"All right, who wants dinner? Wait, hold on, one at a time! No, it is not your turn; if you don't back off, you'll have to wait longer."
The kitchen was filled with the sounds of content monkeys as they munched on their apple slices. Elphaba leaned back against the counter with a sigh, blowing a strand of hair from her face.
"You're a very good surrogate mother," Purr commented from where he was watching, amused.
"Ha. I wouldn't be good in any motherhood role."
"You have more compassion for animals and Animals than for your own kind."
"I can't stand people; that's why I never use the words 'human' or 'humanitarian', for it seems to me that humans are the ones capable of the most heinous of crimes."
Purr nodded. There was a pause, and then, "Do you really think more will come?"
Elphaba sighed. "Yes. In my world, a fight is not over until one side either surrenders or is dead." She looked at the monkeys, watching them eat. With another sigh, the green woman pushed away from the counter. "All right, come on, we're going upstairs."
The monkeys chattered as they followed the green witch up the stone steps to the south tower.
"Are you going to do it tonight?" Purr asked as they climbed.
Unable to reply, Elphaba merely nodded. Upon reaching the tower, the monkeys spread out around the room, and the Munchkin sat on the bed, pulling the Grimmerie into her lap.
"Chistery, come here," she called.
The monkey came obediently, and the green woman scratched his head gently, letting him play with her fingers.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Purr asked.
"I don't want to… but I feel it is necessary." Elphaba looked down at the page, her throat dry. She swallowed hard, trying to force her guilt away as she focused on her magic and began to read. About halfway through the spell, Chistery began to writhe a bit, and Elphaba forced herself to keep reading. By the time she had finished, the room was filled yowls of pain, and she looked up to realize that all of the monkeys were reacting the same way.
"Oz…" Elphaba began to wonder if she had made the best decision, but there was nothing she could about it now. Soon enough, the howls died down, and the green woman realized that every monkey was now sporting a pair of wings. "Chistery… are you all right?" she asked, reaching for the monkey hesitantly.
Chistery twitched, flexing his wings. He craned his neck to try and look at them, falling over.
"I'm sorry, but this way you will all be able to get out of a dangerous situation easier… and you can scout for whoever might be coming." Elphaba lifted the monkey into her arms gently, offering him her finger to play with. She looked over at Purr, who still seemed a bit shaken by the ordeal. "Do you think he'll be all right?"
The Lion nodded slowly. "He seems to be all right… I did not realize your magic was so strong."
Elphaba looked away, her guilt returning. "I told you I was dangerous."
Purr frowned slightly before he approached the green woman, nudging her arm before squeezing his head underneath it. "I feel much safer with you than I have in my life."
Elphaba smiled slightly, stroking his mane. "I hope that can continue to be true."
Morrible's absence did not go unnoticed, and Galinda was, as usual, suspicious, but especially so now.
"I don't like this. She's planning something, I know it."
"You don't think it has to do with Elphaba, do you?" Nessa asked.
"Of course it does." Galinda twisted her pen nervously. She didn't like thinking about what Morrible was possibly planning for the green woman. "We have to do something."
"Such as? We can't exactly go to Kiamo Ko; we'll never make it in time, and besides, it's too dangerous for us to travel alone."
Galinda sighed; she knew Nessa was right. The Vinkus was dangerous enough; add in disabled Nessa and the blonde knew they wouldn't stand a chance. "I hate feeling so helpless."
The younger Thropp sighed. "I know…" A pause. "Do you think… that maybe… the Wizard would—"
"No. We can't bring him into this; Elphaba has had too much bad history with him."
"But if he can help save her—"
"She would never forgive us if she found out."
"Exactly. If she found out. We wouldn't have to tell her."
"Nessa, you know your sister has an uncanny knack for figuring things out." The blonde shook her head. "We have to figure out another way."
"Let me get this straight: you'd rather never see Elphaba again than get her mad?" Nessa shook her head. "Well, I don't know about you, but I want to see my sister alive again. I have lost too much already." She turned her chair and began wheeling from the room.
"Where are you going?"
"To summon a carriage to take me to the Emerald City."
"You can't!" The blonde stood from where she sat on her bed.
"I very well can; I do not attend Shiz, and therefore can do what I please. Whether you like it or not, I am going to ask the Wizard for help. Elphaba is still his daughter, whether she chooses to accept that fact or not."
"Nessa!" Galinda caught her chair, stopping her. "You can't just go against your sister's wishes."
"I can if it will keep her alive."
The blonde let out a huff. "Elphaba wasn't lying about you being stubborn." Still, she knew that Nessa's mind couldn't be changed; she also knew that she couldn't let the brunette go alone. "If you insist on doing this, then I will go with you."
"You don't trust me to do it on my own?"
"I trust you fine, but Elphaba would never forgive me if anything happened to you." Galinda sighed. As much as she hated it, she supposed there was no other way. Back to the Emerald City it was.
"All right, now if you see anyone coming, you come back and tell me."
The three monkeys nodded before they took off, still getting used to their new wings. Elphaba sighed as she watched them go, stroking Chistery's fur.
"They'll be fine," Purr reassured from beside her.
"I hope so… I have already caused so much pain." Elphaba turned away from the window with a sigh, her thoughts turning to Galinda, as they so often did. She missed the blonde so much… her heart ached for the Frottican every moment they were apart. There were times Elphaba wished Galinda would pinch herself, just so the green woman could feel it.
"Your mind… it is troubled?"
The Munchkin looked down at the Lion. "It's Galinda…"
"I see. You two were always very close."
Elphaba smiled slightly. "You know… if it weren't for you, we might not have become friends… or lovers…"
"And how did I do this?"
"Your first night with us, you scratched and bit my arm… Galinda was so worried... and after that… we just sort of… opened up to each other."
Purr smiled slightly. "Well, I am glad I was able to assist." He stretched before lying down, and Elphaba stroked his mane.
"I miss her so much… I thought being away from her would be the best way to keep her safe… and now I'm thinking I made a mistake."
"Then you must find a way to escape."
"I wish I knew how. As strong as my magic is… I believe Morrible is still stronger."
"You will find a way; I am sure of it."
"How are you always so confident?"
Purr smiled at the green woman. "You raised me to be this way."
"We're here to see the Wizard."
"Is he expecting you?"
"Well, no, but—"
"You need an appointment to see the Wizard."
Galinda exchanged a look with Nessa; the younger Thropp did not look happy at that.
"Don't you know who I am?" the brunette asked.
"I'm sure I don't care."
"Even though I am one of the only remaining Thropps?"
The doorman paused. "Did you say Thropp?"
"Yes, and I'm sure the Wizard would not be happy to hear that I was kept from seeing him, especially when this is concerning his daughter, who is also my sister."
After a moment, the door opened, and the two women entered, starting down the hall.
"So what are you going to say to the Wizard?" Galinda asked.
"I merely want information about my sister. If he still cares for her, as he claims, then he will help us."
Galinda sighed; she had a bad feeling about this. "Just don't let Elphaba know."
The two reached the throne room, and the blonde's gaze fell on the Wizard, sitting alone and looking very dejected. He looked up at the sound of footsteps, sitting up slightly.
"Miss Galinda…"
"Hello…" The blonde still hadn't fully forgiven him for telling Elphaba she was dead.
"And Miss Nessarose?"
"I will skip the formalities and go right to the reason we are here: where's Elphaba?"
The Wizard sighed. "Elphaba has asked me to remain out of her life."
"Don't even give me that. I know Morrible came here to see you, and it could have only been about Elphaba. Where is she?"
"Miss Nessarose—"
"Where is my sister?!"
Both the Wizard and Galinda were taken aback by the brunette's outburst.
"Because of you, I have lost my mother, and now my father has left with my brother to Oz knows where; Elphaba was all I had left, and now she is gone too! So you tell me where she is because I will not lose her as well!" Angry tears had sprung in Nessa's eyes, and she swiped at them quickly.
The Wizard sighed, but in all honesty, he knew that Nessa was right. "Elphaba will be returning to the palace soon."
"She will?"
"Madame Morrible has gone with my men to retrieve her. Upon Elphaba's arrival, your headmistress will remove her magic."
"What? She can't, Elphaba will die!" Galinda exclaimed.
"Morrible assured me Elphaba was strong enough—"
"She's lying! Whatever Morrible has planned, it can't be good! You cannot allow her to do this!"
The Wizard looked from Galinda to Nessa, torn. He wanted to believe that his daughter was safe, but now… the seed of doubt that he had forced down was beginning to grow.
"What do you propose I do? Morrible has already been sent to bring Elphaba here."
"Let her bring her here," Nessa said. "She doesn't know we're here; we'll stop her before she can harm Elphaba."
"Sir, the Wizard's men are coming through Kumbricia's Pass."
Fiyero looked up from his current plans. "What?"
"Patrols just spotted them. They are headed for Kiamo Ko."
"Elphaba…" The Vinkan could feel his heart rate start to quicken. "Intercept them. We cannot allow them to reach the castle."
"But sir—"
"I will not allow anyone to harm Elphaba! Now go!"
Elphaba turned the page of her book, sipping her tea. She had recently discovered a library inside the castle, and that had lifted her spirits immensely. Reading had made the days go by quicker, and the monkeys returned each day with no news. The green woman was almost beginning to believe that everything would be all right.
She should have known better.
Chistery sat up, beginning to let out noises as he flew towards the window. The green woman looked up as well, and soon, three monkeys had flown in, chattering urgently.
"Someone is approaching," Purr said, standing up. "Whoever it is has the monkeys spooked."
"That can't be good." Elphaba picked up her seeing glass, peering through it. Her gaze fell on the sight of emerald uniforms, and she took a step back, her eyes widening. "It's the Wizard's men… and Morrible…"
"Isn't that the woman who put you're here? Why would she come back?"
Elphaba shook her head. "She must have struck some sort of deal with the Wizard."
"You can send the monkeys to scare them off perhaps."
"Morrible doesn't scare." A pause as the green woman considered her options. "She'll have to release the binding spell to get in… and then I'll be free."
Purr's tail swished. "So we wait then?"
Elphaba nodded, and was about to turn away when something else caught her attention. "Oh no…"
"What is it?" Purr asked, concerned by her tone.
The green woman didn't reply, just shaking her head as she watched the Arjikis tribe approach. "No… Fiyero, you idiot. I told you stay out of this." The Munchkin turned and fled from the tower, the monkey and Purr on her heels. She soon reached the front doors, grabbing the handle and receiving a shock for it. The green woman yanked her hand back just as the sound of a war cry reached her ears.
"Elphaba—"
"I can't let anymore people die because of me!" Elphaba grabbed the handle again, clenching her teeth as pain coursed through her body.
Galinda let out a gasp as pain suddenly struck her. She fell to her knees, causing Nessa to pause.
"Galinda, are you all right?"
The blonde managed to shake her head. "I-It's Elphaba…"
Elphaba was forced to finally release the handle, falling to one knee. She gasped for air as she tried to focus, waiting for the pain to subside.
"Elphaba, are you all right?" Purr asked, nudging her.
"I'm fine…" The Munchkin straightened up. "You might want to move back."
The Lion looked at her, a bit concerned, but he backed up. Elphaba summoned two fireballs, throwing them at the door. They hit the wood and there was a strong crackling of magic before they fizzled out. The green woman let out a growl before summoning her ice magic, shooting it at the door and being met with the same result.
"Elphaba, perhaps we should wait—"
"No!" Elphaba slammed her hands against the door, summoning her magic from deep inside of her. Dark electricity crackled around her hands, and the stones began to shake. The wood started to splinter, and a few moments later, the whole thing exploded, sending wood every which way.
It was enough to catch the attention of the Wizard's men and the Arjikis warriors, and Morrible's eyes narrowed at the sight of Elphaba standing in the doorway, her verdant hands sizzling from the force of her magic.
"Well, Miss Elphaba, it would appear it has taken you less time than I originally believed to gain control of your magic, and it certainly seems to have grown," the headmistress said as she started up the stone steps.
"Why are you here?" Elphaba managed. Her use of magic had weakened her, and she was fighting to remain conscious.
"To bring you back, of course."
"Is that why you brought the Wizard's men with you? I know you've struck a deal with him."
"Miss Elphaba, we are only concerned about your well-being. After all, your sister has fallen ill during your absence."
"Nessa?" Elphaba knew she would have to return for Nessa's sake, though she was still reluctant. Sudden movement caught her attention, and her gaze fell on the Vinkan who was currently sneaking up behind Morrible, sword drawn. Dark eyes widened slightly; the green woman knew that Morrible would have no qualms with killing him unless she did something. She also knew that using her magic again would likely drain what little energy she had left, but she couldn't let her friend get hurt.
"Fiyero, don't!" Elphaba thrust her hand out just as the prince leaped at Morrible. A pulse of energy caught Fiyero, throwing him back. The green woman fell to her knees as spots danced before her eyes. She felt sickened with herself; she had saved Morrible from injury, something she had hoped to never do in her life.
"Miss Elphaba, you look rather weak," came the older woman's taunting voice. The Munchkin was only able to glare up at her before she slipped into unconsciousness.
The morning sunlight came streaming through the windows, and it fell across Elphaba's face, rousing the Third Thropp Descending from her sleep. Upon discovering that she was not in Kiamo Ko's south tower, she sat up quickly, looking around the room and soon recognizing it as the one she had in the Emerald City palace.
"You're awake."
Elphaba turned towards the voice, seeing the Wizard sitting beside the bed. She immediately grew angry, growling, "Why did you bring me back here?"
The Wizard sighed. "Elphaba, I wanted to respect your wishes… but when Madame Morrible told me that you might be in trouble… my instinct as a father took over. I could not live knowing you might be in danger."
"I was fine without you in my life… and every time you force your way back in, things only get worse."
The Wizard sighed again. "Elphaba… I know you hate me… and I do not blame you. But I am not your enemy… and to prove to you that my intentions are good, I have decided to not allow Madame Morrible to drain your magic."
"What?" That was news to Elphaba.
"That was why she wanted to bring you here from Kiamo Ko; to drain you of your magic. She believed you'd be safer that way."
"No… she can't…"
"As I said, I did not allow her to do so. I said you needed your rest, and she agreed to discuss it further once you woke up."
"There is no discussing it; I'm not letting her drain my magic!"
"I know; I will handle it." Oscar stood. "For now, there are two people who have been eagerly awaiting your return."
Elphaba's heart rate quickened as the Wizard opened the door. "Galinda…"
The blonde approached, tears forming in her eyes. "Elphie…"
"Galinda, listen—" The green woman was cut off as the Frottican slapped her across the face, and before she could react, the blonde had pulled her into a deep kiss. Elphba let out a surprised, muffled noise, but wrapped her arms around her girlfriend, pulling her into her lap.
"Don't you ever leave me again," Galinda said after they'd broken apart, resting her forehead against the Munchkin's.
"I'm sorry…" Elphaba stroked her hair, kissing her again. The sound of squeaking wheels caught her attention, and she looked over to see Nessa approaching. "Nessie… Morrible said you were ill."
"Yes, well… I may have stretched the truth. I wanted information," the younger Thropp replied.
Elphaba smiled slightly, turning back to the Frottican. "Why are you two here?"
"To stop Morrible from harming you. She doesn't know we're here," Galinda replied.
"How did you manage that?"
"Well, she was so concerned with you that she paid no attention to her students back at Shiz."
"I see…"
Galinda frowned slightly. "No, something can't be wrong already; I just got you back."
Elphaba smiled slightly. "I'm sorry Glin, but I just don't think I can go back to Shiz… not after all this."
"Wha… you're just going to leave me there alone?"
"Galinda—"
"If you're not going back, then neither am I."
"Come now, my sweet, you cannot abandon your education because of me."
"And you can't abandon me!" Nessa added. "If you both leave, then I'll be trapped there with Morrible."
Elphaba bit her lip with a sigh, rubbing her eyes. "I don't know what to do… leaving didn't fix anything, and I don't think going back to Shiz will help either."
Galinda sighed as well. "Then what are you going to do? Wander Oz? Go back home to the Colwen Grounds?"
"I didn't say I had a plan…"
"Well, that is certainly unlike you."
Elphaba gave the blonde a look.
"Elphaba, don't you dare think about abandoning me; we have lost too much already," Nessa said, recognizing the look on her sister's face.
"Nessie, I'm not trying to abandon you—"
"Then don't. It's easy enough for you to control."
The green woman was about to reply, but Galinda could sense that the Thropp sisters were about to get into a fight, so she caught the Munchkin's face, turning her back to face her. "Elphaba… why did you leave?"
The eldest Thropp sighed. "After you collapsed in Munchkinland… Morrible approached me… she said it would be best if I went somewhere where I could learn how to control my magic without hurting anyone… and I didn't want to hurt you again… so I agreed."
"But you didn't hurt me…"
"I didn't know that… all I knew was how much I loved you…" The Third Thropp Descending looked down at her hands with another sigh. "Then Fiyero found me… and it all went downhill from there."
Galinda stroked a sharp cheekbone gently. "I understand why you did it… and while I can't say I'm glad you did… I am glad that you're all right… and that you're back."
Elphaba looked up at the Frottican, stroking her hair. "I missed you… so much…"
"I missed you too Elphie… and that's why you're never allowed to leave me again."
"Even when I have to go to the bathroom?"
The blonde made a face, wrinkling her nose. "Fine, I suppose we can be apart when you have to go to the bathroom."
Nessa rolled her eyes. "You two are too much… it's almost nauseating."
Galinda stuck her tongue out at the younger Thropp. "Jealousy isn't attractive on you, Nessa."
"Says the pot to the kettle."
"What… hey!"
"Well… is she awake?"
The Wizard sighed as he approached Madame Morrible. "Yes… she's awake."
"Then it's time for me to drain her magic." Morrible started for the stairs, but the Wizard moved in front of her, stopping her.
"I don't think that is the best course of action."
The headmistress's brow furrowed. "We agreed that this was best for Elphaba."
"I know… but she doesn't want it… and I believe her opinion far outweighs my own."
"Miss Elphaba has no say in this. Her magic has grown too powerful; it needs to be drained before she loses control."
The Wizard shook his head. "I am sorry… but I cannot allow you to do that."
Morrible's eyes narrowed, and she bit back a reply.
"I think you should go back to your school, Madame," Oscar added before he turned and began to walk away, leaving the headmistress to seethe quietly.
If you're going to stand in my way… then I'll have to bring you down as well.