Elphaba laughed. “Nice joke, Doctor. Seriously, what the hell? Were you trying to kill us just for a good laugh?” The Doctor shook his head. “I can’t go to parallel worlds. That’s the only restriction I have with the TARDIS. I can take you to play with dinosaurs or to the end of the world, but I can’t take you to a parallel universe. So that means—we’ve fallen through a gap in the universe.”
The TARDIS was silent for a few seconds. “So—what do you mean by ‘parallel universe’? Are we the opposite sex, or are our parallel selves the opposite of our personalities, or stranger yet, are the rich poor and the poor rich? Or even weirder: are we governed by robots, instead of us governing them? There are so many different definitions of a parallel universe. In fact, there could be hundreds of parallel universes.” Everyone in the room turned to look at Galinda in shock. “Well if you thought like that in class, you’d definitely have higher grades, Ms. Galinda.” Elphaba said teasingly. Galinda rolled her eyes, but said nothing. The Doctor shook his head. “Well—guess there’s only one way to determine what universe we’re in—”
“Oh no you don’t you maniac. If you think we’re following you into some unknown parallel universe, you’re crazy.” Boq snapped. “Alright Boq if you want to stay here and cower like the infant you are, then stay here. But you’ve got some nerve to insult the man who saved your life. That—whatever the hell it was would have killed us all if it weren’t for him.” Elphaba snarled locking eyes with the Munchkin boy, daring him to say another word. Boq sighed heavily. “The only reason I’m here—” Galinda rolled her eyes. “To keep me safe. I know I know. We’ve covered this once before. But again: I do not need your help. If Elphie tells you to keep your trap shut, keep it shut, for I will not bat an eye when she slaps you. Understand?”
Boq rolled his eyes with a sigh. “Alright alright. Guess I haven’t really got a choice considering that we’re stuck here.” Fiyero laughed. “Come on Boq don’t be such a downer. This alternate universe could be fun.” He said, putting an arm nonchalantly over Elphaba’s shoulders. The Doctor shrugged. “Well I suppose you kids are old enough not to get into too much trouble. Here, give me your phone numbers so I can call you when I get the TARDIS up and running again. Oh and remember—stay away from your alternates. Who knows what’ll happen if you and your parallel self met. You could be friendly, but you could also hate each other. Just stay away.”
After giving The Doctor their phone numbers, the TARDIS travelers set out to discover the alternate universe they had crash landed in. “It’s weird how alternate Oz looks exactly the same as our Oz does.” Galinda said as the TARDIS travelers looked around. Elphaba nodded. “The only thing that’s different is that there aren’t any Munchkins running around. Where do you think they all are anyhow?” she said, looking up at Fiyero. Fiyero shrugged. “Dunno. School maybe? Or it could be a holiday?” Fiyero shrugged. “Well let’s go explore. Maybe there’s more to Parallel Oz than what meets the eye.” Galinda nodded. “Alright. How about you and Boq walk ahead. Elphie and I will be right behind you.” Elphaba looked quizzically at her roommate who ignored her entirely. Fiyero shrugged. “Ok I haven’t got a problem with that. C’mon Boq let’s leave the ladies be for a bit.”
Galinda linked arms with Elphaba as the group began to walk. Elphaba sighed. “I expect you have some questions involving Fiyero and I, don’t you Glin?” Galinda grinned. “You know me so well Elphie. So Fiyero calls you Fae now. That’s adorable!” Elphaba ducked her head to hide her dark green face. “Yeah. He’s called me that since we first met. He couldn’t pronounce Elphaba, so he started saying Fae.” Galinda giggled girlishly. “So what do you call him?” Elphaba felt her face burn even hotter. “I have no trouble pronouncing his name, Galinda.” Galinda pushed her roommate away teasingly. “You’re blushing Elphie! Oh so you do have a nickname for him!!” Elphaba shook her head. Why must I blush when I get embarrassed? Why do we do that?! It just draws more attention to the thought that we’re embarrassed! She thought, trying to force herself not to blush. “Galinda what have you done to Ms. Elphaba?” Fiyero said with a laugh. Galinda smiled devilishly at Elphaba. “Elphie has a nickname for you, Fiyero.” Fiyero stopped walking and turned to the green woman. “Oh this I’ve got to here. Come on Elphie you can’t call me names behind my back.” Galinda, Fiyero, and Boq laughed while Elphaba tried to get her face to turn back to its natural color.
