Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Cain's head rolled to the side as he slowly and reluctantly opened his eyes. Something had lured him from his sleep, but he was in such a haze that he barely realized he was awake.

A pounding on the door caused him to open his eyes wider before he brought his hands to his face and rubbed it fiercely. Taking a deep a breath, he let his eyes scan the ceiling above him, trying to focus and let his eyes adjust to the suns' light pouring through the window. The knocking on the door seemed to echo, like it was far away. He realized he had been sleeping very deeply; he couldn't remember a time when he had slept so soundly.

Stretching his arms over his head, he attempted to work out the crick in his neck that he could feel tightening. Closing his eyes again, he breathed deeply, willing his mind to clear and bringing to light memories of the previous night.

DG.

He opened his eyes and focused, the pounding on the door louder and more incessant. He sat up and looked around the room. The air was still. Turning around he glanced toward the bathroom, but the door was open and it was unoccupied.

"DG?" he called out, his heart automatically sinking into his gut. He could feel she was not there. He didn't know why, he just could.

He leaned on his arm to stand when he felt something brush across his fingertips. Glancing down, he noticed a folded piece of paper with his name written on the top.

Cain's throat tightened, the proof right in front of him that she had gone. She had left him.

Taking the paper in his hands, he sat back on the blanket. The paper moved in his shaking hands, and taking a deep breath he opened it. Another slip of paper fell out and into his lap. Looking down, he realized it was the map DG had found in the tin suit. He grew confused.

"Father, are you in there?" he heard Jeb shout from the other side of the door. "My men are here to guard DG. It's time to move out if you want to make it to Finaqua by nightfall."

Ignoring his son, he opened the paper wider and began to read her words.

Wyatt,

As you can probably see, I am not there, although I wish I was. I want nothing more than to be in your arms at this very moment, to shut out the rest of the world and keep time stopped forever. But we both know it can't be that way. I have to stop him, to save the OZ, to ensure our future together. And I have to do it alone.

Show the map to Glitch. Let him study it. Maybe it tells more than where the onyx is. I don't need it…I seem to be following something else. It feels almost like something is pulling me along, telling me where to go. I am being drawn to something, and I am hoping it is the onyx. I will find it and I will destroy him. On my own.

I know you, Wyatt. I know you will want to follow me, to track me down, just to protect me. But for once in your life, I need you to listen to me. Don't come after me. Stay in Central City, finish your duties with the Tin Men so that when this is all over you can come home to me and we can finally be together.

Whatever happens, know that I love you. More than my own life. What we shared last night was so special, so amazing. Just as I knew it would be. I've never felt closer to you, which is why it is so painful for me to leave. But I can't let this thing threaten us any longer, or my OZ.

I will see you soon…please wait for me.

Love, DG

Cain felt his eyes burn with tears as he crumpled the paper in his fist. He was angry, hurt, scared…but what frightened him most of all was the coldness that began to build inside of him. He figured she'd try to fight this thing alone, but he never thought she'd leave him…not after what they had shared.

Cain thought he felt alone locked away in that iron suit, but that was nothing compared to the loneliness he felt now. And he'd be damned if he let her do this to him, to them.

DG…DG, can you hear me? he called out in his mind, hoping to reach her. Silence was his only response.

DG? he said, screaming it as loud as he could inside his mind. Still nothing.

She had cut their connection, severed that bond that he had grown accustomed to, counted on even. She was truly gone from him. Something inside him turned sour, and he felt the tears fall from his eyes. Biting his bottom lip, he let his anger finally take over.

Dropping the paper to the floor, he stood and rapidly began to dress. His son was still knocking at the door, calling his name. Shrugging on his duster, he stopped and looked down at the blanket. Reaching down, he retrieved the crumpled paper as well as the map, shoving them into his pocket before grabbing his hat and gunbelt and making his way to the door.

Jeb stood on the other side with his hand raised.

"Father, I was about to break the door down," Jeb said. "Are you all right?"

Cain didn't respond, only stepped past his son as he placed his hat on his head and began to tighten his gunbelt around his waist. Jeb looked at the door then back at his father.

"Father, wait…where's DG?" Jeb asked, running after him.

"Gone," Cain said abruptly, turning the corner, deftly dodging citizens as he moved purposefully toward the Tin Men academy.

"Gone? What do you mean, gone?" Jeb asked, turning and motioning for his men to follow them.

Cain didn't respond, only walked faster. Jeb reached out and grabbed his father's arm, pulling him backwards until he faced him.

"What's going on?" Jeb asked adamantly. He stared up at his father's face, the usual expressionless mask in place, but Jeb bore through that until he finally saw the pain in his father's eyes. Jeb sighed heavily and placed his hand on Wyatt's shoulder. "She went to fight him alone, didn't she?"

Cain lowered his eyes, realizing his son saw right through him. Biting his bottom lip again, Cain fought back the pain that consumed him.

"By the gods, that woman is difficult," Jeb said, shaking his head.

Cain nodded once before raising his eyes, scanning the people around them, looking anywhere but at his son. "And she's out there, alone, facing a danger unlike the Zone has ever seen."

Jeb regarded his father closely. "And you're going after her, aren't you?"

Wyatt finally looked at Jeb. "What else am I supposed to do?" he said, finally surrendering. "She's my life, Jeb. I'm not worth spit without her."

Jeb's face warmed at his father's admittance. He rarely ever saw this side of Wyatt Cain, and it only made him respect his father more.

"Then go," Jeb said, squeezing Wyatt's shoulder. "If anyone can find her, you can."

Cain placed his hand on Jeb's shoulder briefly before pulling his son into an embrace.

"I'm proud of you, son," he said softly. "Whatever happens…I need you to know that."

Jeb's eyes moistened upon hearing his father's words. As they pulled apart, Jeb cleared his throat and nodded at his father.

"Take some of my men with you," he said.

"No," Cain replied. "I can move quicker on my own."

"What if there are more Longcoats out there?"

Cain's hand moved to his gun. "Nothing I haven't handled before."

"Not alone."

Cain sighed. "Take your men to Finaqua, strengthen security around the royal family, inform the queen and consort of what is happening. Tell them…tell them I'll bring DG home, safe and sound."

Jeb nodded. Cain gave him one last look before he moved to the side and continued on his way. He quickly reached the stables behind the academy where he untied his horse, leading her out of the stall.

"Going somewhere?" Syler said from behind, appearing in the doorway.

Cain stopped, making sure the bridle and saddle were tight before turning around.

"I got somewhere I gotta be," Wyatt replied. "Syler…I need you to take over here at the academy."

Syler sighed and moved closer to his friend. "I kind of figured you'd say that. But I'm no leader, Cain…that's always been you."

"You'll be fine, Syler. You've proven that. I…I just can't be a Tin Man any longer. There's something much more important to me that I…" Cain's voice trailed off.

Syler grinned at him. "Something worth living for?"

Cain paused, his eyes transfixed on the ground. "Something worth dying for."

xoxoxoxo

DG's feet touched the ground after the travel storm dissipated. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the bright light bouncing off the snow, but once she could focus she couldn't help but smile. It was much different than the last time she had been here. There was no more blinding blizzard impeding her way. The suns shone brightly in the sky, and there was a quiet stillness all around her. It was almost peaceful.

Turning around her breath caught in her chest as the northern palace came into view. It was no longer encased in snow and ice. That barrier had melted away to show the palace's true beauty. Its emerald green walls sparkled in the reflection of the icy lake surrounding it. DG's memories stirred, bringing to mind her childhood and the happiness she felt in this place…that is, until the witch killed her and her mother gave up her magic to save her.

Shaking away the horrible memory, she pulled her coat closed tighter, the coldness beginning to bite at her. She made her way quickly toward the palace, marveling in the snowy beauty around her. What she wouldn't give for a sled right about now, and Cain's strong arms wrapped around her, keeping her warm, rubbing frozen noses together as they nuzzled and laughed. She'd teach him how to make snow angels here, and they'd definitely have to build a snow man.

She smiled at the mental image of a snowball fight with Wyatt, and then she'd tackle him to the ground to plant a big snowball right in his face. Later they'd sit by the fire inside the palace drinking hot chocolate and talking for hours about their life together before she'd climb into his lap and kiss him breathless. Then they'd make love by the fire for the rest of the night until neither had the energy to move.

A sadness interrupted her as she felt her body ache for him, a pain of loss sweeping through her. She needed to feel his touch, to feel his hands on her, his lips against hers. It took everything she had not to reopen their connection, to call out to him, to hear his voice in her head. She missed him deeply, but she trudged on through the snow with the intent to settle this thing once and for all so she could be back in Wyatt's arms…if he still wanted her.

Reaching the palace doors, she held up her hand and closed her eyes, calling to her light. She heard the doors crack open as her magic unlocked them once more. Stepping inside, she smiled as the suns' light poured through the windows no longer barricaded by ice and snow. The portrait on the wall of Ambrose and her mother brought her comfort. She stopped and stared at it for a moment, looking into the eyes of her best friend. Inwardly she prayed he had heard her call, and that he was with Cain right now.

xoxoxoxo

Cain's horse galloped quickly down the Brick Route. His eyes constantly scanned the surrounding trees, looking for Longcoats and any evidence of DG. Turning his head, he searched through the brush. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed two figures riding equally as fast on horseback on the road towards him. His head whipped around and his hand reached for his gun. Grabbing the weapon from its holster, he pulled back on the reigns of his horse and aimed the gun at the approaching intruders.

His eyes focused for a moment as he stared down the barrel of his gun. The two riders halted their animals and put their hands up in the air.

"Geeze, Cain, I can see your attitude still needs some improvement. Still got that 'shoot first, ask later' philosophy?" Glitch shouted from down the road.

Cain sighed heavily before holstering his gun. Nudging his horse forward, he closed the distance between them.

"Glitch, I didn't know it was you. Thought you were Longcoats," said Cain.

"Yeah, you're no damsel in distress either, tough guy," Glitch grumbled. "I think Raw here would agree with me that a full psychological evaluation is still in order."

Cain rolled his eyes, unable to admit that he was actually happy to see his two friends.

"What are you doing here?" Cain asked, narrowing his eyes.

"DG told us to come," Glitch remarked like he had just stated the sky was blue. Cain raised his eyebrows.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his chest growing tighter.

"Last night I had a dream. DG was standing here on the road and she told me I had to come to Central City right away to help you. I woke up, knowing it was only a dream, but something told me it was more than that. I just had to come. If DG needs me, I'm there. As I was riding toward Central City, I bumped into Raw here."

Raw nodded. "Last night in village, Raw feel DG's presence. Raw sense DG's sadness, hear DG's voice asking Raw to come to Central City, to help Tin Man. Raw leave right away."

Cain couldn't believe it. DG had used her magic to call to Raw and Glitch, her two dearest friends, to come help him through…what? His heartache? His loss? His need to track her down and protect her?

"Where is DG?" Glitch asked, looking around.

"She's gone," Cain snapped. "So there's really no need for you to be here."

Glitch's mouth opened to speak, but no words came out. Raw looked between Cain and Glitch.

"DG gone to find black stone, to fight Shadow Man," Raw said.

"How do you know about the Shadow Man?" Cain asked. "You left before any of this happened."

"Glitch tell Raw everything. And, Raw still sense DG here, in this place. Can hear thoughts." Cain's eyes widened and he moved closer to Raw.

"She was here?"

Raw nodded. He pointed one of his claws behind him. "Felt her there too. DG feel sadness, like Tin Man."

"She must have gone this way," Cain said, kicking his horse and continuing his way down the road, not caring if Glitch and Raw were right behind him.

Further down the road, Cain noticed something off within the trees. Stopping his horse, he jumped down and moved to the tree line. Glitch and Raw followed suit, joining him.

"There," Raw said, pointing into the forest.

Breaking through the brush, the walked into the trees until they came to a clearing. Turning around, they noticed the debris all over the ground. There were tree limbs everywhere, some trees split down the middle, bushes ripped from their roots and tossed all over.

"Looks like the princess used a travel storm to get out of here," Glitch said, his brown eyes surveying the ground.

Cain knelt down and placed his hand on the ground, willing the bile in his throat to subside. She was even farther from him than he had thought. Of course she'd use a travel storm, and he knew she was headed for the northern palace. The distance he realized was now between them was suffocating.

"Cain feel pain," Raw said, kneeling beside him. "Princess far north."

"That's at least a two day ride on horseback," Glitch added, standing behind them.

"Not if I ride hard and don't stop," Cain said through gritted teeth, standing and moving quickly back to his horse.

Glitch and Raw ran after him. Cain stopped and turned around, holding up his hand.

"I'll move a lot quicker if I'm alone," Cain said, repeating the words he had said to Jeb. "You two should go back home."

"Hey, who died and made you ruler of the OZ? You're not the boss of us, mister. DG asked us for help and that's why we're here," Glitch said angrily.

"No," Cain seethed. "DG asked you to come to look after me. She left me, alone. And she thought I'd be sitting in Central City wallowing in misery and not doing a thing to stop her. Well she was wrong. So your little trip was in vain."

Glitch glared at him. "I'll have you know that I left the arms of a very beautiful woman to trek out into the darkness to answer DG's call. Why? Because if I needed her to, DG would leave your side to come help me. That's what friends do for each other."

Raw cringed at the anger rolling off his two friends.

Cain's teeth ground together as he held back his anger best he could. "Well we'll never have the chance to see if that's true, headcase. DG's not by my side."

Raw caught Wyatt's pain in that last comment.

"DG go to save OZ. She not want to leave Cain. She go out of duty. Tin Man should understand that," Raw scolded.

Cain breathed heavily at the emotion coursing through him before his face softened and he finally accepted defeat. Glitch eased up as well. Taking a step forward, he placed a bony hand on Cain's shoulder.

"When DG and Azkadellia put my brain back in my head, it took her connection to all four of us to make the spell work," Glitch said softly. "She seems to get her strength from us, which is why I think she called for me and Raw to come. We get our strength from each other."

"That's how we destroy the witch," Raw added.

Cain took a deep breath. "DG destroyed the witch."

"But she said herself she never would have made it to the tower that day had it not been for us," Glitch said, smiling to himself as he recalled DG's words to him the day of the eclipse just before the battle.

"We are family," Raw said.

"And now DG's running all over the OZ to find another big bad harbinger of gloom and doom, armed to the teeth with some powerful magic," said Glitch. "And here the three of us are, hot on her trail. She must have some nerve thinking she could do this again without her trusty sidekicks, huh Cain?"

Cain couldn't help but smile. Glitch always had a way of putting things into perspective, in his own upside down way. Even with his brain reattached, his intelligence boundless, he was still the same old Glitch.

"Still so far from us, though," noted Raw. Cain nodded his head.

"If we don't get moving, we'll miss her and possibly lose her trail at the northern palace," said Cain, turning and moving back to his horse.

Glitch grinned and stuck his finger in the air. "I may be able to help with that."