To kay and KLCtheBookWorm, thanks for waiting patiently. Hope you like this chapter.
Cain had stayed silent during the night as DG cried out for his comfort. Something in his head told him he couldn't guide her through this, not the way she wanted. In truth, Cain had no idea how to help her because most victims of Vapors went to the Realm of Unwanted and never seen again. He vowed not to let it go that far, but there were no easy paths to follow.
Either way, one or many of the friends and family of DG were going to get hurt. Physically, mentally, or emotionally; DG would push all of her boundaries to limits. Cain would have to talk to everyone about the best course of action would be with DG.
Raw would be hurt the hardest. Though the Viewer had made progress, being able to channel the emotions, but DG had no control. Raw would find it difficult to ignore the rampage that DG was. That was the part that worried Cain the most; everyone was so attached to on another. Including himself and Jeb who were more or less adopted into the royal family now, much like Glitch and Raw.
Cain rubbed his face in exasperation and looked out the large windows that adorned DG's room. The moon was shinning brightly, casting the room in a light glow. Mixing with the embers in the fireplace and shadows danced along the walls and Cain realized he was ignoring DG.
Turning back to the young woman, his eyes were captured by her's. To his amazement, they held no anxiety, no hatred, just understanding. Like she was nearly her old self, but he kept on edge.
"DG, you doing alright?" Cain asked, wiping hair from her face.
"I would once I'm free…" DG stated, "My head's fuzzy, I remember what I did, but I can't figure out why."
"It's the Vapors, kid." Cain replied, "It's making you sick and you're hurting yourself. The withdrawals are the problem here, not you."
DG turned away, choosing to stare up at the ceiling. It didn't escape Cain's notice of a stray tear crawling down her cheek. He let his hand brush her tear away and moved up to her forehead. She was still warm, but not as bad as before and he leaned back into the air chair.
He watched as DG waged war within her own mind, figured she was trying to grasp everything that was going on. He waited patiently, making sure he didn't nod off while she needed him.
"Cain?" DG finally asked, though hesitantly.
"What is it, DG?" Cain asked back, resting his elbows on his knees to cradle his chin, "Don't worry, I will be here all night."
"It's not that, I mean that's nice to know… but how long will I feel this way?" DG turned to him, her lip quivering, "How long will I make everyone suffer?"
"DG don't think that way. You've already been off the Vapors for four days. I think the worse is nearly over. Tomorrow will be the hardest for you." Cain said, rubbing her arm, "Just know that we're here for you."
"As long as there's a plan…" DG said, letting her eyes drift close.
"Go to sleep, DG. I'll be here in the morning, promise." Cain said leaning back, "Promise me that you won't do anything."
"I don't think I could… if I wanted to…" DG breathed, trying to keep her eyes open, "I… I just don't know… I'm scared…"
"I know, but we're here." Cain stated, "Close your eyes, DG."
"God you're so demanding, Cain." DG breathed as her eyes closed.
Cain chuckled to himself as he made himself comfortable in the armchair and dozed of, but his senses were still on high alert. Good thing they were, Cain started awake most of the night as DG whimpered and called out. One thing he noted was that she always needed him. She would only relax once he made some form of physical contact with her, once not even letting his hand go.
Cain knew everyone had been affected by the ambush, but DG and Jeb were the worse two of all. Hell, Jeb had been out there with him and seeing the ambush, Cain really thought he would lose Jeb. The difference was Jeb had been recovering as well and was able to know of his father's health, DG wasn't so lucky and thought all twenty of them had died, including her father.
Cain guessed it was after midnight when DG was finally secure enough to succumb to her exhaustion. He sat there and watched her, making sure she would sleep the rest of the night before he dozed off as well. The gods were merciful that night and neither friend had any dreams.
Cain was enjoying the peaceful night and cursed whoever was hammering. Cain realized no sane person would be and heard the sound of a door opening and clicking shut. He opened his eyes and looked to see who was there, Azkadellia. She seemed… brighter to Cain. He couldn't place his finger on it, but returned her warm smile.
"Morning, Mr. Cain." She said, walking across the room, "Seems you both slept well."
"Yeah, after a fits, but my guess it was after midnight when she finally drifted off. Yourself, Azkadellia?" Cain asked, rubbing his face before standing and stretching. He quickly glanced outside to see at least one sun above the horizon.
"Once I got relaxed. Mind helping me wake and release her? I'll help her dress before breakfast." She asked, sitting on the bed, "Do you need to rest more?"
"I think I'm good." Cain replied, moving to the end of DG's bed. He started to undo the straps as Azkadellia gently shook her sister.
"DG, time to get up. Come on sleepyhead." Az giggled as DG moaned and tried to push her away, "DG… wake up or I'm getting ice water."
Cain tried his best not to laugh as he undid the final strap, allowing DG to turn in her sleep. The look on DG's face when she realized she could move forced Cain to laugh and turn away. The young Princess had a look that was between shock and excitement.
"I'll leave you two ladies alone and see you at breakfast. Azkadellia, where's is my son?" Cain asked, heading towards the door.
"If not in his room then my guess would be with Glitch in the kitchen." She replied, helping DG stand.
Cain tipped his hat and shut the door behind him, leaving the two sisters alone. There was a silence between the two, but not awkward. Azkadellia lead DG to the armoire and picked a simple outfit for her sister. DG still wasn't completely used to Royal attire, so their mother had allowed tailoring for, what DG called slacks and fitted shirts.
DG loved her sister's fashion sense, even if Azkadellia didn't know what it meant. She took the black slacks and dark blue shirt from Az and quickly dressed. DG was ready to go, but the look on Azkadellia's face from her bed said differently.
"Az, what is it?" DG asked, sitting next to her, "Something wrong?"
"I'm just worried about you, little sister. You've been through so much in a week, how are you feeling?" Az said, holding one of DG's hands.
"Like I've been in a fog for days. I don't know how well I am, but Cain said the worst of the worst should be over." DG replied, "I just can't believe what I did."
"Well, from Zero's accounts and what Cain supplied from you, it could have been much worse." Az nodded, "If you feel bad, really bad, come get me and we'll go walk or do whatever."
"That would be nice." DG smiled, "I heard breakfast was waiting, shall we go?" DG asked, standing and holding her arm to her sister. Azkadellia smiled in reply as she hooked her arm through her sister's.
The two were all smiles as they walked the halls and down to the kitchen. The Princesses could hear arguing and stopped just outside of the doors and peered in. The squabbled was between Jeb and Glitch so they carefully made their way inside and stood next to Cain and Raw.
"What is the commotion about?" DG asked, leaning against Cain.
"Glitch had a synapse problem and now believes he left something cooking. Thing is, he never started and just pulled out some bread. Jeb is trying to convince him otherwise." Cain answered.
"What are you two doing?" Az asked, nodding to Raw.
"Enjoying." The Viewer smiled and turned back.
The four of them watched as Jeb tried hopelessly to explain that Glitch hadn't started anything. Even showing Glitch that nothing was even on, but the man refused to believe anything. Glitch stomped towards the group and DG unintentionally pressed herself into Cain. Cain glanced down at her quickly before wrapping an arm around her waist.
Glitch grabbed at Azkadelliaand pulled the elder sister to the stove. He was pointing and yelling about, pleading his case to her. Az tried her best not to smile or laugh as she checked around. Jeb had thrown up his hands and walked back to his father.
Cain smiled to his son and they both looked down to DG. She was trembling slightly, but she was smiling and stilling holding onto Cain. Jeb shot his father a questioned face and Cain mouth 'nightmares'. Jeb nodded in understand and took a step back incase DG needed room.
That was a mistake as Glitch's antic came more, though funny, frantic causing DG to see flashes of her captivity. Pushing from Cain, DG bolted from the room and out of the palace. Cain was fast on her heels; staying just far enough back he could react to anything she did.
DG ran passed the gazebo and slowed, catching her breath. Cain ran up next to her and saw how bad she was shivering. He tried to wrap an arm around her again, but she was quick to pull away. DG started to walk away from him and Cain grabbed her shoulders. It was then he realized DG wasn't shaking as to spasming and wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
She tried to push Cain off, but he was too strong. The spasms jarred her body and DG doubled over in pain. Cain lowered both of them to the ground and sat DG in his lap. DG cried out as the spasms grew worse.
Cain tried his best to comfort her, using one hand to rub small circles on her back. He spoke softly, telling her not to hold anything back and that he was there. Azkadellia and the others slowly made their way to the pair, worried looks dawn their faces. She knelt in front of DG and Cain and intertwined her hands with DG's.
Light engulfed their hands and after a good five minutes, the light faded and DG was breathing easier. The sisters met eyes and smiled to one another and DG sighed in relief. Azkadellia nodded and stood, announcing the others would have breakfast in a few minutes and led the group away.
Cain loosened his grip on DG, waiting for her to stand. DG didn't move and instead, to Cain's surprise, leaned back. She repositioned herself so that Cain had to cradle her. The two sat there in silence, enjoying the morning and the sound of the waves lapping the shore.
Cain looked down to DG and, feeling watched, DG met his eyes. She smiled up at him, but before she could go back to watching the sun, Cain caught and tipped her chin up. Cain closed his eyes and met her lips. The next move would be her's.