Chapter 11

The next day had Cain up with the suns again. He kissed DG, gathered his things and slipped into his room and was clean, dressed and at his post at the door before the maids came to get DG up

The maids were in and out in only an hour today. He entered her room to take her down for breakfast. He didn't see her right away so he thought to test more of their Bond. Cain closed his eyes and concentrated on DG. He focused on finding out where she was. Then he saw a view he knew well; the view from her balcony. He walked over to the balcony and stopped. She was in an emerald green brocade gown with ¾ length sleeves.

"DG." He said to get her attention.

She turned to face him. The gown was not elaborate, but simple and perhaps a bit understated but on her it was beautiful. The neckline dipped to show a good amount of her chest but no more than her old blue t-shirt that she had first arrived in the OZ wearing. Around her neck was a sliver pendant he had never seen before.

Cain took DG in his arms and held her close to him. "You look so beautiful." He released her a little and fingered the necklace she was wearing. "What's this? I don't think I have ever seen it before."

She smiled. "You haven't. It's my locket. Mom and Popsicle gave it to me when I was a little girl. The midgets took it from me and dropped it when I first got here. Az gave it back to me a few days ago. She said that Zero brought it to the witch when he told her about me. And that it was found in a drawer in his office in the tower."

"So, what pictures do you have in there?"

"Well I had one of me and one of my robo'rents but I took their picture out and replaced it."

"Replaced it with what?" he asked as she pulled out of his arms and started for the door.

She just smiled at him as she said, "You." She bolted out of the room and it wasn't long till Cain fast on her heals.

After breakfast everyone met in the library. The Queen had books strewn about the tables some open and some not. After everyone and been seated she brought a book to Cain and DG. "This book," she said, "Tells about a special bond that sometimes forms between two people here in the Outer Zone. A Soulbond is very old magick. It is nature magick and unbreakable. The last known Soulbonded pair was 80 years ago. And they were your Great Grandparents, Commander Cain."

Cain looked shocked, "So this bond is because of me?"

"No, the bond is because The O.Z. needs something from you. Your Great Grandparents were bonded all those years ago to be a uniting point for the Outer Zone. It was during a time of great unrest. Now after all that has happened with the witch and her squads of LongCoats and the resistance The O.Z. needs that focusing point again."

DG was confused, "How could Cain's Great Grandparents have been a focal point for the O.Z?"

"They were prominent figures in Central City," Lavender said.

DG continued. "So, before Cain wasn't good enough and now it's ok just because of this Soulbond thing? Not that I'm complaining, it gets us what we want, but it's still completely unfair that you said he wasn't good enough to begin with."

The queen looked at her daughter. "I am sorry, Angel. I just wanted what was best for the O.Z."

"Cain is what's best for the O.Z. who better to help me know what to do to heal this place." DG shifted her gaze to Cain who was looking a little lost. "Wyatt, are you ok?"

After a few minutes, Cain finally spoke up again. "How is it that I didn't know about this? My father told me that my Great Grandfather had been a Tin Man."

"He was a Tin Man. In fact he was the first Tin Man Commissioner. Your Great Grandmother was also a great healer and seer." Queen Lavender stated. "Now, DG, I know that you should be going to your lessons but in light of recent revelations I think one day of missed lessons won't hurt. I think the two of you need some time to discover your Bond." After that everyone left the library leaving Cain and DG alone.

DG turned to the man sitting next to her. "Wyatt, are you ok?"

Cain looked at her. "I don't know, Darlin'. I can't believe I didn't know this about my own family. I'd ask my parents about it but they have been gone for annuals."

"It's ok. We'll figure it out. We already know that we can speak to each other and project thoughts and feelings.

"I used the bond to find you out on your balcony this morning. And when Raw was healing you I felt your magick return."

"Well, that's unexpected. Well, according to this book each Bonded pair receives different abilities and the only one common to all of them is the ability to communicate with the mind."

"So I guess we're on our own for the rest, huh."

"Yeah I guess so. You know my 'Introduction' Ball is coming up soon. I think Mother wanted to announce my engagement then."

"Yeah, I imagine she would. I hate Balls, DG. Had my fill of the grand posturing when I was on the Mystic Man's detail."

"I know, but you are still my Tin Man and you have to be there as mush as I do. I know she is going to want to announce our Bond."

"That doesn't mean I have to like it. But you know I'll be there."

"I know, Wyatt. Besides you look great in your uniform. That blue jacket and those shiny Tin buttons."

Cain groaned. --The things I do for you.--

--You love it.--

--I love you. -- Cain leaned in to kiss her when a messenger entered the library.

"Commander Cain, sir. Sorry to interrupt, but Consort Ahamo wishes to have a word with you." the messenger quickly left and Cain turned back to DG.

"Well, I guess this will have to wait till later. But before I go…" Cain stood and held a hand out to DG. She took it and he helped her to her feet. He took the hand he was holding and placed it around his neck then he placed both his hands behind her, pulled her close and kissed her deeply. Pulling back he grinned at her. "There, that ought to hold me for a while."

"You better go see what Dad wants I'll be fine Az and Glitch are just outside."

"How do you know that?"

"Magick. And it's a sister thing."

"Alright. I'll see you later." Cain kissed her and left for the Consort's office.

Cain knocked on Ahamo's door.

"Come in." came the reply.

"You wanted to see me, sir," Cain said as her entered.

"Yes, Commander, please sit." Ahamo pointed to a chair near his desk. Cain sat. "I wanted to speak to you about your relationship with my daughter and your intentions."

Cain choked. "Sir?"

"Oh come now, Wyatt, everyone in this family knows you are in love with DG and that she is in love with you."

"Well then I guess the only thing for me to do is to say, sir I love your daughter. She and I share a bond that apparently hasn't been seen in 80 years. That being the case I wish to inform you that I intend to marry your daughter."

Ahamo smiled. "Good. Now that you have said that I can give you this." Ahamo placed a small black leather box on the desk in front of Cain.

Cain picked up the box and opened it. "Rings, Sir? I can buy her a ring."

"Oh I know you can. But these are special. They were commissioned by your Great Grandparents and Queen Luna infused them with a protection spell. They were left in the Queen's treasury with the instructions to pass them to any one in the Cain family that became Soulbonded."

"Thank you, sir."

"You will also need to start training in law, diplomacy and negotiation, among other things. You and I will work together on that. Now, there is just one last thing. The queen was preparing to announce the bonding and engagement of DG and yourself at DG's reintroduction Ball next week. But I have convinced her to not announce the Bond. I think that it would be best to keep that in the family for now. I know that some of the young nobles will not like that you are going to be marrying DG. I don't think anyone will try to hurt you or her but it doesn't hurt to be prepared."

"You can count on me, sir."

"I know, Cain, now go find your girl."

"Yes, Sir." Cain smiled as he left.