Here we are, everyone! The final chapter!
NerdyDaBraindeer (Guest): So glad you liked it! Unfortunately, this is the last chapter.
Rhinoiron: Exploded? Hmm? *Hands you another cake* Try this one.
2 months later:
The sun was beginning to rise in the eastern sky. Birds were chirping outside Elphaba and Fiyero's bedroom window, greeting the royal couple with a cheerful "Good morning" alarm.
A soft moan escaped Elphaba's lips as she slowly opened her eyes. Yawning, she smiled softly, feeling the warm, summer sun against her face. She slowly pushed herself up as best she could, careful to not wake her still-slumbering husband. She felt Fiyero move next to her and push himself up slightly.
"Fae?" the prince muttered, still half-asleep.
Smiling, Elphaba gently reached over and stroked his hair, coaxing him back to sleep. "Go back to sleep, Yero. I'm okay."
Fiyero mumbled something and, with a snore, collapsed back against the pillows and fell asleep. Chuckling softly and closing her eyes, Elphaba leaned back against the headboard and sighed, placing her hand against her large abdomen. Her eyes jolted open as she felt a rush of warm water slide down her legs. Her face contorted in confusion, then softened as she realized what was happening and frantically shook her husband's arm. "Yero."
A snore and Fiyero rolled over, his mouth slightly open as he snuggled against his pillow.
Not getting the response she wanted, the green girl punched the prince's arm, hard, causing him to jolt up with a start.
"Who… what… huh…" Fiyero muttered, slightly disoriented as he rubbed his eyes. Blinking, he turned towards his wife and took her hand. 'Fae, what's wrong?'
Elphaba turned slightly towards him with a look Fiyero couldn't quite identify and said the three little words that turned his world upside down. "My water broke."
The Vinkun's eyes widened. 'Wha… are you sure?'
"I'm pretty sure, Yero," Elphaba said pointedly, raising her eyebrow.
Fiyero tried his best to hide his nerves. He stiffened slightly when he saw Elphaba's face contort in pain and she squeezed his hand as she shifted her weight. 'Are you alright?'
A moment past, and the emerald woman slowly relaxed. "I'm fine," she said as she took a deep breath, giving her husband a small smile.
Fiyero tried to seem calm, but in truth, he was all over the place. Elphaba was in labor. Elphaba was going to be a mother. He was going to be a father. He was pulled from his thoughts when he felt Elphaba get up and he quickly pulled her back down.
'Fae, you should rest today.'
Elphaba frowned. "Yero, I'm in labor, not helpless."
'I know you're not helpless, Fae, but you're going to need all of your strength later, so you should rest now.'
"Can we at least get breakfast?"
'I'll bring it back up and we'll eat together.'
Elphaba didn't look happy, but nodded as she felt her husband kiss her forehead and slip out of bed.
"Good morning, Fiyero," Aziel smiled as Fiyero walked into the parlor.
"Good morning," Fiyero smiled.
"Where's Elphaba?" Arianna asked, looking concerned as she sipped her tea.
"She went into labor this morning. I told her I would get breakfast and bring it back up."
"Fiyero, I know you're worried about Elphaba, but it would be good for her to walk around a bit today."
"But…"
"It's good for her. Trust me. When I was pregnant with you, I spent most of the morning outside."
Fiyero sighed, but nodded. "Can I still bring up breakfast for her?"
"Of course, son," Aziel said, nodding to one of the maids to fix two plates.
Moments later, Fiyero walked back up the stairs to their room and found Elphaba still leaning against the headboard, rubbing her bulging abdomen, moaning softly in discomfort.
The prince, feeling guilty that he had helped cause Elphaba's discomfort, set the food down on the nightstand and climbed back into bed. He gently pulled Elphaba against him and kissed her forehead.
"Hey," she muttered tiredly.
'Hi. I brought food.'
Elphaba smiled as Fiyero handed her a piece of toast. "Thanks." She ate the toast, half a blueberry muffin, and a glass of orange juice before claiming to be full.
'Do you want to walk around for a little bit?' Fiyero asked once he had finished eating.
Elphaba raised an eyebrow. "You would let me?"
The prince chuckled. 'Mother said it would be good for you to get a bit of exercise.'
Elphaba smiled and allowed Fiyero to help her out of bed. She waddled over to her closet and felt through her clothing, trying to find the lightest material possible. Finding a simple, silk dress, she waddled out of the room, leaning heavily on her husband -not that he minded, of course- and into the bathroom. Fiyero took the time to go into his father's study and send a telegram to Galinda and Nessa, telling them that Elphaba is in labor.
The prince sat down at the desk and began typing into the telegraph. He was so grateful that the Wizard had invented the useful machine a few months prior. It made sending messages much faster than letters, which is exactly what he needed. He typed Galinda's message first.
Galinda –stop– Fae's in labor –stop– Come soon. –stop-
He sent a message to Nessa, then went to check on Elphaba, who had just emerged from the bathroom, wearing a simple, dark golden silk dress and her hair tied back in a ponytail.
Fiyero walked over to her and lightly brushed his fingers against hers, causing the green girl to blush and smile. 'Ready to go?'
Elphaba nodded and, together, the couple walked out of the castle and into the gardens. It was still morning, so the scorching heat of the summer hadn't set in yet. Elphaba smiled as she leaned against Fiyero as they walked, enjoying the light breeze against her face.
'Are you alright?' Fiyero asked after a while.
"Yes, Yero. I'm f-" Elphaba was cut off by a tightening feeling in her abdomen. She bit her lip and doubled over, a soft grunt escaping her lips.
"Fae!" Fiyero panicked.
Arianna happened to hear Fiyero's screams and rushed outside. "Fiyero, what's wrong?"
"Fae's in pain!" Fiyero managed to get out through his quickened breaths.
The Queen stepped beside Elphaba and gently placed her hand on the small of her back. Once the pain subsided, Elphaba slowly straightened and felt Arianna place her hand on her abdomen.
'Maybe you should lie down for a bit, Elphaba. You can get up again later.' Arianna suggested.
Elphaba closed her eyes and nodded slowly. She allowed both Arianna and Fiyero to help her back into the castle and onto the sofa.
"Pela!" Arianna called.
A maid rushed in and curtsied. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Please send for the midwife."
"Right away, Your Majesty." One final curtsy and the maid rushed out of the room.
The Queen turned back to Elphaba and gently rubbed the back of her hand. "You'll be okay," she whispered softly, kissing her forehead.
"Fiyero, these two telegrams just came in," Aziel said, handing Fiyero two pieces of paper.
Fiyero took the telegrams and scanned them over.
Father and I –stop– are on our way –stop– Be there by evening –stop– ~Nessa
Auntie Galinda –stop– Is on the way –stop– Tell Elphie to not –stop– have the baby without me –stop– ~Galinda
The prince chuckled and gently took Elphaba's hand. 'Galinda and Nessa are on their way. They both should be here by evening.'
Elphaba lifted her gaze slightly. "How do they…" She was cut off by a contraction squeezed the prince's hand, trying to focus on her breathing.
Fiyero squeezed her hand and waited for the contraction to pass. 'I sent a telegram to both of them.'
Elphaba nodded tiredly. "Okay."
The prince knelt down next to his wife tenderly wiped away the strands of hair clinging to her forehead. 'Would you like a cold cloth?'
Elphaba nodded weakly and Fiyero informed one of the servants of her request. Soon, a cloth and a bowl of cold water were brought back to the Prince, who immediately soaked the cloth before gently placing it on Elphaba's forehead.
'Better?'
"Mmm, thanks," Elphaba muttered before falling asleep.
As the hot afternoon cooled into the early evening, Elphaba's contractions became closer together, and the prince's nerves became more evident.
"It's almost time, Your Highnesses," the midwife informed the royals when Elphaba experienced another strong contraction.
Arianna knelt down next to the green girl and softly rubbed her hand. 'It's almost time, Elphaba.'
"Where are… Nessa and Galinda?" Elphaba whispered, her voice slightly hoarse.
A footman stepped into the parlor. "Your Majesties, may I present…"
"WHERE'S ELPHIE?!" the petite blonde exclaimed as she rushed into the room and fell to her knees next to her best friend, taking her hand.
"Hi, Glin," Elphaba smiled, recognizing the blonde's small, soft hands and turned towards her.
The blonde smiled back. 'Hi, Elphie. How are you feeling?'
"Like I'm about to explode," Elphaba said as she gently rubbed her stomach.
'Your little one is just excited to meet you, that's all.'
"He or she is sure taking their sweet time. I've been in labor all day."
"Now announcing Governor Frexspar Thropp and Miss Nessarose Thropp of Munchkinland," the footman said, reappearing with Frex and Nessa behind him.
Galinda looked up and smiled. 'Your father and sister are here.'
Elphaba smiled as she tried to push herself up more and leaned back against the pillows. She felt her father take her hand and squeeze it lightly. "Hello, Father."
'Hello, Fabala. How are you feeling?' Frex signed, kneeling next to Elphaba.
The green girl sighed. "I'm fine."
Frex squeezed his daughter's hand once more before moving over so Nessa could greet her sister. 'Are you excited, Fabala?'
Elphaba chuckled softly. "That's not exactly the word I'd use at this moment, but yes, I am. I…" Elphaba stopped short and her face contorted in pain as a strong contraction seized her.
"We should move her upstairs to the bedroom now," the midwife said, helping Elphaba to her feet and, along with Nessa, leading her up the stairs to the bedroom.
Arianna and Galinda followed the three women inside, leaving Aziel, Frex and Fiyero outside.
"Alright, she's almost fully dilated," the midwife reported from the foot of the bed. "It's not much longer now."
"Where's Fiyero?" Elphaba asked breathlessly.
'Men aren't allowed in the delivery room, sweetheart.' Arianna signed gently. She paused, seeing how desperately Elphaba needed Fiyero and called him inside.
The prince immediately ran to Elphaba's side and clutched her hand. 'Hi, Fae.'
Elphaba turned her head and smiled. "Hi. Not much longer now."
The prince chuckled softly. 'You'll be great. I'm so proud of you. I love you.'
"I love you, too, Yero," Elphaba managed to get out before another contraction seized her and she clutched Fiyero's hand.
"Alright, she's fully dilated! It's time now!" the midwife said.
Fiyero gave his wife one final kiss before leaving, looking at her over his shoulder before closing the door behind him.
'Push, Fabala!' Nessa encouraged.
Elphaba let out a loud scream as she pushed with all her strength.
'Come on, Elphie. You can give us a bigger one.' Galinda signed, using the damp, cool cloth to wipe Elphaba's forehead.
"I… want… F-Fiyero," Elphaba whimpered.
'I'm sorry, Fabala, but he's not allowed in here right now. He'll come back once the baby's born.' Nessa signed gently into her sister's hand.
Elphaba moaned and gritted her teeth. "Please…"
"She's crowning!" the midwife called. "I need a big, strong push!"
'Elphie, she can see the head. Keep pushing!' Galinda encouraged, still wiping the green girl's forehead.
'I promise we will get Fiyero once the baby is born.' Nessa signed.
After what seemed like an eternity, a small cry filled the room and Elphaba relaxed against the pillows, exhausted.
"It's a girl!" the midwife exclaimed happily.
"Yes!" the blonde exclaimed, fist-pumping the air. "I knew all the pink clothing I bought wouldn't go to waste!"
Nessa rolled her eyes and smiled down at her sister. 'It's a girl, Fabala!' she signed happily, tears of joy filling her eyes.
Elphaba smiled a tired, yet joyful smile as she felt the midwife gently placed her newborn daughter, clad in a blanket, on her chest. She felt her squirm and cry as she got used to her new environment. "Hi," she whispered tiredly.
Arianna went to go get the men. Fiyero practically ran his mother over as soon as she opened the door and rushed to his wife's side.
"We have a little girl, Yero," Elphaba said tiredly when she felt Fiyero gently touch her shoulder.
Fiyero looked at the sleeping little bundle of joy in Elphaba's arms and soon felt tears fall down his cheek. He quickly wiped them away and leaned over to kiss his wife's cheek. "I love you," he whispered.
"Your Highness, would you do the honors?" the midwife asked, handing Fiyero a pair of scissors.
Fiyero nodded and cut the umbilical chord. Everyone was admiring the new princess and didn't seem to notice.
'She's beautiful, Elphie. Does she have a name?' Galinda asked.
Elphaba smiled. "Erykah. Her name is Erykah."
"It means 'little blessing' in Vinkun," Fiyero supplied, gently taking Erykah from Elphaba's arms.
"Come, let's give the new parents some time alone. We can come back later," Aziel said as he ushered everyone out of the room.
Erykah slowly opened her eyes and looked up at her father. "Hey, sweetie. Welcome to the world. We've waited so long to meet you."
She yawned.
"We're so happy you're finally here. Mama," the prince gently held Erykah up to see her mother, who looked like she was about to fall asleep, "is most excited. She can't see or hear, but I know that she'll make a great parent. Just know this, you won't be able to sneak anything past her. Believe me, I've tried, and it doesn't work. Mama's very clever. She has a special way of figuring these types of things out."
Erykah blinked, yawned and fell back asleep.
"I'm glad we had this little chat. I love you so much, princess," the prince chuckled, kissing her forehead before gently laying her in the crib next to the bed before going back to Elphaba.
"Where's Erykah?" Elphaba asked when she felt Fiyero slip his hand into hers.
'She's fast asleep in the crib.'
Elphaba nodded and closed her eyes. "What does she look like?"
The prince smiled. 'She has my hair and nose, and probably my eyebrows, and I can already tell that she'll have your eyes and your smile. She's adorable, Fae. She's a perfect mixture of the two of us.'
Elphaba smiled softly. "That's nice."
'I know you're tired, so I'll let you get some rest now. I'll go make sure not everything Galinda bought is pink.'
Elphaba chuckled. "I would hope not."
'You know how Galinda is. I'll see you later, Mama.'
"Bye, Papa."
The prince kissed his wife and stayed with her until she fell asleep before he slowly stood up and walked out of the room, smiling at the thought of what new adventures his little family would bring.
Megan's Corner of Useless Information Fact #28:
I have a thing in my head about dogs and cat names and another about character names and they intersect and it's so funny but it's probably only in my head.
Well, that's it, everyone! That's the end! Thank you to everyone who followed, favorite, read and reviewed this story in it's over-a-year-in-the-making-process. And an even bigger thanks for getting this story to win tied first place for 'Best Overall Story' in the 2014 Greg Awards. It means the world to ExoticPeachBlossom and me. So sorry to announce that there will not be a sequel, but please check out our other stories! Thanks again and see you all on the flip-flop!