Elphaba nodded and I glanced out the window. "We're here, Elphaba. We made it to Shiz." We all climbed out and as Elphaba helped Nessa off the train, I carefully lifted Lako off the train. I set him on the ground, and carefully supported him. "Lako, stay close to me," I ordered. "OK, Avatar Yue," he said. I nudged him and whispered, "I'm just Yue—the runaway here."
He nodded and said, "Okay, Yue." I paused and watched as a young man walked over to me. "Yue? Is that you?" he asked. I gasped and said, "Zalios? Zalios!" I grinned and he hugged me tightly. He pulled out a betrothal necklace and asked, "Will you marry me?" "Yes," I said, smiling at him—he was perfect for me and a perfect brother for Lako. Zalios knew that Lako would have to live with us when we got married—I cared more about Lako than his mother ever did.
Zalios hugged me and asked, "Where are you going?" "Shiz University—I'm being forced to care for Nessarose—the girl in the wheelchair," I said, still angry by Frexspar's unfair treatment of me. Zalios hugged me and I said, "Zalios, you know how much Lako depends on me—to feed him, carry his books, and care for him. He needs me." Zalios grinned at me and said, "I'll take over caring for Lako here at Shiz. I'll try to be his roommate. It should free you up for caring for Nessarose." I nodded and I called, "Lako! Come here!" Lako ran over to me and I said, "OK, Zalios and I—we're going to try to make sure that you and Zalios are roommates. He'll take over caring for you for the next few years. After college, we'll get married, and you'll live with us." Lako nodded in silence.
Then I said, "Alright, guys—here we go. On to Shiz University." Zalios walked right behind Lako carrying his own luggage—there was only the one bag and I slung my one bag over my shoulder. I also carried two of Nessa's suitcases in each hand. Elphaba wheeled her sister inside and carried her own suitcase. I sighed and set down the luggage as soon as I could. Then Frexspar said, "Nessa, I have something for you. To remember me when I'm away." He opened a box and gave her a pair of jeweled shoes. I scowled and Nessa squealed with delight. "Jeweled shoes!" she said, excitedly. "Only the best for the future governor," he declared. "Elphaba! Yue! Care for Nessarose," he ordered. I glared at him and said, "Yes sir," as angrily as I could manage—I was definitely not returning to the Thropp mansion ever again—at least, as long as Frexspar lived.