The next day Lady Glinda followed suit of the rest of Anthony's friends and wore her own armor.
"Before we go our separate ways, I want to tell you all something important. No matter what happens out there we will always have each other, forever in our hearts. Remember who you are, and why we're doing this. Hold onto that and squeeze every ounce of hope and perseverance you can out of it because the Emperor and his minions are likely to take the rest from you. I know you are afraid, but none of you are alone. Stay close to me, and fight like you've never fought before. We have a Throne to regain," Glinda turned slightly closer to me, and now whispered in my ear.
"Your disguise came with a price Anthony. I couldn't make a potion with an unlimited time value, so this means you have only two hours left to kill the Emperor. If you can't convince him within that time, you change back to your true form. Ozspeed my friend, may Ozma guide you," then she leaned back to stand normally. I was worried but agreed with Glinda in my mind, that we did not have the time to argue about why she never tld me that little fact before! So I swallowed my pride and ran out of the door.
"Wait!" cried Julia.
"Hey hang on a second Anthony!" shouted Ben. Argy stood at the center of the room looking irritated and turned his back, almost walking away. I decided to go back and hear what they were upset about, clearly it was me, and so I wanted to clear the air before I left.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"You forgot something," Julia smiled walking slowly closer to me. I blushed and started feeling like I should walk closer too.
"You need to promise that you'll come back Anthony, do you promise me this?" She asked, our foreheads touching. Even in dragon form Julia knew it was me and still liked me.
"I promise," I whispered softly and spontaneously kissed her forehead to seal the promise. I also whispered, "I love you," before Julia had time to respond, I had moved on to saying goodbye to everyone else. I wasn't upset, I just panicked. I hadn't said those words and meant it, since Natalee. Though it is good to finally not have her around anymore, it is still weird.
I approached Ben who was smiling slightly.
"Good luck Anthony. I'll miss having you around, but you're the one to do this part. You can do it, I know you can. Just don't let your emotions get the better of you; this is the only way to end it," ben said wisely. He knew me well. Sometimes in moments like the one I was to face, I let pity prevent me from doing what is right.
"Thank you Ben, I needed that. I will not let you, or Oz down. Take care of yourself Ben, I won't see you for a while," We shook hands on it, and it turned into a hug. Then I went to Argy.
"Go get that useless jack ass Anthony, it's up to you now. You've been training for this all along. Everything that lead you to here has prepared you for this. You're a strong person, you've made it this far and you're still standing. You will do this, and when you come back, there will be a former squirrel waiting to congratulate you. Don't make me have to wear black the day you return," Argy said. Of all the people present, he knew me the best. He had been with me through it all, and now for the first time in a long time, I was in a part of my life where I had to do something alone. As big of a people person as I am, no one could come with me, my orders were clear. That and I didn't want any of them to be that close to the Emperor. Lastly I went again to Glinda the Good.
"Go get 'em Anthony. You have proved more than enough you are talented in fighting for what you believe in. There is one last villain threatening the one you love, the ones with you right now in this room. The fate of Oz rests in your hands. Argy is right. Everything in the past, has led to this moment. He is the very last villain in Oz Anthony. When this is over, however the story ends, it will be the last event. Whatever happens next is what determines our fate. Indulge yourself in the plan Anthony. Make me proud, and above all, come back to me. Now go before that Orange loses its strength!" Glinda was like a mother to me Oz. I knew she always had my back, even if she wasn't even present sometimes. The best encourager, and my biggest fan, she loved me like family. She knew what's best for me and for Oz the way a mother does for her children. Letting her down would mean catastrophe for an entire nation and the friends I loved so much, as well as the girl I now proclaimed I loved too. When I left Glinda's disguised palace that time, everyone waved, and Julia stood to the side letting small tears of worry and love fall from her encouraging eyes.