A/N It's been a long time since I wrote a story. This story had been in my head for a long time. I hope you enjoy reading it. Please share your thoughts. Thank you.

Oscar nervously knocks on the large door. Perhaps this wasn't the best idea, but he has no other choice; he needs to do something good. His hands are twitching, but he can still ring the big bell.

He looks around nervously. In the garden there is a large sign with Uplands Consulting Agency. He has had his men find out information about how they work. He felt so prepared when he left the Emerald City. He doubts whether he is thinking too much with his heart instead of with his head. Maybe he shouldn't get the Uplands involved.

A tall man opens the door, eyeing Oscar suspiciously.

Nervously, Oscar shifts his weight for one foot to another. "I'm here for Mr. and Mrs. Upland. Uh, I also have a password. Uh, north, uh, west, east, and then south." He rubs his face anxiously. "Maybe it was the other way around," he whispers.

The tall man opens the door wider. "Come in. Mr. and Mrs. Upland will fetch you when they have a moment."

Oscar nods in relief, grateful for the chance to gather his thoughts before presenting his story.

He is led by the butler to a large waiting area with a few chairs and beautiful paintings on the walls. Glad for the distraction, he admires the paintings. But soon, he begins to walk in the expansive room. Occasionally, he walks over to his bag, where the important documents are kept. He needs to double-check to make sure he has everything. This has to go smoothly.

XXXXXXX

Glinda peers over her parents' shoulders. Mr. Upland scribbles some notes on paper while Mrs. Upland reviews the file.

Mr. Upland sets down his pen and turns to his daughter. "Tell us," He says seriously.

Glinda gives him a challenging look. "He looks nervous. Likely to start lying. It depends on which interrogation techniques we'll start with."

Mrs. Upland nods in agreement. "How do you know when someone is lying?"

Glinda rolls her eyes. "They may look away. They need more time to think, their story changes over time."

"What else do we know about this man?" Mr. Upland continues.

"He says his name is Oscar, he's a secretary for the Wizard. He seems very nervous," Glinda replies, staring at the screen. "But he doesn't strike me as dangerous, despite his unusual name and odd clothes; he wouldn't have a weapon," she concludes.

Mr. and Mrs. Upland exchange looks and nod. "Those are our findings as well. We'll see what the assignment entails. You can stay to observe."

Glinda starts to protest, but a stern look from her parents silences her.

Once they leave, Glinda sticks her tongue out at the door. "I know perfectly well how to interrogate someone. I've been through all their training. I've reviewed and studied old cases. I just want to get out in the field. I can handle it," mutters Glinda as she sits in the chair her father occupied before she did. She notices her father has torn up the paper. She grabs a pencil from the drawer and lightly rubs over the paper. Slowly, her father's written words begin to appear. A smile spreads across her face. Her father had written: 'She is good.'

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mr. and Mrs. Upland enter the waiting room. They both know their daughter is watching from the other room through hidden cameras.

"So, Mr. Oscar, you wanted to speak with us," Mrs. Upland says.

Oscar turns immediately and extends his hand. "Yes, thank you for seeing me so promptly."

They shake hands, and Mrs. Upland gestures to the chairs. "Please, have a seat and tell us your story. Why does the Wizard need our help?" Mrs. Upland notices that Oscar chooses to sit by the chair where his bag is placed.

Oscar looks alarmed. Could they know that he is the Wizard, he wonders fearfully. He realizes that he speaks for the wizard. "Uh, it's rather sensitive. There's also a time constraint and an age factor."

Mr. and Mrs. Upland exchange surprised looks. "Explain that" they say, knowing Oscar is telling the truth. ''Why are you here and want our help?''

"I've heard, I mean the Wizard has observed that you have a daughter who sometimes assists in the field, that is the reason why I came to you." Oscar explains.

Mr. Upland immediately looks angry. "YOU AND THE WIZARD are not involving our daughter in this?" he hisses. "We decide if she goes out in the field. She has never taken on a mission alone."

Mrs. Upland puts a hand on her husband's shoulder and gently pushes him back into his chair.

Oscar raises his hands. "That's not what I meant. My men often exaggerate when they're afraid of someone; they try to act tougher than they are feeling. I didn't know your daughter was only assisting; I thought she was active in the field." Oscar speaks quickly. He swallows and looks at the floor. This went so wrong already. "Sorry, I'll tell the story."

Mr. and Mrs. Upland exchange quick glances and nod.

"The Wizard has observed that a new evil has arisen. But the evil one is still young and can be turned to good. We need to make contact with her first and determine if it's not too late."

Mr. Upland nods. "Give us more information."

Oscar nods with relief. They believe his story. "The Wizard sensed it when he was in Munchkinland. He searched in his magical chamber for answers, but due to the magic surrounding her, the Wizard couldn't discern much. He caught glimpses of her. He saw a green girl who is about to start studying." Oscar hands a photo to Mrs. and Mr. Upland.

"Sweet Oz, she really is green," Mrs. Upland says as she passes the photo to Mr. Upland.

"If she's really that dangerous, why doesn't the Gale Force just arrest her?" Mr. Upland asks, setting the photo down.

"Because the Wizard has seen that she still has the potential to choose good. You know how they are at this age; they are impressionable. If we can keep her on our side, we have a powerful ally, and Oz will be safe again."

"So, she's not wicked yet?" Mrs. Upland asks.

Oscar nods. He is especially relieved that they haven't caught on to his lies. He is such a sentimental man. A few weeks ago, he went back to the place where he first arrived in Oz. Since no one knows what the Wizard looks like, he could walk the streets as himself. As if the gods had predicted it, he bumped into the green girl. Immediately, he recognized his lover from twenty years ago in her. His dark-eyed beauty. He wanted to say her name but also saw his own mother in the girl. He was stunned. He apologized and walked away. He walked toward the house where he had been with Melena that one evening. That one enchanting evening. Once at the house, he encountered her again. She looked so beautiful that he could only stare. He immediately felt that she was his daughter.

XX Flashback XXX

"Why are you staring?" she asked bluntly.

Oscar immediately swallows. "Sorry, you remind me of someone I know. You're beautiful. Do you live here?"

The green girl furrows her brow. "Yes, I live here," she says cautiously.

"Who else lives here?"

"My father, sister, and I."

He wanted to ask where her mother was, but he could also guess. "Sorry," he says immediately.

"For what?"

"Forget it. How old are you?"

"I'm 19 years old."

"Elphaba!"

The girl startles and looks fearfully at the man who said her name.

"Come here immediately. You must not talk to strangers, and your sister needs you."

Elphaba looks apologetically at the man. "Sorry, I have to go. My father is calling me."

Oscar nods. "No problem, thanks for the chat."

Elphaba nods and walks away. Halfway there, she turns around. "I don't know who you are?"

Oscar wants to say his name, but the father grabs her by the arm.

"Hurry up, your sister is crying because of her dress. She needs to look perfect for her graduation." The father pulls his daughter toward the house and pushes her inside. He takes a breath and walks to Oscar. "I apologize that my eldest daughter spoke to you. You should know that I'm doing everything I can to teach her manners."

Oscar looks surprised at the man. "She wasn't rude, she was very polite."

It seemed as if the words didn't get through to the father. "She is a sinful child, she has a big mouth, her strange magic, and then the worst, her green skin. Whatever she's done, I'll punish her appropriately."

"But she hasn't done anything. She... she..." Oscar tries to think of words to portray her in a good light, but he can't think of anything. But he does want to be sure of something. "She has magic?"

The father nods. "Yes, she uses it to disgrace my family. But don't worry; I'll succeed in reforming her."

Oscar nods. Not knowing what else to do. "Do you do it all by yourself?"

The father nods. "Yes, my wife died during the birth of my most valuable possession, my youngest daughter. Since then, I have to do everything myself."

"What was her name?"

The father looks suspiciously. "That's none of your business. Thanks for telling me my daughter has done something wrong. Have a nice day."

Oscar looks stunned as he watches the man walk back to his house. He wanted to shout that he hadn't said anything about a crime, but he knows it won't get through to the father. He sees Elphaba looking out the window. She looks fearfully at him. Oscar smiles and walks away. He needs to know more and confirm his suspicions because he just feels that the green girl is his daughter.

XX End of Flashback XXX

Mr. Upland looks expectantly at Oscar, who seems lost in thought. "Oscar," he calls out a little louder.

Oscar startles and looks at Mr. Upland. "Sorry, what did you ask?"

"I asked if you had any information about her."

"Yes, when I found out..." Oscar shakes his head. "Sorry, when the Wizard found out, he immediately launched an investigation." He takes the papers out of his bag and hands them to Mrs. Upland. She starts looking at them right away. "Her name is Elphaba Thropp, and she is the daughter of Melena and Frex Thropp. She has a younger sister named Nessarose. She will be attending university at Shiz this school year. That's why I came to you." Oscar swallows nervously and looks at Mr. Upland. "I heard, or I mean the Wizard has seen that your daughter sometimes helps with your work. At least that's what the men from our espionage department say, and that's why I thought it best to ask you. Her age matches Elphaba's age. She can make contact with her and ensure she doesn't get swayed towards evil."

Oscar swallows a few times and nervously watches Mr. and Mrs. Upland, who are quietly studying the dossier.

Maybe I should have told the truth after all, he thinks. Maybe I should have said that I want my daughter to have a friend and a better life than she has now. But he has to approach it this way. How would she react if she found out her father is the Wizard? That all those years of neglect were for nothing. He thinks sadly. This way, he can still do something good.

"So, if I understand correctly," Mr. Upland says as he shifts properly. "You want our daughter to go to college to befriend Elphaba. She possesses magic and she can choose whether to use the magic for good or evil. Therefore, it becomes our daughter's job to track down the danger and defeat it? If Elphaba is not tempted to use her magic for wicked things, she will use her magic for good. If the Wizard knows this, Elphaba will work with him.'

Oscar nods. ''Or looking out for her, so nothing bads happened to Elphaba what can let her to become wicked.''

"Again, my question, why not the Gale Force? Or why doesn't the Wizard immediately ask her about the Emerald City. There she seems safe from all temptations in Oz. "

"Because we don't have anyone her age, and we trust your work. I want to do this without too much violence. I'm looking for an elegant way to accomplish this mission. I think a safer approach works better in this situation," Oscar says truthfully. He also wants to keep the Gale Force as far away from her as possible, knowing how they work occasionally. He absolutely does not want his daughter to be arrested. He just wants a better life for his daughter, and he hopes this is the right way.

''As for the Wizard didn't ask her to go to the Emerald City. She remains a nineteen-year-old girl. They must find their own way in Oz. If the Wizard wants to work with her, she must also have experiences. Experiences of how things go in Oz. That also means experiencing life. Yes, of course, the Wizard can give her private lessons.'' Oz, how stupid can I be, Oscar thinks between his speech. He hadn't thought about private lessons at all. That was the ideal solution, but he can't go any other way now. He has to come across as if the Wizard knows everything. "But dealing with peers or with your superiors is also a valuable lesson in life."

Mrs. Upland sighs. ''We do work in a certain way. That means we're going to do it our way."

Oscar nods quickly. ''I understand that. I want everyone to feel safe in Oz. I want to protect what is dear to me."

Mr and Mrs Upland look at each other with a knowing look. They know enough about Oscar.

"Do you know what the danger could be?" Mr Upland asks without smiling.

Oscar shrugs. ''The Wizard could not see what the danger is due to her unconscious magical protection. The future cannot be predicted and can be changed by anything. It could be influences from her fellow students, perhaps from teachers or her own family, but you can read that in the file. At worst, it is her own wicked nature. But the Wizard doesn't think so, because he also felt her good qualities. He knows the girl will always choose the right thing. " He doesn't believe the green girl had any bad qualities in her. It's his own daughter, so she's good.

"We have no more question," says Mrs. Upland.

''Just for my own curiosity. What do you mean in your own way?' he asks carefully. He only wants the best for his daughter. He has never felt this natural urge to do good.

Mr. Upland nods. ''If we choose to send our daughter to university, it means that we will have to research everything ourselves. We want them to be roommates and not friends. That's the worst thing for a spy. We have to have a certain professionalism. We don't know the rest. We use as little violence as possible. But if it has to be done, it has to be done."

Oscar nods. "I want to stay informed."

"We understand and you will be."

''I am reassured. Maybe I will contact you later with more questions.'

"Very well, we'll think it over, and contact you if we are going to work with you." Mrs. Upland says as she stands up. "Just know that the costs will be high; we're not doing this for nothing."

Oscar stands up relieved. "Yes, I understand. Money is no problem; you can also use various resources. I'll assist with whatever is needed."

Mr. Upland looks thoughtful. He shakes Oscar's hand and pulls him a little closer. "Know that we know you're lying. You're not telling the whole truth."

Oscar looks at him wide-eyed. He tries to think of something but can't come up with anything.

"Our butler will show you out," Mrs. Upland says with a smile.

Oscar picks up his bag and quickly follows the butler to the exit door. He hopes they will help him. He'll do anything to protect his daughter. Maybe he shouldn't be so indirect but just tell her. On the other hand, he has to maintain the façade of being the powerful wizard. Once his daughter is on his side, he can tell the truth.

XXXXXX

Glinda can hardly contain her excitement. He specifically asked about her. Everything is at her disposal. Quickly, she jumps with joy and lets out a small squeal. This is everything she has dreamed of. The job shouldn't be too dangerous since it involves protecting a normal green girl with magic. Glinda does a little dance of happiness. As she turns around, she hears someone fiddling with the door handle. She immediately sits down in her chair and starts jotting down notes. Her parents enter with raised eyebrows.

Glinda immediately turns to them with an uncontrollable smile.

"Do you remember how we were on our first job?" Mrs. Upland whispers.

"We were much older," grumbles Mr. Upland.

"And are we going to do this? I mean, we don't need to do it for the money, but if we work for the Wizard, our reputation will skyrocket overnight. We'll be sought after for more jobs. We can choose which ones, and you two can retire from the field earlier since we have the funds. After all, we're secret agents and spies, so why not," Glinda says rapidly, her emotions shifting from joy to concern, contemplation, and finally to anger out of fear that her parents won't accept this job.

"Shall we evaluate the conversation first and then draw our conclusion?" Mrs. Upland asks amusedly.

Glinda blushes and nods. She sits down, and her parents follow suit.

"Alright," Mr. Upland begins. "He lied about a few things. So, we need to be cautious. There could be multiple players in the game."

Mrs. Upland nods. "Although I do think his intention is to protect this Elphaba. We'll have to conduct our own investigation to confirm if she indeed possesses magic."

"Do you really believe she's wicked?" Glinda asks after quickly reading through the dossier. She hasn't received all the information yet. She tries to participate in the conversation as seriously as possible, but the enthusiasm in her voice has already given her away to her parents.

Mrs. and Mr. Upland look at each other. "We don't know. It's true that magic itself isn't evil; it's how humans use it—for good or bad."

"Like the Wizard?" Glinda asks for clarification.

"What do you think?" Mr. Upland asks, giving Glinda a chance to voice her opinion and understand what his daughter thinks.

Glinda pauses for a moment. "The Wizard claims he uses his magic for good. It's in the history books that he ended the great drought. But with his laws, he does bad things like reducing animal regulations. Also, the stories about the Gale Force aren't good. They do terrible things to minor criminals."

Mrs. Upland nods approvingly. "That's why we must also be careful with which parties we align ourselves with because if we're against the Gale Force and they find out, we'll have to go on the run," she says seriously.

Glinda swallows. She has the procedure mapped out in her mind for years. "Family's safety comes first," she says.

Mr. Upland rubs his chin. "Do you think that's why he asked us and not the Gale Force? Because that Elphaba means a lot to him?"

The other two shrug.

"I, for one, believe that Oscar is the Wizard."

The other two nod. "How no one has noticed this is beyond me," Glinda says, laughing.

Mr. Upland shrugs. "The wizard doesn't appear in public. This was clearly out of his comfort zone. Maybe he's more at ease in the palace. We're trained to see through lies, others aren't."

There's a brief silence. "So, what do we do now?" Mrs. Upland asks.

"I suggest we gather information about Elphaba. Glinda, you'll look into the university. What's strategic? How's the terrain? We'll ask Oscar if he can get you in as a student. So, find out which classes Elphaba will be taking and enroll in the same ones?"

Glinda nods and starts writing frantically. ''How do we know if we have the real threat leading Elphaba to become wicked?''

''Good question.'' says Mr Upland proudly.

''We'll have to ask Oscar about that at the meeting''

Glinda nods. She feels happy. Her father is proud. She has a chance to prove herself. Nothing can go wrong.

"I'll investigate what other players might be involved. What dangers are there for Elphaba? Who's trying to sway her to become wicked?" Mrs. Upland says.

Mr. Upland nods. "I think we have our hands full with this job. But when it comes to Oz's safety, we must do it well."

Glinda barely suppresses a squeal of joy. This will be her first real job.

Mrs. and Mr. Upland smile. "Go on quickly, the school year starts in a month. We'll meet again in a week to exchange information."

Glinda nods quickly and skips out of the room.

Mrs. Upland giggles. "I think we made the right choice."

Mr. Upland smiles along, but he's not entirely at ease. Sometimes, he wishes he had chosen a different profession to better protect his daughter. But he wouldn't want to miss the thrill of his life. Without this job, he wouldn't have met his wife. He also knows that in the spy life, happiness can quickly vanish. So he's lucky to have enjoyed his life for 18 years. He just hopes he won't lose his daughter after 18 years.

"Don't worry so much. We've trained her well. She's been training for this day since she was eight. We'll support her every step of the way. We can also send the butler along to support her. Otherwise, we still have someone Glinda doesn't know to protect her."

Mr. Upland smiles. "Are you suggesting we spy on our daughter with another spy?"

"Only if it helps reassure you, and of course, we'll do everything to protect Glinda."

"It would indeed help me." He kisses his wife. "Let's get started. The more we know, the better we can prepare."