Thanks again to my reviewers! Okay, though this chapter is mainly some really cute fluff, I put I did this because I didn't want to rush Erik and Elphie into a really intimate relationship right away (since they practically just met last chapter) and I wanted to show some development of this relationship. Please forgive me for the song part because I'm in a play right now and I'm Jasmine in Aladdin so this is the only song I have be hearing for at least a month and I thought that this was just adorable so here is chapter 3.
Also I realized I forgot this before: DISCLAIMER: I do not own Wicked or Phantom, though I really really really really wish I did.
3. A Whole New World
Elphaba was enjoying the few months she had spent with Erik in his subterranean haven. He had been nothing but kind to her, keeping her well fed, giving her use of the wardrobe in what was now her room and making her very comfortable in this strange new place called Paris, France. She had been enjoying his company as well, but she couldn't help but notice how shady he could be. He spoke very little about himself and it was rare for him to give even the tiniest smile, not to mention she never saw him without the mask. Even with his introverted manner, she couldn't help but notice that there was a certain mysterious charm to him that was slowly working on her.She was certainly enjoying the time she spent with him, but there was one thing that was eating away at her.
As much as the lair's dark and gloomy atmosphere suited her, Elphaba dearly missed fresh air and the exhilarating sensation of the wind in her hair on a broomstick ride. She decided that sooner or later she had to confront Erik about this.
A captivating sound echoed throughout the lair, shaking the cavern walls slightly as well as the witch's thoughts. Erik was playing the organ again, maybe even composing. Ever so carefully, she crept over to the majestic instrument, being very cautious not to rouse Erik from his trance. Yet something else happened that made her breath catch in her throat; he was singing. It was hard to believe that the ethereal sound she heard was coming from him. It couldn't be human; it was far too beautiful, too powerful.
"Past the point of no return,
the final threshold…"
She succumbed to him very quickly, letting the strange harmony of the chords overpower her. Reluctantly, he finished the song and it took the witch a few seconds to snap out of the spell he had put her under. He turned around to face her, almost looking a bit flustered that she had caught him in a musical trance.
"Is there anything you need?" he asked.
"It's just… I was wondering if there was anywhere I could go to get some fresh air."
Erik knew he should have thought of that sooner, not everyone could live his or her lives in a cavern forever like he could. "Follow me."
Elphaba made a quick dash back to her room, secretly pulling her broom out and hiding it in her cape before following Erik. He led her through a series of dizzying passageways. It surprised her how he was able to find his way with little or no light. She felt them climbing upward until he pushed open a trap door, leading to the roof of the opera house. The witch took a look at the sky. There was no moon tonight and it was very cloudy, excellent flying conditions. She pulled out her broom ready to take off.
Erik was a little skeptical when she pulled out the broom. She wasn't actually going to ride it… was she? How come he hadn't noticed that he had been housing a witch earlier? She certainly had done little to prove it, but then again he should have noticed her clothing. He felt stupid for overlooking such obvious details.
Elphaba felt like eyes were uncomfortably watching her. She turned around, noticing that Erik was giving her some very peculiar looks. She should have known that his kindness wouldn't have lasted long after he discovered her identity.
"Go ahead, go running and screaming away for your life like everyone else," she sighed. Why had she expected Erik to be any different?
For a moment, Erik actually considered her invitation. The Punjab lasso would be nothing against the powers of a witch. Then again, why hadn't she cursed him any sooner?
"Look Erik, I'm not going to curse you or anything. In fact, if it makes you feel any better, I don't even have the faintest idea where my spell book is. Go ahead and call the witch-hunters if you want. They won't find the Wicked Witch of the West defenseless every day!" She practically laughed.
For a moment the Phantom thought that the witch had lost her sanity. But it did make some sense; perhaps if she did have her book, he would be nothing but dust by now. But he couldn't help but feel like she wasn't as wicked as her title claimed.
It must mean something that he hadn't run away yet. She wondered if it was really worth it, if he would go if she asked…
"Do you… would you like to come with me?" she asked hesitantly.
Erik was a bit taken aback. Was she asking him to do what he thought she was?
"What?"
"Ya know, go flying. It's really a lot of fun."
The Phantom was still a bit hesitant to take up the offer.
"Do you trust me?" she asked
"What?"
"Do you trust me?" she said, holding out her hand. (a/n Sorry guys, couldn't resist! Too much Aladdin lately!)
"Fine," he said, taking her hand. He climbed on behind her.
"Hold on tight. This thing is fast." Erik loosely put his arms around her, underestimating her warning and frankly, a little shy to do so to a girl that was quickly growing on him. Instantly they shot into the sky almost vertically. Erik frantically increased his grip around her waist, holding onto her for his life.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I'M GOING TO DIE!" Erik cried. For once in his life, he was actually terrified.
Elphaba giggled at his reaction and felt a scarlet blush creeping onto her cheeks as he held on very tight to her. "WHOOOOHOOOO!" she cheered, feeling an exciting exhilaration racing through her now that she was finally back in the skies. It was like she was back home, with the wind streaming through her hair. But this time was different. 'Just you and I defying gravity.' For the first time she wasn't flying solo.
(a/n These aren't really their thoughts or words, just… stuff. Elphie's stuff isregular and Erik's are in (). I had to switch them with the opposite gender because Aladdin's stuff definitely suits Elphaba more and vice versa for Erik.)
I can show you the world;
shining, shimmering, splendid.
Tell me Erik, now when did you last let your heart decide?
I can open your eyes;
take you wonder by wonder,
over sideways and under
on a flying broomstick ride!
A whole new world:
a new phantastic point of view! (yes I spelled phantastic that way for a reason)
No one to tell us no
or where to go
or say we're only dreaming…
Gradually, Erik was beginning to adapt to this fabulous place in the heavens. Up here, there were no cruel people, just stars and clouds. He felt so free. If only he had the same capabilities of such release, he would have stopped secluding himself underground years ago.
(A whole new world:
a dazzling place I never knew!
But when I'm way up here
it's crystal clear
that now I'm in a whole new world with you!)
Now I'm in a whole new world with you!
(Unbelievable sights!
Indescribable feeling;
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
through an endless diamond sky…)
They soared like a rocket through the dark cloudy night, soaring to dizzying heights before diving dangerously close to the ground. For once in their lives, Erik and Elphie were actually enjoying themselves. Erik actually found himself smiling, even chucking as they rocketed through the sky, enjoying the feel of Elphaba in his arms, even though it was more like him clinging to her so that he didn't fall. Elphie laughed like she hadn't in a long time, leaning slightly back into his arms when they were fairly level in the air. Even the first time she felt the joy of defying gravity, it had been nothing quite like flying with a friend, especially someone like Erik. It was an unparalleled joy.
(A whole new world!) Don't you dare close your eyes!
(A hundred thousand things to see!) Hold your breath it gets better
(I'm like a shooting star;
I've come so far;
I can't go back to where I used to be!)
(Every turn a surprise!) A whole new world!
(Every moment red-letter!) With new horizons to pursue!
Both: I'll chase them anywhere.
There's time to spare.
Let me share this whole new world with you.
A whole new world!
(A whole new world!)
That's where we'll be.
(That's where we'll be.)
A thrilling chase…
(A wondrous place…)
Both: For you and me.
Elphaba reluctantly steered the way back to the rooftop. She could not tell exactly what time it was, but from the position of the stars, she could tell that it was getting very late. She had completely lost track of how long they had been up there. It was a shame that this world of freedom that they had created had to disappear so soon. She landed carefully, trying to make it easy for Erik. It was always difficult to find your footing after your first broomstick ride. As soon as his feet hit the ground, Erik felt his knees begin to shake and he stumbled. He was not embarrassed that had somewhat destroyed his image of power and grace, but instead, he started to laugh. As strange as it may seem, those moments that they had spent together in the heavens had released him from his usual stiff and distant manner, making him a bit more lighthearted and enjoyable.
"Sorry," Elphie giggled, helping him to his feet. "I know that the first time back on the ground is always a little shaky."
Erik took her hand but it took them a few moments to realize that he had still been holding it after he had gotten up. Thankful that the mask hid most of the crimson he felt rushing to his face, he led her back down into the depths of his lair. It was funny, but for once, Erik did not want to return to his subterranean home, especially after he had felt so free in the skies. He walked with her to her room, stopping a few feet away from the curtain.
"Good night Elphaba," he said in a gentle voice.
"Night Erik," she said before disappearing behind the black veil. Making sure that he was gone, she quickly changed into a nightgown, flopping down onto the bed with a relieved sigh. It was amazing that something as simple as a flight with a particular companion had put her in such a good mood. She felt very spunky and light, almost like she wanted to cover herself in pink. Then again, the very idea of pink snapped her out of her girlish mood. 'Get a grip Elphaba! Be careful or else you are gonna end up like Glinda!' She shuddered at the thought. "Uuugh, pink!' Despite her fears of pink, she pulled the covers up, falling asleep with a smile playing about her lips and sweet dreams dancing in her mind.
This new feeling of joy was so distant to Erik. It felt so light and careless and he was beginning to like it. Now that he knew what he was missing, he never wanted to be denied the exhilarating freedom of flight. Pulling off his shirt, he laid down in his coffin, marveling the events of moments ago. She had let him touch her, put her arms around her, hold her hand. For now, he actually felt tired. Erik closed his eyes, letting sleep and dreams find him tonight. Slowly, the visions became more vivid and the velvety interior of the coffin was beginning to caress his bare back like Elphaba's touch.
"Oh Elphaba," he moaned, smiling contently in his sleep. Tonight, dreams would not be so torturing after all.
I know that this chapter was incredibly fluffy but like I said before, I wanted to show development in their relation ship and spread stuff out. I thought that this scenario was pretty cute, but you tell me what you thought! Like I said before, I'm always open for suggestions. Also I know that Elphie and Erik may have been a little too happy but I wanted to do light stuff because this is going to get serious. Sorry if they were OOC. Erik WILL get darker, I promise! And about the Aladdin thing. Like i said before, i'm in a production of Aladdin as Jasmine (WHICH I AM SO HAPPY ABOUT) and i've heard this song so many times that it inspired me for this chapter. PLEASE REVIEW!1
