Morrible walked around with a big smile. Her plans were well executed. She thought of yesterday when the lieutenant came to say they had captured the Wicked Witch and then her spy came back with the news where Glinda was.
Morrible was about to go to bed when her door was knocked on. She had found another spellbook in the palace, but the spells weren't as powerful as the Grimmerie's.
She opened the door. The lieutenant was at her door.
"Lieutenant James. What a nice surprise to see you."
'Sorry to disturb you so late, Madame. But we caught the witch. he said with a grin. 'It was not an easy job, but your device works well.
Morrible opened the door a bit wider so he could enter. Normally, Morrible didn't let anyone in her room to talk. But tonight was a different story. She was a big step forward with her plan. She poured a drink and handed the glass to James. "Tell me everything," said Morrible.
James sat down and told everything to Morrible who got very angry with Michael for such a stupid mistake. James exaggerated on a number of things in the hope of getting more money. 'So this is the story of the heroes of Oz' he concluded his story.
Morrible nodded. It took her a while to figure out why he said that.
"Of course James. We'll tell the story when the witch is convicted." Morrible said distracted.
James nodded. "So how are things going futher now?"
'Further? I'm going to get the witch to talk so we'll be sure no one is a threat to the Wizard.'
'Uhm Yes very well I actually meant more about the money.'
All people are the same, Everything for money, Morrible thought.
'Yes of course if I have the witch's book, the Grimmerie, I can conjure as much money as I want. That's why the witch is so wicked because she doesn't want to share it with us.' She lied.
She had no idea if such a spell existed in the Grimmerie. She still had a hard time reading spells but she is stronger. She only needs to learn to speak one spell. If she can control everyone, she controls Oz.
James nods sharply. "Her skin is already giving away how Wicked she is. We will do anything to help Madame. We are on your side.'
Morrible smirks. 'That's good to hear.' The Lieutenant and Morrible continued talking a little longer. Much to Morrible's chagrin. She wanted nothing more than to go to the dungeons and question Elphaba.
After an hour, the Lieutenant left. Morrible is still considering going to Elphaba when she heard a knock at her window. She opened her window and let in a bird.
"Are you back already?" Morrible asked anxiously. This meant that the spell worked out too soon or that Elpahab's hideout was closer than she thought.
She went to her bookcase and searched for the second part of the spell. She looked for the spell to show all the images of the enchanted person in a crystal ball. This was another small version of the spell. With the Grimmerie you could retrieve the images much earlier and show them much larger. But this was already something. Her plan to send a spy after Fiyero after he got the message from the Wizard worked.
That Wizard and Fiyero are so predictable. As if I didn't realize that the wizard was suddenly taking an interest in my plans. As if I didn't see it in my closet. thought Morrible, shaking her head. It was funny to play the game.
She cast the spell and saw where Fiyero was going. She quickly made a letter for the soldiers in the north. She sent twenty men to the village around noon the next day. She thought that should be enough. She cast a new spell on the bird and let it fly again. Are these animals still good for something Morrible thought.
Morrible was getting tired. She decided to start the questioning tomorrow.
Tomorrow she was also going to share the message to the Ozians that the witch was finally caught. Her plan was almost finished and no one could stop her.
She walked happily to the wizard's room. It was time he knew about her plan too. She gave him one more chance to take the right side.
She knocked on his door.
'come on in'
Morrible came in. She saw that the wizard was already working on his paper works. In the morning he did his paperwork and in the afternoon he had people come and talk more.
'Good morning, Wizard. I'm here to inform you that the witch was brought in last night and thrown in the dungeons. "
The wizard's mouth fell open. What that couldn't be true. Was Fiyero too late?
Morrible laughed at the Wizard's face.
"Ooh, your pretty head doesn't have to worry about that." She said with a mean grin. 'Of course I had it all figured out. What do you think I didn't realize you were in the closet a few days ago?'
How could this happen, the wizard thought. I thought I was careful.
'I have to admit it was pretty funny seeing you guys like this. The two tough gentlemen who must hate the witch help her. That's something for a good book.' she said as she walked around the room.
The wizard was very uncomfortable. He didn't trust Morrible at all. Especially now that he found out that everything was a trap.
'What do you want?' he asked. He hoped he sounded more confident than he felt.
'I want to give you a chance. I'm getting a little tired of forcing you all the time. In an hour, the village where Glinda is hiding will be attacked. The soldiers are ordered to kill anyone they see. Since Fiyero is there now, Elphaba will soon have no one to support her. You can choose to join me. I'll make sure you don't get into the dungeons if you declare me sorcerers of Oz.' Morrible explained.
It all sounded tempting to the wizard. But he couldn't do it anymore. That woman didn't predict anything good. He couldn't trust her. 'No way.'
Morrible's smile disappeared immediately. 'You're even more stupid than you look. But I'm fine if you follow the same fate as the witch. Don't come cry to me if you're chased by the Ozians.'
' And what do you want to do? You only want the Grimmerie and you don't get it. The Ozians are behind me. You're not going to win Morrible. ' The Wizard hoped Morrible would attack him so he could arrest her. But his plan didn't work.
'Don't worry Wizard I'll get what I want. You, the witch and the Animals will get what you deserve. Morrible went to the door. Ooh yes one more thing. From now on you will be under house arrest and tonight you will announce that the witch will be sentenced to death in five days. So this Wednesday'
'How are you going to do that?' the Wizard asked in disbelief.
'Well, the lieutenant is going to make sure no one gets to enter your room. By evening I will simply enchant you again.' She said with a smirk as she closed the door and locked the door.
'Make sure no one comes in.' She said to James.
James nodded obediently. So he had taken the right side anyway. Wealth was at his fingertips.
Morrible went to the interview room. She had ordered the guards to prepare the witch in advance. Elphaba's hands were tied with iron chains hanging from the ceiling. Her feet could just touch the ground. She had some dried blood on her forehead. For the rest she was completely covered in bruises. She was still wearing the mouth mask. She looked Morrible straight in the eye, more confidently.
She is exactly as I remember her. Always keep her head up. thought Morrible as she closed the door. She walked over to the table with a few books on it.
'Good day Miss Elphaba. I will make it very simple for you. Nodding is yes and shaking your head means no. You yourself must understand that.' Began Morrible.
Morrible knew how difficult it must be for Elphaba not to speak. She always had her answer ready. Elphaba always has a strong opinion that she expressed, But now it is not going. Morrible laughed at the thought.
'Do you also like my invention? I made it especially for you. By tightening the screws, your jaws are pressed together by the plate under your chin. Of course, that thing had to be attached to your head too. You can't talk like that, so you can't say spells. You should now feel even more connected to the Animals. Genius right!'
Elphaba looked at Morrible with anger but did nothing. She kept following Morrible, expecting the worst.
'You are going to tell me where the Grimmerie is, otherwise you will feel it.' Morrible continues.
Nothing again.
Morrible picked up the book and began to flip through it.' Miss Elphaba, this is your last chance. Tell me where the Grimmerie IS!'
Nothing again.
Morrible began to cast a spell. Elphaba felt her skin on fire. Her arms and legs were covered with red bumps. She started pulling the chain in pain. Morrible grins. 'The question is the same. All you have to do is nod. ' She said.
Elphaba kept her head still. She took a deep breath through her nose to relieve the pain. Morrible said another spell and shallow knife cuts came all over her body. Elphaba shook again with pain. But did nothing. This went on three more times. When Elphaba finally nodded yes. That was soon, Morrible thought a little disappointed.
'Water first,' said Elpahab husky.
Morrible nodded and gave her something to drink.
'Why are you doing this' asked Elphaba between sips.
Morrible thought. Why wouldn't I tell my story to Elphaba?
Morrible began to talk.
Morrible was about 21 years old when she finally had enough money to go to college. She should have worked hard for it but she didn't care. She walked around Shiz with a big smile. She had to share her room with a Wolf. Morrible did not like the Animals because they were always haughty to her. Even in her own village where she came from, the Animals pretended she didn't exist. Morrible was never kind to others either. But 'with kindness you couldn't buy anything' her father always said
Just because I don't have fur? Or because I am poor? They are all the same. One day I will be higher than them. They will beg to be in my shadow, she thought bitterly. Morrible sat alone at recess enjoying her bread. In the corner of her eye she saw a group of Giraffes.
They will get a bowl of hot soup because they can afford it, she thought.
There was Chuffery walking. He is the prettiest boy in all the school. Of course he didn't like her. But Morrible could always dream of it. Chuffery approached a group of Animals. Of course they do get all the attention because they are the animals and deserve it. Morrible thought sarcastic as she walked to her class.
First she had history lessons from an Owl and then Sorceress from a Qzian. First survive this lesson and then finally something I am good at thanks to my favorite teacher. She thought Whatever Morrible did She couldn't understand history. It didn't interest her either. The teacher chose her to answer questions she could not answer.
That stupid teacher picks me up to make me a fool for everyone else. That stupid Wolf who is my roommate laughed the loudest when she didn't understand it herself. Magic lessons went well. The teacher was not as friendly to her as he was to other students. But he did not treat her inferiorly. That was something Morrible thought
Morrible was in a good mood when she had to work at the local pub to earn her school fees.
Her roommate had, of course, already told everyone where she worked so they could laugh at her even more. But that night it was not too bad. They even spoke to her when she gave them the drinks. Morrible thought she might be wrong about the Animals on Shiz. Her shift was over and she was about to walk out when one of the Giraffe group called to her. Morrible still continued to talk and Chuffery himself spoke to her. Morrible loves every moment and all her hatred disappeared.
For the first time she felt that she was accepted by the other. Morrible just fell out of everything. Either she wasn't pretty enough or not smart enough. When you did magic you were a freak. The Animals always laughed at her. In her village and at school. But tonight she was a college student who had a lot of fun with her fellow students. Thanks to the Animals and Chuffery.
Then suddenly the lights went out. Morrible turned in astonishment, and before she knew it pots of feathers and slime came down on top of Morrible. The lights went on and there was a large spool target with the text: Now that you have feathers, you can finally afford something warm and we have something beautiful to look at!
Morrible was boiling with rage and deeply ashamed. Everyone, the Animals and the Ozians laughed at her. Chuffery itself. Now she never had a chance again. She was so angry with herself. I knew those animals could not be trusted. They always are those stupid Animals.
She walked away angrily. When she got to her room, there was an envelope. She went to wash her first. After three showers, she still saw the mucus. She picked up the letter and began to read it:
Dear Miss Morrible. Although you try hard during your classes, your grades are poor. In addition, you took belongings from the teachers without asking. We receive complaints from fellow students about you. They tell you that you are using unnecessary magic and that you misuse your magic for little teases against all your students. According to many teachers, including Mr. Owl, who was the only one who was positive about your behavior during his lessons, you have been warned several times about your behavior. But you keep going. We cannot tolerate this behavior. I regret to mention that you are being expelled from school from this Monday.
Morrible couldn't believe it. I can't make it because of those stupid Animals are complaining about me. I only took one book from the math teacher. I thought I could and I brought it kind of school is this ?! Morrible packed her things. She went to the Magic classroom. She took the teacher's books. Then she went to the library where she read everything. She read all about the Grimmerie and the powers of magic. She took all the books and went to her room.
On the way she heard the Animals whispering about her. "The slime monster" Fishhead. " She packed her suitcase and left. If she could no longer stay in school, she would go elsewhere. She still had money left from working. She went to the Emerald city.
'After I swore to take back all the animals because they were the same. All arogant and ruthless creatures who take the best opportunities from us. because of them I had to work myself instead of finishing my education. I have to work for everything and those dirty Animals got everything done.'
Elphaba looked at her with her mouth open.
'Really?! Are you doing all this because you were made fun of by the guy you liked by a stupid joke from a bunch of girls? You owe your suspension to yourself. You used to be a headmistress, so you can now remember that this was a valid reason for your suspension. They had left you in school for far too long. "Elphaba laughed very loudly. "That's really the dumbest reason I've ever heard to wipe out an entire race. besides, the Ozians were laughing too not just the Animals. How old are you?
Morrible flushed with rage. She quickly cast the spell again. Elphaba's laugh turned to a scream. A few more cuts were added. Her arms, legs and back were covered with gashes or with blood.
'Seriously Madame. If such a joke makes you angry, I must have turned red instead of green long ago. All my life I have been treated differently by my skin. I am alone and you have a whole race behind you.'
Morrible didn`t lecture her with such a brat. She had the right to deal with the Animals like that. The Animals made fun of her and now she had to show that Morrible is not to be trifled with. She also had to admit that power has gone to her head but who can resist the power.
'You still haven't said where the Grimmerie is.' She hissed.
'I only nodded because I was thirsty. I was curious why you did this. But now that I know, I wish I hadn't asked.' Elphaba said to tease Morrible. She knew she would regret it later, but it was wonderful to win this fight if only for a moment. "If I had known it was so easy to say my opinion again, I would have done it sooner."
Morrible couldn't get any redder. She knew she had been trapped. Morrible didn't like to be tricked. She didn't like to lose. Elphaba seemed to be better at everything she did. Morrible went crazy. But she will get Elphaba. In the end she will win and Oz will be hers.
Morrible grinned. 'Enjoy it. But while we're here, Glinda is under attack.'
Elphaba immediately looked serious. 'You don't know where she is.'
'Ooh on the contrary Miss Elphaba. Thanks to your good friend Fiyero, I knew your hideout. A village near the border of the Vikuns a little bit in the north aswell.' Said Morrible, feeling herself regaining power from the conversation.
Elpaha swallowed. Morrible was right. But everyone will manage anyway. They had a second shelter and she had tested her alarm system often enough with Raydel. They must have made it through, Elphaba thought.
Elphaba looked straight at Morrible.
'I see your tongue lost. How bad. I think you should think about it now that you're alone without Glinda and Fiyero' Morrible said with a grin.
'Take her back to her cell, tie her up tight and don't be too nice.' Morrible said to the guards. She wanted to walk away but something came to her mind.
'Wait a minute' she said as she walked back. 'I'd like the credit.'
The guards had already untied Elphaba and were holding her. Morrible put on Elphaba's face mask again with great pleasure. Elphaba became more and more disgusted with that woman. But she did nothing. She did not allow Morrible any pleasure in her suffering.
'In five days you will go after your Animal friends and your other friends. She said squeezing Elphaba's cheek when she was done attaching everything. 'Then you finally do all of Oz a favor and die.' That was it. Elphaba flew at Morrible.
The guards barely stopped her. Morrible laughed out loud. 'There is my fiery witch again. Is it difficult for you that you can't do anything while I have power?' Morrible says defiantly.
Elphaba grunted angrily. She struggled to break free from the hold of the guards. The guards had put her on the ground and had to restrain her with great difficulty.
'Take her with you. She needs to think about her actions and don't be too nice to her.' The guards took Elphaba away.
Morrible was not happy at all. Her whole plan to get the Grimmerie had failed. She had five more days to pass. She didn't really want to use Nessa. Despite the fact that Nessa had made many mistakes. Many Munchkins still loved the Thropp family. If they were told that Nessa was imprisoned and tortured, she would lose all support.
Morrible went to prepare for the announcement. She also came up with a poster with a few artists so the news could get through Oz faster. In five days, many Ozians would come to the Emerald city to see the witch's execution. Fortunately, Morrible could still enjoy it.
She was also finally rid of Glinda and Fiyero. So it was a good day she remembered as she went to her office to start a busy afternoon.