Disclaimer: Ahem. Most of the characters you see in this story aren't mine and never will be. (Don't sue me). Except of course Kaiya, Alena, Avariella, and Alma.
Before I start this I am going to do a reviewer dedication. This story is dedicated to all that reviewed for me so faithfully, you really kept the story going and helped me so much.
Kennedy Leigh Morgan: Your reviews are most often my favorite! They are specific, which helps me tons. I always love reading what you have to say. Thanks so much for all the help!
Lillian Townsend: Your reviews always made me feel like I was doing wonderful. They kept the updates coming! Lol
Abovethenightsky: You were one of the first reviewers I got. And I like how you also address specific things in my story, it helps for me to know what people like and what they don't, and makes writing easier.
Veronika Green: Your fic was one of the first I ever read, and soon became one of my favorites. It inspired me to write my own:D
Sesshomaruobsessed: Your reviews are always so energetic and fun to read lol! You always had something to see about where you wanted to see the plot going, which helps me to get ideas of what people like to read.
And of course everyone else I didn't mention. All the reviews were simply amazing, thanks so much!
Okay guys, last chapter! I know, I know, suppress the uncontrollable sobbing. (Just kidding). I actually have grown rather fond of this story. However, yesterday I was reading the first chapters. My writing style and voice was not yet established, and I had no idea where I was going with the story. I find this to be apparant and makes the beginning unstable. So while I like the end chapters quite a bit, I feel it is a bad idea to continue the story with such a shaky start. But don't worry, I will start on a new fic soon enough, one that has a better beginning and stays more solid throughout. Please review on my first ever fic! Yay!
He was standing with his feet frozen to the floor, mouth agape, when a hand upon his shoulder brought him back to reality.
Dazed, he looked at the hand, then slowly his eyes trailed up the arm to a woman's face. The lines around her sharp gray eyes crinkled into an understanding smile. "Come," she said gently.
He collected himself and trailed after her down a corridor adjacent to the one Elphaba had disappeared into. He craned his neck to see down the hallway, catching a glimpse only of a long, deserted corridor. He let out a breath of frustration.
The maunt came to a halt before him and gently pushed open a door. She entered, motioning with her hand for him to follow.
"Sister Avariella, this is Fiyero."
A slender, dark-haired maunt seated in a rocking chair looked up from a book she was reading. She glanced over to where Fiyero lingered in the doorway and gave him an appraising look before nodding to the other maunt, who turned and left the room.
He paused uncertainly, hovering near the door. The maunt stood from her chair and turned her back to him, bending over something.
"Well, come here," she said impatiently, straightening up.
He approached her as she turned to face him, an infant in her arms.
Gently, as if presenting him with shocking news, she said, "This is Kaiya."
He took the sleeping child from her arms and found his way to the rocking chair, sitting upon it. He laid the girl in his lap, gazing at her in awe. "Kaiya," he whispered.
"It means forgiveness," Sister Avariella said, before leaving him alone with his daughter.
"Kaiya," he whispered the name again, testing the sound of it upon his tongue. She opened her eyes and smiled at him. His heart melted at the sight. "Hi there, I'm daddy." She smiled again, grabbing ahold of his fingers and squeezing them inquiringly.
He hugged her to his chest, unaware of the tears trailing down his cheeks. He felt a heavy weight in his stomach—guilt at the thought of having left his dear Elphie with Kaiya, alone. Of her feeling responsible for his death. Of her naming their daughter forgiveness.
Someone prodded him on the shoulder and he awoke, Kaiya still in his arms. Sister Avariella gently took her and placed her in a crib. He stood and followed the maunt out of the room.
She led him to the corridor Elphaba had disappeared into. It was dimly lit, and he could hear the echo of his footsteps on the cold stone. Sister Avariella paused and held open a door for him to enter.
He walked in slowly, his eyes adjusting to the darkness of the room. He could make out the outline of someone slumped in a corner. Approaching cautiously, he found Elphaba sleeping against the wall with her knees pulled up to her chest. He winced at the sight of her hair trickling over the inflamed skin of her face, knowing that the sores were there because of him.
"Elphaba," he whispered, crouching down beside her.
Her eyes flew open wildly, but she quickly clamped them shut again.
"No. No, no, no…" she whispered, burying her face in her hands.
"Elphie. Elphaba, it's me. It's me, Fiyero."
"Please," she whispered. "Quit haunting me."
Uncertainly, he placed a cool hand upon her leg. "Elphaba, it's me. Please."
She slowly pulled her hands away from her eyes. "Y-Yero? I- you- this can't be possible."
He pulled her into his arms. "I'm back and I'll never leave you again. Ever. Please believe me."
She pressed her face into his chest, sobbing. "I do. I do believe you."
And the rest is up to your imagination. ;)