Fic: Every Broken Road and Stepping Stone (01/02)

[erinm_4600]

Title: Every Broken Road and Stepping Stone (01/02)
Author: Erin (erinm_4600)
Characters, Pairing: Everyone, plus a dozen or so original characters
Rating: PG
Summary: When Jeb is in danger, Cain and DG run off to rescue him. But what happens when the rescue party needs rescuing? *written for the Spring Challenge at tm_challenge.
Warning: post-series. As per the Challenge requirements: Character Death
Disclaimer: The original characters belong to L. Frank Baum and their respective actors. The current characters belong to Sci-Fi, the movie folks and their respective actors. The OCs are mine. Title comes from A Boy Becomes a Man by Emerson Drive.
Word Count: 19,254 total

the first part | the second part
Snug as a Bug | Moving On | Simple Habits | Down the Path | From the Shadows | Emergency Situation | Keep Her Safe | Who Knew There Were Dragons in the Zone? | Hearing Things | Getting Around the Law | When the News Packs a Punch | Only in the Movies
the fanmix

Jeb Cain looked into the room and saw his four-annual-old daughter sitting in the middle of her bed, book open in front of her. Forcing back the smile on his face, he cleared his throat, causing the little girl to look up slowly.

"Wiles," he said, stepping into the room and moving to the side of the bed. "What are you doin'?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Reading," came a tiny voice from somewhere behind the mass of reddish-blonde curls. Her chin was currently pressed to her chest and her whole body moved with the mattress as Jeb sat down on the bed.

"And what are you supposed to be doing?" he asked with a smirk. He was completely wrapped around the girl's finger; luckily, she wasn't quite old enough to know that yet. Her head turned so that her cheek was now pressed into her shoulder.

"Sleeping," came the tiny voice again. Jeb gave her another second before holding out a hand.

"C'mere." She pushed up to her knees and lunged for him, and he hugged her tightly as he stood and reached for the book - which he sat on the nightstand - and pulled back the blanket covering the bed. Pushing his daughter up and away from himself, she giggled as he rather carefully dropped her into the mass of puffy blankets and pillows.

Next, he rather dramatically dropped himself to the bed and took a deep breath as he crossed his legs and rested his hands on his chest. Movement in the doorway caught his eye and he looked up to see his wife, leaning against the door jamb. She gave the girl a wave and a smile, but said nothing; instead, she was simply enjoying the sight of the two of them together.

Jeb could feel the girl's eyes on him and turned to look at her. "Yes?" he asked, as if he didn't know what she was waiting for. It was time for a story. Jeb looked at the nightstand and reached for the book she'd been 'reading.' "Have you heard the one about the Papay who lived under the house in Milltown?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

The little girl made a face and shook her head. "Magic shoes?" She shook her head again. Setting the book on his stomach, Jeb's eyes went wide as he read the title. "Users Guide for an eighty-six Honda?" Making a face, Jeb leaned forward and held the book out for his wife to take and made a note that they'd have to have another talk with the girl about why she wasn't supposed to remove books from the library at Finaqua.

"Grampa an' the Princess," he heard her whisper.

"You can tell me that story," he said, not surprised at her request; it was her favorite. Giving her a dramatic sigh, Jeb nodded and gave her a moment to get situated before he began and watched his wife set the book on top of the dresser.

"Once upon a time, there was a man named Wyatt Cain."

DG and Cain moved into the clearing of the camp. They'd received word of an attack on Jeb's resistance camp and taken off to the west. Cain was so concerned about his son that he hadn't even argued with DG when she insisted to go along.

It had taken three full days for them to get to the camp. Traveling by truck, they were accompanied by guards and a team of medics. Upon arrival, DG and Cain spread out, looking for any survivors. The tents were still standing, but smoke was rising from the campfires and, from the look of the area, there were no survivors.

Cain insisted that there had to be, especially because Jeb trained his people well, and he was trained by Cain. Jeb would have sent the young and old away as soon as the fighting grew close. All able-bodied men and women would have stayed to fight and defend.

DG moved through the bodies and checked for pulses - not sure if she was even doing it properly - and trying to stay detached. She'd seen quite a lot in the year she'd been on this side and, to say it had made her harder wouldn't be off. Well, not by much.

DG glanced across the camp, where Cain was helping two guards move rubble. She looked back down and moved to the next body when she heard it. Looking to her left, then right, DG spotted her. Lying on the ground, a few feet away, was a girl - probably DG's age - breathing shallowly. DG moved toward her and reached for the girl's hand as she turned and scanned for one of the medics.

"I need help over here!" she shouted as the girl squeezed her hand. "Anybody?!" DG leaned over the girl and scanned her body for visible wounds. What DG did find, however, was that the girl was pregnant. Turning back to the camp, she yelled again: "Now!"

A moment later, a medic appeared at her side and began checking the girl over as DG continued to hold her hand. She held eye contact and leaned over the girl as the medic pulled something from his bag. "What's your name?" DG asked calmly.

"Cora," the girl responded between breaths. DG squeezed her hand again.

"We'll get you taken care of, don't worry," she said, hoping to sound calm. She glanced up to the medic, who shook his head. DG shifted slightly at his action and Cora squeezed her hand again.

"Please," she gasped as tears formed in her eyes. "Please... save..." DG nodded to her and looked back to the medic. At his expression, DG frowned.

"You just gonna sit there?" she snapped.

"There's nothing..." he finally said, glancing down at Cora. "If I save her, she could lose the baby."

"If you don't save her, she will lose the baby!" she said angrily.

"Please..." Cora begged, still looking at DG. The medic shook his head and leaned back, but DG reached over Cora and grabbed his shirt.

"Respect her wishes," DG demanded. The medic blinked and took a deep breath then nodded. DG let go of him and returned her focus to Cora. "Keep looking at me," she nodded. "You have anyone-" DG wanted to kick herself as soon as she spoke. Of course the girl had family. They were probably nearby.

"Lee," she whispered. "He's..." she moved slightly and moved her hand to the right. DG noticed a young man lying nearby.

"I'm sorry," she said, trying not to cry. This scene was more than even she had prepared for. Cora grasped and cried out as the medic cut into her, and DG continued to hold her hand and hoped she was giving the girl comfort.

"Get me a clean blanket or cloth," the medic ordered her. "Something clean." DG looked around their space and didn't see anything. She would have to let go of Cora.

"I'm comin' right back, I swear," DG said with a nod. Cora nodded in return and took a deep breath. DG moved over to the closest tent and shoved some crates around. Finding nothing, she moved to the cot in the corner and pulled back the blanket. Hopefully the sheets were clean enough.

Yanking the flat sheet from the makeshift mattress, DG gave it a good shake as she scrambled back to Cora and the medic. "Get that water!" the medic said, pointing to a jug just next to the tent flap. DG grabbed it and returned to Cora's side, still holding the sheet. She glanced at the medic and tried not to look at the blood. Luckily, she did see Cain, moving her way with Jeb at his side.

"Oh, thank God," DG breathed, closing her eyes for a moment.

"Sheet," the medic stated, nodding to a pink blob in his hands. DG nodded to Cora and shifted left with the sheet, opening it up and holding it taut as the medic placed the clean-as-could-be infant in the center. DG wrapped the excess sheet around the baby - laughing slightly at the memory of wrapping sandwiches at the café - and moved back to Cora's side.

"Here you go," she said to the baby, placing it gently in Cora's arms. Cora gasped for air again and began to cry as she looked at the baby. Her eyes shot to DG for a second and DG's to the medic. 'Girl,' he mouthed, returning to his task of repairing what damage he could to Cora's torso.

"It's a girl," DG said with a half-laugh as Cora stared at the baby. DG could head Cain and Jeb arguing about something as they got closer, but was still focused on Cora. Cora shook her head and pushed the baby back toward DG.

"Please," she forced. DG glanced to the medic, who frowned. "Take care." Cora swallowed and took a deep breath. "Promise..." DG held the baby close and nodded.

"I promise," DG said softly as Jeb and Cain reached them. Cora took a few short breaths and was gone. DG rocked back into a sitting position and looked from Cora to the baby in her arms. 'Now is not the time for a panic attack, stupid,' DG told herself as the baby began to cry.

Evie had told her once that babies could sense stress levels and knew - like cats - when someone didn't want them around. Her grip on the girl tightened as Jeb leaned next to her and sighed heavily.

"Oh, Cora," he said as his head dropped to his chest. He glanced across her body and saw Lee, which caused him to curse. He rose quickly and moved away from DG, but Cain's arm shot out and stopped him. Before Jeb could speak, however, everyone jumped at the sound of gunfire. Cain pushed Jeb toward DG and pointed to her.

"Get her out of here." DG looked up to Cain and joined Jeb in protest. Cain shot a look to her and pulled Jeb aside. "This isn't up for discussion. Get her home. Keep her safe."

"Where are you-" DG asked, having pushed herself up off the ground. "I'm not..." Cain moved between DG and Jeb and pushed them both away.

"This is not a place for you to be right now, Princess." His eyes rolled as both Jeb and DG started arguing again. Another round of gunfire made everyone quiet. "Jeb, get out of here. Now!" Cain quickly moved away toward the guards and didn't turn at DG's final protest. The medic took off after Cain and Jeb put an arm around DG.

"Come on," he said with a frown.

"No, I'm not..." Jeb got a handful of her sleeve and pulled. DG looked back over her shoulder and caught Cain's eye. He nodded to her and frowned, then turned back to his men. Taking the chance to glance back at the retreating forms of DG and Jeb, Cain frowned again.

It wasn't exactly the heroic goodbye he'd always envisioned.

As the guards finished loading their weapons, Cain nodded and the group moved together toward the rise behind them.

"You're just gonna do what he says?" DG asked, trying to keep up with Jeb.

"Yes," Jeb said simply, dodging a loose tree branch and holding it back so DG could pass.

"What happens when the guys who did that come back? Who's gonna help Cain?" Jeb forced himself not to look back as he heard the distant explosion.

"My father gave me an order. And I intend to follow it."

"Yeah," DG said, stopping at a large rock and leaning against it. "Because the highlight of your day is babysitting me," she stated in a mocking tone. She shifted the infant - who was sleeping now - and looked off into the trees for a moment before turning back to Jeb.

"Are they going to-" Jeb stepped closer and pulled her off the rock.

"No," he stated matter-of-factly. Unfortunately, he didn't believe himself either. He would much rather be fighting alongside his father and his few surviving men. Orders or not, he was still running away from a fight; with a Princess and a newborn, no less.

Had his father taken into account that heading into the woods with no weapons or food was probably as unsafe for the Princess' well-being as staying in the camp? Jeb doubted it. When it came to the Princess, Jeb noted, his father didn't always think clearly.

In fact, he seemed not to think at all. Why had he brought her along anyway? Where they both expecting a party when they'd arrived? He wasn't sure what about 'We're under attack' translated into 'Hey, bring the Princess! It'll be fun!' He would also never question his father on the matter; whatever their relationship, Cain and DG were not Jeb's business.

DG and Jeb walked for nearly three hours before DG couldn't go any further. To make matters worse, it had started to rain and the baby had begun to fuss. DG knew enough to know that the baby needed to eat and that she was ill-equipped to do anything about it. Jeb found a small hut-like outcropping and directed DG inside.

She slumped against the rock wall and closed her eyes for a moment. Jeb stood near the entrance and looked out into the woods as the storm got worse. DG shifted and placed the baby over her knees and stretched her arms. Jeb looked back and sighed then moved over and sat next to her.

"Let me," he said, motioning to the baby. DG gave him an 'are you sure' look and lifted the baby off her legs and toward him. She noticed how careful he was with the baby and had to laugh.

"What?" DG shook her head. "There were children in the camp, you know. I've done my share of holding babies," he said seriously. DG smiled and looked outside, the sound of the rain hurting her head.

"How long do you think the rain will last?" she asked quietly. Jeb looked from the baby to her then to the entrance and back to DG. Shrugging, he returned his gaze to the baby.

"No idea. Sometimes a few minutes... sometimes all day." DG sighed heavily and looked around their current home. The 'cave' - for lack of a better word - must've been used by someone. There were some crates in the corner and a makeshift table.

"This one of your places?" she asked, nodding to the crates. Jeb looked up again and around the space. Squinting in the dimming light, he shook his head.

"Might be one of the hideouts. I've never been here before." DG nodded and leaned back against the wall. She watched Jeb and the baby for a few moments before nudging his shoulder with hers.

"Sorry." Jeb looked up to her with a frown. "For taking you away from Cain. I know you'd rather be with him right now." Jeb looked back to the baby and said nothing. "And I'm sorry about your people." She stared out the opening.

"Not your fault," Jeb said with a sigh. He really wasn't in a talking mood. "You didn't send the insurgents in." He turned to DG, brow furrowed. "You didn't, did-" DG reared back.

"Of course not!" She gave him a look and frowned. Focusing on the wall to her right, she mumbled: "Might as well have..." Jeb looked up as DG turned to face him, eyes wide with regret and sadness. "We made a lot of people angry, not killing Az. They wanted her to pay..."

"It was the-" DG put a hand on Jeb's arm.

"You know that. And I know that," she said with a sigh. Pushing herself up from the floor, DG wiped her hands on her pants and moved to the crates. "Unfortunately, the rest of the Oh Zee isn't so easy to convince."

"Hate to break it to you, Princess," Jeb said with a smile. "They would have come after you. Not us lowly rebels." DG made a face in his direction and pulled the top crate aside.

"Maybe they left some-" DG trailed off, making a face at the lack of food in the crate.

"I can catch something as soon as the storm lets up," Jeb informed her as he adjusted his hold on the baby. DG sighed at her lack of success with the next crate and moved back to Jeb and the baby. Taking her previous seat, DG scooted closer to Jeb and leaned her cheek on his shoulder. Reaching over to the baby, she pulled a piece of branch from the sheet and flicked it to the cave floor.

"Why was she there?" she asked quietly. Jeb wasn't sure if DG knew she'd spoken aloud. He shifted slightly, moving his leaned-upon arm around DG in a half-hug and sighed.

"She was stubborn. Lee told her to go, but she refused to leave his side." Jeb swallowed at the memory of the two arguing. Lee had threatened to drag her away himself before one of the older men agreed to take her away with his family. "She must've slipped away and come back." Suddenly, he found he was very angry and grumbled: "She put her unborn child's life in danger because she was selfish."

DG pulled away and looked at him as if he was a complete stranger. "She wasn't selfish... she was in love." Jeb didn't even flinch. "They say 'love makes you do stupid things,' yes. But it was her choice to make. And if she wanted to go back and be with him when-" DG blinked. Shaking her head, DG leaned back against the wall.

"Stupid, yes. But not selfish." Jeb looked back to the baby and let her words sink in. A moment later, he leaned forward and unwrapped some of the sheet keeping the baby warm. Spreading it out best he could, Jeb laid the baby gently on the floor and turned back to DG. He put a hand on either shoulder and shook her slightly.

"Swear to me that, if something happens... You will go." DG blinked again. "Right now! Swear you will go," he demanded a bit more loudly.

"I swear!" Jeb was beginning to scare her - he looked far too much like his father at that moment. Jeb let go of DG and leaned back. He took a few deep breaths then nodded.

"All right. We're at least two days from the nearest village. From there-" DG began to phase out as Jeb went into planning-mode. She reached for the baby and pulled the sheet loose, freeing the child's arms and legs. Jeb stopped talking for a moment and watched as DG picked up the naked baby.

"What are you-" he asked, dumbfounded. DG nodded to the sheet.

"Can you get a corner of that off? Nothing major." DG was glad the baby hadn't eaten; she wasn't in a position to be changing diapers just yet. But the baby did need to be cleaned. Jeb caught on after DG nodded to the storm outside and began looking for something in all the junk to act as a makeshift tub. Back in the corner, Jeb found a box with a blanket and some medical supplies. Pulling a knife from the small tin box, Jeb went to work cutting a strip from the sheet.

It was far to wet for the sheet to dry properly if he washed it, but it was all they had for the girl. He gave the strip to DG and took the rest of the sheet out into the rain. They'd passed a small creek a few yards back and it would have to do.

Returning a few minutes later, Jeb smiled as he watched DG making faces at the baby while she wiped the grime away. DG noticed Jeb watching her and straightened. "She can't actually see me," DG stated, wondering why she always remembered the useless information from school. "Just a fuzzy-" she motioned to her face and shrugged.

"I tried to-" Jeb stated, holding up the wet sheet and DG could see the wring marks; from the look of it, he must've had some pent-up anger. She looked around for a place to hang it and finally nodded to the crates.

As Jeb laid the sheet out, he mentioned: "Looks like we're stuck here for a while, Princess. Unless you have some handle on the weather," he said with a nod in her direction. DG looked at her hand and frowned.

"'fraid not." The baby's small fingers wrapped around DG's thumb and she squeezed, bringing the attention back to her. DG smiled and gave the water a little splash. "At least she's in a good mood," she mused before noticing Jeb shiver. The wind had picked up and he'd just gone out into the rain. Rolling her eyes, DG clicked her tongue at him.

"If you get sick, I swear..." Jeb glared at her and shook out the blanket. Shaking her head, DG looked back to the semi-wet baby. 'Crap,' she thought, realizing she hadn't taken a towel into account. And now the sheet was wet. Looking down for a moment, she had an idea. "Hey." Jeb looked up and she nodded him over as she held up the baby. He stopped fiddling with the blanket and moved over to the girls, taking the baby from DG.

DG quickly shrugged off her jacket and Jeb's eyes went wide as she next pulled her shirt over her head. Holding the shirt up to the baby, DG rolled her eyes at Jeb. "Don't be such a girl," she said with an exasperated sigh. "It's not like I'm naked." Which was true; she was only mostly naked. Wrapping as much of the shirt around the baby as she could while Jeb was still holding her, DG leaned over to pick up her jacket.

Jeb glanced at her quickly, then away again as she pulled the jacket back on. DG threw her hands up in the air. "Hey! Until MacGyver shows up, you're stuck with me." Jeb could only nod and let DG take the baby from him. She held the baby close and readjusted the shirt to cover as much of the infant as possible as Jeb picked up the blanket again. She hoped that her body heat would be enough to keep the baby warm until they had to move out again.

DG watched with fascination as Jeb unfolded the blanket, folded it and unfolded it again. Finally, he nodded and she moved to sit against the wall. Holding the baby against her, DG didn't argue when Jeb put his arm around her again and pulled the blanket over both girls. Five minutes later, they were all asleep.

Cain and the soldiers moved down into the clearing swiftly - half the insurgents were incapacitated before they'd realized where the men came from. Part of Cain wished it had been Zero leading the pack, but he'd long since been claimed from the iron suit and was currently locked in a Central City prison. And Cain knew that because he'd stopped by the day before word of the attack came.

As he and the other men pushed back the enemy, Cain's thoughts went to Jeb and DG. Why had he let Jeb leave? Not earlier - with DG - but a year ago, when they'd saved the O.Z. DG and Glitch told the man he'd just have to accept that Jeb was his own man, but Cain was stubborn.

And stupid.

Why did he let DG come out here with him? How could he have been so ridiculously oblivious to the fact that leading her right into the fight - when she was the target- Cain straightened at the thought. Jeb's people were attacked. They knew Jeb would call on his father for help. Cain would go to Jeb. And where Cain went, DG was sure to follow. He'd led her right to the people who wanted her dead. Because of Jeb.

Cain was suddenly so angry with himself that he didn't notice the large steel shovel coming at his head from the left.

Cain blinked and sucked in a breath as the pain coursed through his head. Taking a minute to focus, he realized he was no longer in the woods. Now, he was on the floor of a darkened room; a cell, of sorts. He'd gone and gotten himself captured by the enemy.

'Good one, Cain,' he scolded himself. But why was he still alive? They'd simply killed everyone else at the camp. What good was a former Tin Man? His life wasn't worth anything to anyone. 'Well,' his brain countered. 'There's at least four people who would argue that.' Cain shook the thought away; now was not the time for sentiment.

He was more bother alive to these people, so what would cause them to keep him alive? 'The Princess,' he thought. They knew DG would do anything for her friends. But she wouldn't trade Az for him - Cain was sure of that.

And, if she did, he'd kill her.

Until his captors appeared, however, Cain could only sit and wait.

DG awoke with a start. She reached blindly for the baby and Jeb, but found herself alone in the cave. Pushing the blanket aside as she sat up, DG pulled her jacket lapels closer together and noticed her shirt hanging off the nearest crate. She reached for it and noticed that, while it was slightly damp, it didn't smell like baby.

She shrugged and quickly removed her jacket then pulled the shirt on. 'Nothing like hiking with wet clothes,' she thought, as she pulled herself up from the floor and hung the jacket on the crate. It was considerably warmer now that the suns were up. DG stepped out of the cave's entrance and spotted Jeb sitting off to the left.

As she stepped closer, she could hear him talking to the baby. "It seems the Princess has finally awoken from her slumber," she heard him whisper not-so-covertly.

"Oh, ha," she said as he turned to face her. She could see that the baby was once again wrapped in the sheet.

"And she's fully dressed," he added with a smirk. DG stuck her tongue out and held her hands out to take the baby.

"Why didn't you wake me up sooner?" she asked, smiling at the girl. Jeb moved back into the cave and reached for the blanket.

"We've got a long way to go and, no offence, Princess, but you weren't lookin' so good yesterday." DG rolled her eyes and poked through another crate. Jeb threw some items into the center of the blanket and gathered the corners into a knot. "Let's move out, Princess."

DG raised an eyebrow as Jeb moved past and reached for her jacket. "Hey," she called after him and tossed the jacket in his direction. Helping her put it on as she held the baby, Jeb nodded to their right and led DG down the path.

Cain wasn't sure how much time had passed since he'd first woken in the cell. He hadn't seen anyone; nor had he heard anyone. Shy of twiddling his thumbs, there was nothing he could do to occupy the silence. DG had found a ball once - a simple child's toy - and had driven him rather crazy by bouncing it off the wall and catching it again.

Oddly, he would have enjoyed the annoyance now.

Jeb and DG walked for hours, stopping only once when they had to climb a hill of rather rough terrain. Jeb had to give DG credit: she didn't complain once. Well, not about hiking through the woods while carrying a baby and not eating. He'd found some berries along the way that didn't even fill his stomach, but she said nothing.

He was starting to worry about the baby, however, because she hadn't eaten anything in a day and wasn't making much noise. If anything, they stopped more for him to check that the girl was still breathing. The idea entertained DG, but she kept her mouth shut. Last thing she needed was to offend her tour guide and have him abandon her in the woods.

A few hours later, they happened across an abandoned cabin and decided to stop for the evening. Jeb knew they were still a good half day's journey from the nearest village, and he didn't want to chance traveling in the dark with the baby.

Inside the cabin, DG found some fresh fabrics for the baby, as well as another blanket. There were some stale canned goods in one of the cupboards, but Jeb wouldn't let her risk getting sick, so he left the girls to try and catch something. When he returned - empty-handed - he found that DG was asleep on the small cot in the corner. When he realized the baby was awake, Jeb pulled the girl from DG's grasp and moved over to a chair in the opposite corner.

He tried to shift the chair to judge its stability and, deciding it was strong enough to hold them, Jeb pulled the chair across the floor and sat down with the baby. He looked over to DG and back to the baby, who had fallen asleep again. He sighed slightly, feeling the muscles in his back begin to ache and closed his eyes. Hoping his father was safe, Jeb fell asleep not long after.

DG was up before Jeb the next morning and had taken the chance to scavenge the cabin for anything useful. She managed to find a satchel and loaded it with the things she found. She also refolded the blanket they'd found in the cave and wrapped it with the new one and fixed them both under the straps.

Moving out just after sunup, Jeb carried the baby for the first hour. DG was holding the girl an hour after that, when the three of them came to a break in the trees. Looking down into the valley, they could see a farmhouse and fields; the bowl circled entirely by the tree line. DG and the baby stayed back as Jeb surveyed the scene.

He didn't see blue smoke, but since Az had been freed of the witch, there was no need for the Resistance to hide. He did spot an older man tending to a pen of animals and nodded to DG. "I don't know where their loyalties lie, Princess." He ignored the glare from DG - they'd spent most of the previous day arguing about why he wouldn't refer to her as ‘DG' - and nodded toward the house.

"Let me go down there. You're far too well-known; if they are loyal to your family, that's fine. But I won't take the chance." DG tried to protest, but gave up as she knew that the young man was enough of a Cain to not back down. "Stay behind the trees," he nodded to her as he pointed across the valley. "Follow the tree line around to those pines." He moved behind her and pointed ahead of them to two tall trees.

"The village is that way. I'll meet you on the other side." DG nodded and made it about two steps when Jeb reached out and caught her arm. "Let me-" he said with a nod to the baby. DG shook her head and Jeb placed his hands on her arms. "If there's a woman down there, she'll know what the baby needs. All else," he said with a nod. "They won't be as eager to shoot me."

DG pulled the baby a little closer and looked down into the clearing. "What if you don't-" She looked back to Jeb as her head moved side to side. Jeb bent down to meet her eye-level and caught her eyes.

"Get to those pines and walk in a straight line. When you get to the village, find the barman and he'll see you home." DG began to protest again but Jeb stopped her. "We'll be there. Just stay out of sight." DG nodded and almost reluctantly passed the infant over. Jeb nodded and waiting until she was a few yards away before he headed down into the open field.

Jeb was halfway down the hill - and fighting the urge to look over his right shoulder to see if he could spot DG - when the man looked up. Jeb slowed his step and shifted the baby, hoping the man would see that he was far from armed. The man leaned against the fence and tipped his hat slightly as Jeb neared.

"Mornin'," the man said carefully.

Jeb nodded and responded: "Good morning to you, sir. Forgive our intrusion on your land," he said moving his hand off the baby's back slightly as he turned back to acknowledge the path he'd just taken.

"Not to fret, young man." Jeb nodded again as the baby started to squirm and bit his lower lip. If the man was with the insurgents, he's surely have acted by now.

"By chance," Jeb began carefully. "Is there a lady of the house?" He nodded to the baby and gave the man a crooked smile. The man nodded and waved Jeb toward the porch. "Thank you," Jeb added as he passed through the gate. As both men stepped onto the porch, the man turned.

"Name's Max." Jeb drew an absolute blank. The only name in his head was Azkadellia's - God knew why.

"Del," he said after a moment. Max nodded and pushed the door open.

"Lil! Got us some company," Max said in a rather cheery tone. An older woman appeared in the open space and glanced from Max to Jeb to the baby. She cocked her head slightly and Jeb nodded.

"Sorry to bother you, ma'am. I could use some-" he said, patting the baby's back lightly. Lil smiled and waved him over to the table. "We've been traveling for two days and I'm- we're trying to get to- I don't even know if I'm going the right way," he lied.

"Where you headed, Del?" Max asked, reaching for a pitcher on the table and filling a mug.

"A village to the west," Jeb stated with a shrug. "I'm a bit turned around. The last few days have been..." He sighed heavily and gladly accepted the drink Max had offered.

"This little dear is just-born," Lil stated with a gasp. Jeb nodded and pulled the satchel off his shoulder.

"Yes, ma'am. Day before yesterday. My sister... she didn't..." Lil nodded toward him with sympathy and continued to inspect the baby. "And then we were told to leave as an army was coming through. Obviously, I couldn't leave her there, so we headed west."

Max nodded. "We've been hearing reports of armies terrorizing camps to the east. They've not come this far west yet, thank goodness. You have family to the west?"

Jeb nodded. "I was with my-" Again, the only name Jeb could think of was Az's. "Az-strid. Astrid."

"Your wife?" Lil asked with a smile.

"Not yet," Jeb responded, also with a smile. "We were visiting her family when I received word of my sister, so I traveled east to be with her. And, due to the fighting, we couldn't leave the way we got in. Which is why I'm hoping we're headed in the right direction." Max nodded and motioned Jeb to the window.

"See those two pines?" Jeb nodded at the sight of the trees he'd directed DG to. "Due west, not half a day's walk, should put you in the village." Jeb forced out a sigh of relief. He turned back to Lil and the baby and found the woman staring at him.

"When did you last eat?" Jeb actually had to think about that. When had he and DG eaten the berries? Lil pulled out a chair and pointed to it. "If you can't remember, it's been too long." Jeb began to protest, but Lil cut him off with a wave. "It won't take but a moment, dear." He suddenly felt bad for DG, who was just as hungry.

"And I'll fix up something for the little one, as well." Lil began banging around the kitchen and soon returned with some bread and cheese. "Here, on an empty stomach you don't want anything too heavy. Max, go fetch some clothes from the chest," she nodded, waving to the baby. Max nodded and disappeared up the stairs.

"Does this darling have a name?" she asked, preparing a makeshift bottle. Jeb swallowed a bite of bread and shook his head.

"Not yet, I'm afraid. Didn't think it was my place." Lil smiled at him and rubbed the baby's belly.

"It'll come to you. No harm in waiting a few days. She's a lucky girl to have you for an uncle." Jeb raised an eyebrow in question. "You could have left her. That speaks volumes of you. And she's survived two days without food and wearing a bed sheet. Either you've got some magic in you or-" Max's return drew Lil's attention and gave Jeb a moment to consider her words.

She was right - the baby was truly living on borrowed time, brought into the world much earlier than she was ready for. By all accounts, the girl shouldn't be there. She hadn't eaten or fussed the entire time. It was almost as if she-

And, suddenly, Jeb knew why DG looked so drained the last two days. She probably didn't even know she was doing it. Her magic was keeping the baby alive and - for the most part - healthy. As he finished the cheese, Jeb watched as Max and Lil dressed the baby in actual clothes and reminded himself to keep an eye on how much contact DG had with the baby.

Lil insisted Jeb stay for the evening, but he insisted they were expected in the village. Judging by their time in the house, DG should just be in view of the rendezvous spot. Jeb thanked Max and Lil again and promised he'd get the clothes back as soon as possible. Lil told him not to worry, as all their grandchildren had outgrown them and she refused to let him leave before she packed him with more food for the trip; that, he didn't turn down, thankful to give DG something to eat.

Max walked Jeb and the baby to the opposite fence and waved goodbye - going back to his chores once Jeb was out of earshot. As Jeb and the baby reached the tree line, he spotted DG coming down the ridge. She sped up at the sight of them and gave Jeb a hug before reaching for the baby.

"Hey, baby!" she said happily. "Look at your fancy duds." Jeb opened the satchel and held out a chunk of bread for her. "Oh my God, I love you!" DG said as she snatched the food. Jeb smiled and let her see the other foodstuffs Lil had provided them before leading her down the path.

"Oh," he remembered a while later and turned to her. "If anyone asks, I'm Del. And you're Astrid."

"Astrid?" DG asked, stopping in her tracks as Jeb nodded.

"Is there something wrong with it?" DG shook her head and stepped past him.

"No. Of course not. It's a good name," she stated, adding with a mumble under her breath: "especially if I was a maid on the Titanic." A few feet later, she turned back to him. "How did you come up with these names?"

Jeb shrugged. "Couldn't exactly give them your name. And Cain's a pretty popular name these days..." DG nodded. That wasn't Jeb's fault, or Cain's. Fame by association, really. "And the only name that popped into my head was your sister's. Which," he said with a nod, ignoring the look DG was giving him. "is also a name I wouldn't throw around."

"You got 'Del' and 'Az-trid'?" Jeb nodded and DG smiled. "Not bad, Jeb Cain. Not bad at all."

"We're also intended," he added quickly. DG blinked, but didn't say anything.

Nodding slightly, she fished: "And the baby?"

"My sister's," Jeb said stoically. DG nodded again.

"Well, that's good." Jeb turned again to face her, eyebrow raised. "Well," she said with a shrug. "If we're engaged, already have a baby and you're thinkin' about my sister... we're headed for divorce." She gave the baby a matter-of-fact nod and Jeb could only smile.

DG guessed it was roughly three in the afternoon when the village came into view. Stopping short just before they came into view of anyone outside, Jeb immediately went on the defensive.

"What's wrong?"

"Well," DG said, pushing her hair out of her face. "If you were worried someone would recognize me at that house-" Jeb followed her gaze and she nodded to the village and realized she had a point. He hadn't planned that far ahead, honestly. He'd been more focused on watching DG with the baby so make sure she didn't stretch herself too thin. He also hadn't told her his theory yet, mainly because he still wasn't sure.

He took a moment to glance at DG; she wasn't wearing anything that would make her stand out - except for the jacket - but at least she was dressed a bit more O.Z. than when he'd met her the annual before. Jeb looked back to the village and put an arm around DG to lead her along. "Maybe this will be the one part of the Oh Zee that doesn't know your face."

DG frowned and let him push her down the path. No one paid them much mind - shy of the 'Hey! There are strangers here'-stares - as they moved into the little town. Jeb reminded DG not to look like she was worried about anything. "Just act like you know where you are and what you're doing." DG nodded and stayed behind Jeb, focusing on the baby while he scanned the buildings.

His step slowed, allowing DG to catch up, and he waved her onto the porch on their left. As they stepped into the equivalent of the general store, Jeb leaned close and whispered: "Just... stay." As if she'd go elsewhere? DG made a face and took the opportunity to look at the fruit stand next to the door. Jeb moved to the counter and nodded to the shopkeeper.

"Good day, sir," he said politely. "Could you direct me to the transportation office?" The shopkeeper nodded and pointed to a sigh on the wall behind him, indicating he was also the station master. Jeb nodded and glanced over to DG, who'd moved to the end of the counter. "We're hoping to get a van to Central City," he said with a nod toward the girls.

The shopkeeper gave DG a sidelong glance and looked back to Jeb. "Storms night before washed out the road. Two weeks 'fore they'll be up an' runnin' again. And that's only if the fightin' in the east stays east." Jeb nodded and sighed heavily and turned to DG.

"Looks like we'll be a few more days," he said giving her a quick nod. She nodded back, not sure if he thought she didn't hear the man. He turned back and asked: "Is there any need for labor? To offset boarding," he added with a nod in DG's direction. The shopkeeper nodded once and moved along the counter toward DG, waving Jeb along.

"Check with the metal smith," he said, pointing out the door to the end of the street. "Other end of town. He's the one to see when things need done." Jeb nodded and the man turned and waved DG over. "Usually, boarders stay at the tavern," he said pointing across the way. "But with folks stuck here, it might be a rougher crowd than you'd like." Jeb nodded again and both of them thanked the shopkeeper before stepping back outside.

DG felt a little strange taking a baby into a bar, but Jeb assured her that there was nothing wrong. He nodded to the barkeep and DG took the opportunity to look at the layout of the place. It had been over a year since she'd been in at the Hilltop and, sadly, she realized that a part of her missed Carter and the girls.

As she tried to ignore the stares of the few patrons, DG wondered if she should be more concerned that someone might recognize her, but she was honestly too tired to care. She hadn't exactly run a marathon, but she'd never been so damn tired. "The gentleman across the way said you might have an open room?" she heard Jeb ask.

"Passin' through?" the barman asked, looking from Jeb to DG and the baby. Jeb glanced to the Princess again and silently hoped they wouldn't have to go through this with every person in the village.

"We were hoping to catch one of the van's to Central City. My wife," he said with a nod to DG - who gave a look to the baby. "Has family to the south. But, as the road is out..."

The barman nodded and gave Jeb a smile. "Had a few folks stranded here since the storm."

Jeb nodded again and frowned. "I'm afraid we don't have much right now. I was told to see the smith for some work to-" The barkeep nodded and raised a hand as DG stepped toward the men.

"And I can bus tables-" she said with a nod. Realizing the 'bussing' was probably not a term common to the O.Z., she quickly amended: "Help with the kitchen and..." The barman raised an eyebrow to Jeb, who was giving DG a look, and smiled.

"I'd be happy for the help, miss. My wife's been havin' a bad spell." DG smiled again and Jeb let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding. "I think we can make an arrangement," the barman said with a nod to Jeb.

"Del," Jeb responded quickly then nodded to DG, who blinked.

'Crap! What was it?' She had a flash of the Titanic and nodded. "Astrid," she said with an embarrassed laugh.

"That's my daughter's name," the man said with a wide smile. DG beamed back and motioned to the dining area.

"I can start whenever-" He stepped out from behind the bar and motioned to the stairs.

Tilting his head in DG's direction, he said: "Not to offend, miss. But you don't look all that well." Jeb looked at DG and realized she was looking worse. How long had it been since she'd taken the baby back from him?

"Name's Ted, by the way," the barkeep said, motioning to the stairs again. Jeb stepped behind DG and nodded for her to follow. "You come from the east?" Ted asked, nodding to the satchel Jeb was carrying. Without waiting for an answer, Ted continued: "It's getting worse. Luckily, they stay to the main road. 'course, we just keep hopin' they won't move this far. With the vans runnin', we're a bit safer. But they make it south, where the road breaks..."

Ted didn't finish as they moved down the hallway, and Jeb didn't need him to. If they took the road, it was only a matter of time before they got to Central City, and then south to Finaqua. Ted opened a door and waved them in. Nodding again to the small bag, he stated: "I may have somethin' in your size. Since you'll be here a few days." Jeb nodded and gave Ted a thankful smile.

"And I'm sure my wife'll be glad to watch your child. She's going a bit mad stuck at home these days." DG tightened her hold on the baby instinctively and nodded as she moved to the window. There was a large tree just outside and she instantly felt homesick for Kansas and her swing.

Her gaze moved to the single bed and then Ted as he continued: "Hope this'll do you, Del. I'll be happy to introduce you to Harry. He's our metal smith. Good man, he'll treat you well." Jeb nodded his thanks again and glanced at DG. He didn't want to leave her alone with the baby much longer, but he also wanted to see this Harry fellow as soon as possible. They would need money for the van once the road opened.

He assumed it a bad idea to take the baby with him while looking for work. And, as they both needed to eat- a twinge in his gut reminded Jeb that he hadn't eaten in a while either. Ted moved to the door and motioned to the baby. "I'll find you a- And, soon as you're rested, I'll get you to Harry." Jeb nodded again and moved to the door, offering his hand to Ted.

"Thank you, for everything." Ted nodded once more and left DG and Jeb alone in the room. Jeb's hands moved to his hips and he sighed before looking sideways to DG; his eyes darting slightly to the bed.

"So," DG said as she looked around the room. "From Princess to fiancée to wife, all in one day. I think I've set a record," she said with a laugh as she moved to the bed and laid the baby down. She stretched her arms as Jeb shrugged.

"Introducing you as my intended while you're holding a baby wouldn't look very-" DG smiled and waved to him as she sat down on the edge of the bed.

"'s okay, Jeb" she said with a sigh. "Del." Jeb moved over and knelt beside her.

"Are you all right?" DG opened her eyes and took a moment to look at Jeb. God, he looked like his father. She felt terrible, but she didn't want him to worry. Taking her only opportunity, she reached over and patted his cheek.

"Just not used to the rugged outdoors." She sighed and nodded to the pillows on the bed. "Give me an hour and-" They both turned at the sound of a knock on the door. As Jeb rose and moved to the door, DG reached behind her and placed a hand on the baby's stomach. Jed pulled the door open and Ted entered with a small crib.

"Belonged to our youngest," he said as he set the thing down in the middle of the room. "It's a little- But it should do you. Beth, my wife, is looking forward to meeting you both," he said with a smile.

"It's perfect," DG said with a smile and Jeb nodded.

"I'd like to introduce myself to Harry," Jeb said with another nod. "See if I can start in the morning. And tonight," he said, looking between Ted and DG. "I will help you downstairs." DG opened her mouth to protest, but between the look from Jeb and the nod from Ted, why bother? Jeb threw her a glance and she nodded.

After the men left the room, DG gave the crib a look and pulled it toward her. It didn't look all that bad, really. She gave it a quick twist in the corners to check the stability and, deeming it safe for the baby, she leaned back and picked the baby up. Giving her a quick bounce before placing the girl into the cage, DG mused that she really needed a shower.

Sitting up straight, DG gave the room another glance and looked back to the pillow. She kicked her shoes off and, instead of lying on the bed properly, she curled up across the end and closed her eyes. Within a few minutes, she was asleep again.

Jeb returned about half an hour later and met Ted at the bar. Ted directed him to the bath and presented the young man with a set of clean clothes. "And your wife is welcome to-" he nodded toward the hall. "Well, she might be a bit more comfortable at the house." Jeb nodded again and Ted left him to wash off three days of grime and get into clean clothes.

Before heading down to the dining room, Jeb stopped in to check on DG and the baby. The Princess jerked awake when the door opened and DG blinked a few times, letting her eyes focus on the room. "How'd it go?" she asked wearily as Jeb picked the baby up from the crib.

"Good. I'm meeting Harry first thing and-" he offered a hand to DG and pulled her up from the bed as she pulled her shoe on. "Ted's wife is expecting you for dinner." DG sighed and looked from him to the baby, then nodded. "I'll walk you down."

As they moved down the hallway, DG hooked her arm around Jeb's and asked quietly: "So, how long have we been married?" Jeb gave her a look and DG shook her head. "Well, if Ted's wife asks, and I say one thing; and Ted asks you and you say something else..." Jeb smirked as they reached the top of the staircase.

"He won't ask." DG made a face.

"How do you know?" she asked as they reached the landing. Jeb stopped a moment and looked from the dining room and back to her and smiled.

"Because he's a man." DG rolled her eyes and they continued down the rest of the steps. Ted nodded to the both of them as they neared the end of the bar.

"Just over a year," DG whispered quickly, adding a wink when Jeb looked at her. She pulled the baby from his arms and nodded to her right. Ted nodded and pointed to his left and both men watched her walk down the short hallway to the door.

Years later, Jeb would never admit that Ted had, in fact, asked how long they'd been married not twenty minutes later.

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The Doctor Who reference wasn't intentional... just FYI. Kinda *gigglesnorted* when I realized it...