erinm_4600
in
12to32
Fic: Home for Christmas (CD series)
Since I can't make each of you cookies and get them mailed, etc., I figured the next best gift I can give all of you this year is a fic. Not only that, but 14! All at once. I'd hoped to have this posted on the 24th, but a few of these tripped me up... and I had to work today. o.O
I finally decided to put in a Christmas CD on Saturday everyone has a holiday CD they prefer. Mine happens to be Home for Christmas by 'N Sync and I had a thought for the first fic while listening to Track 1. Track 2 started and so on and so forth. I've never done a song fic before let alone 14 - but I wanted to give all of you a Christmas present.
There is a slight pickle here - the stories are listed in the order the songs appear on the CD. A few are stand-alones, but a few are a series. The title states their order (and I tried to write them so they can be read out of order, as well).
For everyone at tinman_fic, as well as any other Tin Man-related LJ. :)
Title: 01 - Home for Christmas
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Azkadellia, DG, Ahamo and the Queen (mentions of Cain, Glitch, Raw and the witch)
Rating: G
Summary: Az thinks about time
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 850 (doesn't count lyrics)
When I close my eyes // And I'm all alone // I think of all the love we share // When I need a friend or a helping hand // I know that you will all be there // I've been gone for so many holidays // But you can light the fire cause this year // I'll be home for Christmas day
Azkadellia sat on a large chair in a corner of her parents' study. A book lay open in her lap, but she had stopped reading long ago. Instead, she watched as her parents and younger sister sat together near the middle of the room - her sister using large gestures which made their father laugh.
A week before, DG - and Ahamo - had become very excited after stumbling across a ledger containing conversions between the O.Z. and the Other Side. Az had memories of the holiday, recalling that the family had always celebrated the odd day in the privacy of the palace, but hadn't thought on it since that fateful day.
DG - who had spent over the last ten-odd annuals experiencing the event - was very excited, and had even taken to dragging one of the larger potted plants from the hall into the study.
Even though she was free of the witch, and had been now for some time, Az still felt like an outsider in the Zone. At one point, she even mentioned this to DG; who beamed at her and said simply: "You and me against the O.Z." Az realized that her sister's feelings of insecurity - though coming from a different point of view on DG's part - were the same as her own. And that eased Az's mind considerably.
Her mind wandered to the last time the family had been together like this. Az remembered Father telling the story of the man from the North and his flying sleigh; visiting every child in the world in one night - even at her young age, DG had already begun arguing the mechanics of such a feat - and bringing them small gifts.
There had been no man from the North with the witch. No flying sleigh, no gifts. No Father. No DG. There had been Mother, but even then, Az didn't have her. She was there, every time the witch convened with Mother; and every time, Az screamed for her mother to hear. Always wondering why the magic hadn't let Mother hear her, Az now knew, of course, that the magic had been used to save DG.
And now, while DG was learning to use her magic, Az found herself avoiding it. She'd even gone so far as to offer the magic to Mother - honestly, she didn't want it after the things the witch had done with the power - but Mother refused. "My darling Azkadellia, you've been without it for so long... Perhaps you should be studying with DG..." she had said with a smile. One that Az had pained herself to avoid rolling her eyes at the thought.
How long had it been? Az knew that it had been well over ten annuals, at least. Time wasn't measured in the O.Z. the way it seemed to be on the Other Side - nor, apparently, did it flow in a similar fashion, as everyone learned when DG argued her age with Mother. Everyone constantly witnessed DG looking at various timepieces, most invented by Ambrose - or Glitch, as he preferred these days - sundials and the Suns (which seemed to be causing DG even more grief).
Az couldn't understand why DG would become so frustrated when trying to judge time in the O.Z. If it was dim in the West, it was evening; suns to the South, time for the mid-meal. Granted, when the occasional rainstorm would pass through, there was no hope of seeing either sun.
"So, you're telling me that the sun... sets... in the East?" DG asked, completely baffled at the thought. Az and Mother had nodded - even her friends had tried to assure her of this fact, while Father simply chuckled. Mother later informed them that she had gone through this same discussion with Father when he'd first arrived in the O.Z.
DG had thrown her hands up and mumbled something about 'the One Thing,' before claiming that, since she didn't know what time it was, she should never be blamed for being late.
Mother laughed, causing Az to blink and return to reality. Looking over, she noticed DG glance at her, say something to Ahamo, then push herself up. Bounding - DG really had far too much energy for the late hour - over, DG gave Az a rather mischievous look and stuck out her hand.
"Come on," she nodded, wiggling her fingers at Az. "It's time to decorate the stand-in tree." She rocked back and forth for a moment as Az closed the book. Taking her sister's hand, Az let DG pull her from the chair and set the book on the nearest side table as they moved across the room.
As Az sat, DG leaned over the back of the large sofa and pulled back holding a large bag. Sighing as she set the bag on the floor, DG smiled and stated: "If you don't like your presents this year, it's not my fault." Az smiled, knowing that, right now - sitting there with her sister and their parents - no present would compare.
Title: 02 - Under My Tree
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Ahamo and the Queen
Rating: G
Summary: The newlyweds share a dance
Warning: pre-series, with slight references to Part 3
Disclaimer: The original characters belongs to L. Frank Baum and their respective actors. The current characters belong to Sci-Fi, the movie folks and their respective actors.
Word Count: 201 (doesn't count lyrics)
When the party is over, the night's just begun // I promise the best part is yet to come // We slow dance together, two become one // That's what we've waited all day for
Here he was - Christmas Eve, best as he could guess - dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room. Not that anyone would dare argue, as she was destined to be the Queen of this other world.
He wondered what his family was doing tonight - again, assuming that it was, in fact, Christmas Eve. Were they thinking about him? He hoped that they weren't terribly worried, and she had promised to help him find a way to get word back that he was safe, as soon as possible.
He realized she was looking up at him, which made him smile. How could he possibly be thinking of anything but her? This beautiful, amazing creature who'd watched him fall from the sky and stolen his heart with those light purple eyes.
She looked around the room, then leaned toward him. "While royal etiquette requires us to continue entertaining our guest for-" Her eyes closed and her head dropped to his chest for a moment. Breathing deeply, she straightened into a pose worthy of her stature, and stated: "I would prefer to spend my wedding night in the company of one."
It was all he could do to keep dancing.
Title: 03 - I Never Knew the Meaning of Christmas (Part One)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Cain (mentions of DG, Raw, Glitch, Jeb, Az, Adora, Zero and the Queen)
Rating: G
Summary: While on a mission for the Queen, Cain gets a letter from DG
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 971 (doesn't count lyrics)
That I never knew the meaning of Christmas // Till you came into my life // I was lost in the dark // Till you opened my heart // Like an angel shining bright
Dear Cain,
Hope this finds you well. I know that Christmas isn't a thing in the O.Z., which is TOTALLY sad, because Christmas is awesome! There's Christmas trees, and lights, and FOOD - oh my God the food...
Anyway!
Another great thing about Christmas is presents. Depending on who you ask, getting is better than giving. Personally, I kinda like the giving. Makes you think about what the person you're giving a present to would like, or need... or even appreciate. My one friend and I used to give each other presents that were pineapple-related. Don't worry about what a pineapple is - it's not important. The whole thing was just a joke between us, and don't bother asking me to explain it because it really is THAT stupid and not worthy of wasting the time of an important soldier/bodyguard/Tin Man/rugged, outdoorsy-type such as yourself.
Okay, I'm back. Had to go smack my head on the nearest doorframe for managing to write a ramble (and I know how much you love a ramble) *my eyes are rolling -now-*
Anyway... hope all's well and everyone's good and you're taking care of yourself; bossing everyone around with that angry-face and everything. Glitch says to say 'Hi' and to make sure I remind you to: "Listen to the rhythm." ...whatever that means. Raw was here a few days ago. His visits are becoming about as frequent as yours. Actually, Az did remind me that, as Princess, I do (apparently) have the power to order you to visit. Go figure!
Forgot one more thing: I’ve been doing my homework, and (apparently) the particular section of the O.Z. you’re in is considered the rough part of town. So, if you find yourself in the northern part of the eastern half of the Eastern Western Territory, and you hear a high-pitched squeaking sound: RUN LIKE HELL! If you find yourself in the central part of the eastern half of the Western Territory, and see a guy who looks like he’s made of stone: RUN LIKE HELL! And I haven’t figured out why we have a desert of death, so you should just stay in the western part of the Eastern Western Territory.
That last paragraph, consider it an ORDER; a Royal Decree or whatever. Seriously.
Stay safe.
DG
aka Kiddo/Princess/Royal Pain-in-the-Ass (Come on! You know you thought it! And, if you didn't, I obviously haven't done my job!)
p.s. If there's nothing with this letter, you have my permission to shoot whoever delivered it. Seriously! I put a lot of effort into that gift! Okay, maybe just a little effort. Kinda.
p.p.s. I don't even know if you use p.s. in the O.Z.. Pretty much means that there's something I forgot to say.
p.p.p.s. Oh, and each extra p means that I forgot something else. Like telling you this in the p.p.s. Oh, hey... the door frame is calling me over.
Please give my best, and my thanks, to everyone there. Merry Christmas!!!
Cain shook his head as he refolded the letter from DG. As hectic as his life seemed to be when she was around, he really did miss the distraction of keeping her out of trouble.
That would be preferable, especially now, when he was stuck out here in the middle of the Western Territory with a rag-tag regiment of volunteer soldiers. He'd refused to go back to the Tin Men following the Eclipse. There was no point, really. The Tin Men had disbanded themselves when the Longcoats took over, and there was no way the people of the O.Z. would take the squad seriously.
At least, not yet. The Queen had requested that Cain help to restore some assemblance of order to the O.Z., acting as an agent to her throne as she attended to matters closer to home. The Zone would have to be rebuilt, practically from the bottom up, and the Queen needed people she trusted to help.
Right now, the people she trusted numbered four - well, there were more, but four she trusted without question: Wyatt Cain, ex-Tin Man; Raw, the Viewer; Ambrose, who answered to Glitch more often than Ambrose. She trusted these three men with her life - and the lives of her family and her subjects - because the last person she wholly trusted, was her younger daughter.
DG had placed her absolute trust in Cain, Glitch and Raw - and they in her - and that was all the Queen needed to know. These three men had kept DG alive and she would be eternally grateful. These men were also responsible for the safe return of her older daughter and her husband - who'd actually been due more to the witch possessing Az, but that was neither here nor there.
Cain found leaving for this mission much more difficult than he'd have even expected. Having spent so much time alone, dwelling on the thoughts of his wife, son and Zero, that he'd given up on anything else. After years of being tortured by that damn projector and his failures eating him from the inside out, the idea that this crazy girl - brandishing nothing more than a stick - would suddenly cause him to make rash decisions and... hug...
Cain shivered at the thought and chuckled slightly as he realized that, after everything, DG had brought him back to the living. Granted, he was far from mended - and, honestly, probably would never be - but he no longer felt guilty for laughing or smiling.
And whatever this attached present was, Cain could only assume that he wouldn't appreciate it as much as the gift DG'd already given him. Because of DG, he'd been given a second chance. With the O.Z., with his son, with himself.
And that was the best present Cain could ask for.
Title: 04 - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Glitch and DG
Rating: G
Summary: It's Glitch's first Christmas
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 475 (doesn't count lyrics)
No matter what your holiday // It's a time to celebrate // Now put your worries aside // And open up your mind // And see the world right by your side // It's Christmas time
Glitch weaved down the corridor of the palace humming a tune he'd heard DG humming the day before. Although it really did nothing for his rhythm, the tune wasn't bad. Granted, if he didn't like it, it wasn't like he could really remember; therefore it must be one he liked.
He laughed. 'At least I don't have to worry about it getting stuck in my head and having to hear it over and over and-' Stopping mid-weave, Glitch blinked and cocked his head to one side. After a moment, he shook his head and continued down the hall, humming a tune he'd heard DG humming yesterday.
He reached DG's door and knocked while popping his head in the open doorway. "DG?" The Princess turned toward him, smiled, then turned back to the large fir tree sitting in front of her window. Glitch raised an eyebrow and entered the room.
"Hey Glitch, just in time to help me with the tree."
"Ya know, I don't think that a tree will thrive inside. On the fourth floor..." he squinted at the pile of random machine parts next to DG's feet. "Does the tree require mechanical work?" He pointed to the pile when DG squinted at him. She looked down and nodded.
"They're ornaments. I had to improvise." She nodded to the opposite side of the tree, where the golden cord she was - for lack of a better term in Glitch's vocabulary - wrapping around the tree, had gotten stuck on a wide branch.
Pulling the cord from the branch, Glitch looked to DG. "Why are you doing this?" he motioned to the tree. She smiled, but continued working, as she answered:
"Because it's Christmas, Glitch. And, on top of that, it's your first Christmas." Letting go of the cord, DG leaned over to the nearby chair and produced a small motor with a half-round cover. She passed it over to him and Glitch noticed that there was some shiny writing across the cover.
"Hopefully that isn't something required to keep the suns rotating or... whatever. And, if it is," she returned to the cord. "Well, then... the O.Z. will deal with darkness for three days." Glitch chuckled slightly as he read the writing.
"Glitch's First Christmas," he read quietly. Looking up to DG, he found her smiling. Setting the thing down gently, Glitch straightened, clapped his hands together and announced: "This just won't do. Take it off!" he waved to DG and the cord. She looked from Glitch to the tree and back to Glitch.
Grinning broadly, DG tossed the cord to him and headed around the tree to collect the end. A few moments later, Glitch began humming a tune he'd heard DG humming the day before. DG soon began humming along, and Glitch thought he might have heard her mention something about bells jingling.
Title: 05 - The Christmas Song
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Elmer Gulch (mentions of DG, Hank and Emily)
Rating: G
Summary: Gulch checks on the farmhouse
Warning: post-series *Kinda, sorta related to #11
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.
Word Count: 389 (doesn't count lyrics)
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire // Jack Frost nipping at your nose // Yuletide carols, being sung by a choir // And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Elmer Gulch wasn't one to disregard Christmas. In fact, it happened to be his favorite holiday. What bothered him was the growing amount of crap he had to deal with; starting with the first snow of the season.
Kids running through the streets, building forts and having snowball fights; he still had the record for best time down Dead Man's Hill: a minute one, since 1984. Although - technically - his record had been broken last year by a minute flat, Gulch refused to concede the loss.
Their part of Kansas didn't get the brunt of the winter weather from Colorado - thank God - and was far enough east and south that the freeze didn't affect too much. The snow, however, was a problem. With snow, came ice. With ice, traffic accidents. Luckily, their county had the newest snow plows.
Sadly, the plows were in need of maintenance. And the county's top maintenance man had disappeared. Gulch found himself driving by the farmhouse that morning, giving his weekly look-see to insure that either the house was still secure; or - the option he'd rather - that the family had returned.
Topeka had sent out their grand investigation team, but they found no evidence of foul play. They did find evidence of a twister, but even the weather service had no record of activity the night before they disappeared. Gulch knew that something extraordinary had happened.
Nothing was missing in the house - except, of course, the occupants - and the damn motorcycle was sitting there, plain as day, next to the garage. If Gulch knew one thing, it was that the girl would not have left that bike without a fight. Even more confusing, was an order sitting at the courthouse, with instructions to leave the house and land alone - don't sell, no matter how vacant the place seems - and dated 1939.
His radio went off - fender-bender on Main, in front of the Post Office - and Gulch sighed. Getting back into his patrol car, Officer Gulch gave a silent prayer for the family's safety and shifted the car into drive. As he pulled onto the main road, Gulch smiled at the idea of - some day down the road - having the chance to challenge DG for that top time down that stupid hill.
Title: 06 - I Guess it's Christmas Time
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Raw, DG and random Viewers
Rating: G
Summary: DG and Raw discuss their new roles
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 159 (doesn't count lyrics)
Open our hearts // So we can open our arms // And we'll all join hands // To celebrate the goodness // That shines inside of everyone
The Viewers sat together as the suns rose, knowing that a change had come over the O.Z. Within the camp, the children were beginning to stir and the females were preparing the morning meal. The males, all currently circled on the outskirts, were calm; listening to the air.
Raw had been named leader of the tribe after the Eclipse, and was currently traveling from the Royal Palace to the camp. He had asked them to name someone else, but none would hear of it. DG had given him yet another pep talk regarding his courage, suggesting that they were now both expected to fill roles they would rather not have.
"The advantage," she began, "to being a leader, is that you can go to other leaders for advice... and support." Raw looked at her and both smiled together.
"New O.Z.," Raw commented with a sly grin. "New rules." DG's grin widened and they shared a hug.
New rules, indeed.
Title: 07 - All I Want is You This Christmas (Part Four)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Cain, Jeb and the Queen (mentions of Adora and DG)
Rating: G
Summary: Cain and Jeb have 'the talk,' whether Cain wants to or not
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 845 (doesn't count lyrics)
I don't want the love of any other girl // I want only one thing in this whole wide world // Nothing else will do // All I want is you this Christmas
Another annual had passed in the O.Z., and Cain and his regiment had moved to the southwest - putting them, currently, somewhere in western part of the central portion of the Eastern Territory. If the Queen had told him two annuals ago - when she dispatched him - that he'd still be dealing with strife in the Eastern Territory two annuals later, he'd have gladly withdrawn from service and returned to the cabin by the lake.
They'd done wonders with the O.Z. in all that time - in the defense of the passage of time - but Cain was tired, lonely and especially homesick. Meeting up with Jeb had helped, but Cain was still cranky. He was even missing Glitch's company - and that was saying something!
The first night in camp after Jeb's arrival had led to an evening of reminiscing over the contents of the box DG had sent, and Cain was glad to hear the stories. Jeb had also brought news that he was in love. Cain couldn't be happier - albeit, a little jealous - that his son had found someone to spend the rest of his life with. All the adversity of the boy's life wouldn't hold him back.
Jeb had always been considered the man of the house after his father had been put in the iron suit, but after their most recent conversation, Cain felt like the child.
"How much longer are you gonna wait?" Jeb asked while prodding their campfire with a long stick. Cain looked up from his mug and raised an eyebrow.
"Wait for what?" He made the mistake of taking a sip as Jeb continued:
"Telling the Princess that you've fallen in love with her." Cain lurched forward, coughing deeply. Taking a moment to recover - that liquid was far too hot to be going down the wrong pipe - his brow furrowed.
"Excuse me?" Jeb couldn't catch the smile before it crept up his face, but straightened anyway.
"I love you, Dad. But, sometimes, you are thicker than the door of an iron suit." Cain couldn't help but grin at the analogy, but still wasn't sure what his son was referring to. Jeb could see the gears turning behind his father's eyes and decided to not keep him waiting. "It's much more obvious now." Cain swallowed and shifted, which made Jeb smile again.
"I think love has gotten to you, Son." Jeb shook his head. There was no way he would let Cain back out of this one.
"I should have known, annuals back, just before the Eclipse. At first, I thought it was your Tin Man-sense of duty. You were so insistent on finding her and-"
"Jeb," Cain jumped in, raising a hand to his son.
"And, now, the moment her name comes up, you try and change the subject." Jeb eyed his father, waiting for the elder man to flinch. He let the silence hold another moment, then leaned forward. "It's been ten years, Father. You are allowed to fa-" Cain raised a hand and closed his eyes. Jeb sighed and pushed himself up from the log he'd been sitting on. Moving past his father, Jeb stopped and placed a hand on Cain's shoulder.
"I want to see you happy. And in the short time I saw you together..." Jeb sighed softly. "I saw someone who brings out the best in you." He gave Cain's shoulder a squeeze and moved away. Cain let his head drop and sighed heavily.
"Jeb," he called out, just before the younger man moved out of earshot. Twisting to face Jeb, Cain looked to his son and asked: "How'd you get so smart when it comes to love?" Jeb glanced away for a moment then smiled at his father.
"I had a good teacher." Cain half-smiled and half-laughed. "And," Jeb added, "I met someone who made me want to be more like him than ever." Nodding, Jeb turned away and walked back toward the tents of his squadron. He had made it about three steps when he turned suddenly.
"Oh," he said, raising a finger. "And when this is all over," he motioned to the surrounding camp, "she won't let you walk away." Cain smirked as he watched Jeb turn and begin to mingle with some of the soldiers. Cain turned back to his mug and looked at the fire.
A few weeks later, Cain filed his final report.
Your Majesty,
I hope this finds you well.
This will be the last dispatch from the field. We've done all we can do; the rest is up to the people of the O.Z.
The men are rather looking forward to returning home to their families.
Regards,
W.Cain
The Queen smiled as she read over the letter. Refolding the page, she picked up the envelope and noticed another piece of paper. Pursing her lips as she pulled out the smaller scrap, the Queen smiled as she read over the added note.
p.s. I wish to inform you that - upon my return - I intend to kiss your daughter.
Title: 08 - The First Noel
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Mystic Man (mentions of Cain, DG, Raw, Glitch, Ahamo, Azkadellia, the witch and the Queen)
Rating: G
Summary: The Mystic Man ponders in his cell
Warning: Part Two
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.
Word Count: 523 (doesn't count lyrics)
Thus by the light of that same star // Three wise men came from country far // To seek for a king was their intent // And to follow that star wherever it went
Sitting in this iron cell - he laughed at the irony - the Mystic Man though back on the last day’s events. How had he come to this? When did he give in to the Vapors? When did he stop fighting with the Resistance? What had happened to bring everything they'd worked for to a grinding halt?
DG was right there, kneeling in front of him and desperate for information. She'd brought him back - more with the help of that symbol on her hand - with, quite literally, a slap to the face. And he couldn't be more proud of her for that. She'd grown up to be tough, a fighter. She'd need that to go up against Azkadellia.
He hoped they'd made it out of the city and were already well on their way to the Northern Island. He hadn't remembered much after the buzz-stick got him in the neck, but he knew that Azkadellia had gotten a location out of him. How had he ever been in charge of the Resistance? He backed down after just a little bit of torture.
Cain would have held out. That man was a soldier at heart; the true embodiment of a Tin Man. He would die getting DG to the palace. The other two... well, he hadn't had enough time with the other two to make a valid judgment.
The one, he knew, was a Viewer. And he recognized the other - the one with the zipper - but couldn't place him. Shaking his head, the Mystic Man sighed as he thought back to that first meeting with the Queen and her advisor. Azkadellia had been possessed by something beyond evil, and the younger daughter, believed dead, was actually alive and being hidden on the Other Side.
It was almost like someone had flipped a switch in his brain when the emblem on DG's palm met his eye. The flashes of meeting with the Queen in secret; those five years before the witch had finally taken over; hours around that damn Vapor machine; fighting the drug and failing... Failing.
He had failed. Or, had he? The realization that Azkadellia had headed north, not south, hit the Mystic Man like a punch in the stomach. And not in a good way. Azkadellia would have gone to the north long ago. It wouldn't surprise him if the Queen was in the next cell. And, if she wasn't at the Northern Island to meet DG, how would DG know to turn around and go south to Finaqua?
The Mystic Man shook his head heavily. Why did they have to use these riddles to get the girl to her destination? Why not simply tell her: "South. Unwanted Realm. Ahamo." and be done with it? Let Azkadellia roam all over the North and find nothing. Sometimes he wondered how the Queen had managed to lock and unlock memories at random. Maybe, just maybe, the rumors of his own powers weren't that far off.
For now, however, he would sit in this prison... and wait. He could only hope that those three men could help DG achieve her purpose.
Title: 09 - In Love on Christmas (Part Three)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Cain (mentions of DG, Jeb, Adora, the Mystic Man and the Queen)
Rating: G
Summary: Cain responds to DG's letters
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 579 (doesn't count lyrics)
Last year, Christmas // It happened without us // I was all mixed up and confused // I didn't know what to do baby // I never thought I'd feel this way
Princess,
I will not address you by your referred salutation from your first letter - which I assume was written after the second - regardless of how correct it may be.
As to your three "Royal Decree or whatever"s: Consider all noted and promptly ignored. Especially the first.
As for the package...
I've been trying to compose a response that is longer than two words, but I'm not having much luck.
You do get one free hug, the next time our paths cross.
Please tell your mother that we will be moving southwest within days.
We hope to meet Jeb, who is moving northeast. Will send word if anything changes.
W.Cain
Cain gave the note a final glance before folding it and sealing it into the Royal pouch. The rider was currently having dinner, and would be rested and ready to go in a few hours.
The note was probably far too personal, especially as the recipient was royalty, but Cain couldn't bring himself to leave the note official. He didn't want to offend DG, as he was sure she was already upset enough that she hadn't seen him in almost an annual. He wasn't positive - and anyone who'd read her last letters wouldn't see it, because they didn't know her - but there was something in her words.
He had no intention of wishing her misery, but he also had an inkling of her feelings. They'd both been dropped into this new world - her, literally - and it should only be fair that he wasn't the only one miserable. Of course, she was with her family; his son was off on his own royal mission. She had mentioned, just before he left, that while they were her family, DG couldn't quite get over the fact that she really didn't know them.
It had been a few weeks since he'd received the package - sadly, this was actually the first time he’d had to sit and compose a message - and, judging by the time it took for the riders to deliver dispatches, it had been roughly six weeks. He hoped she knew that it was nothing against her that he hadn't responded sooner.
He'd found himself looking at the contents of the box on and off, usually while waiting to fall asleep, but every thought of his wife using the various items DG had packed, brought Cain to thoughts of DG. Honestly, he'd been thinking about DG for a long while, and that unsettled him a great deal.
He'd fulfilled his promise to the Mystic Man; made sure that DG was well-protected before he left on this mission; and had no reason to worry about her. She was his friend; the first friend he'd had in all those years. After that week, he'd realized that he not only enjoyed her company, but was happy to be alive.
It's not like he was falling in love with her. Hell, he was almost twice her age; a father and a widower. She had her whole life ahead of her and would find some young regal-type who could promise her the moon - and both suns - and give her lots of curly-haired, blue-eyed children. Of course, having blue eyes himself, Cain would have better chances of giving DG those blue-eyed children.
Cain's head shot straight up as his brain registered what he'd just been thinking. Twisting in discomfort, Cain sighed heavily and muttered: "I must be losin' my mind."
CTitle: 10 - It's Christmas
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Ahamo (mentions of DG, Hank, Emily and the Queen)
Rating: G
Summary: Ahamo's in Year 5 of his exile.
Warning: pre-series, with references to Part Three
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.
Word Count: 226 (doesn't count lyrics)
And you know I'm gonna be right here // And still my heart belongs to you and only you
It had been five years since he'd fled to the South. She had suggested it, and he had argued; so she demanded and he conceded. He'd volunteered to go to the Other Side - he could keep DG safe, make sure she remembered where she was from and have her better prepared for her return.
But his wife had declined, saying that his place was in the Unwanted Realm, working with the Resistance. He would put on the production of disappearing into the night; living up to the low expectations of the citizens of the O.Z. when she'd announced that she would take an outsider as a husband.
At the time, he'd begun to believe all the claims of the marriage being cursed. But, he believed in his wife, whole-heartedly. If she thought the prudent course of action was to send one child away - with a pair of strange robots - and tell the other, currently possessed, that her sister was dead, who was he to argue? After all, she was the Queen.
Every year since they'd separated - near as he could guess, anyway - he'd sent her a message of love and support in the care of a trusted Resistance member. And, every year, he received word of her reply in return. There was no way he'd survive another five years like this...
Title: 11 - O Holy Night
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Dorothy (mention of the witch)
Rating: G
Summary: Dorothy has a secret
Warning: pre-series *Kinda, sorta related to #5
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.
Word Count: 186 (doesn't count lyrics)
The thrill of hope // The weary world rejoices // For yonder breaks // A new and glorious morn
Dorothy stood on the balcony of her palace and stared out over the land. She'd returned to Oz for the last time, and - yet again - defeated the wicked witch trying to enslave this world. She could make no more trips back and forth from Kansas, and she had made a point of setting up certain provisions on the other side, specifically for the farmhouse, before this last trip.
Her advisor was just outside the door, ready to report on the casualties from this most recent battle of good and evil, but Dorothy didn't want to hear it. At least not yet.
She wanted to take this moment to view Oz as it finally was: Safe.
Of course, that little voice nagging in her head wouldn't stop. It was only a matter of time before she would have to inform her most trusted advisor that everything hadn't gone entirely as planned. He knocked again and, as she moved toward the door, Dorothy made a mental note to add a line to the law.
All Gale descendants must be fluent in the language of the Ancients.
Title: 12 - Love's in Our Hearts on Christmas Day (Part Two)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Cain (mentions of DG, Glitch, Jeb and Adora)
Rating: G
Summary: Cain opens his present
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 538 (doesn't count lyrics)
You've got my heart on Christmas // Inside my soul your love remains // Love's in our hearts on Christmas day
Cain set DG's letter aside and looked at the package, wrapped in simple brown paper and tied with a string. There was a strange tree-looking drawing on a piece of the paper - Cain could only assume this was the Christmas tree DG wrote about. Pulling the string loose, then the paper, Cain raised an eyebrow at the sight of his old tin box.
One he was sure he'd left in its hiding place underneath the house. He frowned and slowly flipped the latches. Raising the lid, Cain noted at least a dozen objects of various shapes, sizes and colors. Sitting on top, was another letter.
READ ME FIRST
Shaking his head, Cain reached for the paper and found it was simply folded in half.
Hey Cain,
I'm writing this now - and I'll write another one later - to kind of explain this (and I'll probably end up repeating myself, so just deal with it!).
I've been wracking my brain to come up with a good Christmas present for you - and, I know that you don't know Christmas, and that's another story for another time - and after all my contemplating and back-and-forths, I find that the one present I would like to give you is physically impossible. Believe me, I asked my mother more than once... and there's just no way...
So, I figured that, since I couldn't give you her... maybe I could give you things of hers.
Cain didn't realize he'd been holding his breath. Dropping his hand, Cain looked again to the items in his case. One hand still clutching the note, Cain reached into the box and pushed one of the top items aside. There was a framed picture of Jeb as an infant, and another of Jeb and himself; some of Adora's hair decorations; a scarf; a mug... and that was just what he could see without removing anything.
Taking a deep breath, Cain blinked a few times before returning to DG's note.
Glitch and I went to your house first. You only took the stuff in the box with you, and because of the situation, we figured you probably didn't look around too much. We also went back to the other cabin and picked up this and that. We also put decent flowers down (which isn't part of the present - I just thought you should know).
Again, because of the situation, I know you didn't get a proper chance to grieve... so I'm hoping this was the right thing and doesn't actually make it worse. Maybe Jeb will be able to tell you stories about some of this stuff... and, if he acts up, tell him that the Princess thinks he was a beautiful baby. Preferably in front of others.
Love DG (and Glitch)
Oh, and technically, you're now guilty of receiving stolen property. Sorry about that.
Cain let out something between a cry and a laugh and looked out over the camp. The men were having dinner, talking about their friends and family; discussing the day's events and what was to come. Taking a deep breath, Cain set the note aside and began going through the box.
DG had, once again, gone above and beyond Cain's expectations.
Title: 13 - The Only Gift (Part Five)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: DG, Glitch, Raw, Az, Ahamo and the Queen (mentions of Jeb and Cain)
Rating: G
Summary: DG's brooding for the third Christmas
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 542 (doesn't count lyrics)
For in my wishful heart // There was one simple truth // The only gift I wanted was you
Another year - 'Annual,' DG thought, rolling her eyes - had passed in the O.Z. It was as near to Christmas Eve as her O.Z. calendar could get. Honestly, this year, she really didn't feel like celebrating. Which was sad, because Raw was finally back at the palace, so he and Glitch had taken to helping make her days much more entertaining - even if all they did was sit around and make jokes about how much more exciting life was when the Papay were still life-threatening hunters.
Mother had received word that the troops were finally leaving the Eastern Territories, but DG hadn't heard from Cain. In fact, other than the letter saying he'd received last year's Christmas gift, she hadn't had any correspondence from him since the reply to her reply to his reply. Not that there was much to either.
When she'd received his note that he was choosing to ignore her warning about the Wheelers, she'd sent back a witty reply of "Just make that face - you know the one - and they'll run away," complete with a large smiley face.
His response was simply: "Why do you think I have that face?"
DG had hoped that the banter would continue, bringing them back to wherever it was they were. Unfortunately, the following notes were all completely official and directed to the Queen. Az had been so sick of DG's moping that she'd cornered her sister and demanded an explanation.
"How do you know it's not just a schoolgirl crush, Deeg? If you continue to pine, you'll miss out on-" DG reached out for her sister.
"Az, please. I understand what you're saying. And, really," DG stood up from the sofa and moved to the window. "Maybe, at first, there was a crush... But, I'm not pining. Honestly. The man doesn't even see me like- It's not that I want him to-" She realized that the more she spoke, the deeper the hole she was in became. Taking a deep breath, DG turned to her sister.
"Sometimes, I just want to talk to my best friend. And please," she said with a frown. "Don't be offended that I just said that. I meant-" Az moved to her sister's side and pulled her into a hug.
"You're right. It's not pining." DG gave her a tiny laugh and let her head drop. "You're absolutely infatuated with the man," Az said with a Cheshire grin. DG made a face and rolled her eyes. "It's all right, baby sister. I won't tell him."
Currently, DG was standing in the parlor, poking at the ornaments on the tree - this year's looking much more like a Christmas tree should - and fiddling with the lights. Glitch and DG had worked out a rough set of twinkle lights; the tough part being the search for the smallest light bulbs the O.Z. had. In the end, even Ahamo was impressed at their ingenuity.
The Queen entered the room, followed by Az and Ahamo, and the three of them took seats on the sofas. Glitch moved over to DG as Raw stayed by the door. Glitch pointed to an ornament and made a comment which caused DG to laugh out loud.
"Hey there, Princess."
Title: 14 - Kiss Me at Midnight (Part Six)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Cain, DG, Glitch, Raw, Jeb, Az, Ahamo and the Queen
Rating: G
Summary: Cain's finally home.
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 369 (doesn't count lyrics)
All of my friends are here and when the time is right // Kiss me at midnight
"Hey there, Princess."
DG caught her breath and spun around so fast that she had to grab on to Glitch's arm for support. She hoped that the utter disappointment in the pit of her stomach didn't show on her face as she saw Jeb Cain standing in the doorway.
"Mister Cain," she said with a nod. "Forgive me, I'm not familiar with your current rank." Jeb nodded and gave her a smile.
"Jeb, please." He threw a quick nod to the Queen and Azkadellia before returning his gaze to DG. "I have a message, from my father," he said slowly, with a slight frown. DG forced a smile and automatically looked to the tree.
"Hey there, Princess," she heard again. Without blinking, DG turned her head back in the direction of Jeb. There, between Jeb and Raw, stood Wyatt Cain, hat in hand. Glitch tapped DG's arm and she swatted at his hand. DG finally blinked and had to look at the floor to fight the smile she could feel in her stomach. Finally finding her voice, DG managed:
"Good message." Jeb looked to Cain, then back to DG. Az moved away from her parents and pulled Glitch toward her.
"That wasn't the message, actually. I didn't really feel... comfortable, delivering it." He waved a hand for Cain to proceed and gave his arm a quick, confident squeeze with the other. Cain took a few steps forward, as did DG, and he threw a quick glance toward the Queen. She focused on the wall opposite her; let her lip curl upwards so slightly that, had the lights been any dimmer, Cain would have missed it; and shifted her head in a nod just enough that, again, Cain almost missed it.
Looking back to DG, he gave her a genuine smile and - before she knew what had happened - had one arm around DG's waist and the other hand on her jaw. Having no idea what to do with her hands, DG simply stood there and let Cain do all the work. A second later, she felt her legs go mushy and Cain pulled back. Taking a second to remember how to form words, DG sighed:
"Yup... Good message."
Congrats! You've survived the world's longest LJ post :p
I finally decided to put in a Christmas CD on Saturday everyone has a holiday CD they prefer. Mine happens to be Home for Christmas by 'N Sync and I had a thought for the first fic while listening to Track 1. Track 2 started and so on and so forth. I've never done a song fic before let alone 14 - but I wanted to give all of you a Christmas present.
There is a slight pickle here - the stories are listed in the order the songs appear on the CD. A few are stand-alones, but a few are a series. The title states their order (and I tried to write them so they can be read out of order, as well).
For everyone at tinman_fic, as well as any other Tin Man-related LJ. :)
Title: 01 - Home for Christmas
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Azkadellia, DG, Ahamo and the Queen (mentions of Cain, Glitch, Raw and the witch)
Rating: G
Summary: Az thinks about time
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 850 (doesn't count lyrics)
When I close my eyes // And I'm all alone // I think of all the love we share // When I need a friend or a helping hand // I know that you will all be there // I've been gone for so many holidays // But you can light the fire cause this year // I'll be home for Christmas day
Azkadellia sat on a large chair in a corner of her parents' study. A book lay open in her lap, but she had stopped reading long ago. Instead, she watched as her parents and younger sister sat together near the middle of the room - her sister using large gestures which made their father laugh.
A week before, DG - and Ahamo - had become very excited after stumbling across a ledger containing conversions between the O.Z. and the Other Side. Az had memories of the holiday, recalling that the family had always celebrated the odd day in the privacy of the palace, but hadn't thought on it since that fateful day.
DG - who had spent over the last ten-odd annuals experiencing the event - was very excited, and had even taken to dragging one of the larger potted plants from the hall into the study.
Even though she was free of the witch, and had been now for some time, Az still felt like an outsider in the Zone. At one point, she even mentioned this to DG; who beamed at her and said simply: "You and me against the O.Z." Az realized that her sister's feelings of insecurity - though coming from a different point of view on DG's part - were the same as her own. And that eased Az's mind considerably.
Her mind wandered to the last time the family had been together like this. Az remembered Father telling the story of the man from the North and his flying sleigh; visiting every child in the world in one night - even at her young age, DG had already begun arguing the mechanics of such a feat - and bringing them small gifts.
There had been no man from the North with the witch. No flying sleigh, no gifts. No Father. No DG. There had been Mother, but even then, Az didn't have her. She was there, every time the witch convened with Mother; and every time, Az screamed for her mother to hear. Always wondering why the magic hadn't let Mother hear her, Az now knew, of course, that the magic had been used to save DG.
And now, while DG was learning to use her magic, Az found herself avoiding it. She'd even gone so far as to offer the magic to Mother - honestly, she didn't want it after the things the witch had done with the power - but Mother refused. "My darling Azkadellia, you've been without it for so long... Perhaps you should be studying with DG..." she had said with a smile. One that Az had pained herself to avoid rolling her eyes at the thought.
How long had it been? Az knew that it had been well over ten annuals, at least. Time wasn't measured in the O.Z. the way it seemed to be on the Other Side - nor, apparently, did it flow in a similar fashion, as everyone learned when DG argued her age with Mother. Everyone constantly witnessed DG looking at various timepieces, most invented by Ambrose - or Glitch, as he preferred these days - sundials and the Suns (which seemed to be causing DG even more grief).
Az couldn't understand why DG would become so frustrated when trying to judge time in the O.Z. If it was dim in the West, it was evening; suns to the South, time for the mid-meal. Granted, when the occasional rainstorm would pass through, there was no hope of seeing either sun.
"So, you're telling me that the sun... sets... in the East?" DG asked, completely baffled at the thought. Az and Mother had nodded - even her friends had tried to assure her of this fact, while Father simply chuckled. Mother later informed them that she had gone through this same discussion with Father when he'd first arrived in the O.Z.
DG had thrown her hands up and mumbled something about 'the One Thing,' before claiming that, since she didn't know what time it was, she should never be blamed for being late.
Mother laughed, causing Az to blink and return to reality. Looking over, she noticed DG glance at her, say something to Ahamo, then push herself up. Bounding - DG really had far too much energy for the late hour - over, DG gave Az a rather mischievous look and stuck out her hand.
"Come on," she nodded, wiggling her fingers at Az. "It's time to decorate the stand-in tree." She rocked back and forth for a moment as Az closed the book. Taking her sister's hand, Az let DG pull her from the chair and set the book on the nearest side table as they moved across the room.
As Az sat, DG leaned over the back of the large sofa and pulled back holding a large bag. Sighing as she set the bag on the floor, DG smiled and stated: "If you don't like your presents this year, it's not my fault." Az smiled, knowing that, right now - sitting there with her sister and their parents - no present would compare.
Title: 02 - Under My Tree
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Ahamo and the Queen
Rating: G
Summary: The newlyweds share a dance
Warning: pre-series, with slight references to Part 3
Disclaimer: The original characters belongs to L. Frank Baum and their respective actors. The current characters belong to Sci-Fi, the movie folks and their respective actors.
Word Count: 201 (doesn't count lyrics)
When the party is over, the night's just begun // I promise the best part is yet to come // We slow dance together, two become one // That's what we've waited all day for
Here he was - Christmas Eve, best as he could guess - dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room. Not that anyone would dare argue, as she was destined to be the Queen of this other world.
He wondered what his family was doing tonight - again, assuming that it was, in fact, Christmas Eve. Were they thinking about him? He hoped that they weren't terribly worried, and she had promised to help him find a way to get word back that he was safe, as soon as possible.
He realized she was looking up at him, which made him smile. How could he possibly be thinking of anything but her? This beautiful, amazing creature who'd watched him fall from the sky and stolen his heart with those light purple eyes.
She looked around the room, then leaned toward him. "While royal etiquette requires us to continue entertaining our guest for-" Her eyes closed and her head dropped to his chest for a moment. Breathing deeply, she straightened into a pose worthy of her stature, and stated: "I would prefer to spend my wedding night in the company of one."
It was all he could do to keep dancing.
Title: 03 - I Never Knew the Meaning of Christmas (Part One)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Cain (mentions of DG, Raw, Glitch, Jeb, Az, Adora, Zero and the Queen)
Rating: G
Summary: While on a mission for the Queen, Cain gets a letter from DG
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 971 (doesn't count lyrics)
That I never knew the meaning of Christmas // Till you came into my life // I was lost in the dark // Till you opened my heart // Like an angel shining bright
Dear Cain,
Hope this finds you well. I know that Christmas isn't a thing in the O.Z., which is TOTALLY sad, because Christmas is awesome! There's Christmas trees, and lights, and FOOD - oh my God the food...
Anyway!
Another great thing about Christmas is presents. Depending on who you ask, getting is better than giving. Personally, I kinda like the giving. Makes you think about what the person you're giving a present to would like, or need... or even appreciate. My one friend and I used to give each other presents that were pineapple-related. Don't worry about what a pineapple is - it's not important. The whole thing was just a joke between us, and don't bother asking me to explain it because it really is THAT stupid and not worthy of wasting the time of an important soldier/bodyguard/Tin Man/rugged, outdoorsy-type such as yourself.
Okay, I'm back. Had to go smack my head on the nearest doorframe for managing to write a ramble (and I know how much you love a ramble) *my eyes are rolling -now-*
Anyway... hope all's well and everyone's good and you're taking care of yourself; bossing everyone around with that angry-face and everything. Glitch says to say 'Hi' and to make sure I remind you to: "Listen to the rhythm." ...whatever that means. Raw was here a few days ago. His visits are becoming about as frequent as yours. Actually, Az did remind me that, as Princess, I do (apparently) have the power to order you to visit. Go figure!
Forgot one more thing: I’ve been doing my homework, and (apparently) the particular section of the O.Z. you’re in is considered the rough part of town. So, if you find yourself in the northern part of the eastern half of the Eastern Western Territory, and you hear a high-pitched squeaking sound: RUN LIKE HELL! If you find yourself in the central part of the eastern half of the Western Territory, and see a guy who looks like he’s made of stone: RUN LIKE HELL! And I haven’t figured out why we have a desert of death, so you should just stay in the western part of the Eastern Western Territory.
That last paragraph, consider it an ORDER; a Royal Decree or whatever. Seriously.
Stay safe.
DG
aka Kiddo/Princess/Royal Pain-in-the-Ass (Come on! You know you thought it! And, if you didn't, I obviously haven't done my job!)
p.s. If there's nothing with this letter, you have my permission to shoot whoever delivered it. Seriously! I put a lot of effort into that gift! Okay, maybe just a little effort. Kinda.
p.p.s. I don't even know if you use p.s. in the O.Z.. Pretty much means that there's something I forgot to say.
p.p.p.s. Oh, and each extra p means that I forgot something else. Like telling you this in the p.p.s. Oh, hey... the door frame is calling me over.
Please give my best, and my thanks, to everyone there. Merry Christmas!!!
Cain shook his head as he refolded the letter from DG. As hectic as his life seemed to be when she was around, he really did miss the distraction of keeping her out of trouble.
That would be preferable, especially now, when he was stuck out here in the middle of the Western Territory with a rag-tag regiment of volunteer soldiers. He'd refused to go back to the Tin Men following the Eclipse. There was no point, really. The Tin Men had disbanded themselves when the Longcoats took over, and there was no way the people of the O.Z. would take the squad seriously.
At least, not yet. The Queen had requested that Cain help to restore some assemblance of order to the O.Z., acting as an agent to her throne as she attended to matters closer to home. The Zone would have to be rebuilt, practically from the bottom up, and the Queen needed people she trusted to help.
Right now, the people she trusted numbered four - well, there were more, but four she trusted without question: Wyatt Cain, ex-Tin Man; Raw, the Viewer; Ambrose, who answered to Glitch more often than Ambrose. She trusted these three men with her life - and the lives of her family and her subjects - because the last person she wholly trusted, was her younger daughter.
DG had placed her absolute trust in Cain, Glitch and Raw - and they in her - and that was all the Queen needed to know. These three men had kept DG alive and she would be eternally grateful. These men were also responsible for the safe return of her older daughter and her husband - who'd actually been due more to the witch possessing Az, but that was neither here nor there.
Cain found leaving for this mission much more difficult than he'd have even expected. Having spent so much time alone, dwelling on the thoughts of his wife, son and Zero, that he'd given up on anything else. After years of being tortured by that damn projector and his failures eating him from the inside out, the idea that this crazy girl - brandishing nothing more than a stick - would suddenly cause him to make rash decisions and... hug...
Cain shivered at the thought and chuckled slightly as he realized that, after everything, DG had brought him back to the living. Granted, he was far from mended - and, honestly, probably would never be - but he no longer felt guilty for laughing or smiling.
And whatever this attached present was, Cain could only assume that he wouldn't appreciate it as much as the gift DG'd already given him. Because of DG, he'd been given a second chance. With the O.Z., with his son, with himself.
And that was the best present Cain could ask for.
Title: 04 - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Glitch and DG
Rating: G
Summary: It's Glitch's first Christmas
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 475 (doesn't count lyrics)
No matter what your holiday // It's a time to celebrate // Now put your worries aside // And open up your mind // And see the world right by your side // It's Christmas time
Glitch weaved down the corridor of the palace humming a tune he'd heard DG humming the day before. Although it really did nothing for his rhythm, the tune wasn't bad. Granted, if he didn't like it, it wasn't like he could really remember; therefore it must be one he liked.
He laughed. 'At least I don't have to worry about it getting stuck in my head and having to hear it over and over and-' Stopping mid-weave, Glitch blinked and cocked his head to one side. After a moment, he shook his head and continued down the hall, humming a tune he'd heard DG humming yesterday.
He reached DG's door and knocked while popping his head in the open doorway. "DG?" The Princess turned toward him, smiled, then turned back to the large fir tree sitting in front of her window. Glitch raised an eyebrow and entered the room.
"Hey Glitch, just in time to help me with the tree."
"Ya know, I don't think that a tree will thrive inside. On the fourth floor..." he squinted at the pile of random machine parts next to DG's feet. "Does the tree require mechanical work?" He pointed to the pile when DG squinted at him. She looked down and nodded.
"They're ornaments. I had to improvise." She nodded to the opposite side of the tree, where the golden cord she was - for lack of a better term in Glitch's vocabulary - wrapping around the tree, had gotten stuck on a wide branch.
Pulling the cord from the branch, Glitch looked to DG. "Why are you doing this?" he motioned to the tree. She smiled, but continued working, as she answered:
"Because it's Christmas, Glitch. And, on top of that, it's your first Christmas." Letting go of the cord, DG leaned over to the nearby chair and produced a small motor with a half-round cover. She passed it over to him and Glitch noticed that there was some shiny writing across the cover.
"Hopefully that isn't something required to keep the suns rotating or... whatever. And, if it is," she returned to the cord. "Well, then... the O.Z. will deal with darkness for three days." Glitch chuckled slightly as he read the writing.
"Glitch's First Christmas," he read quietly. Looking up to DG, he found her smiling. Setting the thing down gently, Glitch straightened, clapped his hands together and announced: "This just won't do. Take it off!" he waved to DG and the cord. She looked from Glitch to the tree and back to Glitch.
Grinning broadly, DG tossed the cord to him and headed around the tree to collect the end. A few moments later, Glitch began humming a tune he'd heard DG humming the day before. DG soon began humming along, and Glitch thought he might have heard her mention something about bells jingling.
Title: 05 - The Christmas Song
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Elmer Gulch (mentions of DG, Hank and Emily)
Rating: G
Summary: Gulch checks on the farmhouse
Warning: post-series *Kinda, sorta related to #11
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.
Word Count: 389 (doesn't count lyrics)
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire // Jack Frost nipping at your nose // Yuletide carols, being sung by a choir // And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Elmer Gulch wasn't one to disregard Christmas. In fact, it happened to be his favorite holiday. What bothered him was the growing amount of crap he had to deal with; starting with the first snow of the season.
Kids running through the streets, building forts and having snowball fights; he still had the record for best time down Dead Man's Hill: a minute one, since 1984. Although - technically - his record had been broken last year by a minute flat, Gulch refused to concede the loss.
Their part of Kansas didn't get the brunt of the winter weather from Colorado - thank God - and was far enough east and south that the freeze didn't affect too much. The snow, however, was a problem. With snow, came ice. With ice, traffic accidents. Luckily, their county had the newest snow plows.
Sadly, the plows were in need of maintenance. And the county's top maintenance man had disappeared. Gulch found himself driving by the farmhouse that morning, giving his weekly look-see to insure that either the house was still secure; or - the option he'd rather - that the family had returned.
Topeka had sent out their grand investigation team, but they found no evidence of foul play. They did find evidence of a twister, but even the weather service had no record of activity the night before they disappeared. Gulch knew that something extraordinary had happened.
Nothing was missing in the house - except, of course, the occupants - and the damn motorcycle was sitting there, plain as day, next to the garage. If Gulch knew one thing, it was that the girl would not have left that bike without a fight. Even more confusing, was an order sitting at the courthouse, with instructions to leave the house and land alone - don't sell, no matter how vacant the place seems - and dated 1939.
His radio went off - fender-bender on Main, in front of the Post Office - and Gulch sighed. Getting back into his patrol car, Officer Gulch gave a silent prayer for the family's safety and shifted the car into drive. As he pulled onto the main road, Gulch smiled at the idea of - some day down the road - having the chance to challenge DG for that top time down that stupid hill.
Title: 06 - I Guess it's Christmas Time
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Raw, DG and random Viewers
Rating: G
Summary: DG and Raw discuss their new roles
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 159 (doesn't count lyrics)
Open our hearts // So we can open our arms // And we'll all join hands // To celebrate the goodness // That shines inside of everyone
The Viewers sat together as the suns rose, knowing that a change had come over the O.Z. Within the camp, the children were beginning to stir and the females were preparing the morning meal. The males, all currently circled on the outskirts, were calm; listening to the air.
Raw had been named leader of the tribe after the Eclipse, and was currently traveling from the Royal Palace to the camp. He had asked them to name someone else, but none would hear of it. DG had given him yet another pep talk regarding his courage, suggesting that they were now both expected to fill roles they would rather not have.
"The advantage," she began, "to being a leader, is that you can go to other leaders for advice... and support." Raw looked at her and both smiled together.
"New O.Z.," Raw commented with a sly grin. "New rules." DG's grin widened and they shared a hug.
New rules, indeed.
Title: 07 - All I Want is You This Christmas (Part Four)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Cain, Jeb and the Queen (mentions of Adora and DG)
Rating: G
Summary: Cain and Jeb have 'the talk,' whether Cain wants to or not
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 845 (doesn't count lyrics)
I don't want the love of any other girl // I want only one thing in this whole wide world // Nothing else will do // All I want is you this Christmas
Another annual had passed in the O.Z., and Cain and his regiment had moved to the southwest - putting them, currently, somewhere in western part of the central portion of the Eastern Territory. If the Queen had told him two annuals ago - when she dispatched him - that he'd still be dealing with strife in the Eastern Territory two annuals later, he'd have gladly withdrawn from service and returned to the cabin by the lake.
They'd done wonders with the O.Z. in all that time - in the defense of the passage of time - but Cain was tired, lonely and especially homesick. Meeting up with Jeb had helped, but Cain was still cranky. He was even missing Glitch's company - and that was saying something!
The first night in camp after Jeb's arrival had led to an evening of reminiscing over the contents of the box DG had sent, and Cain was glad to hear the stories. Jeb had also brought news that he was in love. Cain couldn't be happier - albeit, a little jealous - that his son had found someone to spend the rest of his life with. All the adversity of the boy's life wouldn't hold him back.
Jeb had always been considered the man of the house after his father had been put in the iron suit, but after their most recent conversation, Cain felt like the child.
"How much longer are you gonna wait?" Jeb asked while prodding their campfire with a long stick. Cain looked up from his mug and raised an eyebrow.
"Wait for what?" He made the mistake of taking a sip as Jeb continued:
"Telling the Princess that you've fallen in love with her." Cain lurched forward, coughing deeply. Taking a moment to recover - that liquid was far too hot to be going down the wrong pipe - his brow furrowed.
"Excuse me?" Jeb couldn't catch the smile before it crept up his face, but straightened anyway.
"I love you, Dad. But, sometimes, you are thicker than the door of an iron suit." Cain couldn't help but grin at the analogy, but still wasn't sure what his son was referring to. Jeb could see the gears turning behind his father's eyes and decided to not keep him waiting. "It's much more obvious now." Cain swallowed and shifted, which made Jeb smile again.
"I think love has gotten to you, Son." Jeb shook his head. There was no way he would let Cain back out of this one.
"I should have known, annuals back, just before the Eclipse. At first, I thought it was your Tin Man-sense of duty. You were so insistent on finding her and-"
"Jeb," Cain jumped in, raising a hand to his son.
"And, now, the moment her name comes up, you try and change the subject." Jeb eyed his father, waiting for the elder man to flinch. He let the silence hold another moment, then leaned forward. "It's been ten years, Father. You are allowed to fa-" Cain raised a hand and closed his eyes. Jeb sighed and pushed himself up from the log he'd been sitting on. Moving past his father, Jeb stopped and placed a hand on Cain's shoulder.
"I want to see you happy. And in the short time I saw you together..." Jeb sighed softly. "I saw someone who brings out the best in you." He gave Cain's shoulder a squeeze and moved away. Cain let his head drop and sighed heavily.
"Jeb," he called out, just before the younger man moved out of earshot. Twisting to face Jeb, Cain looked to his son and asked: "How'd you get so smart when it comes to love?" Jeb glanced away for a moment then smiled at his father.
"I had a good teacher." Cain half-smiled and half-laughed. "And," Jeb added, "I met someone who made me want to be more like him than ever." Nodding, Jeb turned away and walked back toward the tents of his squadron. He had made it about three steps when he turned suddenly.
"Oh," he said, raising a finger. "And when this is all over," he motioned to the surrounding camp, "she won't let you walk away." Cain smirked as he watched Jeb turn and begin to mingle with some of the soldiers. Cain turned back to his mug and looked at the fire.
A few weeks later, Cain filed his final report.
Your Majesty,
I hope this finds you well.
This will be the last dispatch from the field. We've done all we can do; the rest is up to the people of the O.Z.
The men are rather looking forward to returning home to their families.
Regards,
W.Cain
The Queen smiled as she read over the letter. Refolding the page, she picked up the envelope and noticed another piece of paper. Pursing her lips as she pulled out the smaller scrap, the Queen smiled as she read over the added note.
p.s. I wish to inform you that - upon my return - I intend to kiss your daughter.
Title: 08 - The First Noel
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Mystic Man (mentions of Cain, DG, Raw, Glitch, Ahamo, Azkadellia, the witch and the Queen)
Rating: G
Summary: The Mystic Man ponders in his cell
Warning: Part Two
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.
Word Count: 523 (doesn't count lyrics)
Thus by the light of that same star // Three wise men came from country far // To seek for a king was their intent // And to follow that star wherever it went
Sitting in this iron cell - he laughed at the irony - the Mystic Man though back on the last day’s events. How had he come to this? When did he give in to the Vapors? When did he stop fighting with the Resistance? What had happened to bring everything they'd worked for to a grinding halt?
DG was right there, kneeling in front of him and desperate for information. She'd brought him back - more with the help of that symbol on her hand - with, quite literally, a slap to the face. And he couldn't be more proud of her for that. She'd grown up to be tough, a fighter. She'd need that to go up against Azkadellia.
He hoped they'd made it out of the city and were already well on their way to the Northern Island. He hadn't remembered much after the buzz-stick got him in the neck, but he knew that Azkadellia had gotten a location out of him. How had he ever been in charge of the Resistance? He backed down after just a little bit of torture.
Cain would have held out. That man was a soldier at heart; the true embodiment of a Tin Man. He would die getting DG to the palace. The other two... well, he hadn't had enough time with the other two to make a valid judgment.
The one, he knew, was a Viewer. And he recognized the other - the one with the zipper - but couldn't place him. Shaking his head, the Mystic Man sighed as he thought back to that first meeting with the Queen and her advisor. Azkadellia had been possessed by something beyond evil, and the younger daughter, believed dead, was actually alive and being hidden on the Other Side.
It was almost like someone had flipped a switch in his brain when the emblem on DG's palm met his eye. The flashes of meeting with the Queen in secret; those five years before the witch had finally taken over; hours around that damn Vapor machine; fighting the drug and failing... Failing.
He had failed. Or, had he? The realization that Azkadellia had headed north, not south, hit the Mystic Man like a punch in the stomach. And not in a good way. Azkadellia would have gone to the north long ago. It wouldn't surprise him if the Queen was in the next cell. And, if she wasn't at the Northern Island to meet DG, how would DG know to turn around and go south to Finaqua?
The Mystic Man shook his head heavily. Why did they have to use these riddles to get the girl to her destination? Why not simply tell her: "South. Unwanted Realm. Ahamo." and be done with it? Let Azkadellia roam all over the North and find nothing. Sometimes he wondered how the Queen had managed to lock and unlock memories at random. Maybe, just maybe, the rumors of his own powers weren't that far off.
For now, however, he would sit in this prison... and wait. He could only hope that those three men could help DG achieve her purpose.
Title: 09 - In Love on Christmas (Part Three)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Cain (mentions of DG, Jeb, Adora, the Mystic Man and the Queen)
Rating: G
Summary: Cain responds to DG's letters
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 579 (doesn't count lyrics)
Last year, Christmas // It happened without us // I was all mixed up and confused // I didn't know what to do baby // I never thought I'd feel this way
Princess,
I will not address you by your referred salutation from your first letter - which I assume was written after the second - regardless of how correct it may be.
As to your three "Royal Decree or whatever"s: Consider all noted and promptly ignored. Especially the first.
As for the package...
I've been trying to compose a response that is longer than two words, but I'm not having much luck.
You do get one free hug, the next time our paths cross.
Please tell your mother that we will be moving southwest within days.
We hope to meet Jeb, who is moving northeast. Will send word if anything changes.
W.Cain
Cain gave the note a final glance before folding it and sealing it into the Royal pouch. The rider was currently having dinner, and would be rested and ready to go in a few hours.
The note was probably far too personal, especially as the recipient was royalty, but Cain couldn't bring himself to leave the note official. He didn't want to offend DG, as he was sure she was already upset enough that she hadn't seen him in almost an annual. He wasn't positive - and anyone who'd read her last letters wouldn't see it, because they didn't know her - but there was something in her words.
He had no intention of wishing her misery, but he also had an inkling of her feelings. They'd both been dropped into this new world - her, literally - and it should only be fair that he wasn't the only one miserable. Of course, she was with her family; his son was off on his own royal mission. She had mentioned, just before he left, that while they were her family, DG couldn't quite get over the fact that she really didn't know them.
It had been a few weeks since he'd received the package - sadly, this was actually the first time he’d had to sit and compose a message - and, judging by the time it took for the riders to deliver dispatches, it had been roughly six weeks. He hoped she knew that it was nothing against her that he hadn't responded sooner.
He'd found himself looking at the contents of the box on and off, usually while waiting to fall asleep, but every thought of his wife using the various items DG had packed, brought Cain to thoughts of DG. Honestly, he'd been thinking about DG for a long while, and that unsettled him a great deal.
He'd fulfilled his promise to the Mystic Man; made sure that DG was well-protected before he left on this mission; and had no reason to worry about her. She was his friend; the first friend he'd had in all those years. After that week, he'd realized that he not only enjoyed her company, but was happy to be alive.
It's not like he was falling in love with her. Hell, he was almost twice her age; a father and a widower. She had her whole life ahead of her and would find some young regal-type who could promise her the moon - and both suns - and give her lots of curly-haired, blue-eyed children. Of course, having blue eyes himself, Cain would have better chances of giving DG those blue-eyed children.
Cain's head shot straight up as his brain registered what he'd just been thinking. Twisting in discomfort, Cain sighed heavily and muttered: "I must be losin' my mind."
CTitle: 10 - It's Christmas
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Ahamo (mentions of DG, Hank, Emily and the Queen)
Rating: G
Summary: Ahamo's in Year 5 of his exile.
Warning: pre-series, with references to Part Three
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.
Word Count: 226 (doesn't count lyrics)
And you know I'm gonna be right here // And still my heart belongs to you and only you
It had been five years since he'd fled to the South. She had suggested it, and he had argued; so she demanded and he conceded. He'd volunteered to go to the Other Side - he could keep DG safe, make sure she remembered where she was from and have her better prepared for her return.
But his wife had declined, saying that his place was in the Unwanted Realm, working with the Resistance. He would put on the production of disappearing into the night; living up to the low expectations of the citizens of the O.Z. when she'd announced that she would take an outsider as a husband.
At the time, he'd begun to believe all the claims of the marriage being cursed. But, he believed in his wife, whole-heartedly. If she thought the prudent course of action was to send one child away - with a pair of strange robots - and tell the other, currently possessed, that her sister was dead, who was he to argue? After all, she was the Queen.
Every year since they'd separated - near as he could guess, anyway - he'd sent her a message of love and support in the care of a trusted Resistance member. And, every year, he received word of her reply in return. There was no way he'd survive another five years like this...
Title: 11 - O Holy Night
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Dorothy (mention of the witch)
Rating: G
Summary: Dorothy has a secret
Warning: pre-series *Kinda, sorta related to #5
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.
Word Count: 186 (doesn't count lyrics)
The thrill of hope // The weary world rejoices // For yonder breaks // A new and glorious morn
Dorothy stood on the balcony of her palace and stared out over the land. She'd returned to Oz for the last time, and - yet again - defeated the wicked witch trying to enslave this world. She could make no more trips back and forth from Kansas, and she had made a point of setting up certain provisions on the other side, specifically for the farmhouse, before this last trip.
Her advisor was just outside the door, ready to report on the casualties from this most recent battle of good and evil, but Dorothy didn't want to hear it. At least not yet.
She wanted to take this moment to view Oz as it finally was: Safe.
Of course, that little voice nagging in her head wouldn't stop. It was only a matter of time before she would have to inform her most trusted advisor that everything hadn't gone entirely as planned. He knocked again and, as she moved toward the door, Dorothy made a mental note to add a line to the law.
All Gale descendants must be fluent in the language of the Ancients.
Title: 12 - Love's in Our Hearts on Christmas Day (Part Two)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Cain (mentions of DG, Glitch, Jeb and Adora)
Rating: G
Summary: Cain opens his present
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 538 (doesn't count lyrics)
You've got my heart on Christmas // Inside my soul your love remains // Love's in our hearts on Christmas day
Cain set DG's letter aside and looked at the package, wrapped in simple brown paper and tied with a string. There was a strange tree-looking drawing on a piece of the paper - Cain could only assume this was the Christmas tree DG wrote about. Pulling the string loose, then the paper, Cain raised an eyebrow at the sight of his old tin box.
One he was sure he'd left in its hiding place underneath the house. He frowned and slowly flipped the latches. Raising the lid, Cain noted at least a dozen objects of various shapes, sizes and colors. Sitting on top, was another letter.
READ ME FIRST
Shaking his head, Cain reached for the paper and found it was simply folded in half.
Hey Cain,
I'm writing this now - and I'll write another one later - to kind of explain this (and I'll probably end up repeating myself, so just deal with it!).
I've been wracking my brain to come up with a good Christmas present for you - and, I know that you don't know Christmas, and that's another story for another time - and after all my contemplating and back-and-forths, I find that the one present I would like to give you is physically impossible. Believe me, I asked my mother more than once... and there's just no way...
So, I figured that, since I couldn't give you her... maybe I could give you things of hers.
Cain didn't realize he'd been holding his breath. Dropping his hand, Cain looked again to the items in his case. One hand still clutching the note, Cain reached into the box and pushed one of the top items aside. There was a framed picture of Jeb as an infant, and another of Jeb and himself; some of Adora's hair decorations; a scarf; a mug... and that was just what he could see without removing anything.
Taking a deep breath, Cain blinked a few times before returning to DG's note.
Glitch and I went to your house first. You only took the stuff in the box with you, and because of the situation, we figured you probably didn't look around too much. We also went back to the other cabin and picked up this and that. We also put decent flowers down (which isn't part of the present - I just thought you should know).
Again, because of the situation, I know you didn't get a proper chance to grieve... so I'm hoping this was the right thing and doesn't actually make it worse. Maybe Jeb will be able to tell you stories about some of this stuff... and, if he acts up, tell him that the Princess thinks he was a beautiful baby. Preferably in front of others.
Love DG (and Glitch)
Oh, and technically, you're now guilty of receiving stolen property. Sorry about that.
Cain let out something between a cry and a laugh and looked out over the camp. The men were having dinner, talking about their friends and family; discussing the day's events and what was to come. Taking a deep breath, Cain set the note aside and began going through the box.
DG had, once again, gone above and beyond Cain's expectations.
Title: 13 - The Only Gift (Part Five)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: DG, Glitch, Raw, Az, Ahamo and the Queen (mentions of Jeb and Cain)
Rating: G
Summary: DG's brooding for the third Christmas
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 542 (doesn't count lyrics)
For in my wishful heart // There was one simple truth // The only gift I wanted was you
Another year - 'Annual,' DG thought, rolling her eyes - had passed in the O.Z. It was as near to Christmas Eve as her O.Z. calendar could get. Honestly, this year, she really didn't feel like celebrating. Which was sad, because Raw was finally back at the palace, so he and Glitch had taken to helping make her days much more entertaining - even if all they did was sit around and make jokes about how much more exciting life was when the Papay were still life-threatening hunters.
Mother had received word that the troops were finally leaving the Eastern Territories, but DG hadn't heard from Cain. In fact, other than the letter saying he'd received last year's Christmas gift, she hadn't had any correspondence from him since the reply to her reply to his reply. Not that there was much to either.
When she'd received his note that he was choosing to ignore her warning about the Wheelers, she'd sent back a witty reply of "Just make that face - you know the one - and they'll run away," complete with a large smiley face.
His response was simply: "Why do you think I have that face?"
DG had hoped that the banter would continue, bringing them back to wherever it was they were. Unfortunately, the following notes were all completely official and directed to the Queen. Az had been so sick of DG's moping that she'd cornered her sister and demanded an explanation.
"How do you know it's not just a schoolgirl crush, Deeg? If you continue to pine, you'll miss out on-" DG reached out for her sister.
"Az, please. I understand what you're saying. And, really," DG stood up from the sofa and moved to the window. "Maybe, at first, there was a crush... But, I'm not pining. Honestly. The man doesn't even see me like- It's not that I want him to-" She realized that the more she spoke, the deeper the hole she was in became. Taking a deep breath, DG turned to her sister.
"Sometimes, I just want to talk to my best friend. And please," she said with a frown. "Don't be offended that I just said that. I meant-" Az moved to her sister's side and pulled her into a hug.
"You're right. It's not pining." DG gave her a tiny laugh and let her head drop. "You're absolutely infatuated with the man," Az said with a Cheshire grin. DG made a face and rolled her eyes. "It's all right, baby sister. I won't tell him."
Currently, DG was standing in the parlor, poking at the ornaments on the tree - this year's looking much more like a Christmas tree should - and fiddling with the lights. Glitch and DG had worked out a rough set of twinkle lights; the tough part being the search for the smallest light bulbs the O.Z. had. In the end, even Ahamo was impressed at their ingenuity.
The Queen entered the room, followed by Az and Ahamo, and the three of them took seats on the sofas. Glitch moved over to DG as Raw stayed by the door. Glitch pointed to an ornament and made a comment which caused DG to laugh out loud.
"Hey there, Princess."
Title: 14 - Kiss Me at Midnight (Part Six)
Author: Erin erinm_4600
Characters, Pairing: Cain, DG, Glitch, Raw, Jeb, Az, Ahamo and the Queen
Rating: G
Summary: Cain's finally home.
Warning: post-series
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.
Word Count: 369 (doesn't count lyrics)
All of my friends are here and when the time is right // Kiss me at midnight
"Hey there, Princess."
DG caught her breath and spun around so fast that she had to grab on to Glitch's arm for support. She hoped that the utter disappointment in the pit of her stomach didn't show on her face as she saw Jeb Cain standing in the doorway.
"Mister Cain," she said with a nod. "Forgive me, I'm not familiar with your current rank." Jeb nodded and gave her a smile.
"Jeb, please." He threw a quick nod to the Queen and Azkadellia before returning his gaze to DG. "I have a message, from my father," he said slowly, with a slight frown. DG forced a smile and automatically looked to the tree.
"Hey there, Princess," she heard again. Without blinking, DG turned her head back in the direction of Jeb. There, between Jeb and Raw, stood Wyatt Cain, hat in hand. Glitch tapped DG's arm and she swatted at his hand. DG finally blinked and had to look at the floor to fight the smile she could feel in her stomach. Finally finding her voice, DG managed:
"Good message." Jeb looked to Cain, then back to DG. Az moved away from her parents and pulled Glitch toward her.
"That wasn't the message, actually. I didn't really feel... comfortable, delivering it." He waved a hand for Cain to proceed and gave his arm a quick, confident squeeze with the other. Cain took a few steps forward, as did DG, and he threw a quick glance toward the Queen. She focused on the wall opposite her; let her lip curl upwards so slightly that, had the lights been any dimmer, Cain would have missed it; and shifted her head in a nod just enough that, again, Cain almost missed it.
Looking back to DG, he gave her a genuine smile and - before she knew what had happened - had one arm around DG's waist and the other hand on her jaw. Having no idea what to do with her hands, DG simply stood there and let Cain do all the work. A second later, she felt her legs go mushy and Cain pulled back. Taking a second to remember how to form words, DG sighed:
"Yup... Good message."
Congrats! You've survived the world's longest LJ post :p