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(Long chapter . . . Hope that's okay!)

CHAPTER 1



“I’m not wearing that,” DG stated flatly, folding her arms across her chest.

The dress that was held before her was not at all DG’s style. She had worn dresses all the time when she was a little girl in the O.Z., but now that she was older – and having lived fifteen years of her life in the Other Side – she had grown to hate any kind of formal wear. Jeans and a shirt were far more comfortable anyway. But what really made DG detest the dress was the blue and white checkered design and short white sleeves. It reminded her too much of her waitress uniform at the Hilltop Café back in Kansas.

“C’mon, DG,” Ahamo, her newly-discovered father, pleaded with a doting look. “For your mother’s sake . . . No – for the expectations of your role as a princess.” Just a few days after the witch had been defeated and her plans foiled, Ahamo had had his blonde hair cut short and his beard trimmed. He was also now dressed in attire more fitting of his rightful position as King of the O.Z.

DG shifted her weight where she stood, her blue eyes giving the dress a contemptuous look.

Ahamo sighed heavily. “DG, look . . . At least be glad you were allowed to wear your regular clothes for a few days since being in the palace. But this isn’t the Other Side – You’re going to have to get used to it eventually.”

“And how did you feel when mother forced you to wear your ridiculous get-ups, dad?” DG shot with a shrewd smile.

Ahamo chuckled. “Believe me, it wasn’t easy! I was born on the Other Side, so I found the whole royalty transition to be very awkward. I was a balloonist for a State Fair! Try to imagine how hard that change was!”

DG laughed lightly, her body posture relaxing. “Yeah, I can see how that must have been pretty weird for you! Working for a Fair one day, king of a whole country the next!”

Ahamo’s smile softened as he went on, “But you, DG . . . You were born here. The O.Z. is where you’ve always belonged, and you were always meant to be a princess. I’m afraid you have no choice in this matter.”

DG let her arms fall to her side with a rather aggravated sigh, and she rolled her eyes. “Fine, dad,” she said with a great effort. “I’ll wear it.” She gave Ahamo a look. “But it doesn’t mean I have to like it!”

Ahamo chuckled once again, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “Fair enough. And I promise I won’t speak a word of this to your mother. Deal?”

DG was full-out grinning now. “Deal!”




The royal palace was alive with activity as people rushed here and there to try to get the place put back together and running as soon as possible, many of them former advisors, servants, and the like who had managed to be located and called together in the aftermath of the witch’s death. These individuals had been hard to find, at best, and it was particularly stressful when it was discovered that many of the military and political advisors had had their brains removed fifteen Annuals prior, left as lost and confused “zipperheads”. Getting reacquainted with the palace and its luxurious lifestyle was nothing but challenging for these unfortunate individuals, but they were adapting, if not slowly. Regardless, the palace was coming together nicely, and the king and queen had to be thankful for that.

Watching these half-brained folks go about their business, Ambrose couldn’t help but feel sorry for them. He had once been as hopeless as they were now, left to wander the Zone aimlessly for Annuals . . . that is, until Ambrose – back then referred to as “Glitch” – had been captured by a tribe of Munchkins and taken to their camp, where he had been fortunate enough to meet a spunky young woman named DG who would inevitably lead him on a grand journey that ended with him finding his marbles again.

And who would have thought that DG would be none other than the daughter of the Queen, a princess of the O.Z.! It still baffled Ambrose, even now with his brain intact. DG certainly did not seem at all like the royalty type, no disrespect intended. Ambrose personally was looking forward to seeing DG try to adapt to her new life, to see how humorous it would be to watch her learn how to be a “proper lady”. Oh it would be amusing, but Ambrose also knew that he’d be there to help the poor girl learn. She was his friend, after all.

Standing in one of the palace’s elaborate halls, Ambrose subconsciously lifted a hand to feel the cold metal zipper that ran across the top of his skull. It had been a day since the Queen’s alchemists had finished returning his brain to him, and he was still trying to get used to having it back. It may have seemed odd to hear, but he had actually gotten used to being the carefree, scatter-brained optimist he had once been. That wasn’t to say that he was a changed person now, nor did it mean he didn’t like being so brainy, but it certainly was a change. He was remembering things he had long forgotten; re-learning things about himself and everyone he knew. He now could envision the blueprints for the Sun Seeder in vivid clarity. Although it had been used by the witch and twisted into something utterly diabolical, Ambrose was considering trying to build it himself – the true device, that is. The Papay runners were still having a hard time returning to their old lives, and Ambrose knew that a prolonged growing season was just the thing they would need to get back on track. Trees and fruit didn’t just grow back overnight! That is, not unless you knew magic . . .




DG grimaced as she turned around and finally laid eyes on her reflection in the full-body mirror. The dress wasn’t bad, but it certainly wasn’t anything she’d ever even dream of wearing. She swore, dresses never did do her body justice. She may have had the slim build perfect for such garments, however, they just never seemed to work for her.

And her hair . . . Well, DG had to admit she couldn’t complain about it. She still had her signature bangs, but the rest of her hair was now twisted into a long braid, a rather pretty blue bow tied on the end. She could still remember how much she had complained when the attendant had tried to comb out the tangles in her hair, which took quite a long time, unfortunately. It’s not like it was DG’s fault – Traveling all over the Zone, she hadn’t had the luxury of stumbling across a comb or brush to manage her hair with.

Just then, a knock came at the door, and DG turned to see Ahamo step in.
“Great, you’re done!” he said with a smile. “And you look absolutely gorgeous!”

DG sighed, her shoulders slumping in a very un-lady-like manner. “Yeah, if you like this kind of crap,” she muttered sarcastically.

Ahamo wasn’t offended at all by her remark and he let out a laugh. “You certainly have your mother’s wit!” he commented, approaching her.

“Hard to imagine she had any wit at all,” DG said as she tried to flatten out a crease in the front of her dress.

“Your mother has . . . changed. Being a queen can do that . . .” There was a pause before Ahamo went on, “But, come. I’m sure your mother will be looking forward to seeing you now!” Saying this, he held out a hand towards DG which she grabbed with some form of reluctance, and led her out the room and into the hall.

DG had to admit, she was having some trouble getting used to Ahamo being her father. She knew almost nothing about him, and when she finally did meet him for the first time in who knows how long, it was under very odd circumstances. In fact, when she first met him less than a week ago, she at first thought he was some slimy creep who was trying to kidnap her for the bounty placed on her head . . . or worse. But, she soon discovered that his intentions were pure, and after learning about why he had seemed to have abandoned her mother fifteen Annuals past, DG then knew that it was only for the good of the Zone and for her.

And yet, no matter how good a person Ahamo seemed to be, DG still was finding it difficult to connect with him as her father. But, that was understandable, seeing as how she had not seen him since she was a little girl, and had, for fifteen years, been raised by Hank and Emily in the Other Side, who ended up actually being robots programmed to act like they were her real parents.

But that was in the past now. For now, DG would just have to get used to this new life she was being thrust into.

Ahamo’s arm in the crook of her elbow, he and DG strode down the hall, DG wobbling slightly as she tried to walk in the high heels she had been given to wear. Yet another thing DG was not a fan of . . .

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps caught DG’s attention, and she perked her head up to see several individuals approaching from the other end of the hall. When they got close enough, both parties stopped in their steps.

“Well hello, princess!” a man with short-cut sandy-blonde hair and ice-blue eyes greeted with a slightly amused grin. He was dressed fashionably, and his current choice of clothing almost caused DG not to recognize him.

A large smile sprawled out across DG’s face. “Cain!” she exclaimed, wanting to step forward to hug him, yet resisting. She then switched her gaze to the figure standing beside him.

“Princess,” the unmistakable soft voice of Raw said as the Viewer bowed politely in her presence. His hair was combed and groomed, and he, too, wore an outfit which didn’t quite seem to fit his appearance.

Then, DG looked to Cain’s left. It was Jeb, Wyatt Cain’s son, also dressed nicely, though he seemed to be rather uncomfortable with his current outfit, constantly messing with the tight collar and tucked-in shirt. Immediately, DG could sympathize with him. She wondered silently to herself if it was Cain who had forced Jeb to wear such a thing, just like how Ahamo had been the one to pick out her dress.

Without warning, Cain lightly jabbed Jeb in the ribs with his elbow, prompting the young man to cease his fumbling and look up, and his gray-blue eyes landed on DG. “Um . . . Hi, uh, princess,” Jeb managed, obviously not quite sure what to say in the presence of royalty. He then attempted a rather awkward bow.

Without wanting to, DG giggled softly, and she held up a hand to cover her mouth. Jeb’s cheeks were flushed with embarrassment, his gaze drawn downwards. In this moment, DG could feel her father throw her a reprimanding look. She could only guess that it was not “proper” for a princess to behave in such a way to a commoner. As for Cain, he simply wrapped an arm around Jeb’s shoulder’s shaking him slightly with a smile. Jeb said nothing, too embarrassed to even speak.

“So,” Ahamo began, hoping to draw away from the rather odd moment, “you three ready for tonight?”

Cain gave a sly smirk. “Why else do you think we’d be dressed like this, your Majesty?”

“Please, let’s forget the formalities for right now,” Ahamo said gently, holding up a hand. “We can’t quite get to know each other that well if we keep referring to each other by titles, now, can we?”

“You got a point there,” Cain said with a shrug. He then looked to DG. “You ready for tonight, kiddo?”

“It’s just a dinner,” DG reminded him simply. “I’m not worried.”
“Did I ask if you were worried?”

DG opened her mouth to speak, then quickly shut it, throwing Cain a look.

“DG be alright,” Raw said with a warm smile. “Get to know family more. That’s very good.”

DG passed him a smile, once more appreciating the Viewer’s always kind words. He certainly spoke from his heart, and it was an honesty that DG respected.

Jeb still said nothing, looking more awkward than ever.

Then, DG spoke up. “Say, where’s Glitch?”

“No idea,” Cain replied. “Probably got lost.”

“Well, would he, with his new brain and all?”

Cain gently rubbed the back of his head. “Ah, yeah, I forgot they got that done . . . To be honest, I’m kind of afraid of what he’ll be like when we meet him . . . He’d better not be one of those snotty, stuck-up, royal pains-in-the –“ Cain then shut his mouth when he saw Ahamo give him a look. “I mean,” Cain corrected, clearing his throat, “I hope he’s not too changed . . .”

“Well, we find out tonight, won’t we?” Raw said, grinning from ear-to-ear.

“What about Tutor?” DG asked Ahamo.

“He’s with your mother,” said Ahamo. “He’s helping with getting things put together.”

DG bit her lip. “And Az?”

Ahamo’s brow furrowed as he said thoughtfully, “I don’t know.”

If there was one thing that took the most getting used to for DG, it was Azkadellia being her sister. For fifteen Annuals, Azkadellia had been possessed by the evil witch, had personally killed DG as a child, and when they met again, she had done nothing but try to kill and capture her. But it wasn’t Azkadellia’s fault, even if many people would claim it was so. Still, DG felt obligated to try to make things work out with her older sibling, and she really did care about what happened to her, regardless of the rocky nature of their first encounter.

“Well,” Ahamo said at last, regaining his regal composure. “Shall we?” He nodded to Cain, Raw, and Jeb, and the group walked down the hall together, the three men taking up the rear.

After a rather lengthy and silent walk, they finally reached the main dining room. Two guards stood on either side of the large, open doors, and they stepped in to find themselves in a very large room with a high ceiling and tall, ornate glass windows lining the walls. Although it was now evening, the suns were still shining outside, spilling in soft light on the luxurious carpet and marble floor. Upon the carpet in the middle of the room sat a long, wide table, close to thirty chairs set around it, two placed at the head. Already, people were seated at the table, talking enthusiastically with each other. One of the first things DG noticed upon entering the room was the very large framed painting hung on the wall behind the head of the table. It was a painting of a young DG and Azkadellia and their mother and father, obviously painted before the tragedy that DG still felt responsible for – the freeing of the evil witch and Azkadellia’s unfortunate possession. DG had to bite down on her lip to resist reminding herself of that memory, and hesitantly followed Ahamo’s steps into the room.

Upon entering, DG was suddenly aware of a dozen pairs of eyes suddenly turning on her, most filled with respect and awe. But, could she blame them? She had been declared dead after Azkadellia had choked the life out of her and her mother brought her back, and no one in the O.Z. had seen or heard word of the missing daughter of Light for fifteen Annuals. To see her alive and well and in their presence must have been a joy to behold for many of them.

Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, DG whispered to her father, “Do they really have to stare?”

“Well, you are a princess,” Ahamo whispered back. “You could easily order them not to . . .”

DG tried to resist laughing. “I think I’ll wait a while before I feel comfortable doing that!”

At last, Ahamo led DG to the head of the table. As soon as she walked up, DG saw her mother sitting in one of the head chairs, her hair done up in its usual ornate style, clad in an absolutely gorgeous low-cut lavender dress with flowing sleeves. She seemed so full of life today, and her beautiful lavender eyes sparkled, her cheeks glowing.

Ahamo slid out a chair set beside the Queen on the other length of the table, motioning for DG to sit before walking around to sit in his designated seat directly beside his wife. When he sat down, the newly-reunited couple passed one another a loving look, briefly clasping each other’s hand. DG found it rather sweet to see that her parents still loved each other dearly even after not being allowed to see one another for many Annuals.

When DG at last lowered into her chair, she realized that the chairs beside her and across from her were empty. Two seats to DG’s left, she saw Cain, Jeb, and Raw all seated next to each other, and Tutor sat next to the empty chair that was across from her. In that moment, DG became aware that Glitch and Azkadellia were not present. Apparently, those two seats were assigned to them.

All of a sudden, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the connected hallway, and everyone’s heads turned to see Ambrose running into the room, one hand holding his combed-down hair in place. He at last skid to a halt by his chair, clearly out of breath, and passed a deep bow to both the King and Queen. “Forgive me for my lateness, your Majesties,” he said in a rush, keeping his voice low. “I almost forgot the dinner was starting . . .”

“That’s perfectly all right, Ambrose,” the Queen said gently with a soft smile. “It’s just good to have you back.”

Ambrose smiled timidly. “Thank you, your Majesty.” He then sat down next to Tutor, straightening out his jacket and making sure that his hair was kept in order. “And it’s absolutely wonderful to see you, too, princess!” he said to DG with a very large, almost childlike grin.

DG passed him a smile. “You, too, Glitch.”

“It’s Ambrose.”

DG felt her cheeks flush. “Oh, right,” she said with an awkward grin. “I keep forgetting.”

Ambrose shrugged. “That’s okay. Took me a while to get used to it, too . . .”

“Glad to see you’re back all in one piece,” Cain’s voice commented from across the table.

Ambrose looked to him, and his eyes immediately lit up. “Cain! I’m glad to see you, too! What’s new?”

DG looked to Cain to see him fold his hands on the table. “Well, Central City is now in need of new Tin Men to help clean up the city. I’m considering their offer, but . . .” He paused for a fraction of a second, his gaze scanning over Ambrose, Ahamo, the Queen, and, lastly, DG. “. . . perhaps I can make myself useful here.”

“Oh, that would be perfect!” Ambrose said rather giddily. “We could use men like you to help jump-start the protection program me and the King are trying to establish!”

“Yes, it would,” DG added, nodding.

“Aren’t you concerned, though, about the Longcoats in hiding still in Central City?” Tutor asked gravely.

Cain looked to him. The two were still locked in a rather rocky relationship, given Cain’s natural distrust for people. However, ever since Tutor had won the trust of the Queen – for she had heard about his involvement in helping Azkadellia track down DG and the others – Cain’s disposition towards him had improved greatly. He still was not against throwing out the occasional dog reference every now and again, though, something he enjoyed a bit too much.

“That fact still bothers me,” Cain said in a very thoughtful manner. “However, I feel it best to try to focus on keeping things here at the palace as safe as possible. We don’t want to make feasible a possible coup. No doubt there will be Longcoats who still hold a grudge against us.”

Tutor nodded his head, almost sadly. “True.”

“Well,” Jeb said, speaking up for the first time in a while, “maybe I can go back to the Resistance fighters once we’re done here. Maybe I can see if any are willing to help out here as well as Central City. We already are trying to work on hunting down as many rogue Longcoats as we can in the wilderness.”

“I like that idea,” DG said with a nod, passing a small smile to Jeb. She may not have known him very well, nor for very long, but she could already tell that he was a very quick thinker, and very logical at that. Those qualities made Jeb almost seem wise beyond his years.

Upon catching DG’s smile, Jeb lowered his gaze to his hands which rested in his lap, and he fell silent once again.

“And what about you, Raw?” Ambrose asked the Viewer. “Any possible palace positions coming up?”

Raw smiled shyly, rubbing his hands over in front of him. “Raw just be glad everyone happy. Perhaps Raw go with other people of same kind, take care of Kalm. He needs me since . . . Lylo’s gone . . .”

Glitch smiled knowingly at this. “I think you’d make a fine guardian, Raw.”

Listening to her friends talk, DG couldn’t help but feel happy to still have them around. She was also content to hear that they all had their own plans in place, their own futures to build. DG herself was unsure about her own. Now that she was a princess, what would she do? And what about the prophecy about one princess taking the throne? Was it even a true prophecy at all? DG tried to banish the thought. No doubt things would become clearer once her mother and father got the kingdom back in order.

“Dear, where’s Azkadellia?” DG suddenly heard her mother whisper to Ahamo.

“I don’t know,” Ahamo whispered back.

“Well what should we do?” The Queen’s voice was tinged with worry.

Ahamo seemed to hesitate. “Maybe we should just start the dinner without her . . .”

Just as he said that, another pair of footsteps caught the attention of the dinner guests, and this time when they looked towards the door, they saw a woman walk in. She was dressed in a very fine low-cut silver dress with short sleeves, her dark hair done up in a bun, but with some of her hair’s length allowed to fall between her shoulder blades. As she walked into the room, her steps were purposeful, yet timid, and the looks the guests threw her were not kind or respectful in the slightest. Several whispers began to spring up, and DG was able to catch a few:

“It’s . . . her . . .”

“That’s the witch’s little wench!”

“Don’t look at her – she might curse you . . .”

DG found her jaw dropping at what she heard. How on earth could people possibly still hold Azkadellia responsible for something that was out of her control? Yes, she did horrible, terrible things, but that was the witch’s doing, not Az’s. But then, many of the things Azkadellia did were directed at these individuals, and many still did not know the truth about what really happened so long ago in that cave.

DG threw a look at her mother and father who simply stared back at her with sad eyes.

At last, Azkadellia made it to the head of the table, hesitating slightly at the chair set next to DG’s. DG looked up at her, forcing a reassuring smile. Azkadellia smiled back, though her smile seemed feeble, and she sat down, shifting slightly in her seat. Looking at her, DG could tell that her sister’s mind was preoccupied.

After everyone was present and accounted for, the King and Queen stood up to present a speech, detailing their joy to see everyone together, their hope to make a new, stronger, O.Z., and introducing to the guests the two princesses, brought back together again. There was some applause at this point, though DG had the feeling that it was more directed towards her than it was Azkadellia. Ahamo and the Queen also made sure to give credit to Ambrose, Cain, Tutor, and Raw for their involvement in the witch’s demise. Everyone then made a toast, and, with that, the food was finally served.

There was much talk going about as everyone ate. For DG, she found herself focused more on the food than anything else, seeing as how she had never once had such a magnificent meal – that is, not since she was a girl. One of the dishes was a warm and hearty soup.

“That’s the muglug!” Ambrose declared with a wide grin.

This produced a rather amused laugh from DG, and she finished her bowl happily.

During the meal, Azkadellia spoke not a word. She was being more silent than Jeb had been, who now was chatting away with his father about his plans regarding the Resistance and Cain’s future involvement with the palace. Also, Azkadellia barely touched her food. DG was starting to get worried, and she could tell that her parents were, too.

“Azkadellia . . . Are you all right?” the Queen asked softly with genuine concern.

Azkadellia lifted her head to look at her mother. She smiled. “I’m fine, mother,” she said with some form of hesitation. “Everything’s great. You don’t have to worry about me.” Saying that, she returned to her food, sipping slowly at her muglug.

After dinner, desert was served. DG found the delicacies to be very enjoyable, ranging from sweet, fruity gelatins to slightly bitter chocolate cake, which in fact tasted quite delicious. Everyone ate till their stomachs were full, including the King and Queen. Ambrose seemed to have eaten the most out of everyone, no doubt gorging himself on everything he had missed over the past fifteen Annuals. DG giggled silently to herself imagining how bad of a stomachache he was going to have the next morning.

When everyone was done, the servants came forth to collect the dishes, and the guests were allowed to stand up and mill around for a time. DG felt as if she needed some air, and her mother directed her to one of the glass windows that had a door that led to a balcony outside. She stepped out, now suddenly realizing just how dark it had grown. The breeze was a bit chilly, but it certainly was welcoming.

Then, DG realized that she was not alone out here. She stopped, noticing Azkadellia standing at the balcony’s edge, her arms rested on the railing. She appeared to be gazing up at the sky. Slowly, DG approached her, coming to a stop beside her sister. She gripped the sides of her dress with her hands.

“Hey,” DG said simply.

Azkadellia whipped her head to DG suddenly, obviously a bit startled. “Oh,” she breathed. “Hey.”

DG placed her hands on the balcony’s railing, turning her eyes to the sky above. “It’s a beautiful night,” she commented.

Azkadellia nodded. “Yeah . . .”

“It’s a full moon, isn’t it?” She looked to her sister, only to suddenly realize that that might not have been the best subject to bring up.

“I guess so,” Az said quietly, her brown eyes now staring at nothing in particular.

Then, DG turned to face her, and she let out a sigh as she said, “Look, Azkadellia – if you want to talk about anything, know that I’m here for you. Our parents are here for you.” She watched her, looking for a reaction.

There wasn’t any. Or, at least, Azkadellia wasn’t showing it. “I know,” she said softly. “I guess . . . maybe I’m just having a hard time getting used to my old life . . . I was just a girl when the witch took over me, so I have very few memories of what happened during that time. There are a few images, some very poignant. And . . . nightmares . . .”

DG took a step closer, gently rubbing Azkadellia’s shoulder in a comforting manner. “But all that’s over. The witch is no longer with you. You can start your life over again – make a fresh start! I know I will have to.”

Azkadellia looked to her, her dark eyes almost sad. “But you have it easy! The people don’t hate you! You were always the favorite child – Always! I’m not sure if our parents will really take me back . . .”

“What are you saying?” DG asked incredulously. “Our parents still love you! You saw how thankful they were when the witch was melted! Right then and there, they took you back!”

“Oh really? Then why do I recall mother stating ‘You’re not my daughter’ to me?”

DG shook her head. “She was referring to the witch, Az.” She paused, giving Azkadellia a scrutinizing look. “What’s going on with you? The day I saved you, you were grateful, you were happy! Now you’re questioning it all? Why?”

Azkadellia suddenly clutched her head, bending over so that her nose practically touched the railing. “I don’t know!” she cried. “Sometimes I can still hear the witch’s voice inside my head . . . Telling me things . . .”

“She was in you for fifteen years,” DG stated, her voice sad. “Give it some time, and it’ll pass. Just believe it will . . . Concentrate . . .”

At this, Azkadellia lowered her hands, now holding on to the railing, and she closed her eyes, breathing deeply. When she opened her eyes again, she appeared much more at peace. Then, she looked to DG. “Thank-you,” she said. “I guess I still have a lot to learn . . .”

DG smiled. “It’ll be okay,” she said, and the two sisters shared a brief embrace. They pulled away, and Azkadellia signaled she was ready to go back inside. DG accompanied her, and allowed her to go off on her own, watching silently as Az approached her parents. In that moment, DG knew that the road to recovery for Azkadellia was definitely going to be a long one.




Several interesting conversations later, DG was at last led to her room, accompanied by several attendants. She was upset that she was unable to talk with her old friends very much tonight, since she had constantly been approached by royal advisors and the like who wanted to ask her too many questions. At least she was able to say good night to Glitch, Cain, Raw, and Tutor before being led away.

Back in her room, the attendants helped pick out a proper nightgown, as well as changing in to it and undoing her hair. DG tried to protest their aid, but they were adamant, stating that a real princess needed attendants. Unable to sway them, DG allowed them to do their job, feeling incredibly awkward with the whole thing.

When they were finally done with her, DG bade them good night, and they promptly left, wishing the princess pleasant dreams. DG let a relieved sigh escape her lips as soon as they were finally gone. Perhaps she could approach her mother about this and request no attendants be given to her. She rather hated people doing everything for her.

Suddenly, DG began aware of familiar voices outside her door. Curious, she slowly opened the door a crack, just enough so that she could get a good look outside. And, she listened.

“Are you sure that’s wise, father?” one of the voices asked in a wary tone. It was Jeb.

“A promise is a promise,” Cain replied sternly. “Besides, I’d be damned if I ever went back on my word.”

“Even with this?” Jeb’s tone was bitter.

“I made a promise, Jeb. Remember what I told you about heart.”

“But – but . . . you can’t be serious!” Jeb was close to yelling now. “I say leave the b*****d in there to rot! He certainly didn’t plan on ever freeing us!”

“And that,” Cain cut in, his voice like ice, “is what makes us different from him.”

Jeb fell suddenly silent, and DG could almost imagine the man trying to fumble for words.

“I’m . . . I’m sorry, father,” Jeb said at last, his voice much calmer now. “I’m just still trying to understand your reasoning in all of this . . .”

“Believe me, son – I don’t quite understand it either. All I know is that my heart tells me it’s the right thing to do. Maybe if I get him out of there, he will have learned a thing or two. If not . . . Well, then, we always have the prison . . .”

Jeb’s voice dropped a decibel. “I’d be happy enough with that . . .”

“So,” Cain went on, “you gonna’ let me do this?”

Jeb hesitated. “Yeah . . .” He paused, then added sharply, “Just don’t get yourself killed doing it. Just . . . don’t . . .” DG swore she could hear his voice choke with those last words.

“You have my word, Jeb,” Cain said simply, and DG heard the two give one another a tight hug before Cain’s footsteps echoed down the hall and out of earshot.

Very slowly, DG opened the door further, her eyes glancing this way and that. Just what had their conversation been about . . . ?

“Isn’t it a bit late for you to be out of bed, princess?”

DG practically jumped with a start, causing her to stumble out of her room and into the hallway. She quickly straightened out her nightgown, smoothing back her long dark hair. When she had regained her composure, she found herself staring at Jeb who stood only a few feet away from her.

“Well,” DG shot back, her voice slightly shaky, “isn’t it a bit late for you to be walking around the halls like this?”

Jeb suddenly smiled, folding his arms across his chest. “You’ve got quite a bite, there, princess,” he commented with a grin. “I thought royalty was supposed to be high and snooty all the time and looked down on my kind.”

“But you’re a Resistance fighter,” DG reminded him. “We should be thanking you.”

“You got a point . . .”

There was an awkward silence, only broken when DG decided to speak up.
“Say, Jeb,” she began, slightly clearing her throat, “do you mind if I ask you some questions . . . ?”

Jeb leaned to the side so that his right shoulder was rested against the wall, his arms still folded. “Shoot.”

DG thought a moment. “How long have you been with the Resistance?”

“I can’t give you a specific time frame,” Jeb replied, “but I joined a few Annuals after my dad was put in the suit. Pretty soon, I gained quite a reputation with them. They even gave me a leadership position.”

“And you and Cain . . . Wyatt, I mean . . . What’s your relationship like?”

Jeb’s face seemed to sink a bit. “Before I finally saw him again, for eight Annuals I thought he was dead. It’s kind of hard to rebuild a relationship around that kind of history. I know he respects what I do, but I get the feeling he thinks I’m too rigid. Him, well . . . sometimes I can’t understand his decisions . . .”

DG slightly tilted her head, giving him a curious look. “What do you mean?”

“When I first ran into my dad a few days ago, the day before we attacked the tower, we had captured a Longcoat named Zero, the man who pretty much ruined my family’s lives.”

DG stiffened slightly. She knew that name alright. According to Cain, he was the one who had placed him in the Iron Suit she and Glitch had found him in, and that event had sent Cain on a quest for revenge. She knew practically nothing more than that, other than he seemed to take great pleasure in what he did. She had also encountered him only twice, and that was enough for her to feel the wickedness that surrounded him.

“After we captured him,” Jeb went on, “and he gave us the information we required, I was ready to kill him on the spot. He . . . he killed my mother . . .” Jeb’s voice faded off, sadness and rage suddenly building in his eyes. But he soon regained control of himself, and he continued, “But before I could do it, my dad stopped me. He claimed it was the wrong thing to do, that it wouldn’t solve anything.” He sighed, lowering his head. “I know what my dad says is the truth,” he said, almost to himself. “I’m just having a hard time accepting it . . .”

DG stared at Jeb, suddenly feeling a sense of sympathy for him. She could understand how such a horrible experience – his mother being killed – could prompt someone to seek revenge, but at the same time she had to agree with Cain’s words. And she now realized that Cain himself had changed, having finally given up his own desire for vengeance. Perhaps, in time, Jeb would learn something from his father’s actions.

“Is that all, princess?” Jeb then asked, quickly changing the subject.

A thought sprung into DG’s mind. “Actually, no . . . I was wondering . . . Why were you so jittery when I first ran into you today . . . ?”

Jeb’s face suddenly flushed, and he averted his gaze. He turned as if to walk away, and, throwing DG a glance, he muttered, “I . . . thought you looked nice . . .” Saying that, he then strode down the hall, his steps brisk, leaving DG alone with a very warm sensation rising in her cheeks.