Chapter 3

Elphie

Glinda and Lukas waited for a response for what seemed like ages. Elphaba closed her eyes and tried to block out the pounding on the door. "Open the door, witch! In the name of His Supreme Ozness!"

Elphaba's eyes flew open. She turned to Glinda. "You know what? I'm not going to do the Animals any good if I'm a wanted criminal. Let's go back downstairs."

Glinda smiled in relief. "Yes, let's!"

"You coming, Lukas?" Elphaba asked, turning to the Black Bear.

"Yeah," he answered absentmindedly. "It's just … Faba, you're playing right into his hands!"

She lowered her eyes. "I know. But once I have influence, hopefully I'll have some tricks up my sleeve." She opened the door to reveal about four Gale Force soldiers who immediately tensed when they saw her. To soothe them, she acquired a cool headed air. "Good afternoon, gentlemen. We mean you no harm. You may escort us back to the Throne Room so I can personally apologize to His Ozness."

"We have orders to arrest you," the leader said gruffly.

Still as calm as the mythical sea, Elphaba held out her hands. "Fine. Go on. Arrest me. Just let my friends go free. They have nothing to do with this."

The leader seemed baffled by Elphaba's compliance. "That actually seems fair." He handcuffed her, still half expecting her to lash out. His eyes fell on Glinda and Lukas. "You two still want an escort?"

"Sure," Glinda squeaked.

"Alright then. Let's move!"

Lukas mumbled something inaudible as they made their way back down the stairs.

The Wizard and Madam Morrible were both startled as the entourage entered the Throne Room, the soldiers' boots clumping in time with the clicking of Glinda's heels. "Your Ozness," the Gale Force leader began. "We have the Witch. If I may, she came willingly."

The Wizard smiled. "Good. Let's see what she has to say for herself."

"Your Terribleness, firstly I am sorry I ran out without provocation," Elphaba said calmly. "I was upset, yes, but what I did was uncalled for. I also would like to apologize for taking your book. I believe one of your good soldiers has my bag so you can retrieve it." She looked into his ice blue eyes with sincerity and prayed he wouldn't order her execution right then and there.

"Well then, I think you should get your bag back immediately," the Wizard said with a grin. "Officers, release my new Grand Vizier and give her back her belongings."

"Yes, Your Ozness."

A wave of relief passed over Elphaba as she was unhandcuffed. No executions any time soon. Good. And, she had the job. Also good. "Your Ozness, when do I start?"

The Wizard shrugged. "As soon as you graduate. And fill free to call me Oscar." He gave her a friendly smile, which greatly comforted her.

"Oscar," she repeated, trying it out. "What a curious name." She got a sudden idea. "And since we're giving out nicknames, I would like you to call me Elphie. New life, new name." Glinda beamed.

"Alright then, Elphie," the Wizard said with a smile. "I'll be seeing you."

Lukas went back to the Ozma Suites with the girls. "Elphie?!" he exclaimed in disbelief. "We have to call you Elphie?!"

"Yeah," Elphie said with a happy sigh. "Today was a big day, perfect for a change like that."

Lukas snorted. "It's a little perky."

Suddenly, Glinda rushed in from the lobby. "Lukas! Elphie! I got express mail! From FiFi!"

Lukas raised his eyebrows. "FiFi?"

"Fiyero, her boyfriend," Elphie explained with a sigh. "Don't ask. What did Fiyero say, Glinda?"

Glinda cleared her throat. "'Dear Elphaba and Glinda, hope your meeting with the Wizard went well. Elphaba, I have no doubt you rocked it. It's only been one short day, and I already miss both of you very much.' Aww! 'Hope you both are having a blast, and Glinda, don't buy too many dresses. See you next week: Fiyero.' I only bought five! Honestly!"

Elphie smiled. "How kind of him to send us something."

"Isn't it, though?" Glinda squealed. "I have the best boyfriend in all of Oz!" Elphie laughed at that, but Lukas could tell that something was up. And as an old friend, he was now determined to find out what.

"I'm … going to go get a soft drink," he announced. "Elphie, wanna come with me?"

"Sure," she answered, hopping up. "Am I your personal slave again?"

"As always."

Glinda was confused. "Personal slave?!"

"Oh, Lukas just needs help handling the coins and whatnot," Elphie explained with a laugh. "I used to help him with it when we were in high school."

Glinda squealed. "I knew it! You two do have chemistry!" Elphie and Lukas just exchanged an amused look as they left the room.

They found a soda machine in the lobby of the hotel. "Here's a twenty five," Lukas said, handing Elphie the money. "I want grape soda."

Elphie raised her eyebrows. "You know that stuff is horrible for your teeth."

He shrugged. "Yeah. I know."

"Your teeth, not mine." She sighed and put the money in the slot. She pushed the button for grape soda, and jumped in surprise as it clattered down the slot. She handed the can to Lukas. "There you go. Cavities in a can."

"Thanks! So, tell me about this Fiyero guy. What's he like?"

Just as he suspected, Elphie's cheeks turned a darker green. "He's … nice. He supports Animal rights, which I know you'll appreciate. He's very … good looking. He and Glinda are perfect for each other."

Lukas smirked. "You're not fooling anyone, you know."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't act innocent! Anyone with a brain can see that you've got the hots for him. Which incidentally, does not include your friend Glinda." He slurped noisily on his soda.

Elphie huffed, annoyed. "Okay, yes, my reproductive system had a natural reaction to his sexually appealing good looks! But it's nothing more than that! He's a prince! And I'm …"

"Green?"

"Yeah. I'm green." She smiled sadly.

Lukas grinned. "You know, if you're looking for love, I know a very sexy Black Bear who …"

"Don't even think about it, Lukas." And they both burst out laughing, Elphie's laughter distracting her from the heavy duties ahead for her.