Here is it, finally. Sorry it took so long... I've been busy and stuff.
The Dark Side of Me: Chapter 4
As Cain arose from the underground, the sun burned his eyes. It had been months since he had been to the surface, and his eyes were no longer use to the light of the two suns of the OZ. He stood there in the large field that held the entrance to the realm blinking wildly until his vision returned to normal. He drew his hat further down his head, shading his eyes from the brunt of the brightness.
He adjusted his pack, which contained his very few most valuables, more comfortably on his back and began his trek across the field. His first destination would be Central City. Fortunately for him, the trade routes had re-opened. He could catch a ride in one of the caravans and make his trip in a quarter of the time. He was both eager, and hesitant to get to the city.
Cain was still apprehensive about his decision to come out of hiding, after all, these affairs were really no longer any concern of his. Something, however, was pulling at him, something he couldn't explain. He was always the first one to preach about trusting your gut instinct, and by damn, he would follow his.
He also knew that this would not be a pleasant trip, not ride to central city that is, that would most likely be the last bout of peace he would have... it was what came after that he was dreading. He knew that he was opening a can of worms, and once he placed himself in the midst of the drama, he knew that there would likely be no end in sight.
He did have to admit though, it felt good to be out of the realm, and that voice deep inside of him, the one that he had been punching to the back of his mind, was reeling at the thought of seeing DG again. Though he knew that she would not accept him with open arms (at least at first), being near her again would bring him and internal peace he had not felt since he left her.
The air outside was refreshing compared to the recirculated stale air they pumped through the realm. Walking in the open felt good. He managed to stay in shape with the various jobs he managed to come across, but nothing compared to a brisk walk out in the open world.
If he had had his wits about him sooner, he would have made the trip back with his son. His internal struggle kept him from making the decision to come out of his self-imposed exile, but in the end, he had convinced himself that it was only logical to return to assist in the protection of the royal family; it's what the Magic Man would have wanted...
Never mind the fact it's that Cain wanted... Well, namely the protection of the youngest princess, though he was not yet ready to admit it to himself. One step at a time.
He came out of his thoughts as he reached the Yellow Road, he only had to walk a little while longer till a cargo van came up to him from behind. Cain flashed some coin at the driver to get his attention to stop, and after a little convincing, which included flashing his paperwork that admitted him into the castle, the driver allowed him to hitch a ride on the back of the truck with the rest of the produce he was hauling.
From there the ride was only about an hour. The ride was bumpy, and by the time they reached the gates to the city, Cain was quite sore from the excursion. He hopped off the back with his belongings as the van kept going.
He pulled his hat down a little lower over his eyes. He wanted to find his son before word got out that he was back in town.
As he walked through the crowded streets, he noted that the city was much brighter. The overall air about the place was much happier, despite the internal unrest amongst the royal family. The streets and buildings, which during the time of the witch, seemed to be coated in filth and grime, now shone brightly in their pale green splendor (Green from the color of the stone in which most of them were built). He had almost forgotten what the city was like in its entire splendor, and was glad to see that it was re-claiming its nickname, the emerald city.
His first stop was his son's apartment. He should have known that he would not be there. Jeb seemed to be as dedicated to being a Tin Man as he once was. It made Cain proud, yet there was an underlying feeling of remorse when he thought about his days as a TinMan. How different things could have been if he wasn't so dedicated to the job...
He shook these thoughts from his head just as quickly as they came. His days of self-loathing and pity needed to end. At the present time, he just needed to focus on finding Jeb. He supposed he would have to make an appearance at the castle sooner than he would have liked.
Jeb lived just outside the castle gates, in a part of the town that was mostly inhabited by guards and other castle workers who opted out of staying in the barracks or the servant quarters. The walk from Jeb's apartment to the Castle grounds was a short one. As Cain approached the massive black cast iron gates, he noticed that security was tight, and the guards at the entrance were alert. They stopped anyone trying to get into the palace within 100 feet of the entrance.
A younger guard approached Cain, and addressed him curtly, "State your business..." He said with his chest puffed out. Cain tipped his hat back, amused with the young man. He was also pleased that he was not recognized. Maybe it would be possible for him to sneak in without alerting the whole court after all.
"I'm here to see Jeb Cain." Cain handed the man his papers. The guard looked them over carefully and then handed them back to Cain shaking his head.
"Sorry sir, I've been told not to admit any unnecessary visitors." The guard stood his ground, already prepared for the elder Cain to protest the denial.
Cain rolled his eyes, but just as he was about to explain to the boy who he was, another guard approached. Cain recognized the man as one of the resistance members who fought alongside Jeb.
"Gims... return to your post. I will escort Mr. Cain to his son..." He said motioning for Cain to follow him. The young guard, now known as Gims was confused but didn't say anything as the elder Cain passed him smirking.
Just inside the gate, the guard who saved him stopped and turned to Cain, "Sorry for the inconvenience, Gims is still new, and he's just doing what he's been told... We've had to keep the palace on lockdown since the last incident... "
Cain nodded, "I understand, it would disturb me more if it wasn't."
"Good, then I assume you remember your way around? I shouldn't leave them alone too long up there." Cain nodded to the guard.
"Yes. Thank you." Cain tipped his hat back over his eyes, "And I would appreciate it if you let this remain a surprise."
The guard nodded, "I think I can do that. I'll make sure Gims stays quiet." And with that he turned and left.
No one paid Cain any attention as he made his way through the castle grounds to the royal TinMan HQ. It seemed that most of the general staff had been cut. The place was quiet compared to the normal hustle and bustle.
However, as he approached the military wing, traffic became heavier. He heard whispers as he passed, as he returned to an area where he was well known. As he walked, Cain's steps became more assured and confident, and he suddenly didn't mind so much that people knew he was back. His presence was a warning to anyone who may be out to hurt anyone in the Royal Family... Things were serious when the elder Cain came out of retirement.
Word must have spread fast, because Jeb was waiting for him on the steps of the Barracks as he passed. He was smiling from ear to ear, knowingly.
"You know, if I knew that threat to Dg was all that it would take to get you back here, I would have said something a long time ago." Jeb mused.
Wyatt looked at him, "I have no idea what you are talking about boy." He said gruffly, "It sounded like you needed my help... so here I am..."
Jeb rolled his eyes, "I really don't..." Jed smirked, "but, we both know you're not really going to stay here..." Jeb said coyly.
Cain stared impassively at his son, but eventually couldn't hold the sigh, "You're right... I need orders. I wouldn't be able to get within 10 miles of Finaqua without being lynched if I don't have the right documentation, even with my reputation."
Jeb chuckled at his father's admission, "Well you just happen to be in luck. You can hitch a ride..."
"Hitch a ride? Are you going?" Cain asked.
Jeb shook his head, "Nope."
"Who?"
"Ambrose..."
Cain rolled his eyes, "Of course."
Jeb patted his father on the back and motioned for him to follow, "You should probably talk to the Royal Consort first though, I am sure that he would love to see you."
Ohamo, in charge of most of the military in the OZ, and royal consort, was not a very intimidating man, that is until he suspected there was something going on between a man and his youngest daughter, then he could be very, very scary.
Cain followed his son, observing as they passed, various soldiers and guards paused to salute Jeb. He was proud. His son had made quite a place for himself, and he knew that his loyalty to the royal family was as strong as his own.
Jeb came to a stop in front of a large set of dark wooden doors. Cain recognized it as the consort's office, "Ohamo can brief you on the situation better than I. I haven't been involved in much of the here and there's of the investigation. I'm having enough trouble on my own just keeping the city in order, much less two princesses."
Cain nodded staring dejectedly at the doors in front of him, "When is the caravan leaving?"
"Dawn."
"Right, well," Cain placed a hand on the door and knocked, "I'll come find you when I'm done here... "
"Good Luck!" Jeb said cheerfully turning on his heel and leaving his father behind.
Cain heard a muffled, ""Come in" behind the door and he slowly pushed the monstroucity open just enough to squeeze through and closed it quietly behind him.
Ahamo's back was to the door and he was standing over a huge pile of maps and charts. Cain noticed the office was in a general state of disarray. He stood there, still directly in front of the door waiting on the consort to address him. He took his hat off his head and held it in front of him in respect.
After a few moments, Ahamo threw his pen down and turned to Cain. He stared at him for a few moments before a smile crept on his face, "Wyatt Cain... I had a feeling I would be seeing you soon..." Ahamo took a seat behind his desk and motioned for Cain to take a place in front of him.
Cain eyed the consort cautiously and then finally took his place in front of the desk.
"So Mr. Cain, what can I do for you?" Ahamo asked ruefully.
Cain sensed the hostility in his voice and decided to cut right to the chase, "I wish to see if the offer to be princess DG's personal guard still stands." Cain swallowed the lump in his throat. He knew that by requesting this, he was taking on a huge responsibility. He would be in charge of her welfare, he would have to protect her with his life... But he was willing, more than willing in fact.
Ahamo was taken back by Cain's directness, but smiled, "and why the sudden change of heart, my boy?"
It made Cain uncomfortable to be called boy, if it wasn't for him time in the suit, him and Ahamo would about the same age. Nonetheless, he ignored it, for now, "I am aware of the current situation, and I feel that it would be in your, as well as DG's best interest."
"I very much doubt that my daughter wants to see you Mr. Cain." Ahamo challenged.
"Yes, I'm aware that it will be a challenge to win back the princesses trust... " Cain trailed off at this thought... He didn't even know what he was going to do when he saw her again. He didn't want to think about it. Again, one step at a time.
Ahamo regarded Cain with amusement. He could see the struggle within Cain, and understood how hard it must have been to face him. It wasn't that Ahamo disliked Cain, but he knew how it affected DG when he left. In fact, it's likely that the girls wouldn't even be in this situation if the man would have just come to terms with his feelings and stuck around.
Not that Ahamo was promoting the relationship between DG and Cain, however, he wanted his daughter happy, and since the day Cain left... he felt like he lost her a little more every day. Dg frightened him at times. He knew that if something didn't change, she may hurt herself, or someone around her.
Ahamo briefly considered letting Cain in on the reality of the situation as far as the reason the princesses were moved to Finaqua, however he decided against this. They still didn't even know what the situation was really... it was all based on a "feeling..."
And it was possible with Cain's entrance into the equation... nothing would happen at all...
"Ambrose is leaving in the morning. You may accompany him... I will make a formal announcement to the rest of the guard..." Ahamo stopped and smiled folding his hands over his desk, "I'm sincerely happy you came back Wyatt... It's hard to find people who are as loyal as you and your son."
Cain nodded, "Thank you sir." He stood up, "I would give my life for your daughter... "
"Let us hope it does not come to that... "
Cain looked him over for a moment and then nodded. He placed his hat back on his head, "I will be spending the rest of the evening catching up with my son, then, if there is nothing else."
Ahamo shook his head, "No...And your old room is still available should you wish to take it."
"Thank you sir." Cain turned and exited the chambers as quietly as he came in. Ahamo's smile grew wider. Maybe everything would be okay after all...
Cain spent the rest of the evening with his son. Jeb was surprised when Cain admitted to accepting a permanent position in the guard, and was also glad that he would be seeing more of this father.
Cain did everything he could to hide the elation of seeing DG in less than a day. It was all he could do just to sleep that evening. By the time he had retired to his chambers in the palace, he would have to turn around and get back up to get the rest of his things.
He found that he still had clothing and other personal items in the palace. He packed a little better than he had when he left the realm, not knowing how long he was going to be in Finaqua.
Once he was satisfied that he was well prepared. He settled in, but as stated, sleep did not come easy, and Cain was back up as soon as the first sign of daylight hit the horizon.
Saying his goodbyes to Jeb the night before, he set out to the stables, hoping that he would not have to wait too long for the rest of the Caravan. He delighted to see that Ambrose was already there. The carriage car that they would be riding in looked ready and waiting for him.
As if sensing his presence, Ambrose turned and smiled at him, "Good Morning Mr. Cain!" He said holding out his hand.
Ambrose was a stark contrast to what the head case use to be, Cain noted. Cain took his hand and gave it a firm shake, "Ambrose" He said in acknowledgement.
"I was quite shocked when the Queen advised me you would be tagging along..." He said straitening his lapels on his red and gold jacket, "I didn't think we would ever hear from you again." He said motioning towards the carriage.
Cain followed his guidance and stepped up into the back of the carriage car. Ambrose then followed suit and settled in across from Cain.
"I never said that I would be gone forever..." Said staring blankly to the front of the carriage, where the driver was also settling in, warming up the engine.
"But you never said you wouldn't be either..." Ambrose said slyly.
Cain gave him the best 'go fuck yourself look' he could muster, "I needed to get away..."
"Hmm... Yes... Because your services were no longer needed..."
Cain was shocked that Ambrose threw his own wording back at him, especially because he was not there for that conversation. He knew that DG must have confided in Ambrose.
"Look if you're looking for a fight, you're not going to get it. I would actually like to rest before we get to Finaqua..." Cain was irritated.
Ambrose smirked, "Yes, I imagine you would like to be fully rested before facing the dragon."
Cain rolled his eyes. Suddenly the car lurched forward, and they were on their way. Cain turned back to Ambrose, "She's going to be pretty mad, Hu?"
Ambrose nodded, "Extremely."
Cain rubbed the back of his neck nervously and sighed dejectedly, "I'll just have to make her understand then." He took off his hat and sat it in his lap, leaning back in the seat and propping his feet up in the seat across from Ambrose.
"Easier said than done..." Glitch mumbled... But Cain didn't hear him, he was already asleep.
Okay... I know that chapter was long... and nothing really happened, but I promise, in the next chapter, our favorite couple WILL be reunited... Also, hopefully... the next chapter will be out sooner. I kind of lost my inspiration with the story for a bit...
Anyways... REVIEWS MAKE ME POST FASTER!