A/N: as the alerts' problem seems to be solved, here's the next chapter. Please review, and have a wonderful weekend, everyone!


Chapter 9

That was it. The day had come. His graduation day. He still couldn't believe it, even though it was all around him. His friends were dressed in their finest clothes, filling the school's lawns as they stood there, like him, with their parents, after the ceremony in the main auditorium. In a few hours, they would all go their separate ways. It pinched his heart. Who would have believed it would be so painful?

"We are so very proud of you, son," his father said. His mother clutched his hand in silent agreement. She had tears in her eyes.

"Thank you, sir," he replied, somewhat distracted. He was looking for Glinda. She disappeared right after the ceremony to join her parents, and as she was so petite, he couldn't locate her among the great crowd.

"At the top of your class, no less. Who would have thought," his father shook his head, laughing to himself.

He was about to respond when he suddenly detected a flash of gold. Glinda was standing a short distance away with some of her friends. The sunshine did wonders to her hair as she threw her head back to laugh at something one of her friends had just said. He smiled. She looked so graceful in her bright pink dress. He excused himself and went over to her.

The girls stopped their chatter when they noticed him. He bowed slightly, which made some of them blush and giggle, and offered his arm for Glinda. "Can I steal you for a moment?"

Glinda giggled and took his arm. "Why of course, Dearest!" As he led her among the crowd, she sighed wistfully. "Can you believe it? Four years."

"I know. I've never thought I'd get to be here."

"But you did. And I'm so proud of you!" she said, then squealed. "Where are you taking me?"

"I think it's about time you'll meet my parents."

To his surprise, she halted. "Your parents?" she repeated, horror clearly reflected in her eyes. He nodded. "I cannot."

"Why in Oz not?"

"Because!" That wasn't very convincing. He gave her a look. "Look at me, Dearest," she said, looking down at her dress, "I was hoping to wear something more… well, representative when I meet your parents!"

He laughed. She looked nervous. It was unusual, for someone as confident as her. "You look beautiful," he assured her. "Don't worry about it."

"You're just saying that," she said meekly, but there was something softer in her eyes now.

"No, I'm not. Come on," he said, and they resume their walking. His parents stopped their conversation the moment they stopped in front of them, and gave him a questioning look. "Father, Mother, may I introduce Glinda Upland."

It took them only a slight second to remember who she was. His father's face brightened instantly. "Glinda! It's good to finally meet you, my dear," he said, kissing her hand.

"And you, sir," Glinda replied. She still looked somewhat terrified, but slightly calmer than before.

"Fiyero said you were beautiful. I can see now he wasn't exaggerating," his mother added, making Glinda blush.

"And I understand that my son was kind enough to escort you to the Emerald City."

"Yes, sir. I'm looking forward to get back there."

"Where are your parents, dear?" his mother asked.

Glinda looked back. "I'm afraid I lost them," she smiled. "They were speaking with the headmistress when I last saw them."

"We will be happy to meet them as well. We have much to talk about, now that the two of you have graduated from college."

Oh no. He shot his father a warning look. "Father-"

"It is time to think ahead, my son!" his father said. He shook his head. His father was in a good mood. It would be useless to try to protest or argue. He watched Glinda, who was talking with his mother. He smiled. He knew his mother would love her. And his father seemed to be marveling at her as well. At least some part of his plan for the future was working just fine. He knew that the hardest part was still ahead of him, yet not so far away. Soon he would be off to the Emerald City, and then real life would begin.

XoxoxoxoX

They were off a week later. Many of their friends and family came to the station to bid them goodbye. Even Avaric was there. His parents kept it from him so it would be a surprise, and surprised he was. He couldn't believe Avaric made that long way just to see him leave. He hurried towards him to give him a hug, not really caring for his parents' or his friends' reaction.

"What in Oz are you doing here?" he asked, slowly letting go.

Avaric was smiling brightly, as if satisfied he managed to surprise him. "Did you really think I'd let you go without saying goodbye?" He looked over his shoulder, and then back at him, with that naughty sparkle in his eyes. "And I thought I deserved to meet your lovely companion for this journey."

"Oh, I see. So you didn't come all the way here to see me, that's what you're saying."

"Let's be realistic, Master," said Avaric, shaking his head. "If I had to choose between you and a pretty girl-"

"Yes, well, I think we all know what your choice would be," he laughed. Then he looked seriously at his friend. "I'm really glad you're here though."

Avaric smiled, but didn't reply. "So where is she, your one and only?"

He looked over to where Glinda was standing. Her parents were speaking with his parents. She looked up and their eyes met. She smiled somewhat shyly, but quickly brought her attention to the conversation.

Avaric's gaze followed his, and he let out a long marveling whistle. "Nice!"

"Is it really necessary to ask you to keep those comments to yourself?" he hissed, changing position so that he was now blocking Avaric from Glinda's sight, in case he'd decide to do something silly.

"Don't worry. I won't embarrass you in front of her. I'm sure you've already managed to do that by yourself." There was that sparkle of humor in his eyes. Then, at once, it changed into unusual seriousness. "I know why you're going to the Emerald City. I think you're crazy, but I know it will be impossible to talk you out of it. Just… don't try to be smarter than everyone, alright? Or braver. Don't get into unnecessary trouble. You don't know who you're dealing with there."

He laughed softly, although Avaric's clear concern touched his heart. "Avaric, I had enough of that from my father."

"Knowing you, someone probably has to repeat it in order for you to internalize it."

Which was probably true. He nodded. "I promise I won't do anything stupid."

"I hope you'll find her," Avaric added quietly. "I don't know why you're so persistent about it, especially that I've seen who Glinda is, but if finding her is what you want, I hope you'll get it. Just don't get all obsessive about it."

He laughed. Avaric knew him too well. He wanted to say more, but just then a loud screech was heard when the train came to a halt at the station, bringing about the usual hustle and bustle of passengers embarking or boarding the train.

"You'd better go," Avaric said. "Have a safe journey. Take care."

"I will. You too," he said, patting his servant's back. They exchanged one last smile before he went over to join his parents and Glinda. After another round of hugs and goodbyes they boarded the train, on their way to pursue their future in the City of Emeralds.

XoxoxoxoX

Living in the City was as incredible as he thought it would be. They stayed at one of the finest hotels, spent the mornings wandering out and the nights at the various theaters and opera houses. The Emerald City had everything to offer its inhabitants and tourists in terms of entertainment. They were there for several days, but already he was having the time of his life. After a few days there, it was so easy to forget the original reason for their being there.

But then one afternoon on their way back to the hotel, he remembered.

"A letter for you, Miss," a bored receptionist handed a bright green envelope to Glinda, who took it with a nod of gratitude.

"Who is this from?" he asked as they made their way up to their rooms.

She broke the seal and read the small note the envelope contained. It took her a moment, but then she looked up at him, somewhat pale. "It's the summons from the Wizard."

His heart began to pound against his chest, faster than usual. "When?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"I'll go with you."

She shook her head. "Dearest, I don't think-"

"It's dangerous. I won't let you go alone. Not after the last time."

"They won't let you in."

"I'll wait outside. I don't care. I just don't want you to go there alone."

She hesitated, but then nodded her agreement. By the look on her face, she didn't seem too thrilled to go there alone as well. He knew she was still traumatized about what happened there years ago.

"Scared?" he asked quietly as he opened the door to her room.

"A little," she admitted.

He wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug, as if she was a child. "Don't be. I'll be there. Everything will be alright."

"I hope so," she replied, although she didn't sound so confident.

This fearful, doubtful Glinda made him upset; she even frightened him, to some extent. More than anything, he wanted to comfort her. He wanted her to smile again. He pulled away and leaned over to lay a kiss on her forehead. "Go in. Take a nap, or a bath. Something that will make you feel better. Then tonight I'll take you someplace."

It worked. Her expression softened as she looked up at him. "Where?"

"Someplace special. We can go out dancing."

"Dancing…" she echoed dreamily, then smiled. "That will be great." Then she did something he had never expected her to do. She stood on tiptoes and laid a small kiss on his lips. "Thank you, for being here with me," she whispered.

For a moment, he was speechless. She had never initiated any of their kisses before. He was always the one to make the first step. This audience with the Wizard had a serious effect on her. She looked terrified. He just hoped everything would work according to their plans, that nothing would go wrong, that they would finally be able to make some good in Oz.

XoxoxoxoX

Just as they suspected, the main hall was as far as he was allowed to go. He squeezed Glinda's hand, as if that would help to make her a bit more courageous, and watched her as she followed a young guard down the hall. He didn't leave until she had completely disappeared of his sight. He wondered what he should do. He didn't want to stay there, because he figured that spending the next hours under the suspicious eye of the guards would be extremely tiring within a short while. But then again, he didn't want to go too far, because he wanted to be there when Glinda would go out.

He decided to go outside and have some coffee in the closest café he could find. He chose the guard who seemed less threatening and asked him for directions, then told him to bring Glinda there when she was done. After he ordered coffee and a delicious-looking cake from a smiling waitress, he sat back and reached for the piece of paper in his pocket. He got it a few days back, but only had a chance to skim over it. Now, as he had no newspaper, and several hours until Glinda would be back, he decided to do a more thorough reading of it.

Dear Master,

As I'm picturing you in the city that never sleeps, I'm telling myself that it is probably useless to write to you. In my mind's eye you fit there so well, you're probably too occupied to even read this.

I hope this letter finds you well and careless. I dare not express the question that is really in my interest, but I hope you'll be able to recognize it between those lines, and provide me with a satisfactory reply. I truly hope you follow your promise and keep out of danger. If not for your own sake, do it for your parents'.

I don't wish to detain you from your other engagements. My regards to the lovely Glinda, and all the best to both of you. Write to me when you get the chance. I'll be happy to hear from you.

Your faithful friend and servant,

Avaric.

He smiled. So typically Avaric, being so secretive and enigmatic. He'd have to write to him soon. He folded the letter and put it back in his pocket, then watched the passersby, slowly sipping his coffee. His gaze wandered to the other side of the street, where the guards were just changing shifts in front of the palace's main gates. He looked at them, tall and proud in their emerald-colored uniform. He had to start working out his plan. Maybe later he'd ask to see their captain. That would be a good place to start.

He sighed. He only wished it would bring him someplace. He wasn't expecting to find her. Of course, he wanted to find her, but it's been so many years that he knew it would be silly to expect to find her. He was certain that the Wizard's soldiers knew better than anyone about the happenings in the Land of Oz. They probably had all the necessary intelligence. If only he could hear something, anything, about her, it would be better than nothing. He was tired of uncertainties. He just wanted to know.

XoxoxoxoX

When Glinda joined him several hours later, there was no trace for the fright that he previously detected in her expression. Her face was bright with the biggest smile, her composure once again confident. It was like a whole new Glinda had come out of the Wizard's throne.

"So, how did it go?" he asked, although it was quite obvious it went quite well.

Indeed, Glinda shook her head. "Better than I expected," she replied cheerfully. "And the Wizard! He's so changed!"

Honestly, he doubted people could change sides so quickly. Perhaps he was wrong. Perhaps it wasn't so for the Wizard. "Is he?"

"I thought it was unbelievable too, but he was really nice! He's really lonely. He wants me to work with him. He wants me to be known as," she paused for dramatic effect, "Glinda the Good."

"That's… nice. Catchy," he said slowly, mostly because he wasn't sure how he was expected to react. "What will you have to do?"

"Public relations, basically. Rising up the people's spirits. All those things I'm naturally good at!" she concluded, her eyes shinning.

Should he congratulate her? Should he feel silly for still suspecting the Wizard's motives? "What about Morrible? Wasn't it her job as his press secretary?"

"Oh, yes. It still is. I'll start as her protégé, until I'm ready for my own coronation."

"Well, that sounds really…" corrupted. Something still didn't feel right. And it rarely happened that his instincts misled him.

"We also spoke about you," she suddenly said. "At length."

He stiffened. "About me?"

"Yes. I mentioned you were here with me, and they started asking me so many questions! And are you ready for the bestest news?" she paused again, then announced, "The Wizard wants to meet you!"

He said nothing for a moment. He wasn't sure how he felt about this turn in the conversation. "Well, I won't sit and wait until he summons me. I've already decided to go back there and speak to-"

"Oh, no, Dearest, you don't understand! He wants to see you… right now!" He stared at her dumbfounded. She giggled. "I knew you'd be surprised!" she squealed, looking very pleased with herself. "Hurry up, they're waiting for you!"

He got up, still somewhat uncertain. "What about you?"

"Oh, I still have some shopping to do," she replied with a wave of her hand, "Go! Don't keep His Ozness waiting!"

Saying nothing, he left, heading back for the palace. As if the guards had already gotten the order, no-one prevented him from walking in. One of them quickly joined him on his way down what seemed like a long hall. Making the same way Glinda had made several hours ago, he was on his way to meet the Wizard of Oz.