Cain stared out one of the bay windows of Finaqua in utter disbelief. He watched as the suns danced in the rays of light as they set, causing his blood to burn. The scene wasn't fair, how could the world be in mirth after this morning… after what happened to DG.
(Earlier)
DG and Azkadellia were up before the suns. Today marked one month since the witch's downfall and two weeks since the Longcoat defeat. Though the Queen was willing to give many a second chance if they surrendered themselves. That is, if they also passed a series of tests to assess their abilities. A nice way of saying 'if you're sane and retainable, you wouldn't be executed or spend years in imprisonment'.
It had been successful and very few were left in hiding. Allowing the people of the O.Z. to relish in the freedom that had been dearly missed. To aid that security, Azkadellia herself had taken the tests the Longcoats had and passed. Though with a few problems, but nothing lessons from Tutor wouldn't fix.
Today though, there would be no lessons, no tests, and no executions only a celebration. The two Princesses crept around the palace like little children, trying not to wake anyone. They hoped to go out to the Gazebo alone, no other family or friends. The time would be for them alone, for sisterly bonding that had been missed as well.
The two young ladies tried to suppress their mounting giggles as they neared the front entrance. Each opened one of the doors before running into the field. Engorged in a racing game as they tried to beat the other to the Gazebo. Their laughing filled the air as the wind gently blew across the field, making the bottom of their summer dresses float around the young ladies.
Azkadellia won, but not by much and smiled at her sister. The Gazebo was repainted and refitting for two new swings. DG kept calling them porch swings, which to everyone else were bench swings. DG would roll her eyes and mumble about it being the same thing.
The two sat on one of the swings, in silence as the suns slowly crept over the horizon. Bathing the world in lovely shades of pinks and oranges. DG rested her head on Azkadellia's shoulder and allowing AZ to rest her's on top of DG's.
Cain and Jeb had gone back to their old house where Cain had spent the last eight annuals. They were cleaning and salvaging anything they could. Hearing about the celebration, the two took a much-needed break to visit the Royal House of Gale.
As the men walked through the maze, they could hear the women laughing and left the maze seeing the Princesses in the Gazebo. The Cain men exchanged a quick glace before walking down the path to the Gazebo.
(Present)
That is how Cain found them as he sighed and leaned against the wall. He let more memories replay in his mind as the suns finally set, casting blue and purple hues across the land.
(Earlier)
"Excuse me, ladies. Do you know where me can find the Princesses?" Jeb asked, causing the two to jump. The Princesses turned to see who had intruded on their time, but annoyance was replaced by joy.
"If it isn't Jeb and Wyatt Cain, how nice you see you again." Azkadellia greeted, "What brings you here so early?"
"Yeah, the celebration doesn't start for hours." DG added as she and Az got up to hug their friends.
"Once things kick off, we'll be lucky to see anyone for more than five minutes." Jeb laughed, hugging the ladies back, "DG, are you in a dress?"
"Don't push it. I think it's nice." DG said, twirling around.
"Figured get here early, say our helloes and go from there." Cain added, with a smile. He tipped his hat, which the Princesses regarded as the most formal greeting from Wyatt Cain. It was hard enough on the man to adjust, so the Princesses took one step at a time with him.
(Present)
That was where everything had gone wrong. Cain's breath hitched as he tried to suppress his emotions. He heard his room door behind him open and close followed by footsteps, two sets that echoed off the marble floor. Cain was about to send whoever it was away, wanting nothing more than his own company, but thought against it. 'It's Glitch and Jeb.'
Cain turned slowly, figuring the guessed visitors would understand his wanting to be alone. When he finally turned, he was surprise to find his ears had lied to him. Glitch and Jeb were there, but also Azkadellia and Queen Lavender. Habit and courtesy kicked in and Cain immediately bow his head. Rising, he met the Queen's eyes before she looked over the rest of his body.
Her eyes suddenly filled remorse and Cain looked down at himself in curiosity. Horror didn't cover the shock he felt and quickly turned away from the group. Blood covered most of his shirt, DG's blood. Cain was about to rush out of the room when he felt something keeping him in place. Blinking a few times, Cain found himself being held by the Queen.
"Please do not worry. You did exactly what any true friend would have. But you have to take care of yourself as well." Queen Lavender pleaded, "Could you tell me what happened? After you've relaxed and cleaned up in the morning?"
Cain just nodded, unable to find his voice. Queen Lavender smiled and left with Glitch, arms interlinked. Azkadellia smiled to Cain as well, but the sadness could still be seen. She was holding out a tray for the man, which Cain took and set on a nearby table.
"Don't fret over anything. She just wants to know, but from your side." Az said, "She worries about everything."
"We'll all be there. To support you and make sure the Queen doesn't over step any bounds." Jeb added, "She's doing that to everyone."
"Believe me when I say that it's a parent thing." Cain smiled to the others, "I'll make sure I get you before I meet with the Queen."
"Thank you." Az gave Cain a quick hug before taking her leave as well.
"Those Gales…" Jeb laughed, "Always ones for hugs."
"I'm not complaining." Cain said, looking to his son, "I think I go take a shower before I eat."
"Alright, I will either be waiting for you or asleep." Jeb answered, walking over to one of the beds.
Cain nodded before entering the guest chamber bathroom. He discarded his clothing into heap on the floor, intending to burn them later. The shower didn't take long to warm up and Cain allowed the water to run rampant over his skin. The last bit of the morning came to him as he tried to think of what to say to The Queen.
(Earlier)
The wind had picked up and nearly knocked everyone over. Jeb and Cain reached to steady the Princesses when Cain's fedora flew off his head. Cain would have ignored it; maybe gotten a new on, but easy was never on his side.
"Your hat!" DG yelled, running after the fedora.
"DG leave it. It's just a hat." Cain called after her.
"Well meet you back at the Palace, dad." Jeb called, holding onto Azkadellia as another gust picked up.
"Alright, we'll be right behind you." Cain sighed and ran after the younger Princess, "DG come on."
DG was now down by the water's edge, holding the runaway fabric in her hand, "I got it. You can thank me later." DG laughed.
Cain was almost to her, pretending to be mad. DG was still laughing, but a gunshot quickly silenced the area. Cain immediate took out his gun and looked around for the shooter. DG was just standing there in disbelief as another gunshot sounded.
"DG, get down!" Cain called, pushing her to the ground and covering her. A noise behind him caused Cain to get up and look, watching as one of the witch's henchmen rolled lifeless down the nearby hill. When he stopped, Cain noticed the gun and a bullet hold in his head.
"DG, you alright?" Cain asked, feeling the adrenaline rush through his body. When she didn't respond, Cain turned back to her, "DG? DG, no!"
DG had turned to lay on her back and dark crimson was slowly pooling the middle of her chest, staining her light blue and green dress. Cain immediate dropped his gun and fell to DG side, "DG, answer me."
"Cain, what happened?" DG asked, gasping for air.
Cain carefully picked her up bridal style and made a dash for the palace, "A straggler." He answered shortly. He barely took a few steps before he felt something run down his arm and soak his shirt. Setting DG down, Cain inspected the liquid to see more blood. God no! Cain looked at DG again, watching as more crimson stained the back of DG's dress. The bullet had gone right through her.
"Cain, I'm sorry." DG coughed, blood slowly dripping out the side of her mouth.
Cain was in shock, watching as DG's lips turned a dark shade of purple, "Sorry for what?"
"Your hat, the blood and bullet hole…" DG breathed, slowly closing her eyes.
"DG! You have to stay awake!" Cain shook her before picking her back up.
"Dad? What was that… oh no!" Jeb had heard the gunshot and came back to check on his father.
"Get help now!" Cain hollered, "DG open your eyes. Please open them…" Relief flooded Cain's system as she complied, slowly opening her ice blue eyes to him, "Try and keep them open for me…"
DG just nodded though she didn't know how long she could. She felt terrible weak and relaxed against her friend, "I'm trying."
"I know…" Cain nodded, nearly reaching the palace, "I… DG open your eyes. Please DG, open them." Cain shook the woman in his arms, but she was losing the battle, "DG!"
Little different take I know. Please Review and tell me what you think. This will probably be the only chapter with so many jumps, I promise.