(A/N) THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR REVIEWS! Just incase anyone is wondering, I pulled Elphaba out of Oz after the whole Defying Gravity thing and after Nessa becomes the Wicked Witch of the East, but before Fiyero leaves Glinda for her. I admit that this isn't going to be the best chapter, but it is somewhat necessary. Also, for anyone who isn't familiar with some of the things I mention about Elphie, there is a Teen Titans fanfic I came across that put Teen Titans characters in Wicked and it had been my lifeline for this story. It's in my favorite's list and its called Wicked.
2. I Have a Feeling I'm Not in Oz Anymore
The sweet melody of a music box awoke Elphaba the next morning. She looked at the nightstand beside her where a barrel organ with a monkey sat, slowly moving the cymbals in its hands. However, the sight of the monkey reminded her of Chisttery, of home. Thought it was nice not having to battle the wizard, deal with Glinda, and listen to every single living thing shriek as she flew by, she was a little homesick and curious as to exactly how far from Oz she was.
Some delicious smells were drifting into her room. Erik must have made breakfast. She couldn't help but feel like a burden. Elphaba was more of a do-it-yourself kind of person, not someone who let other people take care of her. It was hard to believe that someone she had just met was going out of his way to care for her. What if he was just trying to sweet talk her and then jump her when he got the chance? But then again, she would just hex him into oblivion if he even thought about it.
The witch pushed the covers aside and climbed out of bed. She went to the wardrobe, pulling out her usual black dress. She turned her attention to the vanity where her hat was, but she noticed the beautiful ivory brush sitting beside it. Elphaba wasn't exactly someone who cared that much about her appearance. Then again, she wasn't around someone else who actually treated her with some respect very often either. 'What the heck? Might as well.' She ran the brush through her hair a few times before placing her black hat on her head and meeting Erik for breakfast.
Erik had tossed and turned all night while his dreams wavered between Elphaba and Christine. After waking up numerous times shaken from these visions, he gave up all hopes of sleep. In the early hours of the morning he laid in his coffin, staring at the ceiling while his mind was engaged in deep meditation. Too many times he had snapped out of a fitful, light sleep, from a dream in which he was entwining in a passionate embrace with someone, but the woman beneath him kept changing from the angel to the enchantress. It was driving him to the edge of his sanity.
The clock struck 8. Exactly how long had he been lying awake? It was pointless to lay there any longer. He got up and decided to make breakfast.
Elphie was quite impressed by the breakfast that was laid out before her. Erik had put some fruit spread, a tall pitcher of orange juice, and a stack of freshly made, thin pancakes out on the table. Her mouth began to water. Just then, Erik appeared, smoothly stepping out of the shadows, his figure radiating power and commanding respect. The witch felt her green cheeks grow warm. Somewhere within she subconsciously realized that this dark charmer was beginning to work his magic on her.
"Wow, this looks great," Elphie said, complimenting the feast before her.
Erik looked up at her and instantly every vision of last night flashed before his eyes. He really did need to get some self-control. Quickly he pushed these thoughts from his head and tried to regain his elegant composure.
"Thank you. Please help yourself," he replied before sitting down and digging in.
Though it was a good meal, Elphaba felt a bit sick. She was almost afraid to find out exactly how bad the damage was from that spell and how far she was from home. But it was something she had to do nonetheless.
"Erik?"
The Phantom put his fork down for a second and looked into her soul with his penetrating eyes. "Yes?"
"I'm just wondering, exactly where are we?"
"In the catacombs of the Opera Populaire." However, from the look on her face, she obviously didn't have a clue where she was. "In Paris, France.'
'Paris, France? Where the hell am I?' Elphaba panicked a little. She was not someone who got scared easily, but this was different. She had never heard anything about a place called Paris, France. How far away from home had she traveled?
"Do you know how far away I am from the Emerald City?"
Erik thought for a moment. In all his travels through the world he had never even heard of a place called the Emerald City. "What did you say?"
"You know, the Emerald City in the Land of Oz. I live near there." It was beginning to worry about her that he had never heard of such a famous city.
"No I don't. I didn't even know a place called Oz existed."
Elphaba felt her heart sink. For once in her life, she was actually a bit panicky and a little scared. The situation she had gotten herself in was virtually irreversible. She was stuck in a place, possibly a different world, completely different from Oz, with a different language culture, everything. She felt utterly alone.
Erik noticed this sudden change in her attitude. He wondered exactly how far she was from home and how on earth she had succeeded in coming her. It looked as though she was on the verge of tears.
"Erik, I have no idea how long I'm going to be here in Paris, France, but just help me find a place to stay and you won't have to worry about be any more."
"Why? Do you not like it here?" He didn't want her to leave, not when he found someone who respected him. But he also realized he couldn't keep her forever either, even if he wanted her to stay.
"No, it isn't that at all. It's just that I've been enough of a burden already. I wouldn't want you to feel obligated to take care of me forever." Though she tried to make her words sound confident, in her heart, she did not want to leave. She was scared of this new place and Erik was the only friend she had at the moment.
The Phantom had to admit, he admired the girl's bravery and ambition, but there was no way she would survive, much less be happy in Pairs. He had always gotten enough odd stares due to his mask; he could only imaging how much worse it would be for a green girl to walk those streets. Besides, it looked like she did not know a single word in French. "Elphaba, believe me, you are no burden. It can be very lonesome down here and it is nice to have company. Though the choice is up to you, I would not mind it if you stayed here."
"Do you really mean that? You wouldn't mind if I stayed until I could get this mess fixed?"
"Yes."
Instantly joy flooded her heart. At least she had a place to stay until she managed to find a way back home, and who better to stay with than this tall, dark, and handsome mystery man? Before she could stop herself, she ran over and hugged Erik, relieved by his offer.
"Thank you," she said. However, they did not remain in an embrace for long. Elphaba soon came to her senses and realized exactly what she had done. She released him, looked for a brief moment with a crimson blush appearing on her face, and retreated to her room.
Erik remained rooted to his chair in a complete state of shock, still trying to comprehend exactly what had just happened. Elphaba had willingly hugged him! He dwelled on this thought for a second before the demon inside him reminded himself of the pain and sorrows of love.
'Erik snap out of it already! Just because she was too happy for her own good and you got lucky does not mean that she cares about you.'
Despite the voice, he could not rid himself of the light, airy feeling that her brief embrace had given him.
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