Fae's Duty: The Unexpected Friend
I was sitting in a cafe, nursing a mineral tea, thinking about everything going on in Oz, and waiting for some guy with a bright red feather in his cap. I didn't even know if it was a guy, as secrecy is of the utmost importance with our organization.
We had an assignment for the night, one of many projects to take down the Wizard's officials of Oz, the Powers Who Are. We were working toward an eventual weakening of the government, though I can't tell you what we were going to do after it all came down. I can't even tell you how we were going to do it. I just wanted to do something that might make a difference in the world.
I actually can't tell you much more about this. It's not just because it's a secret; it's also because I don't know. They can't tell us the entire plan, for we would then run the risk of exposure.
Meanwhile, I was waiting in the busiest square in the Emerald City, watching all of the people walking down the streets. It was a dangerous place for someone of my distinctiveness, as anyone who had ever seen me before could also recognize me.
I glanced nervously downward and away from the passing people. My distinctiveness was also the method for my contact knowing who I was; I couldn't hide it because it would get in the way of the mission. I found myself staring at the chair opposite of me.
After realizing that I was gazing oddly at the empty seat, I quickly started looking around the crowd, as if expecting company. As I looked back at the seat, I was shocked to see a young man sitting there, wearing spectacular, princely clothing and a black cap. "Fiyero! What are you doing here? I told you my mission brought me here and that you should avoid the area!"
He blushed and replied, "Something told me to come, and I could not refuse. So here I am. Besides, I'll keep you company, especially as it looks like you aren't expecting anyone else to have tea with you."
I glanced around again, hoping that my contact was not yet here. I had to figure out a way to get Fiyero to leave. "Look, this really isn't a good time. I don't need company; I'm on a mission, remember? All I have to do is make sure that I fulfill my part of the plan, or else it'll all go wrong!"
"So do it. I'll wait right here until you're done."
"No, Fiyero! You're just going to be in the way; I'll have to look out for you as well as everyone else who isn't a target!" I was getting desperate now. My contact was supposed to be here any time now. If the timing was off in any way, we could lose our chance.
"Come on, Elphie-Fabala-Fae, loosen up! Can't you just get out a bit and relax?" He looked pleadingly at me, as if his heart was breaking. I hardly noticed. I couldn't pay much attention, as I was too busy looking for my contact.
"Fiyero, I don't have time to argue with you on this one. Go back to my hideout and I'll meet you there when I'm done. NO earlier. And please, don't give me or my hideout away. I really don't want to have to start fresh." My eyes were scanning the crowd for red feathers.
"If you insist. Just let me show you something first." As he turned his head to one side, I saw a flash of red...
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Elphie: Wait a minute! What just happened?
RS: I can't tell you that. You figure it out for yourself, remember? Besides, it's rather obvious...
Elphie: Yes, but he said he wouldn't do it with me.
RS: Um, let's just say he changed his mind...
