A/N: Just a little thing I had an idea for. What if, after the Wizard's proposal in Wonderful, Elphaba had say 'yes' and come back to work for him? (Perhaps in secret for the Animal cause as a double agent, perhaps not. You decide.)
Most probably going to stay a oneshot, simply because I don't have time with school, other fics, and my own personal writing to expound on it. If someone wants to take the idea and run with it, however, go ahead! (Just make sure you link me so I can read it!)
"The most celebrated are the rehabilitated."
"A tragic accident resulting from a spell gone horrendibly wrong—"
Elphaba stood uncomfortably just behind Glinda as the blonde told the entirely fictional tale about the unfortunate backfire that made Elphaba go insane and think the Wizard was magicless and malicious. Elphaba had heard the story rehearsed nearly a dozen times—she had been there at the meeting where they came up with the idea. She had strictly vetoed the idea of Animal Kidnapping and Brainwashing, saying if they spun that tale she would indeed turn again.
It was Glinda who had suggested the idea of a backfiring spell. Morrible and the Wizard had loved it, and were now using Glinda as their mouthpiece to cover their asses. They had, after all, spent three years telling all of Oz that Elphaba was an evil, child eating, malicious villain. Now they had to bring Oz back on her side—their side, now.
It did not feel like a 'their' side to Elphaba. It felt like the den of a pack of wolves who were ready to tear into her the moment. As The Wicked Witch of The West, Elphaba could handle that kind of uncertainty and fear. As Elphaba Thropp, she was not so sure.
Glinda smiled at the crowd and stepped back, indicating that it was time for Elphaba to say her very short, very concise, very planned speech. Elphaba squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, and stepped into the forefront of the balcony. People spilled out in front of her for as far as she could see, and her heart caught in her throat for a minute—not that she would ever admit it. She took a breath, then began speaking.
"I am truly sorry for the problems that my actions have caused," Elphaba said the rehearsed words carefully, clearly, so there would be no mistakes. "I am very thankful for the Wizard for freeing me the clutches of that wicked spell, and I look forward to working with him and Glinda the Good to restore peace to all of Oz." She paused as scripted, then looked back at Glinda, who nodded encouragingly…again, as scripted. "Thank you very much for taking me back and giving me another chance. I will not let you down!"
Her words ended strongly, but Elphaba felt weak uttering them. The crowd roared with approval, and Elphaba took one last look out across the expanse of the Emerald City before her. There was not a single Animal among them.
Elphaba could not help but wonder if she was doing the right thing.