceiling. Glinda was floors above her in the solitude of her room once again. Elphaba was regretting asking her to come with her. Glinda had become more sullen, withdrawn, and unhappy in the past months. It was something that hadn't occurred to Elphaba before. She was used to unpopularity. She'd never fit in. But Glinda had. She liked her popularity.

"She's tried so hard to hide it. But she hates this . . ."

Elphaba stood up. She had to do something for Glinda. Even if it meant losing her.

As she climbed the numerous stairways up to where Glinda was, her mind wandered. She almost thought she heard Glinda singing. As she got closer, she realized she was right. She could hear Glinda perfectly.

"Popular . . . I'm no longer popular. I was once adored, but now I'm abhorred, so it's very plain to see . . . I'm very, very UN-popular. That's . . . me."

Sighing, Elphaba came up behind her and sang softly, "Popular. You tried to make me popular. But it didn't work and I don't want you to shirk your responsibilities. So go back to the wizard, get back your popularity."

Glinda turned and stared at her friend. "Elphie, what are you saying?"

""Go back to the Wizard, Glinda."

"What? But . . . You hate him. I can't go back to someone you hate."

"I'm afraid if you don't, you'll end up hating me. Glinda, you thrive on popularity and attention of the masses. I shrivel under it."

"But I don't want to leave just because of negative attention. Elphie, that's far too selfish a reason to leave you."

"No. It was selfish of me to ask you to come with me in the first place. Besides, you can work from inside to expose who he really is."

"Inside?"

"Yes. Get back in his good graces and then work to find proof to expose what he's doing. You can do it. I can't. Everyone's always hated me."

That's not true, Elphie!"

"Oh, yeah? Name one."

"Me."

Silence fell over the girls as Elphaba stared at Glinda, unable to refute her claim. Finally, Glinda reached over and hugged the blushing green girl. "I'll be in touch. Can I use the broom? I want to fly straight to where the Wizard is."

"Just be careful. And bring it back soon. I'll need it."

"Of course. You'll have it back tonight."

"Good luck."

"Thanks."

Glinda took the broom and flew off. Her destination: the Wizard's throne room.