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Chapter Text

Our Wizard Lies.

Fiyero had seen the words carved out in the sky, and the black-clad figure that made them. But with a wave of her hand, Morrible summoned a flurry of clouds, disguising the letters.

Oz Dies.

He tried to push down the simmering rage he felt as Feldspur raced towards the forest where the flying Monkeys had vanished.

They were turning her into something she was not. He saw the way she was demeaned, the way the people jeered at the mere mention of The Wicked Witch, how the posters twisted the face he still saw in his dreams into a malformed caricature.

Elphaba.

Even now, four years gone, he could feel the brush of her nails against his cheek. Sometimes, when he was alone, he felt as if he could still smell her sharp, woodsy scent. Every flash of green had him on edge, always looking over his shoulder on the off-chance that maybe, maybe she would decide to come back.

Oz above, he was like a man possessed.

“There!” one of his lieutenants cried, urging his horse faster. A dark figure burst through the trees, sending a cascade of leaves flying in her wake. The Monkeys were nowhere to be found. She must have lost them.

Good.

But instead of flying West, she began to circle the trees. This close, Fiyero could make out her green face, and how it scanned the forest. What was she looking for?

I’ve got a clean shot, Captain!” a soldier insisted, raising his gun.

Fiyero’s heart dropped to his stomach. “No! The Wizard wants her alive.”

She turned towards the sound of his voice. Then, her gaze landed on the gun leveled at her chest.

They won’t shoot, he wanted to scream. Just go!

But Elphaba had always been infuriatingly stubborn. Instead of returning to safety, instead of flying to wherever she would be protected, she simply watched them.

Taunting.

Fiyero tried to plead with his eyes, telling her to run.

She simply watched him.

“Captain-”

“No. That is a direct order.”

And then she shifted, ever so slightly. It was a reflexive action, an adjustment, like she was making to turn, to finally leave.

But the soldiers didn’t know that.

There was a crack.

Fiyero might’ve shouted, he didn’t know. Maybe it was her name, the name he said late at night, when there was no one to try and correct him. The name that was practically engrained in his brain, the only thing keeping him alive.

A bullet whizzed through the air.

He registered the pain on her face, the way her hand flew to her side. It must’ve just grazed.

Leave. Please, just get away.

She turned.

Another shot fired.

Fiyero was already moving. This time, the bullet went clean through her shoulder.

No, no no no.

She lurched forward on her broom. Against the bright hue of her skin, he could make out the ruby blood that trickled through her hand as it clamped down hard on her shoulder.

The broom began to falter.

No.

It must have been connected through her magic. And if her magic was fading…

“Go, go!” he urged Feldspur. In the half second it took to survey his surroundings, she had disappeared from the sky. He hadn’t seen her fly away.

She must have fallen.

The thought sent a fear through him that he never imagined possible. His heart pounded so furiously he could feel it hammering against his ribs.

Not Elphaba, he pleaded with whatever god would listen. Not when he had sworn to himself that he would keep her safe. She had to be alright. She would go on to defeat the Wizard, and he would be there by her side, and he would tell her everything he had wanted to say at the train station but didn’t.

She would free the Animals and give that smile that took his breath away every time he saw it.

But he saw the bullet enter, and the blood. All that blood…

When he broke through the trees, he half feared what he fight find. He braced himself for the horror of seeing her lying on the forest floor, already gone, and he would have to live the rest of his life without the one thing that had kept him going to begin with.

There was nothing. Fiyero dismounted, knowing he could cover more ground on foot.

“Captain,” Commander Cherrystone hissed, drawing up his horse behind him. “Have you gone mad?”

To the Unnamed God with you, Fiyero wanted to shoot back. But he had to find Elphaba, before anyone else did.

So he pulled his face into a haughty sneer. “Alive, I said. Alive! I made a promise to my…fiancée to bring the Witch in alive.”

Fiancée, right. But he couldn’t give a fig about that right now.

“Her Goodness is very kind,” Cherrystone declared. “Extending her mercy to the Wicked Witch.”

It took everything in his power not to aim his gun at the commander.

“Yes. She is.”

The rest of the Force appeared, all with guns raised. He feared that in the event they found her, still alive, his men would not hesitate to kill her.

At the end of the day, they weren’t his men, but the Wizard’s. If he could even call himself that, the old fraud.

Fiyero’s boots crunched against the ground with every step. If she were nearby, he hoped it might give her the chance to get away.

If she weren’t already-

No. She was alive. She had to be.

He glanced down once at the rich green earth, looking for any sign of footprints.

There was a patch of red, stark against the grass. Blood.

“I’ll go on ahead,” he ordered the men. “Cherrystone, you take a squadron the left, Shell to the right.”

Cherrystone spluttered. “Captain, take at least one soldier with you! If the Witch-”

“The Witch is injured.” It took everything in him to keep his voice from shaking. “She won’t be a match against me.”

A fat lie. Elphaba could take him down with one hand tied behind her back.

His men looked unsure, but a barked order from Shell had them falling into line. Just as he commanded, they disappeared through opposite sides of the forest.

Once they’d gone, Fiyero broke into a sprint. The trail of blood weakened every few steps. Most of it had to have come from her shoulder.

Don’t let me be too late. Please, let her be alive. Let her smile at me, or yell, I don’t care. Just let her be alive.

He heard it then. Leaves crunching, hisses of pain.

Fiyero broke into the clearing.

She turned, broom raised, then let out a sharp cry at the sudden movement.

Oz above, she still took his breath away, even now.

 When she saw him, her green eyes went wide. Something like utter heartbreak crossed her face, and for a moment, her features lit up.

“Elphaba,” he breathed.

Suddenly, the light in her eyes gave out. Blood seeped through her hand, which was pressed against her left shoulder. The broom fell to the ground.

“Fiyero,” she managed to get out, taking a step forward, to him. He could have sworn she was trying to raise her arm, to reach him.

And then she collapsed.

Was she dreaming? Maybe. But this was a dream she liked, nothing like the nightmares that plagued her on nights when the loneliness became too much to bear.

He was there, standing before her. She could hate him, in his Gale Force uniform and shiny gun, but she couldn’t. No matter how hard she tried, hating him was something foreign to her.

“Fiyero,” she said, before the pain became too much and her legs gave out beneath her. One step was all she wanted, just to make sure he was real. But her body couldn’t take it anymore.

The first shot had felt like a bee sting, a scratch. It hurt, even though her body was peppered with small scars from over the past four years. And then the second bullet was fired.

She was watching him. Yes, she was egging the soldiers on, to see if they would be so cruel, so wicked as to take another human being's life. Yet…oh, after four years of being so careful, she had allowed herself one moment of recklessness.

And it cost her.

Gravity hit her like a ton of bricks. A strange sensation for a woman who spent most of her time in the sky.

Strong arms caught her by the waist. The scratch at her side flared at the touch.

“Elphaba?”

It was him. It was really him.

She wanted to open her mouth, to say his name again. But she was lost in a haze of pain and exhaustion. Nights were hard, and she had spent the last one up with the Grimmerie, practicing new spells.

It was catching up to her. In her own defense, she wasn’t exactly anticipating being shot twice in one day.

“Feldpsur!” he shouted. Oz, he sounded the same, even if the callouses on his hands were different. They chafed against her skin as his thumb brushed her hair back. She hadn’t been touched in a long time.

Faintly, she could make out the sound of hoof beats drawing near. “Fiyero? Oh, Holy Lurline.”

That bad, huh?

“The medkit, where is it?”

“In my saddle. Here.”

There was a rustling sound. “We have to get her out of here.”

Feldspur’s concern was evident. “Yero, she’s not looking too good.”

“Don’t. Don’t talk like that.”

She’d never heard Fiyero sound so…scared. Was she really going to die?

It was strange, being so close to death. Elphaba feared it as a child, up until her mother died, and she realized that it was all a part of life. Death followed everyone, especially her.

Her consciousness was slipping, and fast. Maybe this was it.

How cruel of fate, to bring Fiyero back into her life only to rip him away before she could even admit how she felt.

That day at the train station would stay with her long after she was gone.

“Elphaba, can you hear me?” he asked, his hand gripping her own firmly. “Please, say something!”

I’m sorry we didn’t have more time.

But she was too weak to get the words out.

Instead, she waited for the darkness to claim her.

Chapter Text

“Relax, Yero. She’s breathing.”

Still, his eyes didn’t leave her for a second. He strained to keep up with her uneven breaths.

“We’re far enough?” he asked his old friend, adjusting the cape he had unwound from Elphaba’s coat to use as her blanket. The wound at her shoulder was healing slowly, no doubt a product of her magic. Nonetheless, he had taken a strip of gauze from the medkit and wrapped it around the wound, to staunch the blood. The scratch at her side wasn’t terribly deep, and already it had closed into a puckered scar.

Feldspur went down to his knees, settling in for the night. “Knowing Shell, he’ll wait until tomorrow to go looking. By then we should be long gone.”

“But is she safe now?”

“We’re pretty far from Munchkinland.”

Fiyero had no regrets about his decision. If it meant leaving the Gale Force, so be it. If it meant being branded a traitor, he would take it and not bat an eye.

What with the forced engagement…

This would hurt Glinda. He stayed this long because he knew that he couldn’t abandon her, not in the pit of vipers that was the Emerald City. But she had her bearings now, she didn’t need him. Really, all he was good for in their eyes was hunting the Wicked Witch.

He had to see Elphaba safe. If he went back and was arrested, or even killed, that was that, so long as she was happy and protected. Feldspur would stay with her, he’d make the Horse swear on it. Fiyero wasn’t about to make his oldest and closest friend risk his life based on his sudden whims.

Elphaba turned in her sleep, then winced. It ate at him, knowing the pain she must be in while her magic worked. At least the gauze was still clean.

“I can’t believe they shot her,” Feld remarked, shaking his head.

Fiyero couldn’t either. His heart was still pounding in his chest. “I trained with those men. We ate together, got our medals together…I told them not to fire.”

His friend nuzzled him in the shoulder. “They don’t answer to you fully, Yero. It was the Wizard who gave them their medals, he supplies their weekly checks.”

“Yeah, I just expected a little more…”

“Morality?”

“Exactly.”

He looked down at Elphaba’s sleeping form and checked her temperature with the back of his hand. She felt cold, which was a given, considering that they hadn’t started a fire. The Gale Force had been trained to look for such signs.

Instinctively, he slipped off his jacket and laid it across her. The strain on her face relaxed. Pulling away, he brushed back her hair, taking in the freckles, the green face, the purse of her mouth he recognized so well.

Four years lost. Four years she must have spent not knowing whether or not she would see the morning.

He had her now. She could rest, and he would be here.

The hours passed. Fiyero waited in silence, marking anytime her breathing might hitch or even stop. His heart dropped in those moments.

Just before dawn, she stirred.

“Fiyero?”

He turned fast enough to break a neck. A pair of green eyes stared like they were unsure he was even there. They were tired eyes, weary of the world. It made his heart ache to see the vibrant girl he knew at Shiz so depleted, so sad.

“I’m here.”

Elphaba tried to sit up, only to wince and fall back. “Ow.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, he laughed as he reached out to support her. “I imagined you’d say something like that.”

“I’m not dead?”

“No. I wouldn’t let you.”

She tried again, and this time, with his help, she was successful. “What are you doing here?” she gritted out. “I thought you-you were with them.”

Fiyero let her use his arm as a backrest. “I’ve been looking for you. Elphaba, do you truly think so little of me?”

“Say that again.”

“What?”

“My name. I haven’t heard anyone say my name in four years.”

Four years spent as the Wicked Witch. Not even her name was uttered. “Elphaba.”

Her eyes closed, her good arm reaching up to comb through her hair. “That’s nice. But you should go now.”

He blinked at the stark change in subject. “Go? Why would I go?”

“Glinda?” she reminded him. There was something like sorrow in her voice. “You’re engaged to her. Congratulations, by the way.”

“I didn’t know about the engagement,” he said, shaking his head. “There’s been pressure from Morrible, yes, but I never considered it.”

Elphaba’s brows furrowed. “But you love her.”

Love. What a funny word. Him and Glinda were madly in love, he was her loyal swain, so handsome, so dashing.

He might love Glinda, but he wasn’t in love with her.

“It’s not the love you think it is.”

“Oh. Does she know?”

“No. It’s cruel not to tell her, but I couldn’t break her heart.”

She nodded in understanding. It was strange, having someone actually listening to him for once. “You should go back now and talk to her.”

Fiyero scoffed. “A bit late for that. The Gale Force has probably reported my being missing by now.”

“What!” she exclaimed, then gasped, her hand going to her side.

He placed his own hand against the wound, his heart lurching. “Where does it hurt?”

“Lots of places, but that’s not important.”

“It is to me, Elphaba.”

For a clock tick, it was silent. Only then did he realize that his fingers were interlaced in her own, pressed against her waist.

To his own surprise, he chuckled. “I remember something like this. A forest, hands touching.”

“Eyes meeting?”

He glanced up to find her already watching him. No, studying. It was a look he would know anywhere.

She blew out a breath. “I missed you.”

“So did I.” The words came out easily. “I missed this.”

“Me yelling at you?” Now it was her turn to laugh.

But Fiyero shook his head. “Just…being. Now, my life is full of people wanting something, saying something, but never really seeing who I really am. With you, I’m just me.”

“How long have you been hiding yourself?”

“Ever since you left.”

Her head tilted to the side. The look she gave him was full of not pity, but empathy. “You could go back. I’m not worth all this fuss.”

The fact that she thought she wasn’t worth it made him flinch.

“You’re more than worth it,” he told her simply, so that she knew it was true. “To me, you’re worth everything.” It was the most open he’d been in so long.

“Fiyero-”

“Please, don’t say anything.” He didn’t want the moment to end. “Is there somewhere where you’ll be safe?”

She fiddled with her rings. “I have a place. But you’ll be in danger just by being near me.”

“I don’t care. This life was never for me, anyway.”

“You’re willing to give it all up, just like that?” she asked incredulously.

It was an easy answer. “Elphaba, I’ve been waiting for you for four years. I’m not about to let go anytime soon.”

There came an amused huff from behind them.

“We goin’?” Feldspur quipped irritably. “I’m starving.”

Chapter Text

“Gone? What do you mean, gone?” Madame Morrible demanded in a high shrill. “One day, and you’ve lost him like a child?”

Glinda ran her thumb along the embroidery of her dress. Fiyero would be fine, right? He had trained for these situations, and Feldspur was with him!

It nagged at her though. Both him and Elphie, vanished into the forest, and no sign of either since.

Poor Elphie. She just wanted to help, to expose the Wizard for what he was. Glinda would have liked that, to see him toppled.

But why would she get so close? It was a risk, and a foolish one.

“We’re not sure, Madame,” Commander Cherrystone answered. “He ordered us to scout the area, then went off alone.”

The Governor’s mansion was empty, save for Glinda, Morrible, and Nessarose. It was good to see Nessa again, even if her demeanor was strained. She still grieved her father, dead of a heart attack four years ago.

Morrible scoffed. “I always knew that boy’s loyalties were questionable.”

Everyone turned to stare at her, and Glinda gasped. “Fiyero wouldn’t!” Alright, so he hadn’t been thrillified at their engagement, but so what? He would learn to love it, just as she had.

And I have to find her, because if someone else gets there first-

He wouldn’t. It wasn’t something Fiyero would do.

But Morrible sneered. “Going off alone, sending his squadrons out at a safe distance?”

“Perhaps he went to bury the Witch,” one commander added hopefully.

Glinda froze. She heard Nessa take in a sharp breath.

“Are you saying the Witch is dead?” Madame Morrible asked, her tone bordering on glee.

Cherrystone nudged his companion. “Not exactly. We got a few shots off her, but there was no body as far as we could tell.”

No, not Elphie. Anyone but Elphie. Oh, Oz, the room had begun to spin.

“Then get to searching!” the Madame screeched. “Whoever fired the shot will be hailed as Oz’s hero!”

Glinda stood and managed to walk out.

Both Fiyero and Elphie, one missing, the other potentially gone for good. It couldn’t be.

Her breaths started to come out shorter, and she clutched at the heart that very well might be breaking. Please, not Elphie.

Halfway down the hall, she heard the sound of wheels trailing behind her. She turned to find Nessarose coming towards her, her face cold.

“Nessa-”

“She’s not dead.”

Glinda blinked. “She-she’s not?”

The Governor looked around. “I would feel it if she was. A sister knows.”

“You’re positive?”

“Completely.”

She released a breath of utter relief. How she might have managed without Elphie in her life, she couldn’t fathom. “Thank you, Nessa.”

“It’s Madame Governor now,” she said stiffly. “But you’re welcome.” She wheeled past, then paused. “I’m angry at her. I don’t think I’ve ever been so mad at a person before. But she’s still my sister.”

Glinda nodded. As an only child, her dream was always to have a sister of her own.

“I understand.”

Nessa disappeared down the hall, followed by a head of bright, curly hair peering around the corner.

“Bick?”

Freckled cheeks turned sharply. “Oh. It’s you.”

Glinda couldn’t believe it. She would recognize the red hair, the brown eyes. “You’ve changed!”

Bick’s cheeks turned the same color as his hair. “In what way?”

“Good!”

They exchanged an awkward embrace. He’d certainly filled out over the years. “How have you been, Bick?”

His smile died. “It’s Boq. I was hoping you might remember that.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Glinda said, feeling embarrassed at once. “It’s been so long, you must understand.”

“Uh-huh. Congratulations on your engagement by the way.”

He didn’t seem so congratulatory. In fact, he sounded rather disappointed.

“Aren’t you sweet. Well, it was nice to see you again, but I’m afraid I have to go now. Prince Fiyero is still missing, I’m afraid.”

Boq’s eyes widened. “Fiyero? Did the Witch-”

She waved a hand. “We don’t know anything, of course, but I’ll be sure to keep you updated.” Picking up her skirts, she strutted down the hall. “See you later!”

“Right. Bye.”

Out in the garden, she found herself thinking. A ridiculous pastime, she might have said once. Fiyero had been missing for over a day, and there was still no sign of Elphie.

They wouldn’t…

It had been four years, but she wasn’t an idiot. She saw the way he looked at Elphaba that day at the train station. Of course, she adored Elphie just as much.

Only Fiyero never looked at Glinda the way he looked at Elphie.

He’s going to marry you, silly! Of course he loves you!

She had sprung the marriage on him, though. It was Morrible’s idea to begin with, but Glinda was more than happy to agree. This was Fiyero! They were perfect together, born to be forever!

And he was gone. Off in the woods alone, save for Feldspur and…and…

He wouldn’t.

Sinking into the grass before a great willow tree, Glinda fingered the folds of her pink skirt. Really, why hadn’t she brought her riding boots? These heels were killing her feet.

Something in the ground caught her eye. A headstone.

Melena Aelphaba Thropp

Mother, Beloved Wife.

Elphaba’s mother. She was buried here.

It’s my fault my sister is the way she is.

She tried to imagine Elphie as a child. Wearing all black, per usual, a scowl on her pudgy cheeks, oh, and ridiculously large glasses.

My father hates me.

Glinda would have a lot of things to say to the old Governor Thropp if he were still alive.

She must’ve felt so lonely after her mother died. Glinda shuddered to think about what her life would be like without Momsie. It was unbearable to even imagine.

Maybe it wasn’t so bad for Fiyero to find her. Maybe they were just talking, maybe the-the gunshot wasn’t…serious.

Maybe’s had become a big part of her life.

Chapter Text

The forest was quiet, each step sending an echo through the clearing.

Elphaba looked up at the familiar sight of her tree. “We’ll have to fly now.”

Waking up to find Fiyero beside her, scanning the horizon with that serious gaze she could never forget, brought a feeling to her she hadn’t felt in a long time.

He blinked a few times. “You said you had a place.”

“Right.”

“This is a home, Elphaba.”

Heat flooded her cheeks. Holy Lurline, she also hadn’t felt that in a while. “No changing the subject. Grab on.” She held out her broom. “I can come back for you, Feldspur.”

The Horse whinnied. “Flattered, but not a chance. My great aunt took a hot air balloon once, and we haven’t seen her since.”

Fiyero rolled his eyes. “You don’t have a great aunt, Feld.”

“And how would you know?”

“I’ve met your family!”

Elphaba bit her lip to keep from smiling. Having company again was nice. “Boys, please. Fiyero?”

She noticed the deep breath he took before gripping the staff of her broom. “I trust you.”

To me, you’re worth everything.

Don’t dwell, she chided herself. He’s your friend, he was being kind.

It was a painful thought, but one she had grown accustomed to when it came to him.

The broom lifted easily. His hand flew to her waist, a reflexive action, but still one that had her stunned like a dumbstruck schoolgirl.

Glancing over, she found him already looking at her. A broad smile made him look younger, like the boy she knew back at Shiz. He looked tired, weary. The shadows under his eyes betrayed the shiny, confident captain the rest of Oz saw.

It hurt, knowing the last time they’d spoken, he was so full of life.

“What?” she couldn’t help asking.

He shrugged. “This feels like a dream. I’m afraid that if I look away, you’ll vanish.”

Hesitantly, she took his hand. There were those familiar callouses. “All real. I’m not going anywhere.”

They reached the branches. Elphaba waited until he was safely on before letting gravity take hold. The sun was descending steadily, it would be night soon.

She entered the tree first, flipping off her hat. Here, she was herself.

Fiyero, who had been following, suddenly paused.

“What is it?” she asked, turning, only to see his face in absolute awe. “Listen, it’s no palace-”

“No, no it’s not that,” he said quickly, assuring. “This place is incredible.”

Elphaba scoffed off the remark, but internally, she was rather proud. Reaching for her cloak, she winced at the sudden movement. Her shoulder had healed mostly, though the soreness still lingered.

He took notice, and approached her slowly, his broad form appearing behind her in the mirror. Each clink of her rings into the bowl matched every step he took, until his warmth enveloped her completely. Gently, he unwound her cape and set it off to the side.

“Thank you,” she said softly. No one touched that cape except for herself. Until now, that was.

Fiyero stepped back, giving her space. “How did you find this place?”

She used her good hand to shift her hair over a shoulder. “I came across it about a week after I left the Emerald City.” It was the perfect hiding spot with its overhead branches hiding her from view.

“What do you do in the wintertime?” he asked, jerking his head towards the opening to the hut.

She shrugged. “I manage.” It was a severe understatement. The winters were hard, even with the spells she cast over the fire to keep her warm.

Fiyero seemed to sense everything she left unsaid. “Elphaba,” he breathed, his eyes widening.

“It’s fine. I’m here, aren’t I?”

Still, spending most of the winter inside drove home the harsh reality of her loneliness. There was no one to hold her during the harsher blizzards, no friends to laugh around the fire and drink warm tea while they told scary stories. All that was gone now.

Brushing that depressing thought aside, Elphaba slowly unwound the gauze from her shoulder. There was a fleshy pink scar where the bullet had entered to match the one at her hip.

Whatever. Just another piece of herself to avoid in the mirror.

Fiyero had grown quiet. She turned to find him still watching her. No, not her, her back.

She knew what he saw. The pale white scars from four years spent dodging the claws of Monkeys, a few lucky hits from the Gale Force’s bayonets, and other remnants from spells gone wrong.

“You don’t have to look.”

His breath hitched, his eyes wide, haunted. “Who?”

“People. Myself.” At the terrified expression on his face, she held up a hand. “Not like that. The Grimmerie can be unpredictable sometimes.”

“Elphaba…”

She shook her head simply. “They’re not painful.”

Something in his eyes made her chest begin to hurt. “I should have found you sooner. I should have-I should have looked harder-”

“Hey,” she hushed gently, crossing the space between them. “Don’t talk like that.”

“But I-”

“I should never have trusted Morrible, I should have exposed the Wizard when I had the chance, I should have done so many things, and yet I didn’t.”

His eyes fluttered shut. It pained her to see the exhaustion on his face.

“I would have gone with you,” Fiyero said. “If I had gone with to the Emerald City with you and Glinda, I would have gotten on the broom with you.”

“I know.” And it scared her, having this person she knew was willing to lay down their life for her. A life that was so precious she couldn’t bear the thought of losing it. “So where do we go from here?”

He took her hand. Touch was such a foreign concept to her that the sensation sent goosebumps up her arms.

“Whatever happens, I’ll stay. If you want me to, I’ll stay.”

“Promise?” It was a child’s question, but she asked it anyway.

He nodded. “Always. You should rest now.”

Elphaba snorted. “So should you.”

“I’m fine.”

Without thinking, she reached up and brushed her thumbs across his cheeks. “You look tired, Fiyero.”

A huff of laughter blew through his lips. “You noticed?”

“You’re unhappy.”

“Not when I’m with you.”

It took her aback for a moment, the-the longing in his voice. “Why do you do this to yourself?”

He knew what she meant. “Because if I’m not who they want me to be, I’m of no use to them anymore. If I’m not Glinda’s fiancée or her handsome swain, I don’t matter.”

“You matter to me.”

Something like devastation crossed his face. “Elphaba-”

She ran her thumb along the curve of his lips. They were soft, just as she imagined them to be. “Don’t say anything. We have plenty of time for that.”

He nodded, his eyes never leaving her own.

So she dressed for the night, curling the thick robe around herself against the cool air. She watched from the perch of her bed as Fiyero threw off his Gale Force jacket and ran a hand through his hair.

He had changed over the years. Some of his features had hardened, stubble lined his jaw, and, was she imagining things, or did he have more muscle on him?

But that wasn’t what mattered. To Elphaba, he was still the same boy she had fallen in love with, even if they had both matured greatly since then.

Fiyero found her waiting. “You sleep outside?”

“It makes me feel more connected with the earth.”

He lowered himself gently onto the space beside her. As one, they laid back against the pillows.

“I can’t remember the last time I looked at the stars,” he admitted.

“What do you think of them now?”

“They’re beautiful.”

She smiled, looking at him. “They are.”

Chapter Text

Fiyero woke to the sound of steady breathing at his side and a warm body pressed against his chest. He stayed that way for a few moments, inhaling her cinnamon and poppy scent.

In sleep, her features were softened, making her look younger.

You look tired, Fiyero.

He was. He had been. Until he found her, his life was nothing but parties and banquets and playing at being the happiest man in the world. It was an affront to his very soul to have to pretend that that was who he was as a person.

Slowly, so as not to disturb the sleeping woman bundled in her robe beneath the blankets, he slid off the bed. The top button of his shirt had popped open somehow in the night.

Elphaba’s hut was…incredible. There weren’t enough words to express the surprise he’d felt entering the space. It was so her, with flowers running rampant across the walls and maps marked with known Animal hideouts.

The sun was just beginning to ascend, bringing out a chorus of birds to sing their sweet melodies.

Fiyero glanced around the hut, running his fingers along the coarse wood of Elphaba’s workbench. The Grimmerie was set on a little table near the opening, sealed tightly against those who couldn’t read it.

A pop of bright orange appeared out of the corner of his eye.

There it was. He would have recognized the flower anywhere, the way it inhabited his dreams.

“Looking for something?” Elphaba asked, appearing at the circular opening to the hut. She followed his gaze to the poppy on the wall and smiled.

“You kept it,” was all he said in turn.

She nodded. “It’s a small spell to keep things alive for a long period of time.”

“But you kept it.”

“I did.”

He reached up to brush its soft petals. Oz, he had spent an hour in that field, searching for the best one to give to her.

From behind him, he could feel her drawing near. “They were your favorite. Dillamond told me.”

Her gaze was incredulous. “You asked Dillamond?”

“I wanted to impress you.”

At that, she laughed, but not callously. “That was sweet of you. I’ve never forgotten it.”

“Neither have I.” He turned to look at her. “I remember everything about that day.”

Elphaba tilted her head up so that they met eye to eye. “There were so many things I wanted to say then.”

“And now?”

“Even more.”

Fiyero brushed her lips with a finger. “So do I.”

Her gaze was almost taunting. “So why don’t you?”

“I wanted to tell you how much you meant to me. That I love you.”

Clearly she hadn’t been anticipating that.

She took a step back, her mouth partially hanging open. Fear coursed through Fiyero. He had been too forward, he had scared her, and now she was going to tell him to leave and never come back.

And he would. He loved her so much that he would leave if she told him to, though it would tear out his heart to do so.

But she didn’t. There was no rejection, no yelling, nothing.

Instead she smiled. It was a slow, soft smile, one that made him melt to see after four years without her.

“You did? I mean, you do?”

Fiyero nodded. “More than anything.” Tears sprang to her eyes, and he crossed the room to hold her as they spilled over her cheeks. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before.”

“Oh, Elphaba,” he breathed, pressing her gently against his chest. “I love you.” And he would say it again and again, to make up for all the years she spent never once hearing it.

Her hands wound around his waist, holding him close. “I love you too.”

He closed his eyes, savoring the words.

“From the moment you took that cub out of its cage, I knew,” she continued. “I just never thought you would ever feel the same.”

“I’ve been a goner since I first met you.”

“You mean when you almost ran me over?”

A gentle laugh burst through him. “That was Feldspur, not me.”

She chuckled, the sound reverberating against his chest. “I thought the defensiveness was my job?”

“Funny.” Turning serious, he tilted her chin up with a finger. “I love you, Elphaba Thropp. I have loved you for a very long time.”

Elphaba brushed his hair back away from his eyes. “And I love you.”

Then she kissed him.

Fiyero had been kissed many different times by many different people, but never like this. When Elphaba kissed him, it was like setting a thousand electric sparks into his body and setting them off at the same time. To feel her lips against his own it made him feel as if he had spent his entire life in darkness and was only now stepping into the light.

Gripping his waist firmly, her mouth opened with a groan of pleasure. His own hands went to her hair, threading themselves in the soft braids. She felt so delicate, like he was holding the world in his arms.

She pulled back for air, though she was laughing.

“What?” he couldn’t help asking, resting his brow against her head.

“Nothing,” she beamed, shaking her head. “It’s just…for the first time, I feel…wicked.”

Something snapped in him at the sheer desire laced in every word.

Fiyero hoisted her upward, bracing his hand under her legs, which locked around his waist. Their mouths met again, her nails digging into his back.

Oz above, just the taste of her was enough to drive him mad.

He took her back to the bed and laid her down gently. Elphaba gave him a knowing look as her hands went to the sleeves of her robe, revealing toned green arms. Fiyero slipped off his shirt, watching as her eyes widened.

“I didn’t know you had tattoos,” she breathed, her fingers running along the blue diamonds on both of his shoulders.

He sat knee to knee with her. “Go ahead, touch. I don’t mind.” Not when it was her. “They’re Vinkun markings. I got them when I turned sixteen.”

“They’re incredible. Beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful.”

She started. “You don’t have to lie to me,” she whispered sadly.

“It’s not lying,” he replied instantly, pained at how simply she dismissed herself. “You’re the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”

Her chest began to rise and fall much faster than normal. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Their kisses resumed, this time with less rush, less fierceness. There was reverence in the way their bodies moved together, like they were both trying to drink in as much of one another as possible.

Elphaba watched him as she slipped her nightdress over her head. Fiyero’s gaze did not waver.

“Beautiful,” he breathed.

She smiled shyly, taking his face in her hands. He leaned down and pressed his lips against the freckles above her breasts, and her head tipped back, enjoying the sensation.

His pants were quick to follow her robe and dress. Fiyero couldn’t deny the flash of amusement that coursed through him as her eyes widened slightly.

“Enjoying the view?” he quipped.

She leaned back against the pillows. “So full of yourself. Yero my hero.”

And he melted.

Chapter Text

Elphaba fisted the blankets so tightly her nails tore through the thick fabric as Fiyero kissed her inner thigh. She could see his back glistening with sweat in the heat of the afternoon sun.

They fit together like puzzle pieces, blue diamonds on a green field.

His lips moved upward, kissing the scar on her hip, beneath her breasts, everywhere. When their mouths met, she could taste herself on him.

“Holy Lurline,” she gasped, locking her arms around the back of his neck and resting their foreheads together.

Fiyero huffed a laugh. “An apt statement.”

She felt him pressed up against her leg. They had done everything, save for that. There was a risk of pregnancy in the act, Dulcibear had explained in embarrassingly explicit detail when Elphaba was twelve.

But she hadn’t been in love then. And she knew her tonics well enough.

“Fiyero,” she began gently.

“Yes, love?” he panted, his nose brushing hers.

“I want you to-to do it.”

He looked confused. “I thought we were?”

That earned him a playful poke on the arm. “I meant…I want you to do...it.” It was the only way she knew how to describe it.

Understanding dawned in his eyes. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

“Never. I want you to be the one to do it. I love you.”

“And I love you.” Slowly, he guided himself towards her entrance. “It might hurt at first. I won’t lie to you.”

She had read her anatomy textbooks and overheard enough gossip from the Shiz girls. She knew what to expect.

Running her thumb along his jaw, she nodded. “I trust you.”

Oh. Oh!

There was the pain he mentioned, but it was brief. Then, it was nothing but undiluted pleasure. Fiyero was gentle with her, even when her nails dug into his back hard enough to leave marks. She pressed her brow against his shoulder, her breaths coming out in short bursts.

Oz above, this was…there weren’t any words to describe…Oz.

“I’ve got you,” Fiyero breathed, holding her gaze.

He did. Four years apart, and he still had her, still wanted her, still loved her. Hearing him say those magical words had broken the wall she had kept around her heart for so long.

I love you.

Such a funny word, especially since no one had ever said it to her before. Before Fiyero, she anticipated never hearing it the rest of her life.

He dropped down beside her, breathing hard.

“Are you alright?” she asked, propping herself up on an elbow. There was a rather pleasant soreness already forming in between her legs.

“You mean you’re not tired?”

“I have impressive stamina.”

Fiyero chuckled, holding out an arm for her to rest her head on. She was surprised to feel the stickiness of sweat on the back of her neck.

He looped one of her braids around his finger. “Wow.”

“No witty remarks?”

“Absolutely nothing.”

Chuckling, she nuzzled into the crook of his shoulder. “That was my first, you know.”

“Really?” he gaped. “The infamous Elphaba Thropp?”

“You’re teasing.”

“I’m perfectly serious. You don’t seem to understand how much of an impact you have on people.”

Her stomach got all tingly. “Enough flirting and more kissing.”

He brought his lips to the scar on her shoulder. “Like that?”

“Yeah,” she breathed, draping an arm over his stomach. “Just like that.”

She woke once, in the middle of the night. Oz above, they had spent the whole day in bed, the sun beating down ruthlessly. But now the moon took hold of the sky, and to say it was cold was an understatement.

Elphaba muttered a quick body-heating spell and could have groaned at the warmth that flooded through her.

Fiyero, on the other hand, was not so discreet.

“Mmh,” he sighed. “You’re so warm.”

She smiled fondly as his arms wound around her protectively. “Cold?”

“Freezing.”

Slowly, she trailed her hand down his muscled chest. “Is this better?”

Pale blue eyes flew open. “Are you using magic?”

“Maybe.”

“You ought to rest, Fae.”

“Fae?” she spluttered. “Where did that come from?”

Fiyero ran a thumb along the scar on her hip. “You called me Yero. It only seems fair that I give you a nickname too.”

“How long did it take you to come up with it?”

He tweaked her nose playfully. “Just now, my clever little witch.”

They stayed like that, talking and kissing, going over their respective lives up until now.

“When did you…” she ventured carefully. “When did you fall out of love with Glinda?” She would have to know soon. It would hurt her, but it had to be done. Elphaba dreaded breaking her best friend’s heart.

Kissing her hair softly, he pondered the question. “I was falling out of love with her even at Shiz. After your visit with the Wizard, I was going to break up with her. And then when I got there, and you were gone-”

“Wait, you went to the Emerald City?”

“The moment Morrible’s pronouncement was made.”

Elphaba shifted to face him fully. “Why?”

“I had to get to you.”

She stroked the stubble on his cheeks. “That was dangerous.”

He smiled, running a finger along her arm. “All I could think about was you. I still do, even now.”

“You’ll stay?”

“Always.” Now it was his turn to ask. “The Animals, have you seen them?

Elphaba nodded. “A few. I’ve freed a couple of caravans with Animals captured by the Wizard’s Guards. Crossing right out in the open, like fools.” She noticed how he pressed his lips together. “What?”

He snickered. “Nothing. Save for the fact that I was in charge of managing those caravans, and made sure that they were, in fact, crossing right out in the open.”

“No!” she gasped, propping herself up to gape at him. “That was you?”

“I trusted you to find them, and I was right.”

Now she laughed. “Oz damn you, Yero, I felt so heroic!”

“And you were, love,” he insisted. “I heard how you knocked Cherrystone from his horse. You should have seen him, he was furious.”

Elphaba sighed, falling back against his chest. “I’m never going to forget this.”

He pressed his lips to her hair again.

“Remind me how cross you are tomorrow.”

Chapter Text

Galinda,

Words can’t express how sorry I am. I should have been honest with you from the beginning, a mistake I sorely regret. If you hate me forever, I understand.

The truth is, while I love you dearly, I can’t go through with the engagement. I’ve found where I’m meant to be now, and it’s not as captain. I won’t ask you to understand, I hate having to do what I know will hurt you in a cowardly manner such as this, but I have to keep her safe.

Sorry will never be enough.

-Fiyero

She stared at the letter for a long time.

It had been on her nightstand when she awoke, and only then did she remember that she had left her window open the night before. A Bird had probably delivered it.

Glinda had never felt like more of an idiot. She should have known, why, why didn’t she see it? Every distant smile, every empty kiss, even his hollow words should have been a sign.

But she was so happy. That was what she told herself, anyway. She was happy, he was happy, only he wasn’t.

And Elphie…

She tossed the letter aside.

I don’t even think he’s perfect anymore and I still want him.

How could Elphie do this to her? She knew, she knew!

Glinda slammed her fist against the pillow over and over again. Tears streaked her cheeks. Why was she crying? She was angry, she was hurt, she was furious, why was she crying?

“What in the name of Oz is going on here?” Morrible demanded, bursting into the room with a concerned looking Boq behind her.

They had been in Munchkinland waiting for Fiyero. She had waited for him, while he was deciding whether or not he was in love with her.

“Get out!” she screamed. She didn’t want anyone to see her like this.

Morrible stared at her, disgustified. “If you do not control-”

Her eyes landed on the crumpled-up letter. It blew towards the old woman on a conjured wind.

“Sweet Lurline,” she breathed, her eyes scanning the page. “I knew it.”

Boq, reading over the Madame’s shoulder, looked stunned. “The Witch has always been a good liar.”

“You knew?” Glinda accused.

The Munchkin boy shook his head. There was pity in his eyes. “Galinda-”

“Get out!”

Morrible blew out a breath. “The Wizard must know.” With that, she stormed off, the letter still in hand.

Still, Boq remained. In fact, he was drawing closer.

“Go,” Glinda tried to shout, but it came out as nothing more than a racked sob. “Why, Boq?”

He placed a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t know.”

“What did I do wrong?”

“Nothing.”

She gave in to the hurt. The pain. Collapsing against him, she wept and screamed and cried, and he let her.

He held her while she fell apart.

Fiyero knew he was the worst person in the world.

The letter was a coward’s move, pathetic, unworthy. But it was the only thing he could do. It wasn’t like he could have gone to Glinda himself, the risk of capture was too great, and knowing Fae, she would have gone looking for him.

It was a risk he wasn’t willing to take.

That didn’t stop him from feeling like a complete and total arse.

“You’re quiet,” Elphaba noted, flipping through the Grimmerie casually. Fiyero, trying to discreetly take down those Oz-forsaken posters she kept pinned to the wall, swallowed shamefully.

“I wrote to Glinda.”

Her head snapped up. “Oh.”

Setting the awful depictions of the love of his life aside, he shook his head. “I explained things, called the engagement off.”

“When were you going to tell me?”

“I should have. I’m so sorry, I was just afraid you might feel guilty.”

She rose from her workbench. There was no anger in her eyes, simply sorrow. “Yero, I’m not angry.”

The breath he released was one of utter relief. “I’m sorry.”

“Does she know?”

He knew what she meant. “I hinted at it, but I wasn’t going to hurt her even more.”

“This is hurting you.”

It was eating at him. “I thought you would hate me for it.”

She sighed, coming over to wrap her arms around his waist. “I could never hate you, Yero. Tell me next time, that’s all.”

“I promise,” he said instantly. It was an oath he would not hesitate to keep. “No matter what.”

Smiling softly, she pulled him in for a kiss. “If I ever see her again, I’ll have to make sure she doesn’t have her wand, or she’ll club me with it.”

Fiyero winced. “I took the fault for everything, so her wrath isn’t likely to land on you. Be sure to bring a shield though, just in case.”

Elphaba held him tighter. “You don’t have to take the hits every time, Yero.”

“For you, I would.”

“That’s what scares me.”

He pulled back just slightly. “What does?”

“That you’re so ready to risk your life for me,” she admitted, her voice panicked. “If something were to happen to you, I-I don’t know what I’d do.”

It broke his heart to see the terror in her face. “Fae, I’m not going anywhere.”

“I just got you back, I can’t lose you.”

“You will never lose me.” He would fight the Unnamed God himself to stay by her side.

She blew out a breath. “Good, because I have to ask something of you, and I know you’re going to argue.

His stomach dropped. “What is it?”

“I’m going to see my sister.”

He blinked a few times. “Alright then. I’ll get my gear ready.”

She shook her head, taking his hands gently. “I have to do this alone.”

“Not a chance.”

“Fiyero,” she groaned, stepping away and bracing her hands on her hips. “For my peace of mind, do it, please.”

“There are guards stationed around Munchkinland, all trained to kill you,” he reminded her, the memory of her pain-stricken face as the bullet hit her coming to him unbidden. She may have been healed, but that was an experience he never wanted to relive again.

Elphaba’s eyes fluttered shut. “If you’re seen with me, they will kill you too. But if you’re here, and something happens to me, I can die happy knowing you’re safe.”

“How could you say something like that?” he demanded, his voice breaking. “Where you go, I go too.”

Her eyes snapped open, and they were filled with tears. “I won’t let you die for me.”

“If you die, then I have no purpose in life.” It was true. Without her, what did he have left to live for?

She bit the inside of her cheek, so he knew she was trying not to cry. “If you go, you must promise to stay hidden.”

He approached her slowly, waiting to see if she would brush him away. When she didn’t, he cupped her face with his hands. “I promise, but in turn, will you promise that if you sense even the slightest hint of a soldier, you’ll get out of there and fly like hell.”

“Not without you.”

“Alright, you pick me up, and we go.”

“That’s a promise I can make.”

Fiyero nodded and kissed her, sighing at the feeling of her nails threading through his hair.

He could have stayed just like this.

Chapter Text

Colwen Grounds was just like she remembered. There were Dulcibear’s roses, the indent in Mother’s tree from a rogue frisbee, and Nessa’s favorite reading spot next to the hedge of lilies.

“It’s lovely,” Fiyero remarked.

Elphaba nodded, trying to ignore the pit in her stomach. It was a mistake, bringing him so close to danger. But she knew her Yero. He would have followed her anyway.

It was frustratingly endearing.

She gripped his hand tightly. “Remember what we agreed.”

“Hidden and silent,” he said, echoing her own words. “I swear.”

“Good.” Ushering him towards a thick bush of poppies, she gave a wave of her hand. “Now don’t make a sound.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Elphaba rolled her eyes with a smile. She wasn’t angry about the letter because she knew him, she knew that it had come from a desire to protect her.

She understood the feeling all too well.

Slowly, so as not to alert the guards she’d spotted patrolling the area, Elphaba made her way to the familiar back door, the handle engraved with an ornate “T” for the Thropp family.

Halfway across the lawn, it opened.

“Oh.”

Glinda’s stunned face was likely an echo of her own.

For a clock-tick, the girls just stared at each other. In that moment, that was what they were, the girls they had been four years ago.

“You shouldn’t be here,” the blonde muttered, glancing around nervously.

Elphaba guffawed. “I shouldn’t? What’re you doing here?”

Her brown eyes went cold. “We were waiting for Fiyero.”

Ah. A wave of guilt crashed over Elphaba.

“Glinda, I’m sorry,” she whispered. It hurt, seeing the anger in her best friend’s face. “I should have told you sooner.”

Glinda looked back into the house. “You have to go. If anyone discoverates you-”

There was a rustling from the bushes, and Fiyero appeared.

At once, her fists clenched. “A letter.”

“I know.”

“When?”

“It’s not what you think,” he answered softly. “But that’s no excuse.”

She seemed to be biting the inside of her cheek. “No. It’s not.”

Before he could reply, to say what, Elphaba didn’t know, the sound of gears turning echoed down the hall.

“Glinda, Madame Morrible wants to see…you…”

Nessa’s voice trailed off as she beheld her sister standing there, in the middle of their backyard.

Elphaba stepped back, feeling as if she had been punched. She had read the articles, seen the photos, but to actually see the change in her baby sister was like a slap to the face.

“Ness,” she breathed.

The Governor simply stared. Her face was pale but unmoving. When she finally spoke, it wasn’t a word of greeting, or of love. There was no love in her expression, simply regret.

“Guards! It’s the Witch!”

Elphaba’s heart broke in two, and she half feared it might never repair.

Why. That was all she could think. Why.

Fiyero stepped in front of her instantly, his gun raised as boots pounded against the floor. Her stomach dropped at the sheer determination in his eyes.

He would die for her, just as she feared.

The man who appeared first was easily recognizable. He’d been Fiyero’s second-in-command.

“Captain?” he gaped, his blade lowering only slightly.

“Cherrystone,” Fiyero greeted stiffly. “Let her go, or I’ll fire.”

The man named Cherrystone blinked in shock. “Step away from the witch, captain. She’s cursed you.”

“Lower your weapon and let her go.”

“What is the meaning of this?”

Elphaba raised her broom at the voice she would have recognized anywhere, the voice that frequented her nightmares.

Madame Morrible pushed past the soldiers, her mouth pursing at the sight of the proclaimed witch.

“Have you come to kill me, witch?”

“I’d be glad to oblige,” Elphaba replied sharply.

The old woman sneered, facing the guards. “Believe nothing she says, or the captain. He’s clearly been bewitched.”

Fiyero scoffed loudly. “Still full of lies, Madame? I’m surprised you haven’t collapsed under the weight of them.”

“Never fear, captain. We’ll free you and return you to our good Lady Glinda-”

“Oh, just shut up.”

More guards had appeared, all with their guns pointed at Elphaba’s heart.

Fiyero backed up only slightly. “Go,” he whispered.

Her stomach clenched in fear. “Not without you.”

“Fae, go,” he pleaded, the sorrow in his eyes like a dagger to her heart. “Please.”

No. She wouldn’t leave him, it would be like forfeiting her life.

She summoned heat to her palm, the rage of Morrible’s betrayal, the Wizard’s lies, everything, all cumulating into a fire that licked at her fingers.

“Glinda,” she called out to her friend, who was watching the scene unfold with wide eyes. “Run.”

Without hesitation, the blonde flew inside the house.

And Elphaba clenched her hand into a fist, brought it to her mouth, and blew.

The soldiers dropped to the ground, crying out as their clothes were singed by the heat. Morrible summoned a harsh wind that knocked the flames aside, but the force was enough to throw her on her behind. Nessa wheeled herself to the edge of the garden, screaming for water to douse the rampant fire.

Not bothering to count the casualties, Elphaba grabbed Fiyero by the arm and mounted her broom.

Shots fired, and for a moment she feared the worst when a loud hiss of pain sounded in her ear.

“I’m fine,” he got out at the panicked look she threw over her shoulder. “It just grazed.”

Thank Oz.

As they flew off into the sunset, dark clouds began to gather. They were storm clouds, angry clouds. Morrible was no doubt furious.

Elphaba couldn’t resist a small smirk.

Chapter Text

“Just hold still.”

“I am.”

Still, Fiyero winced as she smeared the poultice across his arm. The bullet might have grazed, but he didn’t have Elphaba’s healing gifts, so the risk of infection was still high.

Seated cross-legged on the banks of the Kellswater River, she ran her thumb across the scar that was forming.

“Almost done.”

“Take all the time you need,” he said, using his good hand to toy with one of her braids.

She shifted away slightly. “What did I say about holding still?”

Feigning a sigh, he leaned back on his elbow. “Holding still.”

“Not like that,” she snapped, poking him in the side.

So he did as she ordered. The sensation of his flesh closing up with a simple brush of her finger was rather eerie, if he had to admit. But her magic fascinated him. He’d only seen it in action a handful of times.

He smiled at the memory of one such instance.

“What’s so funny?” Elphaba asked. Oz, she looked so beautiful. The fading light of the sun brought out the gold flecks in her eyes, entrancing him.

“Just reminiscing,” he admitted. “Remember the lion cub?”

Her head snapped up. Oh, she remembered. “I do. You left me in the woods.”

“I did not!” Fiyero objected. “I thought you had already gone back.” Still, he had turned, in the hopes that she would be there.

Elphaba snorted. “Uh-huh. I saw you look back.”

Oh. “You were watching me?”

Her cheeks darkened. “No. Maybe.”

“Wow, no wonder it took me four years to find you.”

“I would have lasted longer if they hadn’t cheated.”

He flinched at the reminder. “Worst day of my life.” When her gaze softened, he took her hands. “But we’re here, we’re alive.”

She bit down on her lip. “Why did you ask me to go?”

Ah, he’d known this was coming.

“Because I love you,” he answered, moving her braids back over a shoulder. “And the idea of losing you terrifies me.”

“If they had taken me, you’d have gone looking.” She said it so matter-of-factly that there was no room for arguing, not that he would.

“Elphaba, I’d journey through the Deadly Desert if it meant you were on the other side.”

She settled into his arms, staring out at the shimmering waters. “And I would too. That’s why you telling me to go hurt so much.”

Fiyero kissed her temple as their fingers entwined. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, don’t apologize,” she sighed. “Just don’t expect me to even consider it next time.”

“Next time?”

“You know what I mean.”

This was nice. Holding her, feeling the strokes of her thumb against his palm, this was enough.

And then a voice cut through the silence.

“Oh, thank Oz you’re both clothed.”

Fiyero groaned as Feldspur’s silky blue coat came into view. “Go bother some birds.”

The Horse huffed. “Good to see you too. How’s the shoulder?”

“Healing.”

“And his obnoxiousness?” he countered, facing Elphaba.

She smiled. “Still the same.”

Fiyero guffawed loudly. “Don’t take his side!”

“Well…”

He tweaked her nose.

Elphaba surveyed the trees from the clouds, her arm stretched out. She loved the feeling of the wind between her fingers.

Flying was one of her greatest loves in life. The first was currently scouting the forest for any Animal transports on their way to the Emerald City. She smirked at the memory of the Acacia flower she’d slipped into his pouch whilst he slept, having cast a protection spell over it.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the flare until it popped, sending a stream of green light sputtering to the ground.

Half a thought sent her flying towards the point of the flare.

“See anything?” Fiyero asked, dismounting from Feldspur as she glided down.

“Nothing. You?”

He gestured through the patch of trees. “Group of Animals, traveling together.”

Elphaba nodded. “Captured?”

“I didn’t see any guards.”

That was good.

Emerging from the trees, she registered a variety of expressions ranging from shock to relief.

“It’s the Witch,” a Hen whispered to her companion.

“She’ll help up,” one Jaguar declared.

Elphaba offered an encouraging smile. “Where are you headed?”

A Bunny hopped forward. “Through the tunnels!”

“What tunnels?”

“The tunnels out of Oz.”

She blinked, and Fiyero stepped up to her side. “There are tunnels that lead out of Oz?”

The Bunny’s nose twitched. “My mother says I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.”

“I’m with Miss Elphaba.”

Feldspur trotted ahead. “Well Holy Lurline. There is a tunnel!”

Elphaba moved through the crowd of shocked Animals until she came upon an opening in the road. Stray bricks littered the area, as if someone had drilled a hole through it.

“I’ve never heard of anything like this,” Fiyero muttered, crouching down for a better look.

“Nothing from the Force?”

“Absolutely nothing.”

She huffed out a breath and faced the Animals. “So you’re running away, just like that?” No, they couldn’t. Oz was nothing without them.

They looked around at each other.

“We’re hunted,” the Jaguar said with a shake of his head. “What’s here for us?”

“Home,” Elphaba said without hesitation. “This is Oz, this is our home. How could you be so willing to give it up?”

There was a rustling from behind the group. “Little one?”

No, no, no.

“Dulcibear?”

Fiyero straightened and smoothed down his shirt.

The Bear gasped as she took in the green girl before her. “Elphaba!”

“What are you doing here?” Elphaba demanded, holding her old nurse tightly. She felt like a child again in Dulci’s arms.

“I should be asking you the same! Oh, little one,” she sighed, pulling back. “It’s not safe for us here anymore.”

Elphaba shook her head furiously. “The place outside of Oz is said to be empty, desolate.”

“We’ll manage.”

“Dulci, no.”

Tentatively, Fiyero took a step forward. “Miss Dulcibear?”

The Bear turned sharply. “Prince Fiyero?”

“Just Fiyero, please.”

“Last I heard, you were captain of the Gale Force.” Her tone was accusatory.

A few Animals gasped, and some looked ready to run.

Fiyero didn’t deny her claim. “I was, but I’ve been against the Wizard from the beginning, so I left.”

“Why?” Dulci challenged.

“For her.” He gestured to Elphaba, who reached for his hand.

The Bear turned wide eyes to her former charge, who simply shrugged.

“But that’s not what I wanted to say,” Fiyero continued. “What if there was a place where you all could go. A place that was fortified, and out of the Wizard’s reach?”

Elphaba faced him. “Does such a place even exist?”

He nodded. “My family has a castle, Kiamo Ko. Nobody lives there except the sentries that guard it. I could send a note, and they would let the Animals in.”

“Just like that?”

“The Vinkus has no laws against them. They would have my father’s protection.”

And the Wizard had no jurisdiction in the Vinkus.

Dulcibear looked at the watching Animals. “We have an opportunity to stay in Oz, our home. I say we take it.”

“Then what?” the Jaguar asked. “So we go to this fortress and we wait. What then?”

Elphaba took in the group before her. And she smiled.

“We fight.”

Chapter Text

Her skirts of pearl hissed against the emerald floor with every step. She knew she looked radiant, and yet, on the inside, she felt hollow.

Twenty years of the Wizard’s rule. Already Glinda had been attending banquets, dinners, going from town to town in her bubble and preaching about his many virtues.

She had no choice now.

“Sir Chuffrey will be there,” Morrible said icily. Her opinion of Glinda, which the latter knew was poor to begin with, had only dwindled in the months since Fiyero left. “Perhaps a token of your esteem.” She pressed a velvet box into Glinda’s palm. Inside was a fine golden watch, with the initials G.U. engraved on the back.

Glinda resisted the urge to toss the Oz-forsaken thing out the window. “Sir Chuffrey is ancient.”

The older woman latched onto her glittering arm. “He also has large holdings in Quadling, so you will smile, and wave, and shut up.” With that she stormed ahead and threw open the doors to the Wizard’s chamber.

Everyone who was anyone had all gathered for this momentous occasion, and Glinda, in her mother-of-pearl encrusted gown and tiara, was the main event. She gave compliments, she accepted them, she waved and smiled, just as Morrible instructed.

“Your Goodness,” Sir Chuffrey greeted with a bow. Sweet Oz, his forehead was glistening with sweat, and it wasn’t even hot! He pressed his wet lips against her hand; it took everything in her power not to gag.

“Sir Chuffrey, always a delight.”

Ever since Fiyero’s…departure, as the papers were calling it, Morrible had been pushing her to set her sights on the old banker who had made most of his fortune in Quadling Country. He was a Gillikin man, and absurdly rich. Maybe in another life, Glinda would have considered, for the sake of her family’s reputation.

Now she didn’t care. These parties had become an empty occasion.

Throughout the night, her thoughts strayed to Elphie. Their last meeting had been cut short, and, as angry as she still was with her best friend, she missed her.

Run.

So she had. Despite their estrangement, Elphaba still wanted to protect her.

The Wizard made a grand speech from behind the massive bronze head. Glinda had to hide a snort behind her glass of wine as he thundered about the might of Oz, and how they would defeat the Wicked Witch and the traitor captain.

That was what Fiyero was now. The narrative that he had been cursed by Elphie fell apart the moment he turned a gun on his own men.

All eyes turned to Glinda at that last remark. If they expected a look of heartbreak, they wouldn’t find it.

“Fix your face,” Morrible hissed in her ear.

“Why?” she retorted. “If he’s a traitor, why should I be sad?” Internally, she was rooting for them to put an end to this charade. It was becoming increasingly evident that the Wizard’s grip on Oz was tightening, and every day there were reports of rebellions ranging from the borders of the Vinkus to the gates of Munchkinland.

Morrible huffed and turned away.

“I believe together,” the Wizard drawled, “we can put an end to the Witch’s tyranny, and free Oz-”

There was a loud rumble from outside, like a clap of thunder. At once, Glinda looked to Morrible, but the confused expression on the Madame’s face told her all she needed to know.

Elphie.

The crowd began to whisper amongst themselves. Concerned glances passed between guests, with some leaving the chamber and going to the windowed corridor outside.

“It’s the Witch!” a woman cried.

Glinda rushed out just in time to see a flash of green disappear against the night sky. The sparkling light crackling loud enough to make her ears pop.

BEHIND THE CURTAIN.

Oh, Shiz.

Sir Chuffrey read the words out loud. “Behind the curtain? What curtain?”

“There is no curtain!” Morrible snapped, ushering the rest of the guests out the door. “His Ozness will confer on how to counter the Wicked Witch’s attack in private. Do not worry, the Gale Force will get to the bottom of this!”

She slammed the door shut. Inside, the sound of the flying Monkeys being released echoed throughout the now quiet space.

“Your Goodness?” a young man swallowed. “What curtain?”

Glinda said nothing.

She simply gave a pointed look at the sealed doors and walked away.

The soldier grunted as the force of her broom threw him from the saddle.

Elphaba waited until he had fled a safe distance before turning her attention to the wagon. Already, Fiyero had begun working on the lock. The tip they’d gotten regarding a nearby caravan of captured Animals had turned out to be true, much to her horror.

Last night’s disruption of the Wizard’s party had been a distraction. So long as the Gale Force was busy cleaning up the mess of flyers she’d left behind, the wouldn’t look to the transport of their prisoners.

THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN LIES

Fiyero came up with that tagline, and a printer in the nearby town of Restwater who was loyal to their cause had been more than willing to print the flyers. Hopefully, they had gotten to enough people.

If her words in the sky would be wiped away with a wave from Morrible, Elphaba figured, then she would use the old hag’s tactics against her. The lights couldn't be waved off by a passing wind, or their letters switched to be more threatening. There was nothing Morrible could do to twist the narrative.

“Did you take care of the others?” she asked after a brief assessment of Fiyero’s injuries. Other than a minor scratch on his cheek, he was unhurt.

He nodded. “You’ll find their commander floating down the river.”

“Did you…”

“I respect your ideals, love,” he got out in between pants. The lock was proving stubborn. “He’s alive, though the back of his head will be the size of a goose egg tomorrow.”

She had to laugh at that.

The lock finally broke. Throwing open the doors to the wagon, Elphaba was relieved to find its occupants alive and healthy.

“Go, quick!” she ordered, waving the variety of Animals out. “Meena will take you to Kiamo Ko!”

Meena, the Tiger that had volunteered to lead the rescued Animals to their hideout, hopped from paw to paw anxiously at the edge of the forest.

“Thank you,” a Cow wept, nudging her calf out of the wagon. “Thank you!”

Elphaba bowed her head. “It was our honor.”

She watched them disappear over the horizon, a sick feeling in her stomach, though she couldn’t explain why. Was it a vision? No, there was no headache forming. They would be fine, especially with Meena leading them.

“I think I see a faceprint in the snow,” Fiyero snorted, coming up from behind and resting his chin on her shoulder. “You really knocked the breeches off of him.”

“Yero, you know there’s not enough snow for that.” The Winter had been quite mild this year. She was positive it was due to Morrible, who was always looking for a way to make the Wizard look good. With reports of the failing harvests coming in from all reaches of Oz, he needed a win.

“Maybe, but it’s a sight I would have liked to see.”

She smiled and made to reply. But then that sick feeling was there again, only this time it was strong enough to make her gag. No, not gag…

Elphaba made it two paces before she threw up in a nearby blueberry bush. Well, those weren’t going to be eaten anytime soon.

“Hey, deep breaths,” Fiyero said gently, slipping off her hat and holding her hair. “I’ve got you.”

Her retching finished quietly. “Must’ve been something I ate.” She didn’t bother admitting that the nausea had been persistent over the last week, but never enough to make her physically sick.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah. Just a passing bug.”

He shook his head. “We’d better get home. The Gale Force is likely to send reinforcements.”

Back at the hut, Elphaba brushed her teeth and settled onto the bed. Taking heed of the weather, they’d moved it inside by the fire.

Fiyero presented her with a mug of hot tea. “You should rest.”

“Yero, I’m fine,” she insisted. But she accepted the tea. “I don’t need to be fussed over.”

He snorted, kissing the tip of her nose. “Aw come on, I like fussing over you.”

“You’re impossible.”

“You know you love me.”

“I do, which is why I know you’re impossible.” She laid down on the soft blankets. Weariness hit her like a train, and it became a struggle to keep her eyes open.

Fiyero huffed out a laugh. “Told you.”

She nestled further into the crook of his shoulder. “Oh shush.”

For the first time in Oz knew how long, she could fall asleep knowing that someone had her. No longer would she wake up in the middle of the night, listening for any sign of discovery. The loneliness of the past four years was gone, and in its place was nothing but love and warmth and happiness.

Love. This was love.

Chapter Text

“I swear to Lurline, if you splash me one more time-”

Fiyero was promptly smacked in the face by a rush of ice-cold lake water. Swearing an oath of vengeance against the smug blue Horse in front of him, he cupped his hands and prepared for battle.

“Boys.”

Elphaba’s warning voice had them both halting.

“Play nice.”

Of course Feldspur cheated. The nuisance charged when Fiyero wasn’t looking, knocking him into the frigid water. A few choice words slipped between his lips, and his friend was quick to feign disbelief, giving Elphaba a pointed look.

She simply sighed. “Don’t expect me to step in when he wipes the floor with you, Feld.”

“Oh please,” he guffawed. “You’re just saying that ‘cause he gives good-”

“Feldspur!”

Her cheeks had darkened significantly, and she stood furiously, only to wince.

Fiyero trudged out of the water to her side. “Are your wounds acting up?” They’d given her little to no trouble, and the one at her hip was barely visible now, but still, one could never be too sure.

“No,” she said softly. “My back is killing me.”

“All that broom riding,” he said, nodding sagely.

Elphaba shot him an unamused expression. “Funny. But it’s not that.”

He shifted behind her and ran his thumbs along the spot on her back she gestured to. Immediately, her expression became one of complete ecstasy.

“Holy Lurline. Keep doing that.”

“Anywhere else?”

Her face dropped. That was her lying face, judging by the way her eyes widened and her lips pursed. “Just here.”

Fiyero arched a brow. “Elphaba Thropp, you look as guilty as Feldspur did when I caught him flirting with my mother’s mare.”

“Hey, you said you wouldn’t tell!” the Horse in question squawked.

Elphaba blew out a breath. “It’s embarrassing.”

“Love,” he said gently, brushing her braids aside to kiss her neck, “nothing about you could ever be embarrassing to me.”

She rolled her eyes. “My breasts are a little sore, that’s all.”

“That’s not embarrassing.”

“It’s unnatural. I don’t get sore, ever.” She thought for a moment. “Well, except for when we…never mind.”

Fiyero pulled a playful face. “Oh, do tell.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

Fiyero was up with the sun the next morning. It was out of habit from the years of Gale Force training, and, he admitted internally, he liked to just lay in bed for a while, listening to the sounds of the woman he loved breathing steadily beside him.

He could always tell when she was dreaming. Her brows scrunched up like there was a problem she was struggling to solve, and her hand, which was resting on his chest, curled up into a fist. Fiyero smiled and kissed the top of her head, inhaling her flowery scent.

Elphaba shifted. “Go back to sleep, Yero.”

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” he whispered.

“I know. Now go back to sleep.”

He let out a soft chuckle at that. “Alright.” It was an empty statement and they both knew it. Her arm tightened around him. “I’m not going anywhere.” That, however, was not. He would stay however long she wanted.

“Good, cause you’d be a dead man if you tried.”

“Noted.”

She was so cute when she threatened him.

Another hour passed. Fiyero toyed with one of her braids all the while. After a time, though, she rose with a pained grimace.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, sitting up to meet her eye-to-eye.

A hand went to the spot just below her breast. “I don’t think we were too aggressive last night,” she winced, kneading the flesh.

He tried to think back to what they had been doing a few hours ago. The most vivid memory was of her on top of him, gripping his waist as she-

“Yero?”

“No, nothing out of the ordinary.”

She scoffed. And then her face paled. Before he could say anything, she rushed for the opening of the hut and vomited off the side of the tree. Fiyero’s heart began to pound at the look of terror on her face.

“Let it out,” he soothed, holding back her hair. Once she’d finished, he draped a gray robe around her shoulders to protect against the cold.

Elphaba wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and went to the little pool of water that emptied onto the forest floor. It served as their sink, easily refillable with a muttered spell he had tried, and failed, numerous times to pronounce.

Fiyero dressed and waited on the bed, fiddling with the buttons of his shirt, gifted by a passing merchant. He was sick of seeing the Wizard’s O-Z insignia embroidered into all his clothes. The gold buttons on his Gale Force uniform were worth a good deal, and he’d used some of them to buy a pretty shawl for her, the black fabric subtly embroidered with poppy flowers.

When he’d given it to her as a Lurlinemas present, she cried, explaining that only a handful of people had given her a gift in her life.

She donned that shawl again, now dressed in a pair of loose pants and shirt.

“You should see a doctor,” he suggested, holding out his arms for her to nestle into.

“A doctor will only tell me what I’m afraid I already know.”

He blinked. “What?”

Her mouth twisted, and tears began to form in her eyes.

“Yero, I think I’m pregnant.”

Chapter Text

It started as simple things. Chicken began to taste like ash in her mouth, completely inedible. Then the nausea started, her breasts began to ache, and her back grew taught every time she so much as shifted her weight.

Still, she hoped. She hoped it was just an illness, a passing bug, anything.

Not a baby. Anything but a baby.

And yet she knew. Deep in her gut, she knew, and it terrified her. The memory of her mother’s screams of pain still lingered in her nightmares. The sight of the blood-soaked sheets burning in the fireplace never left her mind.

Elphaba had tasted fear before, but nothing like this.

She stared up into Fiyero’s eyes, which had grown wider. How would he take this? He was going to leave her now, wasn’t he. Oh Oz, she was going to be sick again at the thought of losing him, of him denying all that was between them.

Only he didn’t. Slowly, his breathing grew steady, and his eyes fluttered shut.

“Yero?”

“Just thinking.”

Elphaba blinked. “Of?” Making his escape, no doubt.

He took her hands, his eyes flying open. “First, I want to know if you’re alright.”

“I…”

Was she? No, she very much was not.

“I’m terrified.”

Fiyero nodded and drew her to his chest. “I understand, love.” When she began to cry, he held the side of her head gently. “It’s alright. I’ve got you.”

Still, she sobbed like a child. Weren’t babies supposed to be happy occasions? Women in Munchkinland prided themselves on their children and never missed a chance to parade them around town, boasting of their accomplishments, even if all the kid did was brush his teeth that morning.

Well, Elphaba reasoned, she had always been different.

“What’re we going to do?” she whispered once her tears had been spent.

Fiyero kissed her hair gently. “We’ll just have to be more careful from now on.”

“I’m not stopping my fight against the Wizard.”

“And I would never ask you to,” he answered honestly. “Caution, that’s all I’m saying.”

It was a reasonable request. She loved that most about him, that he never tried to hold her back or keep her power at bay. He loved every single piece of her, and she of him.

Gently, so as not to disturb the presence growing inside her, Elphaba laid a hand on her stomach.

“When I was ten or so, our gardener’s wife was pregnant,” she began quietly. Fiyero nodded, listening, as he always did. “I asked to feel the baby kick, but she said no. She had another child, and he told me it was because his mother was afraid I would turn the baby green.”

Fiyero scoffed. “Small-minded people.”

She smiled at his automatic defense of her. “Yeah. Small-minded.” Then a thought hit her, and she sat up, facing him. “Yero, what if this baby…what if…”

“What if they’re green?”

Biting the inside of her lip to hide the fear she felt, Elphaba nodded.

Fiyero reached out to cup her face between his hands. There was nothing but reverent love in his eyes.

“Elphaba, our child could be born with three feet, four eyes, and feathers for hair, and I wouldn’t love her any less.”

Our child. Her.

“You want a girl?” she breathed, the idea of holding a piece of Fiyero in her arms sending a warm feeling through her chest.

He shrugged. “Again, I would love them no matter what.”

“Even if they were green?”

“Especially if they were green.”

If only having a baby didn’t require so much pain.

“I feel like a stampede of Hippos just ran over me,” she complained one afternoon, a week later. Flying, once a freeing experience, only made the pain in her lower back worse.

Fiyero plucked a few Quoxwood leaves from their hanging branches. “Want me to massage it, love?”

“It’s just my body adjusting. I’ll get Feldspur to walk across my back later.”

A few paces away, the Horse guffawed loudly. His joy when she and Fiyero had eventually caved and told him almost made all the pain worth it. At his absolute insistence-though they were already planning on doing so-he was going to be godfather.

“I would never hurt Feld Jr.” he insisted, giving a proud toss of his mane.

Elphaba gave him a look that questioned his sanity. “Feld Jr?”

“If it’s a boy, Feldina for a girl.”

Fiyero’s groan was loud enough to scare off a nearby flock of birds.

She laughed. “Thanks, Feld, but I don’t think anyone could live up to you.” Her flattery made him puff out his chest in pride.

“Yeah, especially-”

“Yero.”

He held up both hands, coming over with his basket of various plants and herbs. “Your ingredients, my love.”

“Flirt,” she chided, accepting the basket and twining her arms around his neck. “Thank you for being such a good sport about this.”

A look of surprise transformed his face. “Fae, you are the love of my whole existence, not to mention the mother of my child. I would do anything just to make you smile.”

Well, Shiz. That sent all sorts of butterflies flitting around her stomach.

“I love you.”

“I love you more.”

She snorted at the sureness in his voice. “Alright, we love each other equally, how about that?”

He sighed through his nose, pondering her proposal dramatically. “I suppose that works.”

“I won’t be able to keep this a secret forever,” she noted out loud, gesturing to her flat-for-now belly. “People are bound to notice.”

“Do you want people to notice?”

It was a hard question to answer. “Morrible won’t rest until I’m gone. I don’t think she’d let any of the Wicked Witch’s offspring get a free pass.”

Fiyero flinched. “Don’t say that. Please.”

“Yero, we’ve got to think realistically.” As terrifying as those thoughts were.

“I know, but not now,” he said, shaking his head fearfully. “You will be safe, and happy, and damn whoever tries to get in my way to make that happen.” She gave a soft chuckle as he continued. “And at the end of this, we’ll have a healthy child that will grow up in a world without Wizards or wicked hags like Morrible.”

“It’s a beautiful dream, Yero.”

“One I’m going to make happen.”

Chapter Text

A baby. A little boy or girl with his chin and Fae’s eyes, the very eyes that left him in a trance every time he looked in them.

Fiyero never imagined himself with children. Being the heir to the Vinkus, it was expected for him to produce them, of course. Heirs, left in the care of their tutors and raised on the opposite side of whatever castle his parents were staying at.

Not his child. His child would be loved, no matter what. They would never have to go about their day wondering if they might see their father in passing.

“Ilianora,” he said suddenly one night, a month after Elphaba had figured out her pregnancy.

She glanced up from her workbench, an array of labeled bottles arranged neatly on the slab of wood. “What?”

Fiyero set aside the map he had been looking over. “I was thinking Ilianora for a girl. It’s an old name in the Vinkun language, meaning ‘strength.’”

“Ilianora,” Elphaba repeated, testing the name on her lips. Then, she smiled. “I like it. Though don’t you think it’s a tad formal?”

“We’ll call her Nor for short.”

“So you do think a girl!” she cried, catching onto his slip.

He fell back against the pillows with a scoffing laugh. “I didn’t say that.”

Joining him on the mattress-since the nights were still frigid, and would remain so until the summer months-she tossed her braids over a shoulder. “No, but you keep referring to the baby as a her.”

“I’m happy no matter what, you know that.”

“Of course. But you have a preference.”

She had him there.

Fiyero draped an arm around her shoulder and rested his other hand on her stomach, where the most minute of bumps was forming. “Alright, so I’m slightly hoping for a girl, is that so wrong?”

“No, as long as you’re transparent about it,” she retorted, brushing back a strand of his hair. “Wanna know something?”

“Always.”

“I want it to be a girl too.”

His brows flicked up. “Oh?” A part of him had been hoping she’d say that.

She nodded. “And I want her to have your eyes.”

“Really!” he guffawed, wrapping his arms around her protectively. “And why mine?”

“I love your eyes,” she admitted with a loud yawn. The baby took a lot out of her during the day. “They remind me of sapphires.”

Fiyero smiled softly as her head rested against his shoulder. “You’re tired, love.”

“Am not.”

And then she yawned again.

“Maybe a little.”

He snickered. “Go to sleep, Fae. I’ll be here.”

Her eyes fluttered shut. “What about a boy?”

“Hm?”

“The baby. We need to think of boy names too.” She yawned again, and Fiyero slipped the pin that kept her bun in place out of her hair. “I like Liir.”

He pondered over the name for a moment. “Is that a Munchkinland name?”

“No, Gillikin. My mother was from there.”

There was no hesitation about that. “It’s perfect. Liir Thropp-Tigelaar.”

“I love you,” she said drowsily.

“And I love you.”

The next day, she went out for a flight. Fiyero would be lying if he said it didn’t scare him senseless, the thought of her out in the open, at risk of being sighted by the Monkeys. But she had been doing this for years, he knew she would come back.

“You’re being paranoid,” Feldspur chided as Fiyero scanned the clouds for the third time that minute, “and I bet she’d say the same thing.”

Fiyero responded maturely by sticking out his tongue at the Horse. “Don’t patronize me.”

“You know I’m right,” he retorted. “Why’re you so antsy all of a sudden?”

“Because the last time she went flying without me there, she nearly died.” Fiyero’s voice shook on the last word. “I trust her completely, but it doesn’t stop me from being utterly terrified.” He rose from the forest floor, an array of maps and train schedules spread out in front of him.

Feldspur blew out a breath. “Geez, Yero. That’s something you got to tell her.”

“I don’t want to make her feel guilty,” he said, running a hand through his hair. If he told her, it wouldn’t stop her from flying, nor would he ever want her to. Flying was second nature to Fae; he would hate himself forever if his own fears kept her from it.

As if on cue, the wind rustled, and the trees themselves seemed to part for the green figure that glided through.

Elphaba landed gracefully, flipping off her hat. She smiled when she saw Fiyero waiting for her.

“You boys miss me?”

“Oh, Feldspur was beside himself,” Fiyero quipped, coming over to kiss her. She responded eagerly, her nails stroking his hair.

Someone cleared their throat pointedly behind them.

“Oops,” Elphaba giggled into his mouth. “Sorry Feld.”

The Horse harrumphed. “I’d say get a room, but,” he gave a look of mock disapproval at Elphaba’s stomach, “it seems I’m a little late on that.”

The prince shot his best friend a withering glare.

Elphaba laughed. “Funny. What’s there to eat?” she asked, turning to Fiyero. “I’m starving.”

He chuckled. The baby had her scarfing down just about anything remotely edible. “I can make some eggs.”

“Please.”

Chapter Text

“As you know, my lady, I hold extensive lands in both Gillikin and Quadling.”

Glinda nodded blandly. The feeling of his sweaty palm on her arm was enough to make her shudder.

Sir Chuffrey frowned. “Are you cold, Your Goodness?”

“A slight chill, that’s all,” she replied, forcing a smile. “You were saying, about your lands?”

She really could not have cared less. Giving Chuffrey a tour of the palace had been Morrible’s idea, much to Glinda’s chagrin. She knew what the old hag was up to.

The people needed a distraction from the Witch’s attacks. It was the disruption of the Wizard’s party two months ago that planted the idea in Morrible’s head. A new courtship for their beloved Glinda the Good was just the thing.

THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN LIES.

Elphie had moved on from trying to convince the Ozians. Now she was letting them figure it out for themselves.

First to question was a delegation from Winkie Country. They’d come on behalf of King Marilott, demanding to know where his son and heir was. The Wizard had tried to threaten them, to insult Fiyero, declaring him a traitor, but the Winkies didn’t budge.

A week later, the flyers began to pop up.

OSCAR DIGGS IS HIS NAME.

HE COULD NEVER READ THE GRIMMERIE.

ARE YOU SURE YOUR MEAT WOULDN’T HAVE BEGGED FOR ITS LIFE?

Glinda had gagged at the last one. The killing and eating of Animals in comparison to regular animals was against the law, but it wasn’t improbable for the butchers of the Emerald City to defy the order.

It implied that the Wizard knew all about these illegal dealings. That he condoned it.

The flyers sent a wave of disgust throughout the city. People tried to ignore them, but when Elphaba soared above, dropping thousands of them from her satchel, it became impossible. Anti-Wizard graffiti began to appear on the walls of banks, of the Gale Force headquarters.

It wasn’t in Elphie’s handwriting.

“Your Goodness seems much distracted today,” Sir Chuffrey noted, drawing Glinda out of her thoughts.

“My apologies,” she replied with as much pleasantness as she could muster up. “I’ve had a rather difficult few weeks, that’s all.”

The old man nodded. He wasn’t cruel, by any means, though his own high opinions of himself could get rather tedious. “Of course. The Wicked Witch has set us all on edge.”

“Right.”

Try as she might, she could never be angry with Elphie. She knew her friend loved her, and that her and Fiyero, whatever fears Glinda might have had in the beginning, hadn’t so much as caught a glimpse of each other in the four years they were apart.

It was reassuring, in a way. There was no betrayal, no sneaking around behind her back.

Chuffrey’s tour drew to a close in the hall outside the Wizard’s Chamber, where Madame Morrible was waiting, a knowing smirk on her face.

Glinda’s stomach dropped.

“Did you enjoy yourself, Sir Chuffrey?” the Madame asked coyly.

“Very much,” he replied, chin raised. “Her Goodness was most accommodating.”

Morrible nodded. “She is not hailed Glinda the Good for nothing.”

‘The Good’ in question had to bite back a retort that would surely have the old woman seething.

Instead, she smiled politely. “I was honored to show the good sir around.”

“That is excellent to hear, because I do believe Sir Chuffrey has a most important question for you.”

Oh no. No, no, no.

Large, fleshy hands enveloped her own. Oz above, she could count the beads of sweat on Chuffrey’s temple. When he licked his lips, bits of saliva remained.

“Lady Glinda,” he began, nose turned up haughtily. “You are the very epitome of goodness, hailed by all and revered by more. Your beauty is renowned, and I find that even I, the wealthiest man in Quadling Country, am drawn to you.”

This could not be happening.

Oh, but it was.

Behind the man old enough to be Glinda’s grandfather, Morrible was smug. So this was to be the hag’s revenge, the way to make her pay for Fiyero and Elphaba’s desertion.

“It would do me the greatest honor,” Chuffrey continued, “if you will agree to marry me.”

No, her mind screamed.

The expression on her face must have been one of utter horror, because the look Morrible shot a look that would have withered a rose in springtime.

Glinda made to shake her head.

And then Chuffrey’s grip on her hands tightened.

She realized then that it would not matter if she said no. A wedding would stir the morale of the people, and that was all they cared about. These selfish, horrid people, that was what Morrible and Chuffrey were, what the Wizard was.

Who cared about the needs of others? They would do whatever it took to come out looking like the heroes.

It devastated Glinda. It hurt her very soul.

But she had no choice.

“Yes,” she said blandly, without emotion.

And she knew then and there that she would never forgive herself.

Pfannee held up a pink and gold ombre dress. “Perhaps for the engagement party?” he suggested.

“Ooh, and the diamond shoes!” Shen-Shen squealed.

Glinda stared numbly out the window. On the street below, Morrible would be making the pronouncement herself. Invitations were already being made, and the dressmaker had been summoned.

Her parents would be thrillified at the news. The Uplands would be the most well-connected family in all Oz after this.

And yet there was no joy in her.

“Glinda?” Shen-Shen called, holding out a pair of pink diamond earrings. “For the party?”

She nodded. “Sure.”

At once, Pfannee was suspicious. “You don’t seem all that excited.”

“I feel ready to beat people over the head with my wand,” Glinda admitted. Tears sprang into her eyes, and she hastened to brush them away.

Shen-Shen made a sound of pity, coming over to place an arm around the blonde’s shoulder. “Marriage can be hard. I should know, my parents are married.”

What sage advice.

“You don’t get it,” Glinda sniffled. “I don’t want to get married.”

Pfannee’s brows furrowed. “But Morrible said-”

“Yes, yes, Morrible said!” she cried, throwing out her arms. “That’s all anyone cares about, what Morrible says!”

“Maybe a nap would be best,” Shen-Shen said cautiously. She looked, for the first time, afraid of Glinda.

Glinda snorted. “No, I’m fine. Just go, I’ll figure out my look for the party on my own.”

That’s how things were going to be from now on.

She was on her own.

Chapter Text

Elphaba shifted back and forth in the mirror, scoffing from time to time.

“Love, you sound like you have a cold,” Fiyero remarked.

She turned to see him watching her with an expression of amusement. “I look like I’ve got a pumpkin growing in my stomach.”

He chuckled, looking back down at the map in front of him. “Fae, you know you’re the most beautiful thing in the world.”

“You’re biased.”

“Maybe, but I say what I see.”

Even now, he still filled her stomach with butterflies. Unless that was the baby…

Elphaba brought a hand to the defined bump in between her hips. It felt like pressing down on a balloon filled with water. There was no movement. They hadn’t consulted a midwife or anything, so she wasn’t exactly sure when babies began kicking.

“What’s wrong?” Fiyero asked, his voice loaded with concern. Brows furrowed, he came towards her and rested a hand over her own. “Is it the baby?”

“No,” she huffed, “and that’s the problem. I’m nearing four months, and there’s been nothing.”

He brushed her hair behind an ear. “I’m sure everything’s fine, but if it’ll help, we could go see someone about it-”

“Absolutely not,” she guffawed, twining her arms around his neck. “It’s too risky. A doctor could very well report us to the Gale Force.”

Fiyero leaned toward to peck her nose with a kiss. “Fine. We’ll give it another month, does that work?”

“I suppose. Now show me that map you were looking at.”

There was talk of Animals being herded from their homes in the middle of the night, transferred to Oz knew where, much to Elphaba’s frustration. Those poor Animals, their children, taken under the cover of darkness like they were no better than common criminals.

Fiyero had been following the Gale Force’s movements for a week now.

“From what I’ve gathered,” he began, tracing the markings of his pen with a finger, “they started back at the borders of Munchkinland, going along to Quadling, before returning to the Emerald City.”

Elphaba flinched. “You think they’re being kept in the City?”

He closed his eyes for a moment. “I’m afraid they’re being kept in the City.”

“The Wizard wouldn’t…”

Oh, but he would. He was capable of so many cruel things, knowing he could get away with them.

Fiyero took her hand gently. “Hey, we’ll free them, I promise.”

“I know,” she said. And yet her throat had begun to grow tight, and her eyes stung.

“Fae,” he breathed, taking her in his arms.

“Just hormones,” she insisted, her voice breaking. “I’m scared for them, Yero. They’ve done nothing wrong.”

She felt him nod. “And the Wizard is going to pay, in many ways. Your flyers are working, Fae. Rebellions have sprouted up all the way in Gillikin.”

“But how effective will a few voices be?”

“Yours carried all the way across Oz, love.”

“Because people hated me.”

“But they listened.”

Huh. It was a different way of putting things, but he had a point.

The people had listened.

Now, she would make them see.

Fiyero watched her from his point on the bank of the river. Her bare green back was turned to him, her hair draped over a shoulder as she dipped it into the water. A hand went to the rock that held all her soaps and shampoos.

Having already washed himself, Fiyero leaned back against the soft grass, taking in the Spring sun. The weather had improved vastly, as if Madame Morrible was preparing for something.

The sound of someone breaking through the trees had him sitting up, reaching for his gun.

“Yero!” Feldspur cried, his voice muffled by the newspaper in his mouth.

Fiyero stood, giving a shake of his damp hair. “Let me guess, Shell’s mare is engaged and you’re devastated.” But the look in his friend’s eyes had him pausing. “Feld, what is it?”

The Horse dropped the paper into his waiting hand.

GLINDA THE GOOD TO WED!

Oh…Shiz.

“Fiyero?” Elphaba called, coming towards them in her loose dress that partially hid her growing stomach. “You’re pale.”

He scanned the headline a few times. Sir Chuffrey, Fiyero had heard of him. But he had to have been three times Glinda’s age! This had Morrible written all over it.

“Fae,” he started softly. “You have to promise you won’t panic.” At the confused expression on her face, he ran a hand along her shoulder. “I trust you completely, but this is big.”

She nodded. “Alright.”

Taking a deep breath, he passed her the damned newspaper.

At first, she simply stared. Then her eyes went wide, and her fingers latched onto his own. Her grip was like iron.

“Glinda would never,” she choked out.

“Yeah, this reeks of a certain Madame we know.”

“But why Chuffrey? And so soon after you…”

He knew what she meant. “Chuffrey is powerful in Quadling. Most of the rebellions I mentioned have started there. Morrible wants to establish a foothold, and with their beloved Glinda the Good married to him, it might quell the rebels.”

Elphaba blew out a breath. “And Glinda probably has no choice.”

Oz above. This was all his fault. He would never, ever regret leaving with Fae, but he couldn’t help wishing he had given Glinda at least a word of warning. She might have gotten away.

Seeing the guilt written all over his face, Elphaba reached up to cup his cheek. “Hey, don’t do that.”

“What?”

“Don’t blame yourself. We’ll get her out of that prison they call a palace.”

He couldn’t help but smile.

Now it was her turn to demand: “What?”

“Nothing,” he shrugged. “Only that yesterday it was me who said something to that effect.”

“I mean it.”

“Oh, I know.”

“And I have a plan.”

He blinked a few times. “Already?”

Behind them, Feldspur blew out a breath. “I see why you like her so much, Yero.”

An understatement, but that was beside the point.

Elphaba ran a thumb along the stubble lining his cheeks. “Yes, already. But I need you to hear me out.”

“Always, love.”

“It involves my sister.”

Oh. “Can I change my answer?”

She chuckled. “No, you cannot. And besides, my mind is made up.” Then there was no stopping her now. “First, though, I need to visit her.”

Fiyero huffed. “Fine. But I still haven’t forgiven her for calling the Force in on you.”

“She had to save herself, Yero.”

“Right,” he conceded. “But can I at least go with?”

“Oh, I suppose.”

He made a sound of mock outrage and tweaked her nose.

Chapter Text

Dulcibear’s rosebushes had died a long time ago.

It hurt Elphaba to see her former place of refuge reduced to dry grass and wilting plants. A muttered spell had a few of the flowers perking up.

“Rough times,” Fiyero muttered, a hand resting on his gun. They had spied a group of the Wizard’s soldiers patrolling the gates of Munchkinland. All were Gale Force men, which meant they were out looking for Elphaba.

No doubt they suspected she might return to conspire with her sister.

It only took a wave of her hand and the back door clicked open. Fiyero went first, weapon raised. She might have laughed at the seriousness written on his handsome face, were the situation not so dire.

She had to save Glinda, no matter what. She knew better than anyone what Morrible was like, how the old witch had likely forced Glinda into the marriage, and with a creaky old toad at that!

Fiyero’s explanation made sense. Keep control of the Good Witch, you keep control of the people. Elphaba would never forgive herself if her best friend, as much as said best friend might despise her, was forced to give up her light, her happiness, just to be a pawn in the Wizard’s games.

So she would free her. And, if Nessa could find it somewhere in her cold heart, she would come to Munchkinland, the furthest part of Oz. Here, she would be safe.

Every hall they passed was empty. Strange, Elphaba mused. Usually, there were servants bustling about the place.

The Governor’s study was at the front of the mansion, as it had always been. An odd feeling of déjà vu washed over her as she approached the closed door. As a child, that door had meant bracing herself for verbal lashings, the disapproving gaze of her father, even a tight grip on her skinny arm.

But Father was dead now.

Inside, a lone figure sat at the fireplace, her brown eyes staring into the flames as if they held all the answers to her life.

“I didn’t ask for tea, Avaric,” Nessa snapped.

“My bad,” Elphaba replied.

Her sister’s head snapped to the side, her face draining of color.

“You.”

“Me.”

It was quiet for a moment, until Elphaba felt Fiyero peering around her shoulder. “We’d best go in, love, in case someone sees us.”

She looked for Nessa’s nod of approval, but the Governor had turned away. So she entered, noting the unchanging décor from the last time she had been in here.

“What are you doing here?” Nessa demanded, wheeling to the center of the room.

Elphaba snorted as Fiyero closed the door quietly behind them. “Good to see you too.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“I need a favor.”

Her sister glared openly. “Do you actually expect me to help you?”

“Well, considering the first thing you did after four years was to try and get me arrested, yeah, I do,” she shot back.

It was a low blow, and Nessa flinched. “If I didn’t, they would have accused me of helping you.”

Now Elphaba laughed, dark and bitter. “Right, my mistake.”

“Why are you being like this?”

“Like what?”

“So angry!”

“Because I am!” she exclaimed. Faintly, she could hear Fiyero blowing out a breath. Smart of him to keep a distance. “I’m mad that I had to learn of our father’s death from the newspapers, I’m mad that you banned Animal travel into Munchkinland, and, if we’re being honest, I’m downright furious that you have the nerve to be upset with me.”

Nessa shook her head furiously. “You abandoned me, Elphaba.”

“I found out the truth about the Wizard. Would you have believed me?”

That got her. Her face changed into one of unacknowledged guilt. “No, I wouldn’t have.”

Elphaba held out both arms. “Exactly. I couldn’t go back to you and Father, he’d have probably had me arrested, just to be rid of me.”

“That’s a wicked thing to say,” Nessa cried.

“No, it’s just true.”

And it was. Their father hated Elphaba, always had. It was a tough pill to swallow, but she’d managed to take it a while ago.

Even Nessa couldn’t deny it. “Just ask your favor.”

“Glinda’s getting married.”

Her sister’s gaze shifted into something like both dislike and confusion. “So?”

Elphaba switched her broom from one hand to the other. “It’s a political marriage. Ever heard of Pastorious Chuffrey?”

“That old fool?” Nessa snorted. “He offered to outright buy Rush Margins after the mayor’s death.”

Only a moron tried to win over the people of Rush Margins. They were a rather tenacious group. “That’s who she’s marrying.”

“Is she crazy?”

“No, she’s being forced into it by Morrible.”

Nessa’s mouth puckered. “I never liked her anyway. But what does that have to do with me?”

Elphaba turned to Fiyero, who was pointedly admiring a terrarium against the window. “Yero, your turn.”

“Right,” he said, clearing his throat. “We’re going to get her out of there. Her rooms are one of the highest points of the palace, so there’s no risk of being spotted by the Monkeys. We get in, find her, and we’re out, just like that.”

The Governor considered his words for a moment. “And me?”

“We need somewhere for her to hide afterward,” Elphaba explained. “I was hoping you’d offer the storm cellar.”

Their father, always a paranoid man, had installed a cellar beneath the house in case of a twister. It was equipped with all the basic necessities, and its existence was known only by the Thropp family.

Nessa leaned her head back against her chair. “You’re asking me to make a huge risk.”

“I know, and I’m sorry for it,” she answered honestly, her former anger forgotten.

“But why can’t you hide her?”

“Um…”

Oh boy. This was going to be hard to explain.

Fiyero placed a reassuring hand on Elphaba’s back. “We won’t have the room. At least not after a few months.”

Nessa frowned. “I don’t follow.”

“Might as well,” he whispered to Elphaba, who frowned.

“Are you sure?”

“Only if you are.”

Well, she couldn’t really deny her kid their aunt.

Slowly, Elphaba undid the buttons of her coat, which had gracefully hidden the bump. Now, she let it fall against the sofa.

It was quiet for a clock-tick as Nessa’s face went from shock, then to complete and utter devastation.

“Fabala…”

At the old nickname, Elphaba’s eyes watered. “So you see why I came to you.”

There were tears in her sister’s eyes. “How-how far are you?”

“Four months, give or take.”

“Do you know…can you tell…”

She smiled softly. “No, I don’t know.”

Nessa’s hand went to her mouth. “Holy Lurline, Fabala.”

“Yeah, yell me about it.”

“And you,” she said to Fiyero, “you ran away for her?”

Without hesitation, he nodded. “Yes, and I would do it again, no matter what.”

Elphaba knew that he meant it. In that moment, she wasn’t sure anyone had ever loved another person more than she loved him.

Nessa let out a low huff. Her eyes met her sister’s, and she held up a hand. “May I?”

“You won’t feel anything,” Elphaba shrugged, “but sure.”

It was an odd sensation, having someone other than Fiyero touching her. But this was her baby sister, her Nessie, as she called Nessa when they were little. This was the girl she would sing to sleep during thunderstorms or read to out in the garden on days when their father’s grief for his dead wife made him unbearable to be around.

For all their differences, Elphaba had missed her.

Nessa lifted her hand from her sister’s stomach, and she was smiling. “So I’m going to be an aunt?”

“You are.”

“I thought you hated children?”

At that, Fiyero lifted a brow.

Elphaba gave him a playful swat on the arm. “I never hated them, I was simply…unaffectionate. And it’s different when you’re going to have one of your own.”

Nessa opened her mouth, no doubt to tell her older sister that she was a downright rotten liar.

Then the door opened.

Chapter Text

Boq had never considered himself a man easily startled. The past few months had taught him never to rely on the whims of other people.

But boy, was this a surprise.

The mansion had been quiet when he’d returned from the market. No surprise, since Nessa had dismissed just about all of the staff, save for the kitchen workers, himself, and Avaric. Not that the Wizard would let her have her former servants back anyway.

He feared her joining forces with the Witch. Up until that point, Boq might have sworn on his very life that Nessa would never even consider working with her sister.

And then he entered her study.

Staring into the face of the Wicked Witch, at least for a moment, he was back at Shiz.

You’re too hard on yourself, Boq.

But if I don’t do well on this essay, I’ll be failing the class. If I fail out, I’ll be a disappointment to my family.

Tell you what, I have Mombi fourth period. Would it help if I shared my notes?

You’re a live saver, Elphaba.

Only she wasn’t. She was wicked. That was what all the papers said anyway. And Fiyero, considered a traitor for running away with the witch. The papers made sure to mention him in every article.

“Boq,” Nessa said, clearing her throat.

Oz above, she really was working with them.

“Stay back!” he demanded, making to run. He would tell the Gale Force, he had to! It was his duty as an Ozian, wasn’t it?

The door slammed shut at a wave of Elphaba’s hand. No, she was the witch now.

And he was trapped.

“Hi, Boq,” the witch sighed, reaching for a long black jacket on the sofa. Fiyero stepped in front of her, a hand on the gun strapped to his hip.

“Governor, what are you doing with them?” Boq spat, though he already knew the reason.

Nessa’s brows drew together in pain. “Don’t talk to me like that, Boq. Just listen to us for a moment.”

“You’re all traitors,” he hissed.

Fiyero’s face tightened. “Boq, calm down.”

It was the witch who rested a hand on his shoulder. At once, Fiyero faced her. Boq knew that look, he had seen it a thousand times in the faces of older couples who’d been together for years, in the eyes of newlyweds when they emerged from the Unionist church at the edge of town.

Love. Plain and simple.

Fiyero loved the witch, and he would kill anyone who tried to harm her. That included Boq.

She shifted in front of the former captain.

Boq’s heart dropped. It couldn’t…oh, but it was. He’d have been a fool to miss the definite bump sticking out in between her hips.

“You-you can’t be,” he managed to stammer out. “Elphaba?”

There it was. The first time he’d said her name out loud in four years. It felt foreign on his tongue, like speaking some sort of ancient language.

She smiled though. “It’s nice to see you, Boq.”

Swallowing, he took a tentative step forward. “How?”

“What, your parents never explained to you-”

“Fiyero.”

Fiyero gave her a look, communicating without speaking.

Elphaba blew out an exasperated breath, slipping on her jacket. “Will you let me explain, Boq?”

“Why are you here?”

“It’s about Glinda.”

She knew. The look in her eyes told him everything. Nessa, on the other hand, looked as if she had just sucked on a lemon.

But…Glinda. It was about Glinda.

“Alright,” he conceded, coming over to stand behind the sofa. “Explain.”

“Have you read yesterday’s paper yet?” Fiyero asked, guiding Elphaba to the opposite couch, which she sank onto, looking relieved.

Boq frowned. “They don’t get to Munchkinland until Tuesday.”

Elphaba’s eyes fluttered shut. “She’s getting married.”

Oh.

“To Pastorious Chuffrey.”

Yikes.

It all came crashing onto Boq at once. Chuffrey was said to be harsh, only concerned with wealth and standing. His incessant offers to buy Rush Margins certainly proved it.

“But he’s ancient!” Boq cried, trying not to betray to much of his feelings. With Nessa in the room, it wouldn’t go over well.

Elphaba nodded. “Exactly. He stands to gain a lot from this, but so do the Wizard and Morrible.”

“You think they’ve forced her into it?”

At that, Fiyero snorted. “Can you imagine Glinda entertaining that old fart?”

Boq glared at the former captain. “You’re her former betrothed, why don’t you tell me?”

The very air seemed to still.

“I did what any sensible man in love would do,” Fiyero retorted sharply after a moment. “Your judgement means nothing to me.”

Grinding his teeth hard enough to break them, Boq looked back to Elphaba. “So what do you plan on doing?”

“We’re going to get her,” she replied simply. “But we need somewhere for her to hide.”

Nessa wheeled forward. “The house has a cellar, hidden behind the bookcase in the library.”

Huh. Boq liked to spend his time in that library, but never once had he imagined a whole room beneath it.

“You plan on bringing her here?”

Elphaba looked at her sister. It was for the Governor to say.

Nessa bit the inside of her cheek for a moment.

“I’ll do it.”

The strain in Boq’s shoulders dropped. Glinda would be safe, if their plan worked.

“When do you leave?” he asked, gripping the back of the sofa. The sooner she was here, the better.

But Elphaba said: “At the end of the month,” and his hopes were dashed.

He blinked a few times, out of surprise. “Why the long wait?”

“The wedding is at the end of the month.”

“That’s so soon though.”

She shrugged. “Morrible is clearly anxious for the Wizard’s power to stretch. This whole thing is an attempt to quiet the rebellions in Quadling.”

He’d heard about that. “So it’s true then. The Wizard…”

“Is a fraud. He’s been kidnapping Animals in the middle of the night, to avoid protest. We think they’re being held captive in the Emerald City.”

Boq tensed at the memory of Dr. Dillamond being dragged away, the bleats of pain he let out as the soldiers gripped his horns.

Then, he had done nothing. He had gone along with the belief that the Wonderful Wizard would save them all, when in reality, he was behind it all. Elphaba was right. His-his friend, as he had once considered her, had spent four years being hated by all Oz when, in fact, she was in the right all along.

He felt awful for believing those lies told about her.

Now, he could do something about it. He thought of Glinda, the beautiful young woman who held his heart, who occupied his thoughts and dreams constantly.

He wanted to hold her again, the way he had that day, all those months ago. It was a risk, both to himself and his family.

But it was a risk he was willing to take.

Chapter Text

The plan failed. A sobbing Glinda was pulled to the alter by Morrible, blood staining the skirts of her white gown, smeared on her face, her hair, everywhere.

And Elphaba…

Fiyero laid on the cool marble ground, a hand pressed to the wound at his side. He welcomed death now. Without Elphaba, he had nothing to live for.

Green hands covered his own. She was here, she had come for him.

Elphaba smiled softly at him, her ruby-stained hands brushing back his hair. It was her own blood.

“Yero my hero,” she breathed.

And then a gun fired.

Fiyero shot up with a gasp, bile rising in his throat.

Just a dream, it was just a dream. She was alive, she was safe.

Unless…

Heart pounding, he reached for the space beside him. It was empty, the blankets rumpled, as if-as if someone had grabbed her.

No, no, it couldn’t be-

“Yero?”

His breathing relaxed at the sound of her voice. She appeared around the trunk of a large tree, her brows furrowed. Of course, she got up many times during the night thanks to the growing form pressed against her bladder.

Fiyero opened his mouth to assure her that he was fine, that he’d had a dream, and that was that.

Only it wasn’t. He hadn’t been that terrified since he'd seen that bullet go clean through her shoulder.

His throat tightened. Oz, why did this affect him so much? It was the thought of losing her that made his heart lurch, that made simply imagining a life without her unbearable.

“Fiyero, what’s wrong?” she asked gently, dropping down on the bed beside him.

“A nightmare.”

Her eyes fluttered shut. “Ah. Wanna talk about it?”

“It was about you,” he admitted, unable to meet her eyes.

She nodded in understanding. “I have those dreams too.”

On those nights, he simply held her. She hated being pitied. It was simple human contact that soothed her, so he would hold her as long as she needed.

“This plan to save Glinda,” he began tentatively, taking her hand, “it scares me. What if it doesn’t work, or we’re caught?”

Elphaba tilted his face towards her. Her eyes were full of love, and that brought tears to his eyes.

“Fiyero, I have every confidence in us.”

He nodded, weaving their fingers together and kissing her knuckles. “I know. But you don’t think we should wait until the baby’s born?”

“I’ve thought about that, but by that time she’ll pretty much be a prisoner.”

Fiyero blew out an aggrieved breath. “Your stubbornness will continue to astound me.”

She smiled. “Is that a compliment?”

“An observation.”

Chuckling, she nestled into the crook of his shoulder, draping an arm over his chest. She was here, alive, he told himself over and over again. When he kissed her wrist, he felt her pulse beneath his lips, and that was enough.

He rested his hand on the curve of her belly. The skin was soft, not yet stretched by the growing child.

“Keep doing that,” Elphaba sighed as he circled her stomach with a thumb. “That feels great.”

Fiyero kept at it, until something kicked sharply against his hand.

Elphaba let out a little gasp. “Oh!”

“Was that…?”

“I think it was.”

He did it again, and in return received another kick. “Holy Lurline,” he breathed.

“Took them long enough,” Elphaba scoffed, falling back against the pillows. “How come you don’t give your mother that attention, huh?” she chided her stomach.

Fiyero laughed at the offense in her voice.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Glinda told the beaming reporters. “After the…betrayal of the former captain, I feared I would never find love again. Now I have, and Oz is all the more good for it.”

Geez, Morrible’s speech writing skills were subpar to say the least.

Easily supplicated, the reporters all bowed before being escorted out of the hall by Chistery. The moment the doors closed behind them, Glinda’s smile dropped.

“Well done,” Morrible declared blandly. “I’ll see to it that your speech makes the front page, instead of another report of rebellions.” The old woman was practically seething. “Gillikin, your own country!”

Glinda said nothing. She was aching to be out of this dress.

In her rooms, Sir Chuffrey was waiting, per usual.

“Ah, there’s my beloved bride!” he exclaimed, planting a wet kiss on her cheek. When he turned to devour some of the pastries Glinda had set out, she hastily wiped away the spittle.

The man certainly could eat! She knew that the sweets he was so fond of were not good for his heart, but she kept her mouth shut.

“I’ve ordered my servants to prepare an extra set of rooms in my Quadling home,” he continued, spraying crumbs all over the carpet. “My home has nearly fifty rooms, you see.”

Glinda swallowed a few times to find her voice. “Quadling? We’re not staying in the palace?”

He frowned. “Why, what a silly thought! Your place as Lady Chuffrey will be by my side, where I can keep an eye on my lands.”

“I’m not just your future wife, I’m Glinda the Good.” Anything, anything to convince him to let her stay. In Quadling, she would be trapped, with no hope of escape.

His watery blue eyes narrowed. “That you may be, but you are also a potential traitor.”

She froze at the accusation in his face. “Excuse me?”

“I’ve heard tales of your friendship with the Wicked Witch.” He tutted like a disappointed grandfather. “No, there’ll be no more of that from now on.”

“I’m no traitor.”

“Exactly. You are my wife.”

“Not yet.”

Chuffrey approached her slowly, but she held her ground. “Listen here, girl, and listen well. I’ve been good to you on the behest of His Ozness, but when we get to Quadling, any lip will have consequences, you hear?”

Glinda’s nails bit into her palms. “I will not take such disrespect.”

“You will if I say so!” he roared. Then, with a barely concealed look of annoyance, he stalked out. She watched him go, half wondering if the points of her wand would be enough to puncture flesh.

If not, she’d just smother the bastard on their wedding night.

Chapter Text

Everything was set.

“The wedding is scheduled for eight,” Elphaba told the group, holding up the invitation that had come for Nessa the week before. “If all goes according to plan, we’ll be back here by nine-thirty.”

“Make sure that no one is here to see,” Fiyero reminded Boq. “The transition needs to be smooth and unnoticed.”

Nessa answered for him. “All the staff are out for the weekend.”

Elphaba nodded. “I’m banking on Morrible causing a storm when she discoverates Glinda gone. Hopefully that’ll cover us.”

That was that, then.

Adjusting her hat, Elphaba waited in the hall while Fiyero explained the tunnels out of Oz to Nessa. If things went poorly, at least it was a way of escape.

“Um, Elphaba?”

She glanced up to see Boq, twiddling his thumbs nervously. “Yes?” Oz, he’d certainly grown. It was nice, seeing him again. Their last conversation replayed in her mind constantly.

“Is it…wise,” he began, clearing his throat, “you know, with-with the…”

“You can say baby,” she snorted.

He chuckled awkwardly. “I know. It’s just hard to comprehend, y’know? We’re not the same kids who would have laughed at the idea of children.”

It was a sobering way of putting things. “So you and Nessa, that hasn’t gone very far, I take it?”

“Nah.” He leaned against the wall beside her. “When your father died, I stayed. Leaving her in her grief would’ve been cruel. But…things have thawed a little bit.”

“That’s good,” she said, blowing out a breath. “Thank you, though.”

He blinked in confusion. “For what?”

“For being there for her when I couldn’t.”

A soft smile spread across his freckled face. “It was nothing.”

It was quiet for a few moments, the only sound being Fiyero and Nessa’s muffled voices through the door of the Governor’s study. Boq began to hum as he adjusted the cuffs of his jacket. It was a pleasant sound, and soon, Elphaba felt a nudge against her belly.

“What?” he asked when she let out a laugh.

“Nothing. She likes it when people sing, that’s all.” She braced a hand on the curve of her stomach, feeling the press of a foot against her palm. “Fiyero hums pretty loudly.”

“You know it’s a girl?”

“Fiyero seems pretty confident. I’ve just caught on.”

Boq let out an amused huff. “You two as parents, what a sight.”

She gaped at him. “Is that meant to be an insult?”

“No, but Oz above, you two bickered like an old married couple back at Shiz.” He laughed. “I just hope the kid has your temperament.”

“So do I.”

“We’re all ready to go,” Fiyero said, appearing in the doorway with Nessa. The faint shadows Elphaba noticed under his eyes spoke to the many sleepless nights she knew he’d spent watching over her.

Shifting her broom from one hand to the other, she took a deep breath. “Let’s do this.”

Nessa and Boq saw them off from the garden. By then, the sun had set, so the guards patrolling the area were oblivious to the witch flying just above them.

Fiyero kept his hands firmly on her waist. On occasion, as if sensing her father’s presence, the baby kicked, and he would smile.

“I told Boq I think it’s a girl,” Elphaba admitted, slowing down as the lights of the Emerald City drew near.

“You do?” he guffawed. “I’m pretty sure I figured it out first.”

She reached back to swat at his leg.

Her good mood dissipated the closer they got to the palace. Elphaba flew low, hidden by the large buildings. The rest of the city was lit up in various shades of pink, Glinda’s favorite color.

The large posters plastered on the side of the palace had Morrible written all over them.

HER GOODNESS WILL PROTECT YOU AGAINST THE WICKED WITCH!

Fiyero snorted. “You’d think she’d have come up with a better tagline by now.”

A balcony bathed in dark pink lighting caught Elphaba’s eye, and with half a thought the broom was headed that way.

It was quiet when they landed. Glinda’s ridiculously fashioned bubble floated aimlessly above the deep green marble.

“I always hated that thing,” Fiyero muttered.

Elphaba ran a hand across the gold lining along the pink cushions. “Do you know how it works?”

“Not a clue. I just thought it was terribly ugly.”

The double doors into the apartment were sealed shut. With a twitch of her finger, Elphaba cracked the glass, listening to the gasp that echoed from inside.

Glinda Upland flew out, her shiny white heels clicking against the floor.

“Elphie?”

Elphaba stepped forward as her friend turned.

She knew. The moment she spied the broken glass, Glinda knew who was waiting outside for her.

It was still a shock to see the green figure standing on the balcony. A double shock occurred when the simply dressed prince appeared from behind said figure.

“Glinda,” Elphaba said softly.

Hitching the skirts of her wedding dress, Glinda surged forward and took both their arms. “Get in, before the Monkeys spot you!”

Pulling them inside, she pulled the doors tightly shut and closed the curtains.

Fiyero looked around at the familiar rooms. He’d been in them multiple times, she remembered fondly. They had simply talked, their first year in the palace. About Elphie, life, Elphie again.

Realistically, she knew their marriage wouldn’t have worked. All they had in common was the green girl who haunted their every waking moments.

Glinda turned to her best friend, who was looking her over. “Some dress.”

She laughed, the action so unfamiliar it startled her. “It weighs three times more than I do.” Really, the gown was absurd. The fan-shaped bodice was all bejeweled, along with the hem of the skirt. Diamonds had been placed into her twisted updo, to match the studs in her ears. And the tiara, Oz above, made her neck ache with every movement.

Elphaba smiled. “It’s good to see you, Glinda.”

Sharing her smile, Glinda embraced her tightly. Elphie’s jacket was a bit looser, and when Glinda pressed against her, she felt something round and soft against her abdomen.

“What is…” Glinda began, pulling back.

Elphie’s face twisted into one of guilt.

Fiyero stepped forward. “It’s a long story, Glin, but we’re here to get you out.”

“Get me…out. Out!” Oh, oh! “But how?”

Recovering herself, Elphie gestured to her broom. “We’re going to Munchkinland. Nessa and Boq are waiting.”

Memories came flooding back to her at once. The poppy field, all five of them singing around a fire, sharing notes, lunch. Laughter. She missed the laughter most of all.

“They’re in on this?” she couldn’t help asking. Last she’d seen of Nessa, the Governor had been cold, unfeeling. The guilt of selling out her own sister ate at her, it was obvious every time she looked at Glinda.

And Boq, the one who’d held her as she sobbed over her lost friends. She supposed she’d never treated him very fairly.

Elphie nodded. “They’ll hide you until all this is over.”

“So you’re going to kill the Wizard?”

She blinked. “Kill? I’m going to defeat him, make him admit what he’s done.”

“But Elphie, you know he won’t do that.”

“Then I’ll make him.”

Fiyero cut in. “We’ll figure out our next plan later, but now we’ve got to go.”

Escape. This was really happening. Glinda could hardly believe it. She wouldn’t have to marry Chuffrey, she wouldn’t have to leave for Quadling, to live under the cruelty of a man three times her age, with no love in his heart.

She was free.

But the look on Elphie’s face was one Glinda had seen a hundred times.

Clearly, Fiyero noticed it too. “Not a chance, Fae.”

Fae? That was new.

But Elphie held up a hand. “The Monkeys, Glinda. Where are they being kept?”

“In-in the Wizard’s chamber, I think.”

“Not a chance,” Fiyero scoffed.

Elphie turned and took his hand. “Yero, what happened to them is my fault. I have to set them free.”

“And we will. But…after. That’s all I ask.”

Bracing her hands on both hips, Glinda looked back and forth between them. “After what?”

They shared a look. Fiyero’s eyes widened, and he made a gesture with his chin. Elphaba blew out a breath, then nodded.

Elphie’s eyes closed. “I’m pregnant.”

The very air seemed to still. Then, carefully unbuttoning her dark jacket, she revealed a bump that couldn’t have been more than five months along.

A…baby. Pregnant. Oh, Glinda needed a drink. Instead she settled for dropping onto one of the pink sofas in the middle of her apartment.

Elphaba was having a baby. And, judging by the sheepish look on Fiyero’s face, it was his. Not that she would ever doubt her best friend.

But…a child! A flood of emotions coursed through Glinda, each one more confusing than the last. She wanted to be upset. She knew her math well enough. And yet…and yet she wanted this for Elphie. Glinda wanted to be an auntie for a little boy or girl, to spoil them, a piece of the two people she cared about most in the world.

“I understand this is a lot,” Fiyero said gently. “And I’m sorry.”

Elphie sat down beside her friend. “If it helps, I was just as surprised when I figured it out.”

Glinda took her hand. “I’m not angry. But…how far along?”

“Five months, I think,” she admitted. “We haven’t really been keeping track.”

“Well Elphie, that isn’t very sensible.”

“I’ve had other things on my mind, like getting you out of here.”

Rising, Elphaba led a still stunned Glinda to the doors to the balcony. Fiyero followed, only to come to a halt when the green girl turned and passed him the broom.

“It works on its own. Take her to the edge of the City, and I’ll be waiting here when you get back.”

“What?” Fiyero blinked.

She said nothing. She simply kissed him and gave him a harsh push through the door. Taking Glinda by the arm, it didn’t take much effort for her to do the same.

“Elphaba!” Fiyero called, but the doors were already shut and locked. “Elphaba!”

Elphie was already gone.

Chapter Text

Dammit. Dammit!

Fiyero pounded against the glass with enough force to make his knuckles bleed. Why, why didn’t she tell him, why did she always feel the need to give herself up for the sake of others?

It was like his dream, the one where-where Elphaba had died right in front of him, her blood staining the floors. And the baby, their baby…

Behind him, Glinda clamped a hand over her mouth. “We have to get her.”

“I’m trying!” he snapped, pulling on the door. “What is this stuff made out of?”

“Don’t know. Quick, get in the bubble,” she commanded, hopping into the cushioned contraption. “There’s an entrance at the top of the palace.”

Fiyero followed without hesitation. Oh, Oz, if the Gale Force had already found her…

No. He wouldn’t lose her again.

As the bubble soared higher and higher, Glinda unwound her perfectly done hair, taking off the crown of butterflies and tossing it to the side.

“Typical Elphie,” she laughed sadly.

Fiyero bit the inside of his cheek. “Why does she do it?”

“Because she feels like she’s trying to give back to the world for her existence.” Glinda looked out at the City. “You know what her father was like.”

Yeah, he did. “I want to strangle him for making her feel that way.”

“Me too. But that’s not what’s important.”

They landed just where she said they would. The highest point of the palace, a broken window, led to an attic of sorts.

Fiyero descended the circular stairs, gun in hand. The broom he passed to Glinda, who held it on front of her like a sword. He half wondered if, when threatened, she used her wand the same way.

The glittering halls were empty, much to his surprise.

“Most are at the wedding,” Glinda whispered. “The rest are patrolling the city.”

All he cared about was getting to Elphaba. He wouldn’t hesitate to kill anyone who got in his way, so long as she was safe.

The Wizard’s chamber wasn’t guarded. Of course, being the Wonderful Wizard, he was considered too powerful to need protection. Fiyero hadn’t been in charge of the inner workings of the palace, so he was unfamiliar with the protocols.

Glinda went in first. It wouldn’t look good for the traitorous former captain to be caught entering the Wizard’s chamber with a gun. After a moment, she motioned for him to follow.

Inside, the giant bronze head was motionless. Either Fae had already got to him, or he had already called the guards.

Fiyero hoped with every step he took that the former was true.

The terror on his face when she closed that door was too much for Elphaba to bear. She had looked away as quickly as she could bring herself to.

She knew he would have stopped her. Her Yero, always looking to protect her. But this had to be done.

A nudge in her belly had her slowing to a stop in the middle of the room.

“I know,” she told the little presence growing in her stomach. “Your father’s going to be upset. I’ll protect you, though. I promise.”

Buttoning up her jacket, Elphaba slipped out of the room.

Empty halls, no doubt for the wedding. She proceeded carefully. Even the baby had stopped kicking, like they were trying to be as quiet as her mother.

“Just like me,” she chuckled softly.

Already, her attachment to the child inside her was enough that she would do everything in her power to keep them safe.

The Wizard’s chamber was quiet. But silence never meant emptiness.

She hated that head, with it’s large, threatening eyes. It was a scam, a false promise made by the pathetic man behind the curtain.

Said pathetic man was at the panel that controlled the head. Elphaba half debated just grabbing the old man by the back of the neck and dragging him out to the hall. In front of the whole gathering, at the biggest wedding in Ozian history, she would make him confess to everything he’d ever done.

And then she would make him free the Monkeys.

Then he turned, as if startled. His brown eyes widened in surprise, then shifted into pure delight.

“I had a feeling you’d be back,” the Wizard of Oz said cheerily.

Elphaba flipped off her hat. “You know what I’m here for.”

“To kill me?”

“Why does everyone assume that?” she demanded. Did they truly see her as a wicked monster? “I’m here to make you tell the truth.”

The Wizard clapped his hands together once. “Ah, yes, that. Well, uh, I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

“You-excuse me?” she blinked.

He smiled. “Why, Elphaba! I could tell them, sure, but they wouldn’t believe me! They’d just think you were making me say those things.”

Shiz. She hadn’t considered that.

“Not if you say them on your own,” she retorted, ascending the stairs. He took a few steps back, betraying his own fear. “So you’re going to go down there, confess that you’re a fraud, and let everyone know the truth about their wonderful Wizard.”

He sniffed a few times. “I won’t be doing that.”

“And why not?”

“Because dearest Morrible would strike you down the moment she saw you,” he declared, beaming.

Elphaba snorted. “You need Morrible to fight your battles for you?”

“Ooh, brr.” He feigned a shiver.

Her look was one of utter disgust.

“See,” he continued, more serious this time, “I don’t need Morrible, but it certainly is nice to have the weather on my side, eh? And anyhow, I pressed a button alerting the Gale Force the moment I figured out who was behind me.”

Her blood went cold. She had to get out, now.

Before she could make to run, however, the Wizard latched onto her wrist, his grip like iron.

“Now, where do you think you’re going?” he asked kindly, like a grandfather. “That’s my Grimmerie you have.”

Elphaba pulled, to no avail. “Let me go, or I’ll bash your teeth in.”

He flinched. “Well that’s not very nice.”

“Let go!”

“Unhand her!”

No. No, he was supposed to go!

But, to her horror, Fiyero burst through the curtains, gun raised. Glinda was hot on his heels, holding Elphaba’s broom.

The Wizard looked back and forth between the three of them. “I’ll be,” he huffed. “Our very own Glinda the Good?”

Fiyero stepped forward, the barrel of his gun aimed at the old man’s head. “Unhand her, or I’ll shoot your brains out.” And he meant it. She could see it in his eyes.

After a moment of silence, the grip on her wrist loosened.

Elphaba pulled back.

And promptly punched the Wizard of Oz in the face.

Chapter Text

She’d never punched before, something she regretted terribly. Who knew what a gratifying feeling it could be?

Fiyero let out an appreciative whistle, taking Elphaba by the waist and pushing her behind him. “Nice shot, love.”

“Oz, that hurt,” she winced, shaking out her stinging knuckles.

“Always does the first time.”

The Wizard clamped a hand over his nose, which had begun to gush blood. “Oh, you little hornswoggle!” he cursed soundly.

“What’s a hornswoggle?” Glinda whispered, tossing her friend the broom.

“Not a clue,” Elphaba replied, catching it.

Fiyero shook his head. “We’ll figure it out later. C’mon, let’s go!”

They pushed past the curtains and out into the chamber, only for the doors inside to be thrown open.

Madame Morrible, trailed by at least a dozen members of the Gale Force, entered. She looked regal in her deep green gown, but there was no disguising the sheer malice in her eyes.

“The Wicked Witch, at last,” she sneered. With a snap, one of the guards stepped to her side. “A bucket of water, now.”

Fiyero positioned himself in front of Elphaba, but she brushed past him.

“Morrible, still doing the Wizard’s dirty work?”

The Madame smiled drily. “You always were a clever student. So witty.”

Elphaba shifted her broom. “Glad you remember, though being the former professor to the Wicked Witch doesn’t really fit your narrative, don’t you think?”

“See how she lies?” she demanded of the soldiers. “Her and her captain.” And then her eyes lighted on Glinda. It was like a cat that had just cornered a mouse. “And they’ve kidnapped Glinda the Good!”

“Whoa!” Glinda spluttered. “I haven’t been kidnapped!”

“And the witch has cursed her!”

“Oh, for Oz sake.”

Elphaba scanned her surroundings, looking for something that could be used for escape. Near the Wizard’s model of Oz, a circular grate hung from the ceiling. Faintly, squawks of confusion carried from behind the metal bars.

So that was where he was keeping the Monkeys.

Stretching out her fingers, she reached out with her magic. It was a lock, easily broken by a twitch of a finger. The grate fell with a loud screech.

Morrible turned sharply, letting out a gasp. “No.”

One by one, the Monkeys tumbled out, their deep blue wings stretching out. They soared in circles for a few moments, reveling in their freedom.

“Fly!” Elphaba called, throwing open the doors to the hall with another wave of her hand. “You’re free now! Fly!”

Chistery’s eyes met hers. There was forgiveness in them.

“Return to your cages!” Morrible screeched. “Remember who your master is!”

But they weren’t listening. A few of them even hissed at her.

Using the distraction, Elphaba grabbed Fiyero and Glinda by the hand and pulled them towards the door.

“No!”

A blast of lighting shot through the air, just missing them. The force of it knocked Elphaba to her knees, her palms scraping against the floor.

Morrible appeared, snatching her arm and pulling her up. “Oh, this will be a great day for Oz,” she smiled. “The Wicked Witch finally brought to justice.”

“Don’t touch her!” Fiyero cried. It took three guards to hold him back. Glinda was left unharmed, as if they really believed she had been bewitched.

“I’ll burn the hat first,” Morrible hissed. “Then the broom, and finally you. Oh, what a spectacle it is going to be.”

She was going to kick the rotten hag in the leg.

A sharp nudge had Elphaba gasping, and she clung to the old woman’s arms.

No, she pleaded with the baby. Not now, please.

Morrible tried to pull away, looking disgustified. And then she looked down and noticed the defined bump sticking out between the green woman’s hips.

“It can’t be,” she gaped.

The soldiers blinked in confusion. Apparently, a few of them had children of their own, because they let go of the prince struggling to break free. Elphaba let go of Morrible at the same time, her back knocking into Fiyero’s chest.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered. “Are you okay?”

Elphaba braced her hand on her stomach. There was another kick. A reassurance of sorts. “I’m fine.”

“Really, what is taking so long?” a voice demanded, and the Wizard stumbled out from behind the curtains, a tissue pressed against his nose. “I thought you’d have her by now?”

A glimmer of bright green had him pausing. Elphaba’s hand went to her satchel in a panic.

It was her mother’s bottle. It must have fallen out when Morrible’s lightning knocked her down. Sure enough, the clasp of her bag was broken.

The Wizard bent down to collect the bottle from the floor. “Ah, must’ve dropped this.”

“That’s mine,” Elphaba ground out. “It’s of no use to you. Give it back.”

He blinked in confusion. “You’re mistaken, this belongs to-to…”

It was quiet for a moment. He reached into the pocket of his fine robe and pulled out a matching green bottle.

Elphaba looked from bottle to bottle. Her mother only had one, how could this man have…

“Melena?” he breathed, a look of complete horror dawning on him.

Fiyero turned to her. “Who’s Melena?”

It was an effort to swallow.

“My mother.”

Glinda gasped loudly. A few of the soldiers glanced at one another in shock.

It wasn’t possible. No, she didn’t want it to be possible. Twenty years he had been ruling, Elphaba had been five when he came to power.

Fiyero’s eyes widened as it dawned on him.

And then all hell broke loose.

Chistery must have stayed behind. It was the only explanation. How she hadn’t noticed the round door before, she couldn’t say. It was only when the Giraffe charged through that anyone registered what had just happened.

The Wizard was knocked to the floor by a rogue leopard. Her father. Her father was slammed flat on his back by the very Animals he’d dedicated twenty years of his life to silencing.

He was her father.

“C’mon!” Fiyero called, taking Elphaba by the hand and beckoning Glinda to follow. Pushing past the scrambling Gale Force soldiers, she did.

Animals of every species flooded through the chamber. Elphaba wanted to sob at the sight of their skeletal forms, the way some of them limped with every step. Her father had done that. Her own flesh and blood.

Fiyero threw open the doors into the hall, which was thankfully empty.

“Don’t let them get away!” Morrible screeched, only to be plucked into the air by Chistery and tossed her into the Wizard’s model of Oz.

Elphaba reached back to grab Glinda’s hand. She was the reason they’d come, they weren’t leaving without her. The blonde latched on gratefully, before being yanked back by a large, green-clad figure.

“Where do you think you’re going?” the man demanded, spittle clinging to his silver mustache. “Little traitor.”

“Chuffrey!” Glinda cried, trying to push herself out of his hold. “Let me go!”

So this was him.

Rage coursed through Elphaba at the sight of the old glob of flesh running his meaty hands down her friend’s waist. It was the power he wanted, the feeling of control. That seemed to be a common theme amongst the men of the Emerald City.

Fiyero aimed his gun at Chuffrey. “You heard the lady.”

Chuffrey blinked in surprise. “Captain!”

“Let her go.”

“She is my bride.”

“She is not your anything,” Elphaba snapped.

The old man stepped back at the sight of her. “Witch!” he roared.

It was a good distraction. Glinda slammed down on his toes with the heel of her shoe. Elphaba could have sworn she heard bone crunch.

Chuffrey let out an anguished scream of pain, first clutching at his foot.

Then, he grabbed at his heart.

“Oh, Shiz,” Glinda gaped as he began to gasp for air. “I told you your diet would be the death of you!”

Chapter Text

Chuffrey was dead.

They’d watched him gasp and flop against the ground, no one bothering to lift a finger. Glinda had simply thrown her wedding ring, an ostentatious piece with an absurdly large diamond, onto the corpse.

Somehow, the three of them managed to fit on Elphaba’s broom. Fiyero kept a hold on her waist, making sure she wouldn’t leave him again.

For a moment, in that chamber, he thought he was going to lose her again. He would have fought with everything he had to see that she made it out alive, but a wave of hopelessness still washed over him when her face contorted in pain. She had grabbed onto Morrible, for Oz sake!

But she was here, safe. Her and the baby were unharmed, and their mission was successful.

Almost.

The back door was open when they landed into Colwen Grounds. Glinda slid off first, unhooking the straps of her glittery heels.

“Well that was something.”

Elphaba was quiet. Her hands shook as she flipped off her hat. Fiyero drew to her side and enveloped her in his arms. She simply rested her head against his chest, her eyes closed.

“You’re late!” Boq cried, flying out of the mansion. He slowed when he noticed the expression on the green girl’s face. “What is it?”

“Hello, Boq,” Glinda greeted softly. “I should have known you were in on this.”

The Munchkin boy blushed to the roots of his hair. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Nessa wheeled out, still in her Governor’s uniform. “Did everything go alright?”

Glinda glanced anxiously at Elphaba, still holding onto Fiyero.

“Yeah, it went fine,” Elphaba got out.

It broke Fiyero’s heart to hear the defeat in her voice. Of course, he didn’t blame her, after finding out her own father had spent four years trying to get her killed.

The Wizard of Oz was her real father.

Glinda had raved against the dead Governor Thropp many times. His harshness with his oldest daughter, how he belittled her, nagged her over every little thing.

Was his hatred borne from the knowledge that she wasn’t really his?

That was no excuse for the way he’d treated her though. Fiyero would have gleefully bashed Frexspar Thropp’s teeth in after hearing how he spoke to Elphaba, no hesitation.

Boq ushered them all inside, where a few mugs of tea had been set out in the sitting room.

“Did anyone see you?” Nessa asked.

Fiyero led Elphaba onto the couch, and she sank into it with a sigh of relief. “Morrible and the Gale Force stopped us,” he explained, “but Elphaba freed the Monkeys, who then freed the other Animals.”

“Other Animals?”

“The Wizard was keeping them in cages,” Elphaba said coldly, her face showing that she was somewhere else. “He was starving them. He’s a monster.”

And so am I.

The unspoken words he knew she was aching to say were like a stab of pain to his heart. She wasn’t a monster. She was kind, and honest, and stubborn, and so full of love for the world that it could cancel out every awful thing the Wizard had done.

He took her hand, rubbing her palm with his thumb. “We got away, that’s what matters.”

Glinda sighed, leaning back against the couch. “I’m wiped. Who knew premature widowhood could take so much out of you.”

Nessa’s face twisted in confusion. “Widowhood?”

“Oh, Chuffrey’s dead,” she announced as easily as if taking note of the weather. At the stunned expressions on Boq and Nessa’s faces, she amended: “We didn’t kill him, of course! Heart attack, just like I always expected him to go.”

It was quiet for a moment. Fiyero recalled the last time they’d all been in the same room together. The night before Elphaba left for the Emerald City, they had gathered inside her and Glinda’s dorm, sharing stories and going over their next assignments for school.

They were grown now, with their own lives. But maybe for a while, they could be those kids again.

“You can stay in one of the guest rooms tonight,” Nessa offered to Elphaba. “But the Gale Force is sure to come looking, so you’ll have to leave early.”

Glinda looked at the Governor blankly. “Are you sure they won’t find us?”

“I’ll show you to the storm cellar. I had fresh clothes set out.”

“Thank you, Nessa,”

She nodded simply. “Follow me.”

Elphaba rose to see her friend off, only to be swamped by a hug from the blonde. “You’ll come back?”

“I swear it.”

Fiyero met his ex-fiancée’s gaze warily. “I’m glad you’re okay, Glin.”

Glinda offered a wary smile. “I think you had a hand in that.”

“Good night.”

“’Night.”

They disappeared around the corner, followed by Boq, who wasn’t likely to leave Glinda’s side until it was absolutely necessary.

Fiyero turned back to the woman at his side. “Fae?”

“I need a bath,” was all she said before heading for the stairs.

Sinking further into the warm water, Elphaba rested her head against the rim of the tub. Bathing in rivers got the job done, sure, but this was nice.

She needed something nice right about now.

Outside, that storm she had predicted was already starting. Morrible was probably shaking with fury.

Something nudged against her, and smiled softly, running her hand along the curve of her stomach.

“You almost got me in trouble back there,” she scolded the baby, who probably couldn’t hear her. “Planning on being a troublemaker like your father?”

“I’m wounded,” Fiyero snorted. He looked handsome in his fresh shirt and loose pants. “Talking bad about me to my own child?”

She flicked some water at him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to take so long.”

He shook his head, crouching beside the tub. “Don’t worry about it, I just used the bathroom next door. This place is huge.”

“That’s my grandfather for you,” she snorted, only to trail off.

Right. Minister Thropp wasn’t her grandfather anymore. Just like Frexspar Thropp wasn’t her father.

Fiyero held out a hand, and she took it. “Hey, talk to me. This is a lot.”

“Understatement,” she sighed, straightening. “What am I going to tell Nessa?”

“Fae,” he groaned. “I’m not worried about what Nessa will think. My only concern is for you.”

The sweet sincerity in his eyes made her want to cry. “Can I have a moment?”

He nodded, kissing her knuckles. “Of course.”

She dried off slowly, marveling on the softness of the sleeveless nightgown Nessa had managed to procure for her. Elphaba had gone the last four years making her own clothing out of whatever she could find. It was strange to feel silk against her fingers, to run a nail along the lace hem.

In the bedroom, she found Fiyero waiting on the edge of the bed. He took her hand, leading her to the space beside him.

“I love you,” he began softly, cupping her cheeks gently. “Nothing could ever make me love you any less.”

“Not even the fact that I’m the daughter of a monster?” she couldn’t help asking, biting down on her lip. The fact that he had stayed this long was still a shock to her. “I won’t blame you if it does.”

Fiyero shook his head adamantly. “Fae, listen to me,” he insisted, holding her gaze firmly. “That man may be your blood, but he is not your family.”

“He is half of me,” she said, her voice breaking into a sob. “Am I so wicked because I’m part him?”

“You are not wicked. You are so good, Fae that, frankly, it astounds me you can’t see it.”

“Try telling that to the rest of Oz.”

He scoffed. “The rest of Oz can go to hell for all I care.” At her stunned gaze, he smiled. “They say only what they’re told they should say. I see the real you, Elphaba, and I love you.”

She tried, unsuccessfully, to blink away the tears that threatened. “I love you too.”

Leaning forward, he kissed her. It was a tender kiss, full of love.

For her. He loved her.

Nestled in the soft sheets, he held her gently, reverently. When he began to hum, the kicking in her stomach resumed.

“What?” he breathed when she huffed out a laugh.

“The baby. She likes when you do that.”

He smiled, and she melted at the joy in his eyes. “She?”

Elphaba groaned. “Not the point, Yero!”

“I knew I’d win you around eventually.” Still, he rested his hand on her belly. “Do you like that, sweetheart?” Another kick. “Alright then, I’ll keep going.”

So he did. He hummed until the exhaustion caught up with Elphaba, and she drifted off to sleep, warm and happy in his arms.

Where no Wizard could get to them.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Elphaba went downstairs to find Glinda already awake.

“You’re up early,” she remarked to her best friend, who looked up guiltily from the cinnamon role she had just stuffed in her mouth. The deep red nightgown she wore was an unusual color for her, but it was a favorite in Munchkinland.

“So are you!” the blonde retorted, swallowing hard. “Pregnant women need lots of sleep, Elphie.”

Elphaba dropped into the seat next to her. “We need to be out within the next two hours. The Gale Force will probably be getting their orders to search Munchkinland soon.”

Her friend twisted a golden curl around a finger. “I didn’t mean to cause everyone so much trouble.”

“Don’t say that.” She took Glinda’s free hand. “You mean so much to all of us.”

“But if the Gale Force finds you-”

“They won’t. If it took them four years to even get close, I think we’ll be fine.”

Glinda huffed a laugh. “We. Huh.”

Elphaba looked away guiltily. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-”

“Oh, Elphie!” she cried, exasperated. “I’m not upset, truly. I let go of that a long time ago. And besides, you’ve been alone for so long.”

“It’s still not fair to you. You deserve someone too.”

“I just need this.” She gestured around her. “You, Fiyero, Boq and Nessa, you all know me better than anyone. In the Emerald City, I wasn’t my true self. Here, I’m can be me again.”

It was heartening to hear her so positive. Elphaba felt like she could finally let go of the guilt that had been building for five months.

She squeezed Glinda’s hand. “Promise me you’ll be okay? I’ll visit whenever I can.”

“Elphie, I’ll be fine,” she snorted. “But what about you?”

“Me?”

“No offense but delivering a baby in the middle of the woods isn’t the smartest way to do it.”

Oh. She hadn’t really thought about it like that. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Glinda sighed loudly. “So stubborn.” Then her face broke out into a smile. “Have you come up with any names yet?”

Elphaba rested her hand on her stomach. “If it’s a boy, Liir Marilott.”

“After Fiyero’s father?”

She nodded. “And if it’s a girl…” A giddy feeling washed over her. “Ilianora Galinda.”

After a sharp intake of breath from the blonde, it grew quiet. For a moment, Elphaba feared she had overstepped, that she still wasn’t completely forgiven.

Then the tears began. Glinda did her best to hide them, but soon her eyes were overflowing like a burst dam. Elphaba simply leaned forward to embrace her, saying nothing. It had been an easy decision, picking out a middle name for a possible daughter. It took only a suggestion for Fiyero to agree wholeheartedly.

“I love you, Elphie,” Glinda sobbed.

“I love you too, Glin.”

Footsteps sounded behind them, and Fiyero appeared, leaning against the threshold. “I take it she likes the name?”

Laughing, Glinda waved him off.

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dressed to leave, Elphaba made her way out to the garden. Fiyero followed, strapping his gun to the holster at his waist.

“Do you have everything?” Nessa asked, waiting for them.

“Nothing out of place.” For peace of mind, Elphaba approached her sister. “The Gale Force won’t take you in. Not without any real proof. Play dumb, talk bad about me, Fiyero, anything.”

Nessa took in her words, then huffed. “When you left the first time, all those years ago, they came to search the house.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Oh, they didn’t find anything,” she continued. “But one of them asked me if I loved you. Wanted to know if I might help you out.”

Elphaba grew still, waiting for the no doubt harsh remark her sister was about to reveal. “What’d you say?”

“I told them that you were my sister. Of course I love you.”

Sisters. Only they were half-sisters now. Did it change anything? No, it did not. This was Nessa, the girl she had grown up alongside. Who gave a damn if they had different fathers? They were still each other’s flesh and blood.

So Elphaba hugged her. Their first hug in four years.

“Once they’re gone, I’m lifting the ban on Animals into Munchkinland,” Nessa whispered into her shoulder.

Elphaba pulled back to stare at her. “That’s a big risk, Ness.”

She shrugged. “I’m sick of Morrible’s interference. Since you got here I’ve been thinking of making Munchkinland a separate state.”

“Wow.”

“It’ll take awhile for the people to adjust, but I think it’ll do them some good.”

“I’m proud of you, Nessa,” she said with a smile.

“Thanks, Fabala.”

Fiyero took in the familiar hut, unchanged from the morning before.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on it all day,” Feldspur declared proudly when they’d found him pacing the forest floor. “Did your plan work?”

Elphaba had smiled sadly. “Yeah, it did.”

Now, she slipped off her bag and coat, rolling her shoulders.

“How’re you doing?” Fiyero asked, shrugging off his jacket. Last night had been a lot, and he still worried.

“I’m starving,” she declared.

He snorted, going to their store of food. “I figured. But seriously, Fae.”

It was quiet for a moment. Fiyero turned to see her bracing both hands on her workbench.

“I’m angry at him.”

“A perfectly rational feeling.”

“Twenty-four years, Yero.” She slammed a hand on the table. “The man I thought was my father hated me for twenty years of my life, and my real father has hated me for the past four. My whole life, both of my fathers despised me.”

Fiyero drew closer, reaching out to run his hands along her arms.

“A stupid, selfish part of me can’t help but wonder what would happen if he knew. What my life would have been like without the pain of wondering why I was so strange, so freakish.”

“You’re not strange, Fae,” he assured her quietly. “Nor are you freakish. You are a human being, with human feelings. What you look like doesn’t change that.”

She took a deep breath, straightening as she leaned into him. “It was that bottle. Whatever my mother drank…that’s why I’m green.”

Fiyero simply wound his arms around her. “Your skin makes no difference to the person you are, Fae.”

“No, but the fact that it’s his fault, and he has the nerve to use my skin as a way to turn Oz against me…it hurts more than I can even say.”

“That’s alright. Whenever you feel like talking about it, just know I’m here.”

Smiling softly, she wound their fingers together. “And for that, I love you. You’re here with me, fighting beside me when no one else would.”

“I’ll always be here for you,” he answered honestly. He would stay with her until he took his last breath, and then, if the Unionists had it right, he would journey with her to the other side.

Elphaba turned to kiss him. He melted into her arms, and she chuckled.

“Good to know I still have that effect on you,” she whispered against his mouth.

Now it was his turn to laugh. “You’ve bewitched me wholly, Miss Elphaba. I’m yours to command now.”

Chapter Text

Glinda could hear the soldiers footsteps overhead. Their muffled voices carried through the vent in the small room.

“And she hasn’t been spotted in the sky?”

“One of my servants thought he spied her, but it was just a bird,” Nessa lied smoothly. “I could summon him if you need proof.”

There came a loud snort. “No, that will not be necessary. It seems our work is finished here. If the Witch so much as knocks on your front door, you call for us.”

“Understood.”

The door slammed shut. A few minutes later, three sharp knocks sounded against the bookcase concealing Glinda’s hiding spot.

“They’re gone.”

Emerging into the dim light of the library, Glinda put a hand to her chest in order to calm her racing heart. “Holy Lurline, that was awful.”

Boq offered a tentative chuckle. “At least they were convinced.”

Nessa peered through the curtained window that overlooked the front lawn. “No sign of them. In a few hours’ time they should be headed back to the Emerald City.”

“They’re going back?” Glinda asked, adjusting her pale blue shawl. Really, Munchkinland colors looked good on her.

“Morrible wants more coverage in the city,” the Governor revealed. “After your escape, the public is frantic. Anti-Wicked Witch propaganda is spreading rapidly, but some soldiers have begun to talk.”

Glinda froze. “About what?” She didn’t know when Elphie planned to tell her now half-sister the truth about her recently discovered paternity.

“The caged Animals.” Glinda discreetly released a sigh of relief. “Apparently only the soldiers tasked with kidnapping them knew about it. There’s been outrage, especially from the Vinkus.”

Of course. Fiyero’s people had no qualms with the Animals. “The Ozians didn’t seem too concerned these past few years.”

Nessa shook her head. “They wanted to distance themselves from the Animals, not to have them tortured.”

What an awful word. It made Glinda shudder, remembering the terrified faces of the fleeing Animals. If only she had known…

“So what now?”

It was Boq who spoke. “I’m sure Elphaba has a plan.”

“She always does,” Glinda replied. “I just hope she waits a few months.”

Ilianora Galinda.

She’d never had much of an opinion about children. Having so many younger cousins meant being surrounded by gummy mouths and incessant screaming. This she wanted. A little baby girl, named after her Auntie Glin.

“I still can’t imagine Elphaba with a kid,” Boq admitted, running a gloved hand through his red curls. “Or Fiyero, really.”

Nessa gave a faint smile. “Fabala used to say that babies were like dogs, always drooling and relieving themselves anywhere.”

The three of them laughed.

Elphaba trekked slowly through the woods, broom raised. Dulcibear’s message had come the day before, delivered by a helpful Sparrow from Kiamo Ko.

King Marilott has just banned the Gale Force from entering the Vinkus.

We’re getting more arrivals by the day.

Stay safe, little one.

-Dulci

Oh, if only her old nanny knew. Elphaba didn’t dare risk writing back, in the event her letter was intercepted. Just imagining Dulci’s face when she found out her little one was having a baby was enough to make the green girl cringe.

That would mean the old Bear would know what it had taken to make said baby…

A patch of red berries caught her eye. They were running low on food, so she had gotten up early to go searching. Fiyero was still asleep, just as she hoped he’d be when she woke up that morning. He would have surely insisted on going with her. But he needed the sleep.

She smiled faintly as she picked the berries. Her Yero. He had grown more protective in the two weeks since freeing Glinda. Part of it was her own fault, really. Pushing him out the door without warning, going off in search of the Monkeys…

So she let him rest.

Elphaba chuckled at the nudge in her stomach. “Yes, sweeting, these are for you.”

A twig snapped.

Turning sharply, she held out her broom, prepared to swing.

Four guns were aimed directly at her heart. Four pairs of eyes narrowed on the Wicked Witch they had just caught, alone and without any means of escape.

Elphaba let out a muttered curse.

“Would you look at that,” the leader of the men sneered. They were Gale Force soldiers, betrayed by the insignia on their uniforms. “I believe we’ve just caught ourselves a witch, men.”

A bullet clicked into place.

Elphaba braced her magic to send them flying. Oz above, they were so close to the tree where Fiyero slept, unsuspecting. And what they might do to Feldspur…

“Shoot to kill, sir?” a soldier asked.

“You heard Madame Morrible’s orders.”

Morrible’s orders. Not the Wizard’s.

So he did have some qualms about murdering his own daughter.

The men shared a look, debating where the easiest kill point would be. That look cost them, and Elphaba slammed her foot against the ground.

Her magic sent them soaring backwards, slamming into trees, crashing through bushes, all landing with a loud crunch. Elphaba was already in the air, and she quickly lost sight of them.

So close. So close to capture, to death. It would seem her hideout wasn’t so well hidden anymore.

It was a sobering thought.

She noticed the flash of deep blue halfway back to the tree. At once she guided the broom downward, towards the panic-stricken man atop the equally frightened Horse.

Elphaba called out to him as she drew nearer. Fiyero looked up, his tense shoulders dropping in relief.

Safely on the ground, she rushed towards him as he dismounted and crushed her to his chest.

“You weren’t there when I woke up,” he panted, kissing her face over and over again.

“I went to get some food. The Gale Force found me.”

Fiyero pulled back, terror written all over his face. “What?”

She ran a hand soothingly along his arm. “We’re fine, both of us.”

“Nothing hurts?” he asked, touching her stomach gently. “You’re not in any pain?”

“None. But it was a close call. They’re bound to find us at some point.”

He shuddered, holding her again. “We need to find someplace safe for you.”

“For us. I want you to be safe too, Fiyero.”

“Alright, us. We could go to Kiamo Ko, with the other Animals. Dulcibear’s message was clear that the Wizard’s forces weren’t welcome there.”

Elphaba chewed on her lower lip, thinking. “But if he finds out we’re there, Madame Morrible won’t hesitate to break that decree. I won’t do that to the Animals.”

He sighed. “Fae…”

“We could go back to Colwen Grounds,” she suggested, the idea coming to her suddenly. “The Gale Force has moved out of Munchkinland, and we could always fly somewhere else if they come searching.”

Fiyero considered her words. “It might work, but all I’m concerned for is your wellbeing. If this is something you really think will protect you, then I have no problem with it.”

“I’ll go with,” Feldspur insisted.

But Fiyero shook his head. “It’s too risky. People are bound to notice the blue Horse in their Governor’s backyard.”

“But-”

“You have to go to Kiamo Ko, Feld.” Elphaba brushed a hand along Fiyero’s back at the break in his voice. He hadn’t been parted from his best friend for more than a few days at a time. “Please.”

There were tears in the Horse’s eyes. “I don’t want to leave you two.”

Elphaba ran her fingers through his mane. “You won’t be leaving, Feld. When all this is over, we’ll come and get you.”

He nuzzled her shoulder. “And the baby?”

“Come on,” she snorted, “you know we would never deprive you of your godchild.”

With a sniffle, Feldspur nodded.

“Alright. Kiamo Ko it is.”

Chapter Text

It hurt. Fiyero wouldn’t lie to himself and say that it was a good thing, although part of it was.

He needed his best friend out of harm’s way. But Oz damn him, it was like a knife to his chest to watch Feldspur’s dark blue form disappear over the hill. Kiamo Ko was only a few days’ ride from the hideout, and with King Marilott’s decree, he wasn’t likely to meet much resistance.

“Are you okay?” Elphaba asked quietly. Every so often, she would pluck a jar from its shelf and throw it into her bag.

Fiyero nodded. “I’ll be okay if he’s okay.”

“He will be. I don’t think I’ve ever met a more stubborn Horse.”

He chuckled. “I’m don’t think there’s ever even been a more stubborn Horse.”

They were ready in a few minutes. Elphaba stayed at the entrance to the hut for a while. This had been her home for four years. Saying goodbye was going to be hard.

“We don’t have to go yet,” he told her. What was one more day?

But she took his hand with a deep breath. “No, the sooner we’re out of here, the better.”

Colwen Grounds was eerily quiet when they landed. There was no sign of any guards patrolling the area, so they entered the manor through the back door.

“Who’s there?” Boq’s voice demanded from the kitchen.

“Your favorite green person,” Elphaba teased.

There came a sharp gasp, and Glinda’s orange-clad form appeared around the corner. “Elphie!” she squealed.

“Hello to you too,” Fiyero muttered.

After embracing her best friend, the blonde rolled her eyes and hugged him awkwardly. “And Fiyero, of course.”

Boq, wiping off what looked to be flour on his apron, gave Elphaba a gentle squeeze. “Hey.”

“Hey,” she returned, smiling.

“What’re you two doing here?” Glinda demanded, pulling them into the kitchen. The whole space was coated in flour, most of it thrown onto the dough in the center of the counter.

Fiyero whistled. “Baking?”

“Yes, but that’s not what I asked.”

Elphaba leaned her broom against the wall. “I was spotted by the Gale Force.”

The pair gasped.

“They got too close for comfort, so we decided to leave.”

“You’re staying?” Boq blinked.

“Only if Nessa lets us.”

After a beat of silence, Fiyero looked down at Boq’s bright pink apron. “Kiss The Cook?”

He blushed deep enough to match his hair. “It belonged to Miss Partridge, the old cook.”

“The old cook?” Elphaba repeated, hopping onto the only part of the counter not covered in flour. “Did she quit?”

“No, the staff have all been relieved,” he said casually. “Save for myself, of course.”

“Why?”

“Less chance of discovery.”

Nessa really was risking a lot for them. Fiyero had to admire her determination. “Where is the Governor?”

“At a meeting with her ministers,” Boq replied, sliding off the apron. “Tomorrow, the ban on Animal travel is being lifted.”

Elphaba popped a hunk of fresh bread into her mouth. “What do the people think?”

He made a so-so gesture with his hand. “Most don’t seem to mind. Productivity in the fields has lessened since they left, so the farmers agree with her. Some of the upper-class are turning up their noses.”

“Of course,” she snorted.

“Now it’s your turn,” Glinda declared. “How’s the baby?”

Elphaba rolled her eyes with a snort. “The baby’s fine. Loves to dance against my bladder, of course, but what can you do about that?”

Fiyero was met with a glare form the blonde. “Those are your genetics.”

“That’s not how genetics work, Glin,” he said, smiling. Unless he missed a lesson in Mombi’s science class.

The front door opened with a loud groan. A few seconds later, Nessarose Thropp entered. Gone was the tight hairdo and sharp clothes. She looked nice in her pale blue dress and loose bun.

“Oh, Fabala,” she noted when she espied the prince and the witch in her kitchen. “Hello, Fiyero.”

Fiyero inclined his head politely.

“Hey, Ness,” Elphaba greeted, hopping off the counter, much to Glinda’s horror. “How’d the meeting go?”

“A few grumblings, but a majority were in favor. What are you doing here?”

Elphaba recalled the last few hours to her sister, who listened with furrowed brows. “So, if it’s not too much trouble, of course, we came to ask-”

“Fabala,” Nessa cut in. “This is as much your home as it is mine.”

Her hand began to tremble, and Fiyero took it gently. “Not exactly,” Elphaba whispered.

So this was it. This was the moment of truth for Fae.

“What do you mean?”

Sucking in a deep breath, she met her sister’s gaze. “Our father…he wasn’t really my father.”

Quiet descended. Glinda, who already knew the truth, scratched at the counter awkwardly, digging flour into her nails.

Nessa had to swallow a few times. “What?”

“Our mother had an affair. With the Wizard.”

“Holy Kumbric,” Boq gasped.

The Governor looked away, her eyes full of disbelief and confusion. “That’s not possible. Why would the Wizard…” She trailed off as it hit her. The Wizard had been in power twenty years, Elphaba was around four when he first took control of Oz. “How?”

“Mother’s bottle,” Elphaba said, clinging to Fiyero’s hand. He would be there, no matter what her sister said. “He had a matching one. It was supposed to be one of a kind.”

Nessa ran a hand through her hair. “Did Father know?”

“I don’t know.”

Now it was out. Fiyero could feel her holding her breath, anticipating rejection, or outright hatred.

But then Nessa sighed. “So we’re still sisters.”

Elphaba’s lips pursed. “We are.”

“So it doesn’t make much of a difference who your father is.”

“It-it doesn’t?”

She shook her head. “It doesn’t. Fabala, you cared for me my whole life. I may not have appreciated it, but you did. You’re my sister no matter what.”

Tears formed in Elphaba’s eyes. Fiyero let her go as she crouched in front of Nessa.

“You will always be my little sister.”

They hugged each other tightly. Fiyero smiled at the scene in front of him, knowing how much this would mean to Elphaba, to have a family around her. He was so happy for her.

Someone let out a low sob, and everyone turned to see Glinda wiping at her face.

“I’m sorry,” the blonde cried. “I love family reunions.”

Fiyero barked out a laugh.

Chapter Text

Elphaba smiled as Fiyero flopped back against the bed. “Better than sleeping outside?” she quipped through the vanity mirror.

“You know I was content just being with you.”

She rolled her eyes, though her cheeks heated. “But the bed is a plus?”

“Completely.”

Pulling her hair into one single braid, Elphaba looked at herself in the mirror. Pregnancy was said to change women, both physically and mentally. It was a lot, carrying and delivering of a whole new human being. Sure, her lower back still gave her grief, and she dealt with a flurry of emotions almost daily, but other than that, nothing had changed.

“Yero?”

“Yes, love?”

“Do I look any different to you?”

He sat up, confused. “When you say different…”

“As in ‘I’m clearly going to have a baby’ different.”

Rising from the bed, he came to stand behind her. “That all depends on if you want me to say.”

She nearly groaned in relief as he began to massage her shoulders. “Be honest.”

“Then no, I haven’t.”

“Fiyero.”

“I’m serious!” he objected before she could chide him. “And besides, I love you for you, not your body.”

She frowned. “Is there something wrong with my body?”

He guffawed. “Nothing is wrong with you, Fae. You’re beautiful, yes, and making love to you is still the most wonderful experience of my life, but that wasn’t why I fell in love with you.”

“You’re such a flirt,” she snorted, turning to wind her arms around his neck. He crouched for her, his hands running up and down her back. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he beamed, kissing her.

Everyone gathered in Nessa’s study the next morning. Glinda beckoned Elphaba onto the sofa, bouncing eagerly on the cushions.

“And how is my little namesake this morning?” the blonde cooed to her friend’s stomach.

Elphaba laughed. “You don’t know that it’s a girl.”

“Call it instinct.”

Nessa cleared her throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “The lifted ban will be announced today. I’m expecting some resistance from the Emerald City, but by then Munchkinland will already be declared a separate state.”

“You’ll find an ally in the Vinkus,” Fiyero offered. “My father’s councillors have been urging him to break away from the rest of Oz for a while.”

Leaning back, Elphaba offered her own two-cents. “The Monkey’s escape completely deprives Morrible of her key weapons. Without them, she has no means of attacking from above.”

“Unless she decides to start a blizzard,” Boq noted with a shiver.

“Her power can only do so much. She can change the weather, sure, but at the end of the day, that’s all she has.”

Nessa looked to her older sister. “What about you, Fabala?”

A beat of silence passed. “What about me?”

“I mean, between yourself and Morrible, you’re clearly the more powerful.”

Elphaba snorted. “Maybe, but she’s had years to perfect her magic.”

There was a look of wondering on Nessa’s face. “If I make the declaration separating Munchkinland from Oz, the Wizard will send some sort of army.”

“Can he do that?” Fiyero asked. “Just force you back into Oz?”

“Resistance hasn’t stopped him before,” Elphaba countered, reaching up to take his hand. “He’ll do whatever it takes to keep power, and so will Morrible.”

Boq cleared his throat awkwardly. “But he wouldn’t…you know…attack his own daughter.”

It wasn’t something Elphaba was much inclined to think about now. Knowing she was his, would the Wizard still want her dead, just to keep the world from knowing?

Thankfully, Nessa answered for her. “We don’t know for certain what he’d do, but Morrible is already looking for an opportunity.” Wheeling over to her desk, she pulled a crumpled flyer from one of the drawers. “These have been sent all throughout Oz.”

She passed the flyer to Elphaba, who scanned the printed words and froze.

DON’T LET THE WITCH SPAWN LIVE!

Below the bright yellow writing was an image of a young child with green skin and claws for nails. The child’s teeth were snake fangs, and her eyes glowed a deep red.

The corners of the page began to wither into ash. This was how Morrible saw her baby, the spawn of the Wicked Witch. Hurt coursed through Elphaba, pain at knowing how, four years ago, the Madame might have welcomed the child of her only pupil.

Glinda clamped a hand over her mouth in disgust.

“Sweet Oz,” Boq breathed. “She can’t be serious!”

A rush of air and the sound of boots stomping against the floor had Elphaba rising. “Give us a moment,” she told the others before following Fiyero’s retreating form out of the room.

She found him out in the garden, pacing back and forth.

“Yero.”

He kept going, muttering under his breath as his steps began to leave tracks in the grass.

“Fiyero.”

He stopped. “I’m going to kill her.”

Elphaba saw the pure rage etched on his face and knew it to be true. “I know.”

“How are you not angry?” he demanded, running a hand through his hair. “She’s threatening you, she’s threatening our child.”

Wrapping her shawl tighter around herself, she stepped forward until they were face to face. “I’m not angry, because threats are all she has. Only a woman who knows she is losing would sink so low. I’m not angry because I know that I could wipe her off the face of Oz, and she knows it too.”

Fiyero took a few deep breaths. “Morrible has a lot of nerve trying to call you a wicked witch. And now the world knows you’re pregnant.”

“Her mistake for making it public. Remember, I’m supposed to be some evil shrew whose womb is all dried up out of sheer bitterness.”

A tentative smile flitted across his mouth. “Did she really say that?”

“Gillikin Gazette, actually.”

He rested his hands gently on either side of her stomach. “I won’t let her get close to you two. I swear it.”

Elphaba gave his arm a poke. “I can handle myself, you know.”

“Oh, I do. But I won’t give her the chance to try and prove you wrong.”

“We need a form of protection around the country,” Nessa mused at dinner that night. “Fabala, does the Grimmerie have some sort of spell for that?”

Fiyero watched Fae chew her pasta thoughtfully. “I think there’s one. It’s a shield of sorts, no one but those the caster allows to can enter.”

“But a whole country?” Glinda gaped. “That has to be impossible.”

“Not to mention dangerous,” Fiyero couldn’t help adding. That earned him a look from Elphaba. “I speak from a place of concern, love.”

Fae shifted in her seat. “Maybe I don’t need to cover the whole country. With the Deadly Desert bordering Munchkinland on its Eastern side, I’d just need to make a shield along the Western half.”

A sinking feeling appeared in Fiyero’s gut. Elphaba was powerful, yes, and he had no doubts in her abilities. But this was a massive undertaking, especially for someone five and a half months pregnant.

As if sensing his hesitation, Fae took his hand under the table.

“I can do it,” she said, more to him than anyone else.

Boq dipped his bread into the pasta sauce. “Are you sure? We could wait a few months.”

“Morrible could send a force at any moment. Better for us to beat her to it.”

Fiyero couldn’t help the uneasiness that rid him of his appetite. Later, in the privacy of their room, he spoke his fears to Elphaba, who listened calmly.

“The last time you cast a spell this big was with the Monkeys,” he reminded her gently. “This is bigger than that.”

She nodded, covering her stomach with a blanket. “I wasn’t fully aware of my power that time, though. Does this have something to do with the baby?”

The horrific image of Morrible’s witch-child came to his mind unbidden. There were so many things he wanted to pay that wicked crone back for. That was at the top of his list.

Seeing his own child, a part of Fae, whom he loved more than life itself, being depicted as some sort of monster…

“It does, doesn’t it,” Elphaba noted simply. “Talk to me, Yero.”

He sighed, holding out an arm for her to nestle into. “I’m wondering if it’ll have an effect on your powers.”

“I haven’t noticed anything this far.”

“But then again, you also haven’t undertaken something this massive.”

She fiddled with his fingers. “I get what you mean, but if there haven’t been any issues, why wait until I’m further along?”

She made a good point. “Am I wrong to worry then?”

“Not at all. In fact, your worrying is rather endearing.”

Smiling, her kissed her hair.

“Glad to be of service.”

Chapter Text

On a small hill overlooking the fields of Munchkinland, the Grimmerie flipped open at a thought from Elphaba.

Boq let out a low whistle. “So if I wanted to open it myself…”

“It would snap shut right on your fingers.”

He stepped back, flexing his hand at the phantom sensation. How she didn’t flinch every time the book opened was beyond him.

It was weird, talking so casually with the woman who, a few weeks ago, was supposed to be his worst enemy. A part of him feared what would happen to him if the Gale Force found out, but he’d learned in the past weeks that the care he had for his friends outweighed the cost of discovery.

His feelings were most evident with Elphaba. Having two younger siblings of his own, he’d seen how pregnancy affected his mother, who never had time for her eldest son.

“Really, Boq, I’m fine,” Elphaba laughed as he made to help her stand. “I’m not weighed down just yet.”

“Right. Sorry.” He twiddled his thumbs a few times. “Glinda’s happy about the name, huh?”

She groaned. “Don’t remind me. Every time I enter a room she looks ready to start crying.”

“It’s um, it’s a nice name.”

That earned a soft smile. “Thanks, Boq. Have you talked to her at all?”

He blinked, stalling for time. “Who?”

“Glinda. Since you and my sister…”

“Ah, right.” The distance between himself and Nessa was palpable. Even Avaric had noticed, though he never voiced his opinions in the Governor’s presence. Of course, Avaric wasn’t a part of the staff anymore. That left Boq to do most of the heavy lifting.

“You’ll have to tell her at some point,” Elphaba reminded him. “Not being honest with yourself can be draining.”

He sighed. “Are you speaking from experience?”

Her gaze drifted to the bottom of the hill, where Fiyero was assisting Nessa up the incline. Glinda trailed behind, holding up a hand to block to rising sun. She was so beautiful, her golden hair flying in the wind. It was still a marvel to him that they were living under the same roof again.

“Yeah,” she breathed, rubbing her stomach soothingly. “I am.”

Fiyero joined them, kissing Elphaba so tenderly that Boq had to look away.

“Are you ready?” he asked, taking her hand.

She nodded confidently. “Completely.”

Elphaba set up in the middle of the hill, motioning for the rest of the group to keep a healthy distance. The pages of the Grimmerie emitted a soft glow with every wave of her hand. She began to chant, the words completely unintelligible to Boq.

But he could feel them. Magic, pure and unfiltered, set the hair on his arms rising.

It was electric, it was powerful.

She could feel the magic weaving itself around the countryside. Once the wall was made, she would stretch it out to cover the entirety of Munchkinland.

Elphaba repeated the spell. She threaded the tendrils of power together, curving them, shaping them into a dome-like shape. It was tiring, diving into the deep reserve of power she knew made up her very being.

Magic was a part of her. It would be a part of her child, her little witchlet.

If only it wasn’t so draining.

Her body strained under the pressure of pushing the wall out. She would have to rally to hold it in place.

One last burst of power. There was a kick in her stomach, like the baby was trying to help. She smiled at that, even when her arms began to shake.

And then it hit her.

Elphaba couldn’t recall the last time she’d had a vision. Usually, they were bright, painful flashes that had her collapsing at the searing headaches they gave her.

But this…this was clear. This was gentle, and peaceful.

A girl, no more than fifteen. Her dark brown curls bounced with every step, and when she turned, her light brown skin was peppered with freckles.

Come on, she seemed to say. Faster!

Her eyes were blue. A dark blue. Fiyero’s blue.

Ilianora.

And then it was gone.

The soft dirt slammed into Elphaba’s palms. The Grimmerie slammed shut, sending dust flying.

Warm arms enveloped her, keeping her from falling back-first onto the ground.

“I’ve got you,” Fiyero breathed. “Just breathe.”

She did, still lost in the vision of the girl with his eyes and her nose. It only confirmed what she knew, deep down in her heart.

“Elphie!” Glinda called, hitching her skirts and rushing towards them. “You did it!”

What? Oh, right. Sure enough, when she looked up, Elphaba could just make out a faint glow, like the sun was reflecting off of something solid but invisible.

Boq blew out a breath. “Weird.”

“I think it’s beautiful,” Glinda retorted, shielding her eyes. “Does it work though?”

“Maybe we should try throwing something.”

Nessa scoffed. “It only applies to people.” Then she frowned, looking to Elphaba. “Right?”

“Right.” Her sister nodded. “Only those living here currently and that I allow in can enter.”

“So, hypothetically,” Boq amended, “if the Wizard wanted to launch a cannon at us…”

Elphaba had to laugh at the mental image. “It would just bounce right back.”

She rose, Fiyero holding her up by the waist. “Are you alright?” he asked, brushing back the braids that had come loose from her ponytail.

“I’m fine.” She smiled at the thought of what she had just seen. “There’s something I want to show you though.”

“Of course.”

“Later. When we’re alone.”

His brows furrowed, but she silenced him with a knowing look.

“Okay, sit.”

Fiyero did as she ordered, perching on the edge of the bed. “You’re worrying me, Fae.”

Her smile was anything but worried, though. “Just hush and let me explain.”

“O…kay?”

Elphaba had changed into loose pants and a billowing shirt, leaving her hair unbound. It was so unlike her usual sharp coat and pointed hat.

“I saw something,” she said softly, though they were in the comfort of their own room. “Either my own magic showed it to me, or she did, but-”

“Wait, she?” Fiyero cut in. “Who’s ‘she?’”

A part of him suspected he knew what she meant. What he’d been hoping for internally for the past five months.

Elphaba took both his hands, her thumb making soothing strokes across the palm. “It’s hard to describe. Can I show you instead?”

There’s something I want to show you.

“Yes.”

She braced her hands gently on either side of his face. At once he felt the steady hum of magic where their skin met.

A thought that was not his own flashed through his mind. He saw the girl, the perfect mix of himself and Elphaba. Those were his eyes, Fae’s freckles, the very ones that reminded him of constellations.

She was beautiful, this little piece of each of them.

Elphaba pulled back. She was smiling, but her eyes were full of anticipation. As if she was worrying about his reaction.

“Was that…” he breathed, looking down at her stomach.

She loosed a breath. “It was.”

“Nor?”

“Yeah.”

The little girl he had imagined from the moment Elphaba said she was pregnant. Ilianora Galinda. His daughter.

Fiyero bit down on the inside of his lip. He couldn’t cry, it would only make Fae worry. But she saw the tears that gathered in his eyes. It didn’t turn her away or make her think less of him.

She gathered him in her arms, his forehead resting against her shoulder. There was no judgement as he cried. She simply ran her fingers through his hair, comforting him.

“A girl,” he managed to get out. Still, his voice was shaking.

Elphaba kissed him firmly on the mouth.

“A girl.”

Chapter Text

Oscar Diggs was a fraud. From his days as a pickpocket on the streets of Omaha, selling stolen goods to anyone with the purse to afford them, he had been a cheat, a scam.

And now he was a father.

“Oh, get over yourself,” Muriel Morrible, who had been his right-hand woman since their first meeting, going on twenty-three years ago, snapped. “She’s the product of a brief escapade in your youth, so be it.”

Melena hadn’t been an escapade. She was beautiful, the stunning wife of a fat toad for a husband.

You’re not from around here.

Now, what makes you say that, ma’am?

Because you’re actually interesting.

He could still remember that meeting like it was yesterday. After their month of hidden passion, right underneath her dolt husband’s nose, he’d heard nothing. It was only when the papers announcing the death of the Governor of Munchkinland’s wife that Oscar had began drinking.

“You know, you could be little more compassionate,” he retorted in his usual tone of amusement. Only this time, it was completely feigned. “Oh, who am I kidding. You don’t have children of your own.”

Morrible sniffed, her wrinkled fingers curling around the railing. “Because they are a distraction.”

“They are a part of life.”

“Others, maybe. But not yours or mine.”

Oscar leaned back in his chair. The two matching green bottles glittered in the light of his lamp.

Only two of them in the world, he’d told Melena. Another lie. They’d cost ten cents at the local gas station. Had cars finally progressed past gas? Maybe he ought to try and invent one…

But that was beside the point.

The Wicked Witch, Elphaba, was his daughter. How had he not suspected? He knew Frexspar Thropp had two daughters, both of them Melena’s. He’d just assumed that the oldest was conceived after his affair with her was over with.

Oscar snatched up one of the bottles, the one that belonged to Melena. The bottom was scratched up a bit, and there was a bit of rust building at the rim, but it still took him back.

“You had an affair with the wife of Munchkinland’s former Governor,” Morrible continued. She loomed above him from the very platform Elphaba had confronted him on. “Word cannot get out, or it’ll hurt our cause even more.”

“Even more?” he scoffed.

Morrible blew out a breath of annoyance. “You have been locked in this office for a week. People are beginning to talk, especially with the flyers I’ve been putting out about the little witch spawn.”

“Witch spawn?”

“Sweet Oz, I’m surrounded by morons,” she snapped. “The Wicked Witch is with child. Your grandchild, the very thing that could destroy four years of public opinion and be rebuilt in her favor.”

A child. A grandchild for him. Oh, all the toys he could make for the little tyke, maybe a rattle, or he could buy a pony!

“Don’t get that look.”

Oscar schooled his face into pleasant confusion. “What look?”

The Madame descended into his workspace, brushing aside mechanical birds and blueprints for his other inventions. “This child is not welcome to our cause. With the witch as its mother and the Winkie prince its father, we could be looking at a full-scale attack by Winkie Country.”

“Oh please,” he chortled, “I bet old Marilott doesn’t even know the kid exists.”

“I made the pronouncement myself, on your behalf, of course.”

“I didn’t authorize that.”

“No, but someone had to do it.”

Oscar slammed the bottle down onto the table. Hard. “You seem to be struggling to comprehend the word assistant, Madame. You are not the Wizard of Oz, I am.”

She smirked. “Then be one. You let the Animals slip through your fingers, and that has cost us.”

“The Animals were your idea,” he reminded her.

“Perhaps, but you were one who suggested making a common enemy to bring people together.”

He opened his mouth to argue, but there was no point. She was right, it had been at his suggestion. But that was how things were done in Omaha! Animals stayed in cages, people paid a few cents to go see them, and maybe even get an ice cream on the way out.

“You would think Chuffrey’s funeral was enough to seal public hatred for the witch,” Morrible grumbled mostly to herself. “Oz knows we spent a fortune on it. But no, it is their precious Glinda they’re concerned about.” She seemed to spit out the name. “She won’t come back willingly, wherever she is.”

Kidnapped. That was the story. The people were devastated, vigils had been held, and Glinda the Good merchandise had hit an all-time sale record. No one knew where she was, but Morrible’s story about being kidnapped by the Wicked Witch didn’t seem to carry much weight.

After all, Glinda’s goodness was supposed to protect from the witch’s wickedness.

Footsteps carried through the office, and Captain Cherrystone, named to the post after Prince Fiyero’s betrayal, came rushing in.

“What is it now?” Morrible demanded.

The captain was panting. “It’s Munchkinland, my lady.”

“Yes?”

“You’d better come see for yourself.”

“I look like an overripe pumpkin.”

“You look beautiful, Fae-”

“Correction, I feel like an overripe pumpkin.” Elphaba shifted from side to side. “Sweet Oz, I can’t even see my feet!”

Fiyero rose from the bed to take her hands. “Do you want to sit?”

She guffawed. “Not a chance. I want to do something.”

“Hanging up a bookshelf in our room is a suicide mission, Fae. What if it tipped over?”

“I’d cast a levitation spell.”

“Alright, I walked right into that one.”

Turning sharply, she walked, more like waddled, to the furthest wall from the bed. “Just think how nice it’ll be to not have to go all the way downstairs for a book.”

Fiyero smiled. “Couldn’t say, love. I don’t read.”

Elphaba waved him off. “For me, then.”

“If it’s a bookshelf you want, then I’ll make it for you,” he insisted.

“No, you’re already building the crib…”

Sighing, he came up behind her and trailed his hands down her arms. “Fae, you’re carrying a full baby. The least I can do is build a crib.”

“I’m fully capable of installing a bookshelf, Yero.”

“I don’t doubt that. Just…let someone else to the heavy lifting for once.” She shot him a look, which made him laugh. “Rest. Everything will take care of itself.”

Elphaba rested a hand on her ballooning stomach. “Hear that, Nor?” she complained to a baby who couldn’t hear her. “Your father wants me, of all people, to rest.”

Fiyero scoffed. “She’s going to come out glaring at me for all the smack you talk.”

“Oh, she doesn’t understand what I’m saying.”

“Maybe, but I reckon she’s learning to associate certain tones.”

“Yeah right!”

“Like that one means mom is upset with dad.”

She reached back to playfully smack his arm.