DISCLAIMER: in the first chapter...

A/N: Bad, bad writer... So sorry for my delayed posting. Life got a bit in the way. I'll try to stop it from happening again. But, hey, it could have taken me longer, right? Please keep your wonderful reviews coming and I hope you like this chap.

A FATHER REACHES OUT

The throne room was the epitome of gloominess, seeming to house all the Ozmas of the past and an innumerable amount of power. Power he did not truly possess. Its dark ambiance, something of his own doing, felt oppressive to the hunched man sitting by the giant metal head. The lighting available was hardily enough to illuminate his face, but it managed to cast a soft glow upon the green bottle the silent man held in his trembling hands.

A familiar looking green bottle.

I am a sentimental man, who always longed to be a...

The fingers juggled the small glass bottle, uncertain. Long minutes passed, as so many had already done, shrouded in silence. Then, out of nowhere, the man rose, the trinket clasped tightly in his hand. His face caught a sliver of light and a set jaw came into view. Step forward; determined green eyes.

I am a sentimental man, who always longed to be a father.

Good evidence pointed to the fact that he already was a father; had been for almost 20 years now. Still, for all his power, he knew that biology hardily made him worthy of such title. And he wanted to be worthy. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz would do anything and everything to have her call him…

My father.

Elphaba.

The Wizard strode out of the room, quickly seeking his newly appointed press secretary. He found her pouring over mountains of stacked papers; her overly made up face practically hidden. The man called to her. Morrible looked up.

"I want to know everything you know about Elphaba." His authorative tone left no room for doubt, it was an order. And, though aware of his lack of magical power, Morrible wasn't a fool to believe him to be powerless.

"Even though she lacks the ability to read the Grimmerie, something she might learn with time, I believe Miss Thropp can still come to be of use, Your Ozness." Piercing emerald eyes bore through Morrible's feeble attempt at avoiding the question. He wasn't one of her students and wouldn't be treated as such.

"Well, she is the daughter of the Governor of Munchkinland, has a sister, who is crippled and bound to a wheel chair and, even though Elphaba is the eldest child, she is not in line to inherit her father's post."

The Wizard internalized this important tidbit of information and signaled the woman to continue.

"Let's see… Due to her skin tone, she is generally shunned by most people. Her sarcastic disposition hardly helps. Though it seems she has managed to befriend an annoying Gillikinese, who fancies herself a sorceress." The words, spit, made clear her disdain for Elphaba's friend. "Uh, she... she is fond of the Goat, Dillamond, we had removed from Shiz some months ago and believes in Animal's rights. Elphaba is studious, loves to read in general and has recently taken a passion to drawing."

Pause.

Dillamond, Animals, acceptance…

"Your Ozness, maybe if I knew what it is you would like to know, I could be of better assistance." The man knew Morrible too well to fall for that old trick.

"Thank you, Madame. You've already helped plenty." With no further explanation, the Wizard left the room.

Morrible watched him leave, a frown twisting her features even more than normal. Aside from the woman's own suspicions in regards to Elphaba's inability to read the spell book, there was a deep worry for the Wizard's sudden fascination with the girl. All these unplanned twists put a serious hold to her personal plans and Morrible would have none of that.

A piece of thin parchment made an appearance, Liir's happy eyes glancing back at her. Malice was the only emotion such innocence provoked in her chilling blue orbs.

--

Dear Elphaba,

I hope you don't mind my addressing you by name and that all is well with you and the baby. I know our last, and first, encounter didn't end well and I am partially to blame. So, I apologize. The green bottle threw me off for its familiarity. I'll refrain from expanding on this matter for the moment, however.

By this point, I am sure you are probably wondering why I would take the time, or have the inclination, to write this letter. And I'm not sure if I can explain it fully. I simply wish to reach out to you; I expect nothing in return. I also wish to inform you, since it has come to my attention that the subject would be of your interest, that Dr. Dillamond has been returned his teaching position at Shiz University. As have all other Animals in similar predicaments. It is not a limited decision. All Animals Banns, which I admit to have originally approved, will be slowly lifted. I intend to lead Oz away from the growing prejudice recent times have brought into our society.

I do not intent to prolong this unnecessarily. Before bidding you farewell, my dear, please know that a job will be waiting you if or when you need or want it.

Yours faithfully,

Jonathan

Elphaba frowned, suspicious and confused, as her jade fingers traced the unfamiliar name signed at the bottom of the letter. Had it not been enfolded in an emerald envelope with the Wizard's seal, she would have doubted its origin. A similar attempted to appease her came to mind.

You could be wonderful…

True, a part of her couldn't help but feel elated at his promise regarding the Animal Banns. If they proved to be true. That had certainly never happened before. Still, the young woman couldn't quite comprehend his actions. Why would the Wizard suddenly have a change of heart? Not that much had changed from the original play of events, yet, with each passing day, new and completely different results came forth. Had she not run off with the Grimmerie, would this be the man's next step? Win her trust?

Too many questions. Specially when she should have had more knowledge than any other.

Elphaba found it hard to believe that she had managed to achieve her goal: to change the past and prevent history from unfolding into that horrible nightmare she had been forced to live.

A hand came to rest upon her slightly bulging stomach and caressed it softly. "Liir, my love, I think, perhaps, that we made it." She paused, cautious. "Should we play nice with the Wizard? That's something I haven't tried yet."

The green girl still held a lot of hostility towards that man. It might not be fair, to hold against him, things he hadn't done yet and might not even do now. He already carried a lot of sins. No need to add more. However, she was already too jaded to readily believe such strange change of heart. That didn't mean she had to declare war. Playing nice might conquer more than anger and rebellion had the first time around. Hadn't Glinda proved that?

Elphaba sat at her wooden desk, pilled high with books. Life Sciences and the Art of giving birth. A green quill dipped on black ink and soon words became drawn upon thick parchment.

Dear Jonathan,

It is a very strange name and I wonder if I could pronounce it correctly. I hope you don't mind me calling you by it. Liir, my still unborn son, is doing well. I appreciate your concern.

We hardly know each other and I confess that I struggle to understand your motivations. What would the Great Wizard possibly want with simple old me? I couldn't even manage to read the Grimmerie. I hope you don't hold that against me, though.

I was extremely happy to hear of the Animal Banns being lifted and I sincerely hope you won't change your mind. It was one of the reasons I so wanted to meet you. Oz needs a great leader, someone who can unite people in peace and prosperity.

Yours Faithfully,

Elphaba

Reading over what she had written, she couldn't help but roll her eyes skyward. She hadn't believed herself capable of such sucking up. Even if a bit of sarcasm had slipped through at the middle. Glinda would've been proud. What was said, though, was all true and Elphaba decided to send the letter before she had a chance to add anything she might come to regret later.

The letter was, in the end, an acceptance of the Wizard's offer. An offering of peace she didn't quite trust. Elphaba just hoped that she didn't live to regret her decision.

For Liir's sake.