While watching The Moon that Embraces the Sun with Bitternessie, I got an idea that it would make a good Fiyeraba. Of course, I had switch things around so it could be set in Oz. And I had to make some things slightly out of cannon.
There are only eight pre written chapters. Honestly, I don't know how long this is going to be. Maybe twenty?
Disclaimer. Neither Wicked nor The Moon that Embraces the Sun is mine.
The persistent gloom was replaced by the light of sun as the carriage door was opened. Blinking away the weariness from the travel, Elphaba clambered out of her seat. The sun peeked over the horizon causing the sky to glimmer with the yellow and red colors of daybreak. She took in with wonder the grassy plains which the place was known for. The Vinkus was truly a sight to behold.
There was a soft rain that chilled the morning air when she lifted her gaze up the surrounding mountains. She exchanged a polite yet strained greeting with the servants that helped them. Not one of them was able to keep their gazes from her green skin. She took a few steps, grass crunching beneath her boots, and met a magnificent castle.
She felt her breath catch as she examined the beauty that was Kiamo Ko Castle. It was constructed out of black and grey stone and had tall, spiraling towers that pointed towards the slowly fading fiery sky. Vines grew and framed the windows making her wonder how old the castle was.
"Go on," her father, Frexspar ordered impatiently. "The King and Queen do not have all day!"
Elphaba stumbled, the book she had been reading on the journey flying out of her hands. She ran towards it to pick it up but someone else got to it first. With her mind angrily set to demand the person to give her book back, she looked up with a frown.
"I was wondering when you'd get here, greenie," the tall man said, twirling her book around.
She smiled, instantly being pulled in a friendly hug. "Castien, you know I hate hugs," she said, drawing away. They went to school together at Shiz University. Castien initially didn't want anything to do with Elphaba, but because of their surnames, they ended up always sitting next to each other whenever teachers arranged them in alphabetical order. "So this is where you live?"
He shook his head, staring up at the castle. "Not all the time, just when dad feels like it. I live with my mother in the village."
Elphaba nodded. She already knew that Castien was born from the love of the current king and a beautiful peasant girl from their youth. But that love was not meant to be for the then prince was engaged to a daughter of a nobleman, causing him to leave his little family. The king quickly came to love his new bride, but never forgot to provide for Castien and his mother. Castien was still a prince and second in line for the throne, after his younger brother.
That was probably the reason why Elphaba and Castien had become such good friends. She was the green and friendless outcast and he was the illegitimate son of the king, who was looked down upon by many.
She turned towards her father, who helped her little sister, Nessarose, down to her wheelchair. They talked happily, not once looking for Elphaba even as they went inside the castle.
"Galinda's coming too, you know? I just received her letter, saying that she'll be just in time for the party," Castien said. Her mood instantly lightened at the mention of her best friend's name. Like everyone else, Galinda didn't like Elphaba and was completely horrified when they were assigned as roommates. She even went as far as starting new nicknames to tease Elphaba and constantly embarrassing her in public. But all of that was before they had bonded over their mutual love for sorcery, being the only two students at Shiz who studied the craft. "And as far as I know, you're going to be sharing a room with her at the west tower."
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" she muttered. "Did the prince invite her?"
"Yeah," he replied. "Fiyero told me that he invited her parents too. Although I don't think it's a sign that they're going forward in their relationship, considering his unstoppable flirting with other girls."
"Has he been kicked out of that new school again?"
Castien groaned. "Besides his scandalacious reputation, my brother doesn't really care for anything."
"You want me to kill him for you? I can do it silently and without trace," she joked.
He laughed. "As much as I think the Vinkus will be far better with me as the king, I can't do that to my brother. He's really not that bad to be around. You'll like him if you meet him."
"I doubt that."
.
.
Fiyero found himself sprawled on his stomach, on the floor of his bedroom. The cold stone floors which his cheek was resting on did nothing for the headache that he had brought upon himself from last night's events. His friends had celebrated his return to the Vinkus from another failed year of schooling. He recalled that it had been loud and quite fun since he remembered talking to a few ladies, who were more than willing to receive feigned affection from him.
He groaned as a loud knock sounded at the door. Vainly trying to fix himself in order to appear like he had not slept drunkenly on the floor, he hopped on his bed and dusted himself off. "Come in," he said, a bit too loudly for his throbbing head.
The door opened to reveal his half-brother, all cheery and dressed for the day. "Almost everyone has arrived and yet you're still in bed." Castien went over to the windows and drawn up the curtains, sending a blinding light towards Fiyero's eyes. "Rise and shine, Yero."
"Good morning to you too, Cas." Fiyero blinked several more time to adjust to the light.
"It's two o'clock in the afternoon, your highness," he teased. "Oz, what time did you get here?"
"About six in the morning, I guess?" he replied.
Castien shook his head. "Even on the eve of the annual ball." He sat on the empty desk and skimmed through one of Fiyero's textbooks, which were good as new. "I'm here to remind you that you're supposed to pick up Galinda and her parents at the train station in exactly thirty minutes. And don't tell me to do it. You're the one who's dating her."
"Sweet Oz, you're right!" His eyes widened as he scrambled out of bed, disappearing into his closet with a bang of the door that hurt his head.
"I suggest you brush your teeth and put some of that really strong cologne on because you stink," Castien called out from outside, laughing.
"I thought big brothers were supposed to be helping their poor little brothers on tough situation and not laughing at them," he said, getting in some clean clothes.
"That wasn't in the job description," Castien replied.
.
.
"He's supposed to be here by now," Galinda grumbled, dropping herself on a bench. She had been waiting for almost fifteen minutes at the train station. Her luggage were set on the dirty ground, much to her dismay. It would surely ruin their color, which she so keenly preserved during her schooling.
"Be patient, dear. I'm sure the prince will be arriving very soon," her mother assured her. "If not, we could send a word to your grandmother and she'll have someone pick us up anywhere in Oz."
The thought of her granny – her other granny gave her the chills. They weren't particularly close since they only visited the Vinkus a few times each year. The old woman was recently promoted to work with the Wizard of Oz himself and was as strict as she was scary-looking. That made Galinda wonder where her mother got her looks because as she remembered, her late grandfather was rather looked rather ordinary.
Finally, she heard the sound of hooves clicking from the distance. An extravagant carriage came into view. It carried blue flowing flags, which was the traditional color of the Vinkun royal family. The black horses stopped trotting and out of the carriage came Fiyero and Castien.
She smiled as Fiyero kissed her cheek. "I was beginning to worry that you've forgotten!"
"I would never," he replied.
Castien snickered from behind them. "Yeah right." He brought Galinda into a hug. Castien was the one who introduced her to Fiyero a year ago, during her last visit. They have been writing to each other ever since. "Elphaba is already in the castle. You should help her get ready for the ball. She's singing and still she insists on looking like a mashed vegetable."
"Sounds exciting!" she said.
"You two have got to introduce me to that Elphaba. Is she really green?" Fiyero asked, earning glares from the two.
"Don't mention the green," Galinda stated seriously.
With a nod, he went to greet Galinda's parents and then proceeded to help Castien with loading the luggage. He regretted his decision on not bringing some servants to help them. Now, he was contemplating whether or not he'd order the two guards that went with them to help.
Once everything was loaded, Fiyero helped Galinda and her mother on the carriage, getting compliments at how gentlemanly he was from both parents. He and his brother shared an amused look before climbing in with them. The horses whinnied and they were off to Kiamo Ko.
.
.
After having lunch with Nessarose and the Queen in the gardens, a servant showed her to her bedroom, which as Castien said, was in the west tower. The room was a massive semi-circle. It was five times the size of her own bedroom in their manor in Munchkinland, which Galinda had often pointed out was a shoe box, compared to her sister's. Two small, golden four poster beds with complementing blue canopy were elevated on a platform. There was a fireplace and a balcony on opposite sides of each other. Next to a large wardrobe was a door that led to the baths. The only thing that Elphaba didn't like about the room was the vanity table that made her stare into her reflection as soon as she entered the room.
Her things had just been brought up so she decided she would pass some time reading the book she had brought with her. She dragged a chair towards the balcony, finding that it overlooked the gardens where she had just been. Not a cloud marred the sky and the wind picked up to a gentle breeze. The quietness relaxed her as she read her book. However, the calm condition of the room was disrupted as someone burst through the doors.
"Elphie!" Galinda shrieked excitedly upon entering.
Elphaba stood up and waited for her friend to tackle her in a tight hug. "I missed you too, Galinda."
"Why didn't you tell me you were singing at the ball?" she questioned.
"I didn't know when I sent you that last letter," Elphaba answered. When she came back from sending her mail, her father told her that the king and queen requested a performance from her. It wasn't that big of a deal. Her father always had her sing a song or two whenever he entertained guest. She knew his reasons and didn't dare question him. She concluded since Frex never really cared about her, that he had been using her talents and intelligence to find someone who would want to marry her and finally take her out of his life.
"Oh Elphie, I'm so excited! And I can't wait for you to meet Fiyero," Galinda gushed on about how perfect the prince was which made Elphaba faintly guilty about not informing her of what Castien had said about his brother. She decided that she didn't have the right to tell her because she hadn't even met the prince.
To Elphaba's relief, the conversation turned to a discussion of what she would be wearing for the ball. She would have insisted on wearing her most unflattering black dress just so people would stay away from but her father had other ideas. He had commissioned two gowns – a lavender one for Nessa and a large silver one for Elphaba.
She had wanted to wash her eyes out with soap after she had first seen it. It had too many layers of scintillating fabric. The large amount of small unnecessary crystals looked like they had been put there just to irritate her. Honestly, the whole dress seemed to mock her.
Galinda's, on the other hand, was a beautiful light pink ball gown that as big as hers but better. It was simple and very delicate, yet regal. Fabric roses, that looked so real you could just smell them, decorated the large skirt. The gown itself did not attract attention but Elphaba knew with Galinda in it, all eyes will be on her – if her green friend in the shimmering gown didn't appall anyone.
The two friends got ready, preferring to dismiss some servants whom the princes had told to help them. After each had a soothing bath, they dressed quickly with the help of the other. Elphaba felt constricted by the itchy fabric of the gown. How was she supposed to sing if she couldn't breathe? Galinda helped her adjust the gown, but it still felt tight afterwards.
Elphaba allowed Galinda to comb through her hair. Although a bit disappointed that Elphaba won't let her put makeup on her, she still did the best she could in styling her friend's long black hair. Because of the gown's beautiful design, Galinda pinned her hair up.
Galinda's style was effortless. She simply pinned a few strands back and placed little flowers in her golden curls. With a little bit of makeup, she was done and was looking as elegant as a princess.
"Shall we?" Galinda asked with a smile.
"I don't really know. Can we just skip this?"
"Oh Elphie, you know you can't! You have to sing," she pointed out.
Elphaba groaned. "Let's get this over with."
.
.
Fiyero chose to hide during most of the festivities, not wanting to be in a conversation with old, important men about the economy. He wanted to be with Galinda, but she was gently chatting with a couple of ladies, one of whom Fiyero had been in a short relationship with. Noise and music filled the ballroom, causing him to retreat to some place quiet. The empty corridor echoed with his footsteps and then shortly another's. Castien was walking towards him with two glasses in hand. Offering Fiyero one, they clinked glasses and drank.
"I thought I might find you here," he said. "Dad's getting angry. He wants you to show yourself."
"Maybe later," Fiyero replied, swishing the contents of the glass. "I'll ask Galinda to dance."
"Come on, Yero. I know you don't like having princely duties but all you have to do is show up." Castien was right. He always was on occasions like this. Sometimes, it made Fiyero wish that he wasn't the crown prince.
"Fine," he said with a sigh.
As they went back into the ballroom however, the strangest thing happened. The previous noise died down. Certain that the sudden presence two princes were not the reason, Fiyero looked around. The eyes of the guest were transfixed upon someone in the center, but even with his height, he couldn't see who.
And then came a voice.
Fiyero was sure that it was an angel serenading the entire room. With only a piano accompanying her, the woman's voice soared and entranced everyone at the ball. It was a song that he didn't recognize but the notes flowed so beautifully from the mystery woman that he didn't care. Everyone was utterly silent, listening to the chime-like soprano voice that graced their ears.
Half-dragging Castien towards the crowd, Fiyero finally got a glimpse of her. Her emerald green skin was radiant with her shining silvery gown, her dark hair swept up on her head, and though her voice didn't show it, her hands shook slightly with each breath in anxiety. Her beauty along with her talent made his heart race.
"Cas," Fiyero nudged his brother's side. "Who is she?" he whispered.
Castien hushed him. "Stop talking. And her name is Elphaba."
"That's her?" he asked. "She's the quite the singer, isn't she?"
"Not that I can tell with you hissing up my ear."
The last note was perfectly executed, drawing out as the piano accompaniment drew to a close. Applause filled the room. Fiyero and Castien clapped enthusiastically with the crowd. Elphaba meekly bowed and smiled shyly before going up to her father who was with Fiyero's parents.
The celebration then resumed and the ballroom was once again filled with music and loud voices of Oz's finest citizens. Fiyero wanted to go back to his corridor to avoid all the boastful laughs but that green girl was stopping him from doing so. After offering another weak smile to the King and Queen, she delved into a more serious conversation with them, his father nodding every now and again. Eventually, Elphaba excused herself and was met by Galinda who hugged her friend in praise.
"Cas, you have to introduce me to her," Fiyero pleaded.
He shrugged lightly. "I don't know. She's not really the type of girl that likes being flirted with."
"Please," he said, sounding very serious. "I just want to meet her."
"She doesn't like meeting new people. I think she'd appreciate it if we left her alone."
Fiyero frowned at his brother. "Fine, I'll just let Galinda introduce me to her."
.
.
Intending on slipping out of the crowd, Elphaba loosened out of Galinda's grip. She looked for a way of escape but found none. There were dozens of people who still continued to gawk at her, whispering to each other overtly. Few of the older ladies were even subtly pointing at her, which she caught in the corner of her eye. Whether they were talking about her singing or her green skin, Elphaba didn't wish to know. She only wanted to go back to their room and avoid all contact with these people.
"Elphie, honestly you were amazing! Everyone is talking about you," Galinda said.
"When aren't they?" she retorted.
She caught sight of Castien, who was with the prince. They stood at the bottom of the grand staircase, both holding glasses of wine. As they spoke, the two princes turned toward her direction. Realization washed through her when she noticed that they must have been looking at Galinda.
"Oh, come and meet Fiyero." Galinda took her elbow and led her towards the two princes. While Galinda glided with all the grace of a true lady, Elphaba marched awkwardly in her high heels. "Elphaba, this is Fiyero."
Standing beside each other, Castien and Fiyero looked as different as night and day. Fiyero had blond, untidy hair and blue eyes that shine radiantly. His smile looked like it could light the whole world. Castien, on the other hand, had dark hair and equally dark eyes. Although he was taller, he looked like a shadow next to his brother. Despite their slight difference in appearance, they both looked striking and handsome, features that they probably inherited from their father.
"Miss Elphaba," Prince Fiyero said, taking her hand. "It's good to finally meet you at last. You were astounding earlier."
She felt her cheeks warm, flipping his grasp to shake his hand formally. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, your highness."
"It's just Fiyero. Any good friend of my brother is a good friend of mine."
"Then I'm just Elphaba." She shrugged. "I don't care for formalities."
"Elphaba," he repeated. She had never heard anyone say her stupid name so charmingly. "Would you like to dance?"
She blinked. "I… actually don't know the dance."
"I'll dance with you, Fiyero," Galinda chimed.
With a nod, they ventured to the dance floor. Soon Fiyero and Galinda were stepping and spinning to the rhythm of the lively music.
"You don't seem like you're enjoying yourself," Castien commented.
She lifted a brow at him. "You don't seem like it too."
He chuckled lowly. "Well, mysterious singer." She cringed at the mention. "The next dance will be from Munchkinland. Maybe you'll dance with me then?"
"No," she firmly said.
"One dance?" He tried again but Elphaba simply shook her head. "You can't refuse a prince to a dance. If you do, you might find yourself in the dungeon."
"And you might find yourself walking with your arms," she threatened. The pout on his face was so silly it made her giggle. Her dignity was already bruised with the horrific dress so she figured she didn't have anything else to lose. "Alright."
The song slowed to a stop and soon another tune, this time a familiar one, was played. She placed her hand in his started traipsing up the steps she had learned in her childhood. She was far from being graceful but at least she didn't step on any of Castien's toes.
"I didn't know you could dance," Elphaba said as he whirled her around.
"I'm still a prince," he replied when she turned back to face him. "I might not go to those parties at the Ozdust, but I'm quite knowledgeable with most of the dance styles in Oz."
She spotted the queen dancing with her father. She whirled around and something on the back of her neck caught Elphaba's attention.
"Why does the queen have a tatoo?" she asked him.
Castien looked at the queen. "It's a thing here in the Vinkus. When someone marries into a rich family their crest is tattooed on the person's nape."
"Do you have a tattoo?"
"Well, I'm not married but I do have a blue diamond on my chest."
"Really?"
"It's more of a rhombus though." He rolled his eyes. It seemed that he didn't like talking about the pathetic diamond on his chest. "Dad and Fiyero have one too."
"I thought you said blue diamonds meant love or something?"
"A long story," he sighed. "Ancestors think it's cool to have love tattooed on his chest because it's the heart of the Vinkun whatever. That sort of crap."
"Vinkun culture is strange." As if karma was punishing her for insulting the Vinkus, she stumbled on her own foot.
"At least it doesn't centralize on corn," he retorted, chuckling. Munchkinland didn't have much of a culture. There were just these dull harvest festivals.
When it was done, they returned to their prior place. Fiyero and Galinda followed shortly. The younger prince smiled at her, sending a small flutter in her stomach. As Galinda and Castien were engaged in a conversation, Fiyero neared Elphaba.
"I thought you said that you don't dance?"
"I didn't. I said I didn't know the dance."
"Well since the next one is quite similar to the one you had with my brother, I see no reason why you would refuse me this time," he told her. Crossing her arms over her chest, she ignored him and turned the other way. "Or perhaps you're a terrible dancer?" Fiyero teased.
"Oh, I can dance," she assured him. "I just don't like it."
"Seeing is believing, Elphaba."
Elphaba faced him, finding the look of amusement on the prince's face. "Taunting me?" she questioned. He let his smile grow in response. "You're nothing like your brother. He knows how to be afraid of me."
"The only thing I'm frightened of at the present is your refusal to dance with me. There must be something wrong with my charm, if so." Elphaba's heart skipped a beat when he suddenly seized her hand and led her to dance. "And yes, I do know that you study sorcery and that you might hex me. So may I have this dance?"
"It's not like I have a choice now, do I?"
Following the slow tempo, they stepped in time with each other, striding between the pairs around them. One hand held hers tightly and the other at her waist. Their eyes locked with each other as they glide in the direction of the dance. The closeness of their bodies unsettled her. Fiyero twirled her around, her gown flaring out perfectly, before pulling her even closer back to him, if that was even possible.
Soon, they had gotten through the second and then the third song before they realized their feet were aching. They laughed at their carelessness and proceeded towards their friends, only to find that they had gone to dance.
Knowing they had nothing else to do, Fiyero asked, "Will you walk with me?" He held his arm out to her. "I think both of us are dying to get out of this crowd."
"Of course." She smiled and allowed him to escort her out into the gardens.
Fiyero has a hot older brother! No, Castien's name did not come from Supernatural.
So what do you think?