I've been quite disappointed in the lack of involvement Shell has in Wicked fics, and I've had some ideas floating around in my head, so I decided to create a one-shot of when he and Elphaba were younger. If I get inspired, or people throw ideas my way, I'll make it into a collection of one-shots of their childhood.
It was a warm summer's afternoon. The kind where the gentle breeze and sun's rays make eyes droop and smiles abundant. The grass gently swayed, and the trees whispered secrets unknown to man. Even the usually cold and forlorn palace seemed kinder on this afternoon. The horses nickered softly while they grazed nearby the stables.
All was quiet and peaceful on the Cowlen Grounds. That is, until the laughter began. At first it was only a young boy's laugh. The grazing stallion looked up at the sound and tossed it's mane, letting out a gentle whinny. The other two horses looked up as well when a girl's laugh joined the boy's.
The jubilant sounds came from one of the trees, where two children were climbing and playing. The boy had curly light brown hair, pale skin, and green eyes that shone with curiosity. He had turned six mere days previous. The girl had raven black hair that fell to her waist in a braid. She had dark, calculating, chocolate eyes, and strange green skin. She was no older than thirteen.
"Do it again Fabala!" The boy exclaimed excitedly from a branch. "Alright, alright! But this is the last time, little brother!" The girl conceded. A squeal of delight came from the boy as the girl flipped herself upside down and hung by her legs off of the branch she was on. She made a monkey face at him, and even did her best impersonation of one. The boy took quite a lot of glee in it, and nearly fell off of his branch laughing.
"Shell, if I am going to be doing this, you must be careful!" The girl admonished while hanging upside down and smiling. She was aware that she wasn't being the best of examples in this situation.
"Sorry sis. Let's race up the tree!" Shell chirped as he started climbing the tall tree. "Hey! No fair!" Elphaba whined as she scrambled to get upright again. Shell just laughed down at her and kept climbing.
Soon enough though, the elder passed her brother. She made sure to feign fatigue shortly before the end so that the boy could win.
"Hah! I beat you." Shell was absolutely triumphant. Elphaba raised her hands in surrender. "I can't compete with such tree climbing skill! I will admit that you won, mostly fair and square! But if I had been ready, well little brother, it would have been me doing the victory dance."
Shell laughed at his sister. "Nuh uh! I'm the best tree climber around!" He grinned smugly. The sight caused Elphaba to chuckle. "Fabala," the boy started, suddenly serious. "Why do all the kids at school say you're bad?"
Elphaba's eyes darkened and she looked away. "I don't know Shell..." She mumbled. "Well, I think they're big dummies. You're a very good person Fabala. You like wrestling, tag, and climbing trees. And your skin looks cool even if it makes it so you can't ever go swimming. Plus you're the best big sister ever. Nessa isn't half as fun as you." Shell hugged a surprised Elphaba. Tears pricked her eyes as she hugged her brother tightly.
"I love you shell. Don't ever forget that." She whispered. "I love you too Fabala." Shell chirped.