The Other Child
Chapter 1
A/N: Alright so I've decided that Jeb was 10 years old when Milenna was born, so that would make her 8 and Jeb 18 during this story. Believe me I worked out a whole timeline for this story and it took me nearly an hour to do so. But thankfully it all works and hopefully it will make sense to all of you.
Also I have a small request. If anyone can tell me the name of the resistance fighters whose cabin the gang stays at, for the life of me I can't think of the man's name. Thanks!!

Eight Years Later

Things were not good in the O.Z. Azkadellia had been running the land for nearly fourteen annuals and life continued to decrease in value and pleasure. Her Longcoats seemed to increase in number and ferocity with each passing annual and the fear that something terrible was about to happen continued to increase.

Michael had been taken prisoner nearly two years ago, and all figured him lost. Adora, Jeb and Milenna had been on the run ever since. They had joined forces with the resistors in the north finding shelter and protection with them. Jeb had taken an active role in the group, joining many of the other young men on their scouting expeditions. Adora worried like any mother would, but thankfully he always came back unharmed, sometimes with a few minor injuries. Those were the times that worried her the most. She dreaded the day that he didn't some back at all.

"Mother?" Jeb called pushing the flaps of the tent open and stepping inside.

"She's over at the mess tent," Milenna answered. She was sitting in the center of the tent playing with the small wooden horses Jeb had carved for her.

Jeb stepped further inside and ran a hand through the young girl's hair messing it up slightly and earning a groan from her. "What's she doing over there?"

"Preparing dinner silly," she laughed.

Jeb smiled and took a seat on his cot at the far end of the tent. "So what's have you been doing all day?"

"Just sitting here playing by myself," she responded sadly. There were no other children in the camp for her to play with and this took its toll on Milenna. She often complained of being lonely and bored. "Why can't we go back to Central City? There were lots of kids to play with there."

Jeb crawled off his cot and took a seat on the floor next to her. "I know you want to go back, but it's not safe in Central City."

"Cause of Princess Azkadellia?"

"Yeah, because of Azkadellia," Jeb responded. He didn't want to think of what would happen should any of them be captured. "I promise this will all be over soon and we can return to Central City with all your friends." Milenna sighed and shook her head.

The flap of the tent was suddenly pulled aside and a young man stuck his head inside. "Jeb? Commander Ronan would like to see you." As quickly as he was there he was gone.

"I'll be right back," he said before leaving the tent and crossing the camp, waving to his mother as he passed the mess tent, and heading for the commander's quarters. "You wished to see me sir?"

"Ah yes Jeb, come in!" Commander Ronan greeted the young man waving him inside. Ronan was an older man of some 46 annuals with salt and pepper hair thickly covering his entire head. His eyes were a brilliant green shining brightly against his weathered and aged face. He took a seat in a shaky wooden chair and waved Jeb into the one across from him.

Jeb took the seat cautiously and eyed his commander with a wary expression. "Is something wrong Commander?"

"In a manner of speaking yes," Ronan answered. "We received word from the southern alliances. They're coming under heavy pressure from the Longcoats and are requesting assistance from us."

Jeb knew where this conversation was going. He would do anything for the resistance, but even he was questioning the commander's decision.

"Jeb I'd like you to travel to the south and lead a small group of the southern alliance. They're in desperate need of leadership and I think you're just the man for the job."

"Thank you sir," Jeb said humbly. He paused for a moment considering his next words. "Commander I am worried about my mother and sister. It's not safe to travel in the O.Z. with them."

Ronan considered this nodding. "Your mother is smart and could be of great help during your journey."

"And my sister?"

This caused pause in the older man. "We have a pair traveling to the camp tomorrow. Your sister could accompany them, posing as their daughter for safe passage."

"I won't let her out of my sight," Jeb immediately argued. "It's my job to protect them."

"And I assure you that she will be well protected," Ronan countered. "These are my most trusted fighters; they will protect her as their own. I'm asking you to trust me, Jeb."

He didn't like this idea; there were too many things that could go wrong in such a short amount of time. "I do trust you commander. It's the Longcoats I don't trust. If there are a large number of them in the area, I'm not going to risk Milenna's life by separating us."

Ronan leaned back in his rickety chair and studied the man in front of him. He held a certain amount of respect for the young man and his dedication to his family. He knew Jeb's history and understood where his protective nature came from. "I cannot do more than ask you to consider my offer. Please speak with your family and let me know of your decision in the morning."

Jeb nodded shortly and rose from the chair, exiting the tent quickly. His long strides carried him to the mess tent in little time where he found his mother and a few other women preparing dinner. Adora's face lit up when she saw her son standing there, but the excitement was quickly replaced with worry when she saw the conflict etched on his face.

"Jeb, what's wrong?"

He fixed his eyes on hers and sighed, "I need to speak with you." In a matter of moments Jeb had divulged the details of his meeting with Commander Ronan and waited patiently for his mother's response.

Adora played with the strings of her apron nervously, like a child being scolded for a bad deed. Inside her a war was raging between her desire to aid the resistance in anyway and the need to keep what family she had left safe. She trusted Commander Ronan, and if he said the mission would be safe then she had no reason to doubt him. But there was something nagging at the back of her mind, something that said the trip would be worth it.

"What do you think?" she asked of her son.

Again Jeb sighed, "Well I feel like I could be of great help to the southern alliance. On the other hand I'm not willing to risk our family's safety for this." He stood from the table where they had been discussing the matter and began to pace in the small area between the rows of tables.

"Do we know the couple that is making the journey to the south?" Adora asked.

"I believe it's the Kylins. Nice couple in their thirties. Haven't been here long," Jeb answered.

"Which means there are few ties to connect them to the resistance," Adora spoke, thinking aloud. "There would be no reason for the Longcoats to stop a family traveling through the O.Z. This is probably the safest way to move."

"Is it settled then?

She thought for a moment, running every possible option through her mind. Finally heaving a long sigh she answered, "It is. Lenna will go tomorrow with the Kylins. You and I will follow in a few days and meet up with them at the southern camp. Which is where exactly?"

"About fifteen miles outside of Finaqua," Jeb replied.

OZOZOZOZ

The next morning a small group gathered near the edge of camp. Commander Ronan stood with Rebecca and Miles Kylins briefing them one final time on their mission while Jeb, Adora, and Milenna stood a few yards away saying their goodbyes. The youngest of the group stood with a small satchel containing her few changes of clothes and personal possessions she had.

"But I don't want to go to Finaqua without you," Milenna cried latching onto her mother's waist.

Adora wrapped her arms around her daughter's shoulders. "I promise we will be following you closely my dear. Jeb and I will only be two days behind."

"Why can't I just wait and go with you?"

Jeb dropped to one knee in front of his sister. "You know we would love to take you, but it is much safer this way." He pulled her into a tight hug and whispered into her ear, "I promise you everything will be alright." Adora wrapped her arms around both of her children, pushing the dread that edged at her spirit. It was finally the commander's cough that broke the family apart, all unwilling to forego physical contact

"Best get moving," Ronan said turning away from the family and back to the Kylins. "You'll need to cover a lot of ground before nightfall. There's a small village at the midway point of your journey. The townspeople there are expecting you."

Both Rebecca and Miles nodded taking a few cautious steps toward the commander. Milenna took a few cautious steps toward her newest guardians, shot a look back at her mother and brother and closed the gap. As she joined the couple near the path that would lead to the Brick Route, Rebecca kneeled in front of the girl and leveled her gaze.

"I promise you that nothing bad will happen," she spoke softly. "Soon you'll be back with your mom and brother like always."

Milenna smiled and took the woman's outstretched hand, beginning their long trip south to Finaqua.

Thanks to those of you who reviewed the Prologue. And remember, reviewsfaster updates. Think about it!