A/N: Welcome to my first "Tin Man" fic, I do not own anything. - As of 9/20 slight revisions to chps 1 - 6, just a little grammar and a few extra sentences here a there!

"This is completely ridiculous." DG complained from her space in the carriage as she leaned her hand against her palm and let her scornful glance sweep out the window.

Her sister gave a sigh, "You've said that already Dee." Azkadellia no longer glanced at her sister as these angst ridden outbursts were becoming increasingly more common as the trip had progressed over the last few days. DG couldn't help but notice that the trip seemed to be taking its toll of Az as well. Her sister's usually beautiful face now showed signs of exhaustion in the dark circles visible beneath her eyes.

"Listen to Az, DG," said Glitch from across the carriage. "If you keep complaining you'll turn into … what did you call them last week? Emus?"

"Emo's, Glitch, and don't worry," DG laughed to herself, "I don't have the right haircut for it."

Az and Glitch looked at each other, confused as they usually were when DG referenced the world they both considered to be more of a fairy tale than a reality.

"And anyways, little sister, this is a simple procession. Merely a formal return to Fanaqua, so don't start getting all huffy."

DG gave a sigh, crossed her arms tight against her chest and continued to gaze sullenly out the carriage window. I know I should be excited, it just doesn't feel right yet. I'm used to motorcycles, hamburgers, jeans and hell, even paved roads. This place is carriages, food I can't recognize, and clothes out of some little kid's dress up box. DG continued to stay within her own head as they passed colored banners and guards in gleaming armor and for a moment she swore she heard a trumpet as the carriage came to stop. Glitch stood, opened the door and tossed her his half crooked smile, which warmed her heart with the thought that he was still the Glitch that she had met not too long ago, though now he had gathered all his marbles.

Now it was Az's turn to look despondent, DG reached over and took her big sisters hand. "It's okay sis. Just remember, it's just a simple procession." At that Az stuck her tongue out at DG, to which DG responded to with crossed eyes and blowing an audible raspberry. Az gathered her strength, rolled her shoulders back, raised her chin high and excited the carriage. When she reached the ground she glanced back at DG, eyes wide as if to say, Now your turn.

Just remember, lift up the skirt, check. Small steps, one foot in front of the other, you can do it Deeg. The Queen and Az had been elated to get DG into, what they considered proper clothes. This had turned out to be simple cream colored blouse complete with low, round neckline with simple pin tucks down the front and long sleeves which were tight to elbow ending with a slight bell around the cuffs. The blouse fit with a brocade belt around the waist that flowed, almost seamlessly into the dark blue skirt that fit snugly around the hips and flared to the floor, complete with a slight train. DG was trying her best not to ruin it or make a fool of herself while wearing it, and so far so good, she just had to get out of the carriage and into the palace and it almost worked, if it hadn't been for that step. As she had reached for the frame of the door the skirt had slipped from her hand and reached the stair a split second before her foot, causing that step to become a lot slicker than anticipated and sent DG flying out of the carriage with a gasp and the audible noise of fabric tearing, as her arms sprawled in front waiting for the imminent connection with the ground. In the moment before the ground came to meet her she felt sturdy arms around her waist and suddenly her feet were securely on the ground, it didn't take a second guess to know who had caught her, in fact she was a too embarrassed to glance up at her savior.

"Thanks, Jeb," she murmured, feeling her cheeks heat up.

"Only doing my duty, Princess," the younger Cain said, as he wrapped her arm around his and began leading her down the walk way.

"Hmph… did Cain tell you specifically to make sure I didn't get hurt while he was gone?"

Jeb gave a small chuckle, "No, Princess. The oath I took to the crown was to make sure you stayed safe and were protected at all times. My father had a trickier task for me while he was away."

"Which was what?"

"To keep you out of trouble." At this she shot Jeb a dirty look, to which he laughed again. "Don't shoot me those daggers, I'm just the messenger. If you don't like it, Princess, I suggest you take it up with him."

DG had allowed herself to be paraded around the palace, been introduced to numerous members of the staff and a few notable members of the legislature and military. There had been a small feast to celebrate. She could see that the day was wearing on her sister too and as soon as the moment arose she excused herself and Az. Eventually, with a sense of pride, DG made it to her room. She only turned down a few wrong hallways, which all looked the same with the swirling marble patterned floors, immense paintings and mirrors and other various ornate fixtures. With a few helpful nods and shakes of the head from two guards, a maid and one slightly confused undersecretary of the government who had, luckily not yet begun to use the facilities of the lavatory that DG had found after her second dead end she found her way to the bedroom. She opened the carved wood door and made a beeline towards her wardrobe. She dug and pushed through the racks and drawers until she found what she was looking for. Thank goodness for Glitch and that inventive seamstress back in Central City, she now was in possession of a few pair of pants, made similarly to those of her beloved Levi's. Quickly the skirt and belt were off and in pile on the floor and she was enjoying the feeling of the light wool on her legs.

I don't really get into that much trouble, at least I never used to. It's the stupid OZ, I've only been here a few weeks and already I've gotten into and around more scrapes than I can count. Is it really my fault I fell into that marsh outside of the castle? Was it really my fault that every steamcar in Central City seems poised to run me over? Nope it was the OZ, it was the OZ's fault and anyways no one should be that worried I always got out of those situations fine . . . and I guess Cain might have helped me . . . a little. I mean he was only there to pull me out of the mud or to push me out of the . . .

KNOCK. KNOCK. The sound of the brass knocker on the front of her door woke DG out of the serial rant in her head and as she walked to the door and turned the ornate handle she secretly hoped that it wasn't Jeb Cain "checking up" on her again or he get an earful, innocent messenger or not.

However, it wasn't Jeb Cain, but rather her sister and for a moment DG was relieved, until she took a closer look. Az was leaning against the door frame, arms around her waist and in the dim light DG thought she saw a sallow quality to Az's face that she hadn't seen before and as her sister turned towards her she could definitely see the dark circles now incasing her eyes, a deeper color than before.

"DG," Az almost whispered. "I don't feel so good."

Oh no, whats wrong with Az? Why is DG so moody? and if I claim that this story is DG/C, where the heck is Cain? All to be answered in the next chapter! But please leave a comment or two to let me know someone is reading out there!