Author's Note: SO SORRY! Haven't updated at all, this was one story I didn't want to abandon. I've been distracted with another fic called I Should Tell You co-written with PinkElf. It's under her name, a Rent fic, check it out. Finally completed. But I hope you haven't abandoned with story as well- I love Boq, and I feel terrible leaving him. Forgive me. I'll update sooner.
Also please forgive me if this is a bit rough. I need to get back into the swing of things, and get back into Boq's head. Please, feedback is strongly encouraged.
Chapter Eight
Boq couldn't sleep all night. All he could think about was why he did what he did and whether it meant anything at all. He tried to figure out who he was in love with because after all… it may as well be Nessarose. But every time he thought of Galinda, he couldn't stop his heart from melting. That one kiss… that one moment… it was all he ever asked for. Then why in Oz did he get so jealous when Crope was with Nessarose? He tried to convince himself that it was the protective brother that emerged out of him. But he also couldn't help but sigh happily whenever he thought of her smile.
When the sun struggled over the mountains, and when he couldn't stand the light beaming through the glass windows, Boq got out of bed, and washed up. He had promised Nessa before he went off to Dream Land last night that he'd escort her to the train station to say goodbye to her sister. He didn't mind because he thought it was exciting that someone from Shiz was off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, in the glorious Emerald City.
He began to stride down the hallway, a stream of thoughts swimming in his brain. He was hardly paying attention to where he was heading; it was difficult to. It took him by surprised when he caught off balance and almost slipped on a piece of parchment. His heart beating fast, he picked up the wrinkled piece of paper and straightened it out. His eyes widened as he read the letter:
I'm terribly glad to know that you're on my side on this. She has become such a nuisance that I need her out of sight, out of mind. I need her dead. She has no purpose here. In fact she'll probably be miserable here as time goes on. She may cover it up well, but I can see it in her. Might as well put her out of her misery. Considering her… condition and the way the whole school teases her… it's become such a bother. If you ask me, her sister is the fortunate one. Anyway, I'll be taking care of her as soon as possible.
The letter wasn't addressed to anyone and the writer didn't leave his name. Apparently, the operation must have been a secret, and Boq couldn't help but figure out who it might be…. He had a very good guess too, and it seemed very much plausible. But, just about more than half of Shiz wanted Elphaba out.
"Boq there you are!" Nessa was seen strolling toward him.
"Oh- hey Nessa," he called out after hastily stuffing the letter into his pocket. He met her halfway.
"I decided to find you instead," she said grinning. "Shall we start walking? Luckily for us the station isn't too far. And it looks like rain."
"Really?" asked Boq looking at the sun shining bright through the windows.
"I saw some heavy rain clouds brewing and coming toward us. It'll catch us in a few minutes."
They exited Shiz University and off the property, briskly walking to the station. Boq couldn't concentrate on holding a conversation- he was too preoccupied with that letter. He hated to think that someone in Shiz would want to kill the sister of the girl he was walking with. And if Boq became too involved with the situation, he would never get the change to win Galinda. He would have to be the protector of Nessa for the rest of his life- and he didn't want that.
"Boq do you have something on your mind?" asked Nessa abruptly.
"Huh? Oh no… I mean… I was just thinking…" he said softly.
"There's been a lot of that going around lately," she said thoughtfully, "around the guys. Is it some sort of flu bug?"
Boq cracked a smile at her joke. She always seemed to do that to him.
"Oh… the rain caught us," she said as she took out an umbrella from her bag. Droplets of a light shower began to fall. The sun was still out but the rain continued to water from the sky, and it was quite pleasant. The sound of gentle rain went well with the pit-a-pats of their footsteps, and the scenery of the sun peeking through the gray rain clouds made it very relaxing. Boq held her umbrella over her head so she could keep wheeling herself. He got wet but he didn't care.
"Are you okay?" she asked after a while.
"Um… yeah, I'm fine."
"You seem… distracted."
"I'm okay."
She sniffed. "Did you talk to Crope?"
"Yeah. Yeah we talked. We're okay."
Nessa didn't make eye contact. Boq felt sort of bad that he wasn't giving her proper answers, but he didn't know what to tell her. He didn't want to worry her and there was nothing he wanted to say without breaking her heart. Besides, he was sort of afraid of what incantation she might pull on him next. The rain suddenly stopped and the clouds quickly vanished into nothingness.
"That's strange," muttered Nessa looking up. Boq put her umbrella away and looked ahead of them. They had arrived at the station before they knew it.
"I think she said she was taking the number four," wondered Nessa aloud. They looked around and finally spotted her sister and, to Boq's delight, Galinda. But for some reason the thoughts about murder and being the ultimate protector devoured his mind and he couldn't have a friggin' thought about his sweet Galinda. Curse the day his mind lost control of his own willpower of thinking, Boq said to himself angrily, curse it all. If there was yet another thing he wasn't proud of himself, it was the fact that his mind concentrated on spontaneous times. As a humble munchkin, he acted now of how he felt now rather than the past or much later in life.
"Oh Elphaba, we're so happy for you," exclaimed Nessa. "I knew you'd amount to this."
"Thanks Nessa," she said kneeling in front of her sister and holding her hands lovingly. "Are you sure you're going to be all right?"
"Elphaba don't worry about me," said Nessa.
"Yes, don't worry, Bick will be there to take care of her. Won't you, Bick?" asked Galinda.
"It's Boq," he answered automatically. He sighed. This was exactly what he feared. He looked at Galinda who stared back, concerned. He then looked at Elphaba who awaited his answer. "Look Nessa… I- I can't do this anymore."
He turned around, trying not to bear their stares. He walked off, and picked up speed. In the distance, he heard Nessa calling then saying,
"No he's the one. It's just me who's not right."
He heard her wheelchair gaining up on him. He just needed time to get his thoughts straight. He found some trees grouped together, a sort of niche that trailed its way to the Gillikin forest. He hid behind them, catching his breath. He quickly took out the note and unfolded it, deciding whether or not to tell someone about it. He started to worry. He didn't know Elphaba too well, but he felt an immediate attachment because he was so close to Nessa. He began to worry about her safety and what heights this murderer was willing to take to have her dead. He wondered if it was a sick joke. She never did anything wrong. She was just different. But who hated her enough to kill her?
There was the obvious guess. Actually his only guess. Avaric. But would Avaric be crazy enough to kill someone? He knew that he was a bit insane, but then again… he had been missing from his room an awful lot. And he began to avoid Boq about the same time he was with Nessa and Elphaba. But… Avaric? Well, he knew another thing, as well. He knew that he must have an accomplice if he was keeping in touch with someone.
Or perhaps… Perhaps it wasn't just him. Perhaps there was a whole cynical group rallying to destroy the Green One or something. Maybe there were ten or fifteen people walking together to kill while the others were stand-bys. Boq scratched his head. It was so ridiculous… but then why did it all make sense? It was crazy… but so was taking Dillamond away…
Boq suddenly remembered an assignment everyone hated that Dillamond had given them before he was taken away. It was a current events issue, about the strange occurences within Oz, about Animals losing their tongue, losing their speech. And Elphaba was a fervid antagonist against such happenings, and everyone knew that. She was so active in his class that everyone knew she was for Animal's Rights an individualist... teacher's pet. More reasons to hate her so much.
"Boq?"
Boq jumped, startled. He saw Nessa wheeling through the dirt, looking worried.
"Boq please… tell me if there's something wrong."
"I'm sorry Nessa… I didn't mean it."
"You didn't mean to run off like that?" she didn't sound mean about it. She was more hurt.
"Nessa, please don't-"
"Boq, I just want us to talk about it. Is that so horrible? Isn't that what friends are supposed to do?"
He looked up at her, hoping not to feel any sudden ache or nervousness when his eyes met hers. Instead, however, he felt warmth inside, something that made him feel better. Something that made him open up to her. He couldn't put his finger on it but he just felt like he could trust her.
"Nessa…," he said her name softly and pushed himself up. "I have to tell you something."
And as they walked back to Shiz, Boq showed her the letter. She read it thoroughly a few times and Boq tried to explain some of his theories.
"Whoever wants to do your sister in sounds really serious about it if he has an accomplice of some sort."
"Are you positive it's her? I mean this could be anyone," offered Nessa.
"She's the only one that fits that description. Her condition, her skin. She has a sister, you, that seems to be the fortunate one. Everyone loves you, Nessa, that's not a secret. But Elphaba is always getting teased. And there aren't many sisters in Shiz with that description."
Nessa didn't say anything. She kept studying the letter in front of her with frustration and logic. Boq wanted her to agree or disagree for that matter as long as she said anything. When they finally approached the halls of Shiz University, Nessa spoke.
"I have to show this to Madame Morrible." Her voice echoed the empty corridor, bouncing off the walls, making it quite eerie.
"What? I don't know, Morrible isn't exactly-"
"She adores Elphaba and she's the only one who can protect her! And… and I think I'm going to request permission to follow her… that is…"
Boq stopped. "That is…?"
"That is if you don't mind coming with me..? To the Emerald City? So we can warn her."
"Of course not!" exclaimed Boq. He didn't know what made him say it. Maybe the thought of going to the heart of Oz was such a thrill, he didn't dare turn down the opportunity. But he very well knew the consequence… protecting Nessa through whatever danger they may cross. But being in the Emerald City… what a chance!
"Great," said Nessa. "Here… stay out here and wait until I call you in." She knocked and went inside Morrible's office.
Boq almost forgot about the whole murder mystery. Emerald city suddenly swept his mind. He had heard magical things about the City of Emeralds where every possibility stirs in the atmosphere and brews in every shop. He has also heard of items only found in Em City that can win anyone's hearts- jewels, diamonds…. Emeralds! Galore! Perhaps this was the change he's been waiting for.
"Boq… you better come here, quick," said Nessa, a bit frightened. Boq gave her a look of concern and entered Morrible room slightly confused.
"Yes Madame Morrible?" he asked.
"Where did you find this… this…terri-vacious letter?" she boomed waving the parchment in the air.
"On- on the f-floor… in the middle of the hallway, going to Nessa's room. I didn't mean-"
"This... this is terrible indeed," she said rather loudly, her nerves a bit wild.
"Madame," interrupted Nessa, hoping to intervene before any damage could be done, "I request that I personally deal with it by going to the Emerald City myself, as soon as possible, escorted by Boq-"
"Go...?" She suddenly said darkly. Her voice grew low as a mysterious demeanor took over her. It made Boq wonder a little, and frightened him a bit when she continued, her voice calmer than it was. "Go to the Emerald City? Highly... impossible. Why, the train doesn't depart until morning, and there's no way to get there any sooner. I can't risk it." She waved her hand at her. "I assure you, your sister will be-"
"No!" thundered Nessa. Boq took a step back. "No. I want to help her. Someone's going to try and hurt her."
"My dear," replied Morrible, taking a few breaths, "you are getting a bit too high-strung-"
"She's my sister!" This time Boq jumped as the room vibrated a bit, the floor quaking beneath his soles. He was well warned. She did become obsessive with the people she loved.
"Miss Elphaba is very well capable of looking after herself. Besides, she is not alone, although I would have advised better security, Miss Glinda is with her."
"Galinda?" asked Boq. A sudden thought rushed into his mind. He thought of himself being crowned a hero by the Wizard for saving Elphaba, while Galinda wrapped herself around him, the glow of emeralds lighting up the square.
"Glinda... the little missy changed her name," said Morrible irritably. "Anywho-"
"Madame Morrible, may I propose a rebuttal?" asked Boq. "There is simply no reason to hold us back from going."
"Considering you have studies and courses to continue here, Master Boq," replied Morrible with a leering eye, "it is also my responsibility to protect Miss Nessarose under the Governor's orders-"
"Well perhaps we should contact the Governor about the situation," said Boq. "He must have the right to know that his daughter is under great danger, and that his other daughter is being declined of her request..."
"Wait..." said Morrible suddenly.
"Yes?" asked Nessa and Boq at the same time.
Morrible looked at them as if she knew she was to admit defeat. She sighed and rolled her eyes and gave in. "Perhaps there is a way to send you to the Emerald City."
"Beautiful," said Boq, impressed with his own charm.
"Yes..." Morrible rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Yes, actually, it would be an excellent idea if you went to the Emerald City. However... Boq, I must insist that you protect the three ladies if anything should occur."
"I would not be doing my duty as a munchkin if I did otherwise," he replied. Morrible grinned broadly and Boq stopped himself. A twist lurched in his stomach. That was strange.
"It's settled then... excuse me for a quick second." She left the room in haste.
"Boq, you did it! But how?" asked Nessa curiously.
Boq swayed himself back to reality and smiled at Nessa. "Miss Nessarose, always remember that deep down, people either dreadfully fear authority or thrive on it."
Nessa chucked. "So Morrible fears authority, huh?"
"Most people dp," said Boq quite confidently. "You just have to learn how to grasp it before you start fearing it yourself."
The door creaked open. They heard Morrible's voice on the other side. "Please step outside to the gardens." Boq let Nessa wheel out first and they followed Morrible to the gardens of Shiz. It was deserted, not a soul in sight. Boq wondered why they were out here. They stood between purple and pink beds of flowers as Morrible started swaying her arms in circular motions, humming softly. He could only guess what was going on. Morrible then snapped her fingers and a large cloud hovered a few inches off the ground.
"Step on board," said Morrible. She had to be kidding.
"Is it safe?" asked Boq, running a finger through the white fluff.
"Of course it's safe. Why wouldn't it be? This will take you to the City of Emeralds in a heartbeat." They stared at the cloud for a bit, unsure if Madame Morrible was any where near the normal sanity state. "Well? What are you waiting for? Do as you must."
"Thank you... Madame Morrible," said Nessa with a slight quiver in her voice. She tried to wheel onboard, but they both could see the metal running through the cloud translucently. It didn't seem there was a platform or anything. Just a cloud supported by magic. Nessa hesitated.
"It's okay," whispered Boq, trying to encourage her. "I'm here."
They stepped onto the cloud. Boq could feel the cloud's support, which felt like nothing more than cold cement. The fog was a misty white and sent cold shivers down his arms. They began to levitate higher and higher until they were as high as the other clouds, and Shiz was nothing more but a speck. Morrible waved from below and they were off to the Emerald City.