Fic: Every Broken Road and Stepping Stone (02/02)

[erinm_4600]

Title: Every Broken Road and Stepping Stone (02/02)
Author: Erin (erinm_4600)
Characters, Pairing: Everyone, plus a dozen or so original characters
Rating: PG
Summary: When Jeb is in danger, Cain and DG run off to rescue him. But what happens when the rescue party needs rescuing? *written for the Spring Challenge at tm_challenge.
Warning: post-series. As per the Challenge requirements: Character Death
Disclaimer: The original characters belong to L. Frank Baum and their respective actors. The current characters belong to Sci-Fi, the movie folks and their respective actors. The OCs are mine. Title comes from A Boy Becomes a Man by Emerson Drive.
Word Count: 19,254 total

the first part | the second part
Snug as a Bug | Moving On | Simple Habits | Down the Path | From the Shadows | Emergency Situation | Keep Her Safe | Who Knew There Were Dragons in the Zone? | Hearing Things | Getting Around the Law | When the News Packs a Punch | Only in the Movies
the fanmix

To anyone new to the village, they would think DG and Jeb had lived there all their young lives. Within a week - and no one having an inkling of who either of them really were - the two had become the favorites of the tavern and metal smith. Everyone prided Tom on his excellent hostess and Harry had finished all of the outstanding jobs.

Beth took care of the baby and didn't ask DG the girl's name once DG informed the older woman that family tradition stated the oldest family member always had the honor of naming the youngest. And, had they beat the storm and avoided the skirmishes in the west, the girl would already be named.

Jeb had been rather impressed with DG's ingenuity and commented that she'd be high in the ranks of the Resistance, had she been around when they formed. DG didn't point out that, had she been around, there would be no need for the Resistance.

Both of them were worried about Cain, but neither ever brought it up. Well, DG had tried once - the second night in the village - and Jeb ended up storming out of their room, spending half the evening downstairs in a corner. Ted saw the boy's mood and filled a mug with the contents of one of the bottles he usually kept in the back.

Twenty minutes later, Ted knew that Del's father was working with the Royal Guard and helping to stop the fighting. The two youths were hoping to see the man while they were traveling, but had been forced to reroute. It wasn't entirely false.

A while later, DG came down the stairs and caught Ted's eye, who nodded in Jeb's direction. She sat down silently and reached for Jeb's mug. Ted held back a laugh as he noted that the two of them had darker clouds over their heads than the sky a few nights before.

After an hour, they were over whatever had them down and had started playing some game involving ale and the alphabet. Ted noted that Astrid had quite the ability to hold her alcohol over Del - and, judging by his responses following the mug, that boy was a rock - because she had no trouble getting up the stairs a bit later. Del, however, had some issues.

Ted blamed himself for the mulled beverage he'd provided the boy earlier, but smiled as he watched Astrid help her husband up the stairs. Giving the bar one last swipe with his rag, Ted secured the door and stifled the crackling fire before heading down the hallway toward the back porch and his own bed.

DG was clearing a table one afternoon when Jeb rushed into the tavern and stopped at her side. "Where's the baby?" he whispered quickly. DG didn't have to ask; she could hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes.

"With Beth," she stammered and Jeb's arms went around her.

"Trust me?" DG nodded while her brain was telling her to slap him for asking such a stupid question. Taking DG's hand, Jeb pulled her toward the bar, where Ted was stacking mugs.

"Del," he said, giving Jeb a quick glance, then looked back to the boy. His eyes darted to the window for a split-second, which Jeb noticed - and he frowned. "You all right?"

"They're coming this way," Jeb said simply and looked to DG, who was trying to pull away. She needed to get the baby. Ted reached under the bar and stepped out with a lantern then waved the two of them into the hallway. Stopping halfway down, he pressed on one of the panels with a knee and a door swung open.

"Do they know about the baby?" Jeb and DG looked at each other for a moment and each gave Ted a look. "The baby?" he pushed. DG shook her head. Only she, Jeb, Cain and the medic knew; and she highly doubted the medic had lived long enough to talk.

"We'll keep her safe, Princess." DG's eyes went wide as Ted helped Jeb push DG into the passage.

"But-" DG protested.

"How-" Jeb asked. Ted nodded to the opening and clamped one hand on Jeb's shoulder, while the other passed the lantern into Jeb's hand.

"Not all the Tin Men were caught," he said simply. "And you look just like your father at that age." DG shot out of the opening and gave Ted a hug and kiss before Jeb pushed her back into the dark hole. Making sure the panel was latched again, Ted shot a glance to the dining room and headed for the back door to warn Beth; if he only knew what to tell her.

DG used magic to light the lantern as they heard the click of the hidden panel. She noted that it had been much easier than the last few times she'd tried to use magic; maybe she was just having an off-month. Holding up the lantern, DG looked around as Jeb moved next to her and moved her arm a bit higher, adding more light to the space.

It wasn't large, but it was much roomier than an iron suit. He noticed DG's eyes dart around the space and her breath seemed to hitch. "You all right?" he asked quietly.

She nodded, but didn't make eye contact. A moment later, her face was buried in his chest - which was impressive as they were practically on hands and knees - and his arms instinctively went around her. "What if they find the-"

Jeb pushed her away and got a hand around the curve of her jaw as his eyes locked on hers. "She'll be fine." He wanted to add: ‘I promise,' but that was one promise he couldn't keep. And it killed him; he'd grown far more attached to the infant than he'd ever admit, not even to himself.

He'd been the adult for almost twenty years and here he was, worrying about a near-two-month-old infant. What would his father say? Letting go of DG, Jeb moved around the space and found a blanket, some water jugs and some medical supplies.

"We should have left the moment the roads opened..." Jeb muttered, more to himself than to DG.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked a moment later. Jeb looked up from the supplies and cocked his head. "That Ted knew."

Jeb blinked. "I didn't-" DG shifted to her knees and moved toward Jeb.

Pointing in the direction of Max's cabin, she stated: "You went to that cabin when I played Wilderness Girl. You told me to see the barman," she added with a poke to his chest. 'Dear, God, the girl has a memory,' Jeb thought as he leaned toward DG. Taking hold of her arms, Jeb nodded.

"In villages like this, the barman is usually the station master. You see him to get on the van." He dropped his head with a near-laugh. "I swear... I didn't know."

"But... if they-" Jeb's grip tightened and he gave her a slight shake.

"How long have we been here, Deej? If he didn't say anything yet, he's sure not gonna start." DG pulled out of his grip and leaned back to sit on her heels. Looking at the far wall, she shook her head.

"Why did I let Beth take the baby this morning?" she asked quickly, not expecting a response. "Oh, God..." Jeb noticed that DG's breathing was becoming shallow again and he moved closer as she began to fidget. Shaking her head, DG closed her eyes and tried to push the panic attack away, but it had hit too fast. "Sorry," she spat out between gasps. "It's too- Back in the coffin-" she whimpered as Jeb heard voices.

DG heard them, too, and her head shot in the direction of the door; she almost fell backwards and she turned back to Jeb. He was able to grab hold of her and knew that if he didn't get her to calm down, they'd surely be found. Finally, he did the only thing he could think of to shut the Princess up.

He kissed her.

DG wasn't sure if it was the surprise of being kissed while her life hung in the balance, or that Jeb was doing the said kissing, but the panic subsided and, as Jeb pulled back - his eyes on the door and ears open to the smallest sound - DG started to question him. His hand shot up and his fingers moved to her lips as he shook his head and mimed for her silence. The voices were getting closer.

DG buried her forehead against Jeb's shoulder and squeezed his arm as the sound of the men seemed to move right outside the hidden door. Jeb was sure they would be able to hear how loudly his heart was beating, but nothing happened. When it sounded like the men were finally moving away, Jeb assumed that Ted would open the door as soon as the coast was clear.

Letting out the breath he'd been holding, Jeb suddenly felt very awkward with DG so close. Granted, they'd spent the last two months sharing a bed, but this was close. And he'd kissed her! DG must have been thinking the same thing, he decided, as she quickly pulled away and moved to sit against the wall.

Jeb forced himself to focus on the sounds outside of their hiding space for another minute before he moved over to DG's side. A part of him wanted to apologize for his actions, but the rest of him said that now was not the time to bring it up. It was already strange enough, pretending to married to a girl who was in love with his father. He'd never called her on it, but Jeb Cain was far from stupid.

He wasn't entirely sure his father was blameless either. Cain was always protective of the younger Princess, and while Jeb had been told of their pre-eclipse adventures, he was certain that more would have had to happen between them in just a week. But, again, he would never question his father.

Jeb snapped from his thoughts at the sound of DG's breathing, which was starting to hitch again. Turning, he found her jaw clenched and her eyes closed. When her arms wrapped around herself, Jeb pulled her into a hug. "It'll be okay, Princess," he said softly into her hair. DG curled into his side and nodded, but didn't speak or open her eyes.

"What was that about a coffin?" he asked a moment later. DG flinched slightly, causing Jeb's hold to tighten.

"Just before the eclipse," she said in a whisper. "After I got the emerald... Az showed up and took my father." Jeb nodded - he knew this part of the story. At the time, Jeb was arguing with his father because he'd thought Cain had let Zero go free. "And she put me into a coffin..." he heard DG say, almost as if she were about to cry.

Burying her face into Jeb's shirt, DG finally forced out what was bothering her. "It was close and dark and..." Jeb blinked. If the small lantern from Ted hadn't been there in front of them... "How did you survive it?" she asked a moment later. Jeb looked down rested his chin on her head.

"Survive what?" DG sat up and looked at him, tears in her eyes.

"The suit. It was so..." She couldn't think of the right adjective and shivered. "Cain won't talk about it," she said, leaning against the wall with a huff and wiping the tears away.

"I know," was all Jeb could answer. He'd tried to get his father to talk about it, as well, but Wyatt Cain was a stubborn man. Jeb snorted softly as he realized that Cain would probably argue with Death, if given the opportunity.

Sadly, he didn't know just how close to the truth that currently was.

The sound of movement on the other side of the hatch made both of them jump. There were more voices again and the sound of someone trying to open the door. Jeb sat up and planted himself - ready to lunge at whatever was about to come through the small opening. DG moved behind him and grabbed at his shirt and her forehead rested against Jeb's shoulder blades. Taking a deep breath, they both waited for the inevitable.

The amount of light pouring in room from the hallway made both of them blink. "DG?" they both heard. DG leaned around Jeb, eyes wide.

"Dad?" Ahamo let his head drop in relief and pushed himself back as DG and Jeb crawled out of their hiding place. DG threw her arms around her father as Ted stuck out a hand to pull Jeb up from the floor. "But, they were-" she pointed to the dining room and looked at Jeb.

"Yes. We arrived as they were leaving. They are being detained," Ahamo said with a look in Jeb's direction.

"DG." Everyone turned to see Raw and Glitch entering through the back door with Beth and the baby. The two women hugged quickly as Ahamo turned back to Jeb.

"We know where your father is." DG stepped toward both men and Ahamo shook his head. "No, DG. You will return to Central City-" he said with a nod to Glitch and Raw.

"Like Hell, I will," she responded with a frown. Jeb moved over and pulled DG past Beth, Glitch and Raw.

"Don't start this again."

"But-"

"You promised. Deej, please," Jeb begged. "I can't save my father if I'm worrying about the two of you," he said with a nod toward Beth and the baby. "You need to go back to Central City. You both need to see the medics." DG gave him a look.

"I'm fine. We're both-" Jeb got a hold of her arms again and leaned down so he was looking her square in the eyes.

"She has been on borrowed time." DG didn't follow. "She was expected three days from now." DG's eyes shot to the baby. Three days was two months. That meant- "You didn't even realize you were doing it, Deej." DG looked back to Jeb as Raw stepped closer. "Your magic has been keeping her alive; just like your mother did with you. That's why you've been so... And I should have told you sooner," he said, taking a deep breath. DG didn't hear the rest of his words as she looked at the baby. She finally blinked when Raw pulled her from Jeb's grasp.

"I don't know what it's done to either of you. Please, Deej. Keep your promise to Cora. I'll bring my father home." Kneeling down again, Jeb's hand went to her jaw and he didn't blink as he stated: "I promise." DG did blink; she knew Jeb didn't use the P-word lightly. "I'll bring him home to you, Deej. But you have to go. Now." DG nodded jerkily and leaned toward Raw and Jeb let go and took the baby from Beth.

As if she knew what was happening, the little girl began to fuss. "I'll be back before you can miss me," he whispered, loud enough for DG to hear as well. He kissed the baby and took a deep breath. Still watching the infant, Jeb stepped over to DG and Raw. "Take the baby." DG's brow furrowed slightly. "Take the baby, Deej," he nearly shouted, as the air caught in his lungs.

"Please," he asked quietly. DG nodded and pulled the baby from Jeb and passed the girl to Raw so that she could hug Jeb as tightly as she could.

"Come home," was all she could say to him. He nodded and pulled away, moving toward Ahamo, who nodded to Glitch and Raw.

"C'mon, Princess," Glitch said demurely, leading DG to the door by the elbow. As they moved to the porch, DG took the baby back from Raw and noticed at least two dozen men in the street and another five guarding a large truck. Glitch motioned to one of the cars and held the door open for DG. Raw followed her into the car and Glitch pushed the door shut before moving around to the front and climbing into the car.

Through the window, she watched as Jeb shook hands with a few of the soldiers and turned to watch her go. Heaving the baby up, she waved a little hand in Jeb's direction. He raised a hand in return and looked back to Ahamo as the car pulled away. Jaw set and a fire in his eyes, Jeb asked: "Where is my father?"

Ahamo explained that the army had traveled southwest, then north, coming in behind the insurgents. They learned that Cain was being held in a tower in the northwest - and all they knew was that he was being held. The ransom: one of the royal princesses.

Ahamo had let the soldiers give Jeb the full reports of what had transpired in the two months he and DG had been in hiding. At one point, while stopped to regroup with soldiers coming from the southwest, he had pulled the boy aside. "I wanted to thank you. You kept my daughter safe and I can never repay you."

"It's nothing, sir. I was following ord-" Ahamo placed a hand on each of Jeb's shoulders, as the young man had done with DG earlier.

"The Cain family has given everything for mine. Twice. That's not 'nothing.'" Jeb looked away - for some reason, he just couldn't look the man in the eye. Luckily, the awkwardness was broken by the sound of a truck coming into view.

After about an hour of travel, DG looked out the window and could see Central City's tall towers off in the distance. With a frown, she turned to Glitch and opened her mouth. "We're meeting you mother and sister at Finaqua," Glitch stated, turning slightly to face her. DG turned back to the window and shut her mouth as she considered that Glitch had practically read her mind.

Raw was entertaining the baby, as well as trying to get DG to eat. She, however, wasn't interested in food. "Tell me what's been going on," she demanded. DG was sick of always being the last to know. Glitch shot a look over his shoulder to Raw and frowned before shifting in the front seat to face DG.

"When the reinforcements arrived at the Resistance camp and found everyone dead... and you were missing... We feared the worst. Then we got word that they wanted to talk. They had Cain and wanted either you or Az in return. That was how we knew you weren't with them. And, Ted-"

"How did you know I wasn't dead and they weren't lying?"

"Az knew," Raw stated. DG noticed the baby had fallen asleep in his arms.

"Cain wouldn't trade us for him. He'd die first." Glitch nodded. "When did he-"

"He's still there," Glitch said sadly. DG's eyes went wide. Cain had been captured and held for nearly two months? Well, she knew he was still alive. She'd know if something had happened to him.

As Central City left her view, DG whispered a silent prayer for the safety of Cain, Jeb, her father and the soldiers. Raw's hand covered hers and she turned to glance at him. Knowing there was no point in telling Raw she was fine - he'd know she was lying - DG closed her eyes and leaned toward the Viewer, resting her head on his shoulder as the car continued South toward the royal palace.

They arrived at the tower to find a rather disappointing lack of insurgents. Jeb had let so much anger boil to the surface in the trek west that he was not happy with having no one to take it out on. All his people; his father; DG and the baby, forced to walk through the forest; two months of hiding...

Three days after leaving DG and the baby in the village, Jeb was so close to his father he couldn't sit still. One of the Generals armed him and a mixture of hand signals were given. Ahamo moved with Jeb and their small contingent while the other squads spread out for cover and defensive positions.

Jeb hadn't infiltrated a base in over a year, but instinct kicked in and the soldier took over. They strafed hallways and cleared open spaces, moving closer to the center of the base. Jeb could hear the scuffle long before they had arrived at the interrogation area. Ahamo caught him in the doorway and held Jeb back as Cain and his captor struggled on the other side of the room. Jeb tried to pull free, but Ahamo held tight. A moment later, a guard stepped toward the doorway with a gun aimed at Cain. Ahamo let Jeb go and the younger Cain ran for his father as Ahamo punched the armed man.

"Father!" Jeb yelled, causing Cain and the other man to turn. Cain reacted faster and grabbed the gun the two men had been wrestling over. A moment later, there was a shot and everything stopped. Cain slowly looked up to Jeb as the other man fell to the floor, the gun in Cain's hand. Ahamo leapt over the now-unconscious guard and caught Jeb when both men noticed Cain's expression.

Looking down, Cain could only laugh. After everything he'd been through - the suit; the lake; being shot; torture - to be taken down like this... His hand moved to the blade sticking out of his side as his legs gave out. Jeb and Ahamo caught him before he reached the floor and helped him down.

Jeb's breathing was shallow, but he still functioned enough remove his neckerchief and apply pressure around the blade. Ahamo shot up and headed for the hall where the rest of the men were waiting, returning a moment later with a field kit.

Cain looked at Jeb and noticed the boy looked thin. Grabbing Jeb's hand, Cain waited for his son to look up. "DG?" he asked hoarsely. Jeb nodded.

"Back to the palace with Glitch and Raw." Cain closed his eyes and let out a breath.

"Good." Jeb went back to tending to the wound. As he reached for the kit, Cain caught his arm again. Jeb didn't want to look at his father, but could feel Cain's eyes burning through him. Shooting a glance in Cain's direction, Jeb focused instead on the spots of dried blood on his father's shirt. He finally looked up when Cain squeezed his arm.

Cain said nothing; he didn't have to. Jeb's jaw clenched and he shook his head as he forced a calm face. Cain glanced to Ahamo, who was still going through the motions of tending to Cain for the sake of not leaving either of them alone. Cain laughed slightly, soon realizing it was a bad idea, as pain coursed through him.

"I make one... promise... in twenty-two annuals..." He took a shallow breath. "And I can't-" Jeb shook his head.

"Don't say that. You'll be-" Cain looked away from Jeb for a moment and coughed. In a moment of... weakness... he'd promised DG he'd always be around. He didn't make promises; no way to guarantee follow-through. Turning back to Jeb, Cain grabbed his arm again.

"Jeb... promise- Promise me you'll take care of..." Jeb shook his head.

"No. You'll be fine. We'll get you out of here and-" Cain's grip tightened again and Jeb stopped fighting him. "You can't... We haven't had enough..." Shaking his head, Jeb decided to force Cain's anger; better to overcome the pain - adrenaline-builder. "You can't leave DG. She loves you. And I know you love her." Cain caught Ahamo's eye and looked back to Jeb. "And it's okay. I understand... but you can't- She won't be able to-" Cain's hand moved from Jeb's arm to his hand.

"I am so proud of you. Your mother would be proud, too. You are a good man," Cain said before swallowing. "Don't let the dark win," he said, moving his hand to Jeb's heart. Cain knew what the suit did to a person - the place that one went to in the dark. He knew Jeb hadn't spent as much time in the suit, but he'd been there long enough.

Jeb didn't blink after Cain was gone. He was frozen to the spot and had to be pulled away by Ahamo. Jeb fought him, but Ahamo was stronger. Neither man said a word; there was nothing to say.

When the car arrived at Finaqua, Az and the Queen were at the end of the walk the moment the car came into view. Glitch hopped out of the front seat - he'd managed to get an hour of sleep during the all-night trip - and opened Raw's door. Raw stepped out and held out his hand to help DG. As she appeared from inside the truck, baby in her arms, Az rushed forward to hug her sister.

DG didn't move as Az's arms wrapped around her; nor did she react when her mother did the same. Both women took in the baby, but could see that DG was not up for answering a hundred questions just yet. Glitch waved the women inside, with Raw leading DG, and the group moved toward the lit doorway.

"You need to sleep, Deej," Az said, nodding to her sister.

"No," DG said, shaking her head and shifting the baby's weight slightly. She'd had all night to think about what Jeb had said about her and the baby. And the last thing she needed was to pass out and not be useful to anyone. "I need to get her checked by a medic," DG directed to her mother, who nodded and held out an arm, which went around DG as she neared.

The Queen could see the toll on her daughter's body. She'd seen it before, looking into a mirror after giving life back to DG. Her daughter looked awful, she noted, but was strong and stubborn. If DG was offering to follow, the Queen would take it.

DG told the medics everything Jeb had told her regarding the baby's due date and his suspicions; recounted their last two months and the events leading up to the baby's arrival. Az had used some of her own magic to help soothe DG's mind - which Raw told her was making far too much noise - but DG refused to leave the baby.

The Queen sent Az and Glitch to find a makeshift crib while the palace medic checked the girl over. Deeming her quite healthy, his attention turned to DG. While Ted had made sure she and Jeb ate, the stresses of their situation had done quite a number on both of them. The Queen told the medic certain things to look for, drawing from her own experience, and DG only argued when Raw took the baby from the room.

"Will keep her safe," he promised DG. A hand on DG's shoulder drew her attention to her mother and she quieted. There really was no reason to argue, she knew. But until everyone was back together, she'd be on the defensive.

The medic had ordered DG to stay away from the baby for at least the rest of the morning, just to see how the both of them reacted. The Queen wasn't surprised to see DG standing in the doorway of the baby's temporary quarters, watching Raw sitting in a large chair and singing a soft song to the girl. The Viewer knew both women were there, but didn't acknowledge either of them.

"DG, you should sleep..." DG turned her head toward her mother, but her eyes remained on the baby.

"I'll sleep when everyone's home safe." The Queen sighed softly, knowing the argument would not be won. She placed a kiss on the side of DG's head and whispered:

"I'm so glad you're safe."

"It's thanks to Jeb," DG said softly. She hoped he had found Cain and they were both safe. She also prayed that they were home soon.

"Azkadellia, Ambrose and I will make sure she is safe tonight," the Queen said softly, yet royally. DG was far too tired to respond, let alone argue with her mother. She was beginning to think Az and the medic had slipped her something. As if on cue, Az appeared and pulled DG from the doorway, leading her sister to her bedroom.

The next thing DG remembered was bolting upright - three days later - feeling like her chest had just been torn open. She swore she could hear Jeb, but knew it was just her imagination. Raw was by her side within a second and put his arms around DG as she tried to calm her breathing.

"Remind me to tell Az to never do any magic on me again... That was worse that Nyquil!" Rubbing at her eyes, DG pushed herself out of the bed and dressed quickly. Much as she believed her dear friend, DG wanted to see the baby was fine with her own two eyes.

The baby was fine, much to DG's relief. The medics had claimed that once she reached her expected due date, her own functions would take over. As a precaution, however, DG was limited to the amount of time she could spend in physical contact with her. Figuring that if the girl had survived three days without seeing DG, she'd be perfectly fine. Az mentioned that she'd checked in on the baby while DG slept, so it was entirely possible that the baby had drawn on Az's magic.

The following day, the peaceful air of Finaqua was broken when the Queen suggested to DG that the baby be found a suitable foster home. "Over my dead body!" DG shouted back. Being separated from the baby while she and Jeb hid was far too long in her mind. There was no way she'd trust anyone else to watch the girl.

"But, DG. You are not yet trained for your royal duties, let alone prepared to raise a child."

"I made her mother a promise," DG said through clenched teeth. "And if the Oh Zee has a problem with that," her double-meaning slicing through the air "-they best get over it. Quick." DG didn't even wait for her mother's response. She simply turned on a heel and left the Queen's study.

The next afternoon, Az found DG and the baby at the swing. "Have you chosen a name yet?' she asked, knowing DG was still rather upset about the discussion the day before.

"Everything just sounds wrong," DG sighed. Staring across the lake, she realized she should have asked Cora. "It's not right for me to-" Az moved behind her and ran a finger along the baby's cheek.

"She'll grow up into a beautiful girl," Az said with a smile. "Just like her mother, I'm sure." Az felt bad for her sister. To have witnessed all that death, and now this new life, only to hide for two cycles with Jeb and the baby. It was no wonder why she snapped at their mother. "You'll think of something, Deej. And it'll honor her parents." Az pressed a kiss to the side of her sister's head and DG glanced up sideways.

"When did you get so optimistic?" she asked with a smirk.

"When my baby sister helped give me a second chance," Az said, pulling on DG's messy braid. DG looked back to the baby and the name came to her. But, she would wait, because Jeb Cain had just as much say in the girl's name.

DG blinked and looked up to the surface of the water. Why had she thought that? Besides, as Jeb actually knew her parents, he had far more right than she did. Hell, maybe he knew the name they'd intended; she never asked. Of course, he never said.

Then DG wondered if Jeb would disappear again, once he returned from wherever they'd gone. She was so used to his presence after two months that the last few days had her constantly on edge. Did she really think he'd stay at Finaqua? Why would he choose to spend time with a baby and a Princess, when he could run free in the woods?

Of course, as his 'people' were gone, he might be more willing. But he'd spent his while life living off the land; he wouldn't choose snooty palace-life over freedom. Of course, DG noted, give the choice, neither would she.

It was another five minutes of silent pondering before DG realized Az had headed back to the palace. As a breeze picked up, DG decided it was probably time to get the baby back inside, anyway.

"Jeb, we can go ahead and-" Jeb shook his head sharply as the soldiers loaded Cain's body into the back of one of the trucks. The whole scene was rather solemn, as most of the men had trained under Cain, if not grown up hearing stories of the great Tin Man.

"I promised DG I would bring him home to her. This isn't the way I'd intended it, of course." Ahamo frowned, but didn't say anything at first. Placing a hand on Jeb's shoulder, he squeezed lightly and stood with Jeb as the soldiers closed the door.

He wished the young man would show some emotion; even if it was breaking something or hitting someone. He was also well aware of the dangers of solitude - though he'd not been in the suit - and the boy had almost broken inside. Not that he wanted to see Jeb curl up in a corner and blubber, but holding the anger would only cause trouble later, and the boy had been through enough.

Ahamo's thoughts next went to DG - his little girl; the one who's life he'd missed. She was enamored with Wyatt Cain, Ahamo knew. Hell, they all were - any man who could survive eight years in a suit and still manage a smile should have everyone in awe. But with DG, he hadn't decided if it was just a school-girl crush or something more.

He'd heard Jeb's words earlier, and had discussions on the subject with his wife, but he just wasn't sure. And seeing Jeb and DG in that small village, saying their goodbyes over an orphaned newborn... he didn't know what to think. He did know this was going to be a horrible reunion for everyone, and if he had no words for Jeb, he'd surely be at a loss for his own daughter.

Saying a silent prayer for Jeb, DG and Wyatt Cain, Ahamo caught Jeb's arm and led him to another truck.

DG was in the dining room with Az and their mother when she heard the trucks. All three women jumped and ran for the entryway as Jeb and Ahamo moved through the doorway. Ahamo went straight for the Queen and quickly - and rather silently - told her about Cain.

DG practically pounced on Jeb and let him pull the baby from her arms. Moving to her side slightly, Jeb closed his eyes and he held the girl close. Moving over to Az, Jeb gave her a look that told Az everything. She glanced at her father, who nodded with a frown and turned back to look at DG, who was standing in the doorway, watching the soldiers pile out the trucks.

Any minute now, she'd see that stupid hat and everything would be fine.

Jeb passed the baby to Az and moved to stand behind DG. Resting his chin against her left ear, his right arm swept around DG and his hand rested on her left shoulder. DG smiled at the hug and her left hand raised to cover his right.

As Jeb watched the door of the third truck swing open, he pulled DG closer and brought his left arm up to cover his right, tightening his grip around her. He felt her whole body shake as the breath caught in her lungs. He didn't want to see his father come out of the back of that truck in any manner but alive, and it was all he could do to look away.

Turning his face into DG's hair, Jeb rested his forehead against her skull and felt his own breath catch. Watching her sister's expression, Az fought back the tears and kissed the baby. Glitch and Raw appeared from the hallway - Raw had sensed the despair from the entire caravan before they'd stopped the cars - and moved to Az's side.

DG finally managed to pull loose from Jeb's grasp and bolted out into the dimming light.

Knowing Jeb was right behind her, DG didn't stop until she was close enough to see the lines of Cain's frown. All of a sudden, DG couldn't breathe, see or hear. Every function was shutting down simultaneously and she was only sure of one thing:

Wyatt Cain was gone.

Jeb caught her arm, but DG pulled loose again and moved next to the elevated stretcher. All the soldiers stepped back and watched the Princess of the Outer Zone grieve her Tin Man. 'He's just playing the meanest trick ever,' DG told herself, knowing full well it wasn't true. She was trying to hold back the tears and screams she knew where right there... but she couldn't find them.

She'd seen dead bodies - hell, dozens of them - not two months ago, the last time she'd seen Cain. But never someone she knew and loved, and never this close. Damn him for sending her away. How was that a fair goodbye?

And how dare he even say goodbye?

He had no right to go and die - regardless of his damn nobility. He had a son to care for; a Princess to keep out of trouble.

Damn him.

She heard Jeb say her name, but DG couldn't look away. She could see the bruises on his face, the blood on his shirt, the obviously fatal wound to his lower side.

Where was his hat?

Wyatt Cain wouldn't be caught dead without-

DG suddenly felt ill as the realization of her brain's thoughts caught up. Wyatt Cain was dead. There was no suit keeping him in stasis. No frozen lake to stop his heart and freeze time; no magic in all the O.Z. to...

DG took another step closer and placed a hand on Cain's chest, just over the vicinity of his heart. DG knew it wasn't really the location of the heart in a human body, but she didn't correct herself. She had never worked so hard to hold back tears, and only one or two managed to sneak out and run down her cheek.

She moved toward his head and leaned over Cain, pressing her lips to his cool forehead before dropping her head again to the spot near his heart. Jeb reached out and caught DG's waist, supporting her as her entire body shook with the crying. He was finally able to pull her up and away and DG turned in his arms, letting the tears run free.

Jeb stared at his father, then the knife wound and his whole body went rigid. DG must've noticed, because she straightened immediately and got a hold of Jeb's arms. He blinked and took a deep breath as all the feeling left his legs. DG couldn't hold him up, but managed to get him to the ground without a major injury.

Jeb focused on the dirt just below the stretcher and his face twisted into an expression DG'd ever only seen once. Devastation. The look on Cain's face as he processed the sight of his wife's headstone. Moving just around Jeb, DG threw her small arms around him and held him as tight as she could manage. She forgot about her own grief as Jeb broke completely.

They both sat on the path and rocked slightly, as Jeb's cries shook his whole body. DG just kept retightening her hold and tried to not look up to Cain. As the suns finally set, everyone was forced to accept a new reality: an O.Z. without Wyatt Cain.

At some point, Glitch and Ahamo were next to DG; Glitch pulling Jeb up and Ahamo helping DG. The two older men led them inside, where Az joined Glitch. DG forced a look back to the doorway and felt her father's hand on her shoulder, pulling her inside.

"I've asked Az to give Jeb a dreamless sleep. We'll take turns-"

"No," DG said quickly, stopping in the hall. "I'll do it," she added a moment later, with a slight smile. Jeb didn't fight anyone as they ordered him to bed - and he didn't care that he was still dressed and rather filthy. Neither did anyone else.

Az did her magic passively as she helped Glitch get Jeb up the stairs and Raw did a quick read on Jeb as he helped Glitch get the boy into bed. Az had taken the baby from the Viewer and now held the girl up for DG to give a quick kiss. "I'll watch her tonight, Deej." DG nodded and kissed her sister before turning to look at Jeb, who was already asleep.

Everyone cleared the room and DG stood at the door for a good five minutes as her brain went into overdrive. Taking a deep breath, she tried to remember one of the calming spells Az had used for her initial post-witch freakouts - as DG called them - but drew a blank.

Finally, she moved over to the bed and sat down. She stared at Jeb for another minute and finally turned to lie next to him. Catching his hand, DG scooted close and rested her head against his arm. A few minutes later, she was asleep herself.

"But, you don't have to go..." DG called after Jeb. He was halfway down the walk and turned sharply. He looked furious, DG noted, and she knew there was nothing she could do to change his mind.

"Why would I stay?" Jeb asked with a shake of his head.

"I'm sorry," she called out, tears forming in her eyes.

"You're sorry?" Jeb snapped back, stepping closer. DG had never seen him so angry. "If it wasn't for you..." Jeb shook his head and bit back the response.

"Jeb..." she started quietly. His eyes locked on hers and he didn't hold back.

"It wasn't enough for you to destroy your own family. You had to destroy mine. My mother, my father..." Jeb shook his head and DG began to cry openly.

"Please, Jeb-"

"I won't let you destroy her," he said, motioning to the baby, who was now in is arms. He turned and walked away as DG fell to the ground, sobbing.

Jeb shot up in bed looked around, trying to place where he was. Taking a few deep breaths, he pushed up from the bed and moved through the dark room to the door. Judging by the amount of light in the hallway, Jeb decided it must be near mid-day.

He glanced back into the room and saw a pile of fresh clothes sitting on the chair next to the door, as well as the small leather pouch they'd gone back to the camp for on the way to Finaqua. Sighing heavily, Jeb looked down at his current attire and reached for the clothes. It was best he clean up before throwing himself to the lions.

Jeb could hear DG from the end of the hallway, but he wasn't sure if it was her voice carrying or she was just that angry. "DG," he heard the Queen protest. He stopped a few doors down from the study and looked around awkwardly. "He was protecting this fam-"

"No!" DG said sharply. Jeb actually had to lean forward to hear DG's next words. "He will be buried next to his wife. We owe him that much." Jeb snapped to attention as DG came into the hallway and breezed away in the opposite direction. Ahamo stepped into the hallway next and watched as DG disappeared around the corner.

Sighing deeply, he turned and did a double-take when he saw Jeb standing here, looking rather confused. Ahamo nodded to the boy and stepped over, holding an arm out, motioning for Jeb to walk with him. "The girls are having a disagreement," he said with a laugh. Jeb nodded and glanced over his shoulder in the direction DG had gone then turned back to Ahamo.

As they moved down the hallway, Ahamo stopped near one of the window seats and sat with a sigh. "Apparently, my wife suggested that the child be sent to a foster home; give the girl a stable environment..." Jeb felt a pinch in his stomach at the thought. Even if it was in the girl's best interest, he didn’t like the suggestion, and Ahamo could see that.

He chuckled and continued: "DG did not take that well. While it must've been quite the production, it was for the best that we missed it," he said with a frown. Jeb nodded and took a seat next to Ahamo. "I see the shirt fit," the older man said, waving to Jeb's chest with a smile.

Jeb looked down and nodded, forcing a tight smile. "How long-" he asked a moment later. Ahamo shook his head.

"Not quite a day. Though, I think everyone expected you to still be asleep," he said with a wink. Jeb didn't feel like telling him about the nightmare. "I know you don't want to think about this now," Ahamo began with a slight nod. Jeb looked up to Ahamo as the older man continued: "But have you made any decisions about what you intend to do?"

They had already had this conversation on the trip back, but now that they were back in Finaqua, Ahamo was curious if Jeb had changed his mind at all. "I intend to-" he started, then sighed. "I need to talk to DG, obviously, but..." Jeb looked up to Ahamo and nodded. "I haven't changed my mind." Ahamo looked to the window across from them and nodded.

Clapping his hands to his knees, Ahamo pushed himself up; Jeb stood quickly, as well. Holding out a hand, Ahamo gave Jeb a smile as they shook hands. "Jeb," Ahamo said, pulling the boy closer by an inch. Placing his free hand on Jeb's shoulder, he let go long enough to lightly tap the side of Jeb's head. "Don't do what you think is right."

Ahamo's hand moved to Jeb's chest and he patted lightly over Jeb's heart. "Trust yourself. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't." Giving him a nod, Jeb responded with a nod of his own and Ahamo stepped away. As he reached the next window, Ahamo took a glance out and turned back to Jeb.

"You look like you could use some fresh air." His head inclined toward the window slightly before he turned and continued down the hallway. Jeb stepped closer to the window and saw DG moving across the grounds toward the covered patio where the swing was.

Jeb stopped a dozen feet behind DG, as he didn't want to spook her. She, of course, knew he was there nearly twenty feet before that. As he didn't know what to say to her, he simply stayed silent and kicked at the dirt. DG swiped at a few tears that had gotten past her lashes and turned to look at Jeb. He glanced up at her quickly then looked away again. DG scooted over to one side of the swing and held out a hand. Jeb sighed and moved to sit next to her, facing the opposite direction.

DG rested her forehead against his shoulder and said quietly: "I'm glad you're back." Jeb gave her a small smile and moved to put his arm around her.

They sat together for a few moments before Jeb stated: "I heard what you said." DG pulled back a bit to look at him. "About my father," he said with a nod toward the palace. DG nodded solemnly.

"It didn't seem right for him to be-" DG swallowed, unable to finish the sentence. Jeb pulled her close again and kissed the side of her head.

"He would approve." DG nodded into Jeb's chest and hugged him a little tighter.

"I wish I could-" she breathed a moment later. Jeb caught her chin and pulled her face up, his hand resting on her neck. Looking at her, Jeb realized that the nightmare hadn't been his.

It was hers.

He'd been watching her watch him walk away. Without saying a word, Jeb pulled her back into a hug and they sat together on the swing. Jeb didn't know how long they'd been sitting there; but he did know that his current angle was torturing his back. He let go of DG and stood long enough to move around the swing, but DG stood as well and moved to the railing.

As she looked out over the lake, DG turned back to Jeb. "I... um..." Jeb smiled as the thought escaped her.

"I hear you've been arguing with the Queen," he said with a raised eyebrow, and leaned against the support post next to DG. She smiled quickly before putting on her royal-face.

"She wants me to give the baby up for adoption." Jeb wasn't familiar with the term, but assumed it was the Other Side's version of fostering. He didn't care for the idea of someone else raising the baby either, but-

"Well, babies require a great deal of attention and, with your duties-" Jeb stopped and raised his hands in defense as DG's expression turned to shock and disgust. "You can't just put a baby away like a book. They need constant attention and if you want to spend a week in Central City, well-" He clicked his tongue and gave his head a shake.

DG raised an eyebrow and asked: "Raise a lot of babies in the Resistance?"

Jeb laughed. "I'm just lettin' you see where your mother's comin' from." DG turned away with a sigh and looked at the water again.

"I made a promise. And, if I've learned one thing from- I won't make a promise I don't intend to keep. Besides, a foster family couldn't tell her about the look-" DG's breath hitched and Jeb fought reaching for her. "On her mother's face, when she saw her for the first time." DG turned back to Jeb as the tears began to well again.

"And I’d miss her," she said with a cracking voice. DG closed her eyes, hoping to hold back the flood of emotions. "I can't lose her, too," she said in a near-whisper. Jeb closed his eyes and sighed.

There is was again - that unwavering devotion to Wyatt Cain. Not that he was... Wait, he was. He was jealous of his father, of all people in the O.Z. This would make his intention all the more difficult. But he hadn't taken into account that DG didn't know that he had seen her nightmare. She was assuming he'd go next.

Sighing, Jeb decided it was now, or never. "Deej. I made my father a promise, just before-" DG turned. She didn't know they'd found Cain alive, as her father hadn't said. "I promised him that I would follow in his footsteps; keep you safe. And I intend to... with the best of my abilities... to keep that promise." DG looked up to Jeb with a blank expression - her brain was still processing his words, but all she knew was that he wasn't leaving.

Jeb pushed off the railing and his far hand moved to his pocket as he turned. "I know it's not the most-" Taking a breath, his jaw clenched slightly. "I've seen things I'd rather forget. I've done things I... regret." He sighed again and stepped next to DG. "I can't lose her either, but I'm not my father," he stated matter-of-factly, as if she was confused to the fact.

"You're right," DG said with a single nod. "You're not Wyatt Cain." Jeb blinked as a sharp pain cut into his chest. DG pulled Jeb into a hug and decided that this was her chance to lay all the cards on the table. "I love you, just the way you are," she whispered into his ear.

There. She'd finally said it out loud; the thing that had been nagging at her for almost two months; the voice she'd tried to ignore since their second night in the village; the one that hadn't shut up since they were stuck in that space, since Jeb had kissed her. DG, Princess of the Outer Zone, had fallen in love with Jeb Cain. And she'd just told him as much.

'Oh, God. What if he just wanted to-' DG's internal ramble was silenced when Jeb - who'd been staring at her, rather dumbstruck, as he processed her words - held up his hand. DG focused on the small object he held between two fingers.

"This belonged to my mother," Jeb said as if DG hadn't just said what she did. DG looked from Jeb to the simple gold ring and huffed.

"Only we would be on the same page in different languages," she said, placing a hand on her forehead. Jeb, however, didn't look away.

"So... Astrid." DG looked up to Jeb. "Would you like to give it a second try?" DG tried not to smile.

"Yes, Del. I very much would." They both smiled and DG threw her arms around Jeb's neck, kissing him square on the lips. Pulling apart a moment later, Jeb looked at DG and smiled again.

"I fell in love with you, Princess." DG's smile became a smirk.

"Well, duh." She pulled Jeb back into a hug and added: "I love you, Jeb Cain." Jeb almost lifted DG off the ground with his next hug and they kissed again. A moment later, DG turned her head and rested her ear against Jeb's chest. She heard a faint thump and his arms tightened around her.

"None of this was your fault." DG's eyes opened. "And I would never walk away. Not like that." DG pulled away from Jeb and looked up at him.

"How-" Jeb pushed some stray hairs off her face and caught her chin.

"You dream real loud, Princess." DG hung her head, ashamed that he'd seen it. She also needed to tell Az that the magic hadn't worked very well. Of course, she'd only given Jeb a dreamless sleep; and if DG could transfer magic to the baby, why not Jeb? She sighed, realizing that she would never understand the magic of the Zone.

Jeb brought her back to the patio with a nudge. "I want to go see the baby," he stated with a nod. DG smiled and took his hand. As they stepped into the sunlight, DG looked up at Jeb sideways.

"So, this past week, I've had some free time. Actually, I got the idea from Az. I want to honor her parents' memory." Jeb nodded in agreement, as Cora and Lee were good friends. "So, I've been trying to come up with something that-" DG sighed softly.

"Coralee?" Jeb asked with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.

"No," DG smiled back. "I was thinking Cole." Jeb's brow furrowed as he repeated the name silently. "Cee-oh for Cora and ell-ee for Lee. Cole," DG said with a nod. Jeb said the word aloud a few more times before giving her a half-nod, half-shrug.

"Princess Cole," he said with a content sigh then looked at DG. "Actually, I guess it's just 'Cole.' She's not of the bloodline, so-" DG shook her head.

"When it comes to that, it'll be her decision," DG stated in her most regal tone.

"But everyone will know that she's not really your-" DG's hand went up.

"Who really knows what happened with all the magic," she said with a wave. "And anyone who wants to argue her rights is... welcome to move to Kansas," she finished with a sharp nod. Jeb gave her a grin and stopped as DG caught his arm. "And, due to the circumstances of the last few days-" She still wasn't completely tear-free, and cleared her throat before continuing: "I want to make sure everyone remembers your father."

Jeb gave her a slight smile as he remembered that his father was currently somewhere on the grounds, awaiting burial. He'd had a few more days to accept the loss and suddenly felt guilty that here he was, laughing with DG. "So, I'd like to name her after three of the bravest people in the Zone." She looked to Jeb and waited for his answer.

"Cole-att?" he asked, cocking his head slightly. DG made a face and swatted at his arm.

"Wyatt Cole," she said simply. As Jeb's eyes narrowed, DG added: "Cole Wyatt just sounds weird." Jeb's hand found DG's elbow and he frowned slightly.

"You remember that we're talking about a girl, right?" he asked, honestly wondering if DG had forgotten. She shook her head and waved.

"Please. If Gwyneth can name her kid 'Apple' and get away with it-" Throwing her hands up, DG added: "I've got nothin' else. It's either that or... Bob." Jeb smiled at DG for a moment and nodded once.

"Princess Wyatt," he tested, squinting at DG. "Princess Wile... Wiley?"

"Whickey-wile," DG said with a smirk. Jeb's expression turned serious and DG frowned.

"Ours," he said quietly. DG smiled and pulled Jeb into a kiss. His hands still on either side of her face, Jeb pulled back and raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying that, right now, there's someone on the Other Side named "Apple'?" DG breathed a laugh. Oh, the stories she had for Jeb Cain.

Two days later, Jeb, DG, Glitch and Raw - as well as Az, Ahamo and the Queen - stood in front of the cabin by the white oak, where a new marker sat, bearing the names of Wyatt and Adora. Everyone moved away, leaving Jeb and DG alone to say their last goodbyes.

Hands held tightly, each said their own silent words and gave each other strength by simply being near. At one point, DG nudged Jeb with her shoulder. Nervously, she asked the question that had been mulling in her brain for the past hour. "Would it be totally weird to fix this place up and, maybe... come by, every once in a while, for a visit?" Jeb looked at DG and, finally, a smile spread across his face.

"I think I'd like that." Glancing back to the new marker, he sighed and smiled again. He turned back to DG when she took his left hand in hers and leaned against his arm. Adora Cain's ring clinked against Wyatt Cain's and DG let go. Stepping over to the marker, she leaned down and pressed a kiss to the freshly-cut stone.

"We'll be back, Tin Man," she said with a smile. Moving back to Jeb, he gave his parents a nod and turned with DG, moving to rejoin their family near the cars.

"And that's the story of Grampa and the Princess," Jeb said with a nod. Little Wyatt yawned and was trying her hardest to fight sleep, which made Jeb smile. He rolled off the bed and leaned over to pull the blankets up. "Go to sleep," he said quietly before pressing three kisses to her forehead.

"Daddy?" Little Wyatt asked as he straightened. Turning back to her, Jeb raised an eyebrow. "When can we go see Grampa?" He smiled again and leaned over to give her one last tuck-in and kiss. DG leaned in to try and hear what Jeb whispered to the girl, but had no luck. As Jeb straightened again, DG smiled as Little Wyatt came back into her view.

"Night, Mommy." DG smiled as Jeb stopped next to her.

"Sleep tight, Whickey-wile." Jeb flicked the light off and they stood in the doorway for another minute. He rested his right hand on DG's shoulder and kissed the side of her head. "So, when do we get to go visit Grampa?"

"The royal calendar is booked for the next three weeks." DG made a face and Jeb chuckled.

"Where's a royal kidnapping when you need one?" she teased. Jeb frowned and shook his head. Sighing, DG glanced back into the bedroom and leaned back against Jeb. His left arm wrapped around her shoulders.

"Don't worry, Princess," he said as she turned her head and kissed his hand. "I'll get you there," he whispered into her ear and pulled her from the doorway. A few feet down the hall, DG stopped and Jeb turned back.

"I don't want to wait too long," she said at a near whisper. Jeb caught her left hand with his and pulled them both to up to his chest, while his right hand moved to cover DG's stomach.

"You said you wanted them to be the first to know..." DG smiled, which made Jeb smile. "And, if I have to arrange a royal kidnapping..." DG's right hand moved to cover Jeb's and she leaned forward to kiss him. "Come on, Princess... it's past Apple-Bob's bedtime."