Disclaimer- I don't own Wicked or Rent.
For the first time in her life, Morrible was afraid. Oh, not just a little afraid and worried, but all out truly terrified and horribly concerned for her very survival. Above her flew Elphaba and her damned twin, the twin she herself had banished to another plane of existence just to prevent this very thing from happening. Adding to it was the fact that Elphaba was alive! She was supposed to be dead! She had been melted when that little brat from Kansas threw water on her.
Yet from the moment she heard that voice speak to her from the shadows, Morrible had a feeling that her whole world was about to turn upside down. Then she saw her, green and furious, yet clam…too calm. That calm told Morrible that Elphaba was not afraid of her in the slightest. She had been powerful before, but Oz knew how powerful she was now.
As Morrible had pondered this, she saw Elphaba's twin step boldly from the shadows, cross the courtyard and without a thought, punch her in the face…twice. All this time, Morrible had tried to summon her own more than substantial magic…and nothing happened! Slowly, from the twin's actions and the look on Elphaba's face when she looked at her, Morrible realized that they had managed to steal her magic! Every bit of power that she'd had before was gone. Her only choice now was to flee.
She stole a horse from one of her own men, and rode like the devil himself was grabbing at her skirts. She had plowed through the Burzeean troops, running several men over in the process. She had believed she was safe when she saw the troops from Oz, but only then realized they were being held at bay by the Burzeeans on one side and that turncoat army from the Vinkus on the other.
In the distance, she could see the Vinkuns now holding their line steady. Leading them was that damn Captain of the Guard who loved Elphaba; Prince Fiyero Tiggular. She saw him point to the sky and out of reflex turned and looked up. In the air she read, "Surrender Morrible".
"The hell I will!!" she spat to no one in particular.
She had also seen Elphaba fly downward, a trail of those annoying Monkeys behind her. Catching up to her sister, they flew side by side now. It was even more infuriating to see them talk and laugh together, as if she was a mere moth that needed dealing with. "Over my dead body!" Morrible thought, and suddenly, that idea didn't seem so out of the question.
Looking in front of herself now, coming out of her reverie, she saw Elphaba and her sister land their brooms in the field. Their backs were facing the Vinkun troops. She saw them share a look as they turned towards her.
Elphaba yelled to Maureen to land the broom. They came down safely and smoothly…although smoother on her part than Maureen's, in the large field before Fiyero and his men.Elphaba could see him now. Yero had no wounds she could see, and he was watching her with love and pride. If all went well, she had a gift for him. If not, he would only know he had lost her doing what needed to be done. She saw no reason to deepen that wound beforehand.
The troops from the Vinkus had cheered to her as she flew. This was a new experience for her! She was honored and proud, none the less but it was odd. No one had ever cheered for the Witch of the West. Just ran and cowered, and tried to kill her, if she lived through this, she could definitely get used to the change.
Trying to land her broom, proved more of a problem for Maureen. She wanted to make it look smooth and effortless like Faba, but no such luck. One foot hit the ground too soon and knocked her off balance, pitching her forward and causing her to roll in the grass.
"Agh…Shit!" She spit out a blade of grass and looked up at her sister. "Don't say it, Faba! Don't even think it! Ouch!" This came when she rolled on a sharp rock.
"Say or think what?" Elphaba answered with an air of innocence wrapped around the desire to laugh hysterically in her face. As Elphaba reached a hand down to help her up, Maureen felt hands on her sides and back and arms. Jumping, she turned to see Chistery and several of his companions, concern written on their faces.
"Thanks guys. One day you'll have to show me how you land the way you do."
Elphaba, with one eye on Morrible, spoke up drolly. "Well, for one, they don't wear boots with high heels and tight leather pants." At a look from her sister she added, "I'm just saying…" She looked at her now with a terrible finality. "Shall we finish this now?"
Elphaba smiled slightly as she looked deeply into her sister's eyes. "I love you, Reena. No matter what happens, remember that? The time we've spent together…it only makes me realize all the more what I lost. What we lost…"
Maureen's eyes sparked. "…what was stolen, you mean! We lost each other because of Morrible and her power trip! I say we kick her not-so-insignificant ass right now, whatcha think?"
Each one nodded in assent and then slowly turned to face Morrible. Elphaba waved her left hand and chanted softly in a language Maureen had yet to master, and the horse Morrible rode stopped dead in his tracks. With a loud curse and scream, Morrible fell forward off the animal and landed as unceremoniously as Maureen had moments ago.
As the animal ran away, an important question crossed Maureen's mind. Without taking her eyes from Morrible she asked, "Faba? Please tell me I looked a little better than that when I landed. Did I?"
Her only answer was a shrug from her sister. That did it.
"Guys," Maureen called to the Monkeys near them, "Lessons on landing later, please? Please?!"
Chistery spoke up from his place on Elphaba's other side.
"Yes…today…before you're hurt!"
Morrible was on her feet again. As afraid as she was, her nature won out, and her nature was to be cruel.
"Poor little witch! You can't even land a broom?! You were better off without her, Elphaba. At least then you only had that simpering blonde at your heels. I did you a favor when I rid you of this one! She's a useless runt, Elphaba. She'll never be as powerful as you, never have the promise you have… never be as adept as me!"
Elphaba's eyes were cold and stormy. For the first time since she'd met her sister, Maureen felt what it was like to be truly afraid of Elphaba and her power. She heard Elphaba answer, soft but deadly, "You wish!"
Suddenly, the air about them began to grow windy and sparks shot across the space between the sisters and Morrible. Maureen reached for her sister's hand to calm her and it happened.
Crackling could be heard across the field and bolts of primal electricity and energy shot from the twins, as a fierce wind picked up and howled. Maureen could feel power flowing through her and from her into Elphaba through their joined hands. Her body had gone stiff and she felt almost powerless to stop it.
Maureen knew fear. She looked to Elphaba and saw her positioned the same as she was, and while she appeared to understand the magic and its effect, she did not seem able to break its hold either.
Looking in shock at Morrible, Maureen and Elphaba saw her turn slowly to solid stone. A cry was caught in Morrible's throat and carried out on the winds like a death knell. Then she was silent, yet the power continued to flow unabated and harsh.
Fiyero had seen it all. He had been prepared to ride out when Maureen fell when her broom landed. If she needed help he was the closest to them. When Elphaba smiled and began to softly laugh and offer her hand, he'd known she was alright. Then he watched as Morrible's horse threw her and she began to hurl insults at Maureen and Fae.
Fiyero remarked to one of his officers that of all the things she could have done, this was perhaps the most stupid and deadly, considering what she was saying to his wife and all she had put her through! When the power started to escape from Elphaba, Fiyero was drawn back to Life Science class at Shiz. He remembered the Lion cub and the power that had been unleashed upon the class that day, unleashed on everyone but him. He saw that same thing begin to happen now… and then Maureen touched her sister's hand and the powers were magnified.
The electricity and energy released was frightening. His army held their horses in check and called out to each other in stunned fear and amazement. The whole Vinkun army heard Morrible's death scream roll out across the fields and then die away, yet still, the almost unnatural power continued. The army began to call to each other, letting the others know that Morrible was dead and turned to stone, yet still it went on.
Fiyero saw Maureen's head turn in his direction and he read the fear and pleading look on her face. Without another thought, Fiyero spurred his mount forward. Calling back over his shoulder, he told his men to remain where they were. Fae! The fear was palpable to him. Please, don't let her rid us of Morrible only to have me lose her to the power it takes to destroy her! When he got close enough he called to them.
"Maureen! Maureen! Break the connection! You can do it!" He heard her give a fierce groan as she appeared to try, but unsuccessfully. He was almost there now; he jumped off his moving horse and began to run forward. As he passed Chistery and the others, they had no idea how to help and looked to him with hope. Yero called to her.
"Fae! Fae! Break your connection to Maureen, love! Morrible's dead. You don't need the power anymore. Fae, please! You can do it. I know you can."
He was next to Maureen now, and calmed her, "It won't hurt you. The power won't hurt someone she loves. Relax!"
He could see his words take effect. "This happened in Life Sciences once. It never touched me!" He then looked to Elphaba, "Relax. I'm here."
He moved to his wife. Her eyes were still fixed on Morrible and he could see a tear on Fae's cheek. He softened his voice. It was the voice he used when they were alone together, a voice filled with love and passion and gentleness.
"Fae, Fae, let go, Fae. It's over, you both did it. Let go, love, let go and hold me instead. Hold me, Fae, I love you. It's alright, let go. Let go and let me hold you."
Fiyero stepped between Elphaba and what had been Morrible, cutting off her view. Her eyes were filled with warring emotions; fear, anger, relief, loss, loathing, love, and need. Fiyero caught her eyes and held them with his.
"I love you, Fae. I love you."
Then he took a deep breath and took their hands. Gently, he separated them from one another, unlocking their hands. As he finally did, there was a loud explosion behind him. What had once been Morrible had exploded into small pieces. She was completely gone now. He used his body to shield Elphaba and Maureen from the blast, as they sunk down to the ground. Maureen was sucking in air deeply now and he looked at her, appraising her condition.
"Good, I'm good…I think. Woah! Faba?"
He looked now at Elphaba. She was looking at him as if she had just stood on the precipice of the world and had almost fallen over if not for being held by his hands and heart. "Yero…Ye--" That was all she managed before she began to sob in his arms. He held her then, stroking her back and kissing her hair.
Maureen, at her side, whispered reassuringly. "We're good, Faba! We're good. We did it. Damn! We really did it!"
"She knows, Maureen, she knows."
Maureen had never seen her sister cry. To her, Faba had always been calm, always in control, always strong. She now realized the toll all of this had taken on her sister. Faba had been reviled and had her powers abused by this woman. She had lost her…their sister to her greed, and almost been killed herself. Then, she'd been put in charge, so to speak, of ridding the world of the evil Morrible brought. Now that it was over, no wonder she cried.
When Elphaba finally calmed down, Fiyero looked down at her smiling.
"Let's get you back to the castle. Maureen? Are you ready?"
"Damn straight! Where's Emrys? Is he alright?"
"Sure looks it." Fiyero answered with a smile. He pointed toward the castle and she turned to see Emrys, in the distance, dismissing the troops from Oz. With Morrible gone, they had no wish to fight and they had given up willingly. They now wanted to head home and Emrys was more than glad to oblige. The troops from Oz turned and peacefully began their trek home.
"It worked, Fae. It worked. The casualties on every side were minimal and most of the bloodshed was avoided completely. You did it."
He whistled to his horse and when it came to him, he picked up Elphaba placing her before him in the saddle.
"My broom!"
"Chistery will bring it, won't you?"
Chistery smiled and called to her happily, "I'll bring it…Elphaba. Don't worry."
Maureen picked up her broom with a smile, "I'll meet you back there then."
Fiyero grabbed the broom from her hand and passed it to one of the other Monkeys.
"Not a chance! Not till you have more fly-time! Emrys will not thank me if you make it this far, only to crash when you land back there. You have two choices, one-- ride with Fae, and two-- grab a flight from some friends."
As Maureen looked at him with confusion, he winked to the Monkeys. Suddenly, Maureen was aloft. Several of the Monkeys had her in their arms and were now winging their way back to the castle.
"Fiy…hey!...Woo! Oh, yeah!" They looked up and watched Maureen smiling as she was flown back towards Emrys. He saw his fiancé coming and watched in awe and relief.
Fiyero climbed up behind his Fae. She leaned into his body and they began a slow walk. She suddenly looked around.
"Yero, we're going the wrong way."
"No, not really. Not if you're going to meet my father and his…our troops."
He felt her stiffen. "Don't worry, trust me, love."
As they approached, the Vinkun troops began to cheer and call out to them. The line parted to allow their prince and princess through. Suddenly, they were in a small clearing with a tent. A distinguished man stood before it, smiling broadly. Fiyero got down from the horse and then helped her down. He kept a tight grip on her waist as they approached him.
The gentleman broke away and came to them, placing a hand on Fiyero's shoulder.
"Well done, my boy! Well done!"
Fiyero shook his head. "Don't congratulate me. It was Elphaba's doing. Elphaba, I would like you to meet my father, King Adair of the Vinkus. Father, this is my wife, Elphaba."
Elphaba moved to curtsy, but was stopped by the king who pulled her into a gentle hug.
"You are all my son said, and more. Welcome my dear! And thank you, you've saved a great many people an unknown amount of pain with your determination and courage. I've never been as proud of my son as I am now. I know at least part of that is because of you. Bless you, my dear, and welcome to our family."
Her eyes began to fill and then suddenly, her knees began to buckle. Yero's grasp on her waist stopped her from hitting the floor.
"Fae! Fae what is it?"
Her head spun slightly and she leaned into Yero. "Don't worry, Yero. I'm just tired. It will pass."
King Adair, put his hand out to stroke her cheek, much like Yero did at times.
"Stay here and rest, both of you. I'll send word to the castle. You can eat and rest here before you need to return. Fiyero looked to her and she nodded with a smile.
"Alright, Father. Thank you. We'll need to return later, but for now…"
"Good! Good! I'll take care of it." He excused himself and had an area of the large tent set up for them. Fiyero insisted on carrying her in.
"Yero, you can put me down, I promise I won't break."
"Maybe not, but amuse me, won't you?"
Thick cushions were piled in the corner, large and wide enough to use as a bed. Yero placed her upon them and sat next to her, toying with her hair. He leaned down slowly and kissed her. It was long, easy, and gentle. When he sat up, he looked into her eyes.
"I thought I lost you today. I was afraid of it anyway. The power was so much stronger this time. I wasn't sure if I'd lose you." There, he'd said it.
She looked back at him and stroked his face and ran her hand through his hair. No time like the present.
"No, if I survived Morrible, nothing could keep me from you. The power was immense, this time when we connected. Part of it was my anger, part was my fear, and part was Maureen's fear and anger. But I had to come back, Yero. There was too much holding me here. Our future is too bright now. You know I love you, and you know I had to do this. No one else could do what I did; you know that, don't you? It had to be me?"
"Of course. But Fae…" she reached out with gentle fingers and put them to his mouth.
"No 'buts.' Just know that I had to, know that I fought to succeed and come back to you safely, know that I did, know that I love you and Yero, my Yero, know that you are going to be a father!"