The doors of the palace opened, and the Company dismounted from their horses. Commander Cain handed his reins to one of the stable hands. Cain slung his sack over his shoulder and walked into the entry.
He pushed open the doors. The room was large and filled with pillars. His hopes of seeing DG when he entered diminished. DG must still be ill.
"Cain!" Ambrose yelled. He hurried down the stairs.
"Some welcome." Cain replied.
"Thank goodness you're back sooner. We have a serious problem!" Ambrose called.
"What is it?" Cain asked.
"It's DG. She's gone." Ambrose answered.
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Cain stood in Azkadellia's bedroom, with everyone else. He faced the window, standing father form everyone else. Azkadellia sat on her bed, Raw stood next to her, healing her leg.
"Zero came for her. I don't know why, but he came for DG." Azkadellia explained.
"What could Zero want with DG? In the past it's been by your order Azkadellia." Ambrose explained.
Azkadellia nodded. "Before Zero took her, he wasn't frightened at all by our power. He seemed to be expecting it."
"Where did he take her?" Cain asked. He turned form the window.
No one looked Cain in the eye. Azkadellia stood, "We don't know. We've sent guards throughout the entire Oz, but we're unsure of what Zero's plan is."
The door burst open. Everyone turned as Jeb entered. He held up an all too familiar devise. "I found in the Tin Suit we locked Zero in."
"Play it." Cain said.
Jeb set the device up and the projection began. Zero appeared in front of them. He smiled smugly.
"Surprised to see me Cain? You didn't think that suit would really hold me. By now I suspect you've been told that I have something of yours." Zero stepped aside; two Longcoat's held DG's arms. She was on her knees, staring at Zero.
"I'll make this simple for you, come and get her, if you can." Zero spun around and struck DG across the face. Her head whipped in the direction he hit her in. She looked at him, her lip bleeding.
"You're a fool if you think he won't come." DG said. Cain stared at the projectioned DG. Her face was covered in blood. She had a large gash over her right eye. The blue shirt she wore was stained in her blood. The sleeves of her jacket were soaked with blood that it seemed to roll down the sleeves. Cain unconsciously moved closer into DG's direction.
"You hear that Cain? It would appear she believe you'll come for her?" He struck DG again.
"Should you fail to find me, I'll send her body to you." Zero said. He smiled in the projection.
Suddenly DG stood right up. She jumped into the air and kicked Zero in the back. The Longcoat's holding DG released her and tried to fight her. DG blocked one of their hit and struck them herself. She turned from the projection and ran.
Zero had recovered. He drew out his pistol and fire. The room went silent as DG fell to the ground. Cain reached out for DG, only to be reminded she wasn't there.
Cain watched in horror, hoping that DG was still alive. He watched as she seemed to reach out for something. Before he could see her grab it, the projection ended. Cain unclenched his fist. His palm bled from his nail punctures.
Azkadellia turned from the projection and headed for the door.
"What are you doing Azkadellia?" the queen asked.
Azkadellia looked her mother in the eye, "I'm going to find Zero. And then I'll kill him."
"Azkadellia, where do you plan on finding Zero?" Cain asked.
"Anywhere."
"You won't find him in time to rescue DG." Cain said.
"Do you have an idea where Zero might be?" Azkadellia asked.
"I've got a pretty good idea. And I'll go alone." Cain answered. Cain walked out of the room.
"Cain wait!" Azkadellia followed him out of the room.
"There's something you need to know. And it's about DG." Azkadellia said.
"What?" Cain asked.
Azkadellia hesitated for a moment, "DG's pregnant."
Cain couldn't speak. Now it makes sense.
"DG was going to tell you as soon as you returned but-"
Cain ran from Azkadellia. His heart was pounding. God, if Zero finds out they're both as good as dead.
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TBC I own nothing
