Chapter Text
Elphaba had never intended to return to Oz, particularly after all that transpired. They were all insincere and scared to assert themselves in life. From a lofty vantage point, she observed all the Ozians assembled for a special event. The unveiling of the yellow brick road. And that was a triumph of the sorcerer, a person lacking true power just like everyone else.
Evidently, soaring in the air was the greatest experience she had ever had. For the first time, she sensed total freedom, both literally and metaphorically.
A smile spread across her face when she spotted Glinda, her beloved friend, approaching. Oh, how she yearned to see her once more and embrace her, yet wise as she was, she understood that such a tale was never destined to be told. A gasp of astonishment escaped her lips when she spotted Fiyero there as well, clad in his elegant green suit. What a superb selection of color. Unfortunate for her, she was unaware that Fiyero had requested his suit be in green so he could carry a piece of her with him. To carry a memory that allowed him to continue.
Her facial expressions flickered at the glimpse of Madame Morrible, the exact person accountable for her life in exile. Being accepted into Shiz University led her to think that she could have a chance at life and happiness, just like everyone else. And just when she was ready to allow people into her life, that contemptible woman brought Elphaba back to her origins and values. She wasn't made for lying or leaving in the shadows. She was daring and brave.
"What is the sensation like?" The inquiry nearly caused Elphaba to tumble off her broomstick. She doubted whether Fiyero was still the same one she had left after abandoning everything she cherished. She could feel her heart tremble like a leaf anticipating his reply.
"Annoying, but I became captain for her, and I will continue searching until I succeed." Fiyero was faithful to each word he spoke. Throughout those five years, he surpassed himself to gain a measure of power in his grasp. He aimed to be the one to discover Elphaba, knowing that if someone else did, she would be at risk. He loved her and understood that he would do whatever it took to ensure she was alright. She provided his life with new significance, and now, being unaware of her caused him to doubt his desire to continue living.
A tear rolled down Elphaba's face. She was not anticipating hearing comments like that. She wished to think that Fiyero remained the same person she last saw before she left. However, time alters many aspects.
"No, that’s not what she intended, my dear. She's talking about our commitment." Fiyero gazed at Glinda with confused eyes.
"What?!"
"What?!'"
The identical question emerged at once from Fiyero's and Elphaba's mouths, carrying the same intensity, pain, and confusion in their voices.
Yet, they were unaware that such an event had taken place.
Glinda felt his discomfort and briefly looked at the crowd before turning her attention back to him.
"Are you as thrilled as I am? We're going to be husband and wife." Her voice was filled with excitement, but his was not. He gazed around utterly powerless. Deep down, he understood his desires. Yet his desire remained unattainable.
"What are you saying? We never discussed that. Nor had I ever allowed our friendship to reach that level." She lowered her hand from his chest, utterly captivated by his choice of words.
"Friendship?!" She responded with complete disbelief and skepticism.
As Morrible delivered a brief speech regarding the Wicked Witch and her plans, Glinda observed Fiyero appearing tense and aloof. She understood he disliked everything they mentioned regarding Elphaba, but she was unsure how to proceed now. He didn't even care to explain himself about the friendship term he used.
Elphaba shut her eyes, trying to keep her tears from streaming down. She understood her identity and realized she would never have an opportunity with Fiyero. Glinda was destined to be with him. And all at once, she recalled the true reason for her presence.
She inscribed the sky using her enchantment.
The Wizard is deceiving. He’s a fraud.
Everyone looked up into the sky in clear bewilderment and fear.
As Elphaba revealed herself to everyone in Oz, Fiyero gazed upward at the sky. Before he could see her, she disappeared as the flying monkeys chased her in an instant. A sigh of exasperation and longing came out of his mouth.
He didn't engage in excessive contemplation. He simply commanded his recruits to chase after her. Regardless of the circumstances, he had a goal to achieve. An issue of the heart.
They realized they were deep within the forest before they could fully comprehend it. Fiyero leaped off his horse, raising his weapon at an unseen danger.
He looked around the surroundings, quietly hoping that he would at last locate her. His intention was not to shoot at her, but he had to maintain appearances. His true desire was to hold her tightly in his embrace and never release her.
His heart was racing within his chest when he noticed a motion among the leaves of those trees. Might it be her? He proceeded to examine it more closely.
He couldn't conceal his excitement upon seeing her. She had truly merged with the leaves, just as he had mentioned during their initial encounter.
"Captain, did you observe anything?"
Their gazes locked for a moment. His blue eyes fixated on her green ones. She tilted her head as if trying to discern his real motives. She stood in silence, expecting Fiyero to say "She's here," but the words never left his lips. He continued gazing at her, feeling incredibly fortunate that not a single quality of hers had faded from his memory. She noticed him spinning around, directing his firearm at his troops.
"No, there's not a clue of her." He said regaining his old composure.
"You have to return. The people of Oz must be safeguarded from that Wicked Witch."
The others turned to him, unaware of the abrupt shift in his choice.
"However, this is our opportunity now. There's a chance the Wicked Witch could get away," one of them replied in protest.
"No, I will remain here to examine the area a bit more. Now, proceed." He ordered in a commanding voice.
Elphaba was amazed by Fiyero's charisma and strength. He happened to have a strong impact on his men, as they nodded at him and departed.
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"Therefore, you ultimately don’t require all these men. You're very confident in your power." He could perceive the resentment in her voice as she moved through the underbrush. Even though she maintained her defenses, Fiyero found himself smiling at her. Not seeing her for five years made her appear even more beautiful to him.
"You believe I will yield to you merely for the sake of our past friendship?" Elphaba continued to speak, her expression lacking any emotion or signs of anger.
"What?! Certainly not. I would never ask such a thing from you." Fiyero answered with a genuine, loving tone. How could he act that way when he felt as if he were suffocating without her?
"Seriously? Do you really think I'm so foolish as to believe anything you say?" That was a standard, characteristic response that the old Elphaba would employ to justify herself.
"No, Elphaba. Certainly not." He hurried to respond, as if he were unfamiliar with her. He steeled himself for what lay ahead.
"Elphaba? Seriously, is that so? And what has happened to my title?" He gave her a mysterious look. He genuinely had no clue about what she was talking about.
"Doesn't the Wicked Witch of the West fit me perfectly?" She inquired of him with a sense of irony. He took a step closer to her, but her hand halted him.
"Elphaba, I-"
"Do you not agree? You referred to me as such just a few minutes ago." He smiled at her with understanding. He understood that she would never allow him to speak. She also observed that he was still holding onto the weapon tightly. Was it possible that he intended to use it against her?
"No, I didn't intend to refer to you like that. I simply needed to do that. The recruits—"
Elphaba found herself unable to suppress a laugh at their comment.
"The recruits who? Are they clueless or what? They can't say my name?"
"Elphaba, please, allow me to speak this once." Fiyero finally yelled, no longer able to endure her attacks and accusations. He simply desired her.
Her eyes glimmered at that particular remark he made. He had expressed something quite similar to her at Shiz on the day they saved the cub from endless motion, the same day she acknowledged her genuine feelings for Fiyero. Emotions that she fully understood would never be returned.
On this occasion, she did not say sorry. She simply looked at him with chill and skepticism.
Fiyero sensed his heart quiver within his chest. Facing him was an Elphaba quite unlike the one he knew and cherished. He set the gun aside, finally noticing it was still in his hold, and lifted his hands, never allowing his gaze to leave hers.
"Elphaba, can't you see? I intend no harm to you. I would never intend any form of threat toward you." He informed her while he approached his position with careful steps.
She observed him approaching, so she made no effort to escape. It appeared that she hadn't lost her faith in him, or she compelled herself to hold onto that belief.
"How was I able to? When my heart only beats for you." He spoke just prior to hugging her close.