Fanfiction: Tin Man (G)
Title: The Road Less Traveled
Pairing/Characters: 'Ambrose', 'Lavender Eyes', Ahamo, Wyatt Cain, 'Adora' Cain; 'Lavender Eyes'/Ahamo, Wyatt/'Adora'/'Ambrose'
Rating: G
Fandom: Tin Man
Word Count: 1,714
Spoilers: Whole miniseries
Summary: A slight detour that accomplishes nothing, apparently.
Notes/Warnings: AU! lionille wrote The Curious Case of the Mysteriously Missing Lady-in-Waiting In Training and andrealyn wrote The Path Not Taken and the two fics together gave me the idea of writing a fic where Ambrose/Glitch is born a woman and stays one. *grin*
Beta and plot-hole-poker: umbralillium
Sounding board: unicorn_catcher
Previous Chapter(s): 1. Rocky Beginning, 2. Smoothing the Way, 3. Hidden Bumps, 4. Getting Over the Bumps, 5. Roadwork Ahead!, 6. Repairing the Road, 7. Good Road, 8. Hairpin Bend, 9. At a Crossroads, 10. Choosing a Road, 11. Changing Direction, 12. The New Journey Begins, 13. Dip in the Road, 14. Surprise Detour, 15. Detour Becomes a new Road, 16. Idyllic Travels, 17. Abrupt Halt, 18. Broken Road, 19. Two Roads Merging, 20. Changing Direction, 21. Travels, 22. Clearing the Road
The Road Less Traveled
23. Dead End
Glitch found herself walking alongside DG as Ralph led them to where they'd be crossing the Crack in the O.Z. "You're a lot like her, you know? She wasn't always all ermine robes and 'thees' and 'thous'. She started off just like you: feisty, but fair."
"My mother's done so much for me and I don't even know her name," DG replied, sounding sad more than anything else.
She waved a long-fingered hand dismissively. "Oh, that's easy! Her name was Queen--" As she reached for the name, her mind came up completely blank.
Glitch stopped walking, her face contorting as she tried in vain to remember the Queen's name. Grimacing, she turned to DG and shrugged sheepishly. The hopeful look on the girl's face was replaced by a sympathetic smile as she patted the former Royal Advisor's shoulder. "It's okay."
"She was happy to make the sacrifices she thought were right." A vague image of Raw talking to DG, the latter with tears shining in her eyes, flashed across Glitch's mind as she spoke. "We should all love someone that much."
"It sounds like you loved Wyatt, Adair, and Jeb that much," DG commented as they continued on their way.
Smiling faintly, Glitch nodded. "Yes, I just wish I could remember them."
"You will, if I have anything to say about it," DG assured her, blue eyes glinting with determination.
She smiled, glad for the girl's support. In what seemed like next to no time, they reached the line they were going to use to cross. It took little time for the six of them to uncover it. As she worked, Glitch heard Ralph tell Wyatt, "Your family crossed this same line, friend. Said they were headed to an old cabin about three spans on the other side. Tucked behind a giant white elm, the only one there."
"Thank you." There was suppressed excitement in Wyatt's voice as he shook Ralph's hand.
The balding man shook his head. "We should thank you."
"Wyatt?" Glitch paused by the ex-Tin Man's side, wondering what that was about.
He turned to her with a reassuring smile. "I'll explain later. Go on."
"You'd better," she muttered under her breath as she turned to climb onto the platform. Faced with the reality of making the crossing, Glitch was only vaguely aware that Makanu had shifted to become Toto. She glanced down at DG, ignoring Raw behind her. "Did I ever tell you I was afraid of heights?"
DG frowned, glancing across the gorge, and then back at Glitch. "You were hanging from the ceiling when I met you."
"Involuntarily!" Her reply ended on a shout because Raw pushed her off the platform. Her feet flailed uselessly for ground as she swept across, the roaring river hundreds of spans below them. Would I drown if I fell, or would the impact kill me first? Or maybe I'd just be knocked unconscious. Or-- Her musings were cut short when she hit the anchoring tree face-first. "Ow!"
Glitch tumbled to her back and barely managed to get to her feet before Raw was landing beside her. They caught DG, and then Wyatt landed beside them. Toto jumped down from Wyatt's arms and changed back to Makanu while the ex-Tin Man glanced at each of them, concerned. "Are all of you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." DG sounded breathless.
Raw simply nodded when Wyatt looked at him. Glitch smiled reassuringly. "Nothing permanent. I was too busy thinking."
"You're sure?" Wyatt frowned, stepping closer to take her arm.
She nodded, covering his hand with hers and urging him forward. "Come on, we can't linger here. The Longcoats are still down there."
"Right." Still holding her arm, Wyatt started off with the others falling in step behind them.
After a few moments, Glitch asked, "What did Ralph tell you about your family?"
"Back in the cabin, he told me Jeb and Adair are still alive," Wyatt explained, joy shining briefly in his eyes.
She nodded, suddenly understanding. "And he was giving you directions for finding them."
"Exactly." He nodded in reply. "Maybe seeing them will help you remember."
Glitch grinned, touched and pleased that Wyatt had heard her discussion with DG earlier. Quietly, she asked, "If you get a chance, could you tell DG what her mother's name is?"
"I will." He squeezed her arm gently, reassuringly.
She squeezed his hand in return; content to walk alongside him in silence for once.
* * *
Wyatt was grateful that Glitch was silent for once. He still loved her, but she'd never been much of a chatterbox before. Except when she was nervous. I guess that's what happens when you have half your brain removed... As they walked, he heard DG and Raw telling Makanu about everything that had happened since the former had arrived in the O.Z. "Father Vue said this was a gift from my mother, but I'm not sure what it's for, exactly."
"It's a focus for your gift," Makanu explained after a moment. Wyatt figured the tutor had been examining the mark on DG's palm. "Have you done anything extraordinary with it?"
Raw answered for DG. "Made Papay tree bloom."
"Now that I think about it, my hand was tingling and I pressed it back against the tree." DG sounded thoughtful as she explained. "Maybe it was my gift working."
Makanu gave a chuckle. "Good. How did you come to use your gift, though? With Wyatt around, I'd have thought he would shoot the Papays."
"There were too many," Wyatt explained over his shoulder, preferring not to mention that he'd forgotten to reload his gun. "I just told her what you used to tell her and Az all the time."
At his side, Glitch stifled a giggle. Wyatt smiled, and then came to a dead stop. Glitch took a few more steps then turned to face him. "What's wrong?"
"There." He stared at the white elm that gleamed in the early morning light. "That's it. That's where our family made their new home."
Without another word, he started running towards the tree, eager to see Adair and Jeb again. He was vaguely aware of Glitch keeping pace with him, but Wyatt's focus was on reaching the tree, and then ducking through the younger trees that screened the cottage from view. "Adair! Jeb!"
"Adair!" Glitch echoed as she pushed through the young trees behind him. "Jeb!"
He crashed through the last of the trees and into a clearing, his eyes caught by the Iron Suit in front of the cottage. His heart in his throat, Wyatt slowly approached the Suit, wondering if he'd see Jeb or Adair peering back at him if he were to look in. Glitch was the one who reached out to open the Suit, revealing that it was empty. He closed his eyes as disappointment clenched his heart. "Jeb..."
"Wyatt." Glitch patted his shoulder and directed his attention to a small, wooden marker standing at one end of a mound of earth.
Instinctively taking her hand in his, he walked over to read the name carved onto the simple grave marker: Adair Walker. He dropped to his knees by the grave, the sudden swoop from hope to despair too much for him. "No..."
"I'm sorry." Glitch knelt beside him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
He covered her hands with his as he reached into his pocket and reverently drew out the Tin Man badge. Blinking back tears, he laid it down beside Adair's grave. Take care wherever you are, Darling...
After a long moment, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the marker, a last farewell to his husband. He straightened up and watched as Glitch tilted her head thoughtfully. Giving a small nod, she leaned forward and did the same. He heard her whisper, "I wish I remembered you."
"You will, Sweetheart." He reached down and took her hands to help her to her feet. They turned to rejoin the others, seeing sympathy and sadness on all of their faces. "Let's go to Finaqua. There's nothing left for us here."
"We should rest soon," Makanu suggested gently. "You four look ready to fall asleep where you're standing."
Wyatt nodded, starting back the way they'd come. "We will, but we're not resting here."
"Too painful for some," Raw added as Glitch moved to join the ex-Tin Man.
Silence fell as the little party exited the small grove and started for Finaqua.
* * *
Glitch stayed near Wyatt as they continued on their journey. When they stopped at a stream to rest their feet and drink some water, Raw approached, resting a hand on each of their shoulders. "Jeb still lives."
"No." Wyatt didn't even lift his head, staring intently at the ground.
She turned to look at Raw, recognizing that the Viewer's gift was at work. "He lives to honor you." He glanced at Glitch. "Both of you." After a long pause, he added, "I feel it."
"You feel too much." Wyatt straightened up and walked off into the trees.
Giving the Viewer an apologetic look, Glitch followed her husband. She found him leaning heavily against a tree trunk, shoulders heaving as he fought back sobs. "He was just trying to help."
"I don't need more false hope," Wyatt retorted between ragged gasps. "It hurts too much when it's snatched away."
She reached out and rested her hand on a heaving shoulder. "Viewers don't give false hope. You know that better than me."
"I don't have time to hope right now anyway." He finally got his sobs under control. "I said I would help DG and that's what I'll do."
Glitch stopped him when he turned to rejoin the others, pressing her hand over his heart. "At least promise me you'll look for Jeb once this is over."
"I will. Even if only to learn where he's buried." Wyatt met her eyes for a long moment before leaning down to kiss her, soft and swift.
She remained where she was, fingers touching her lips, even after he'd returned to the stream and called for the others to get ready to go. A touch from Raw startled her, "Glitch?"
"Sorry, Raw. Just glitched again, I guess." She grinned and set off with him after the others.
End Chapter
A/N2: For the record, if people want a visual image for Adair, picture Dr. Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. For lots of pictures of him and the actor in other roles, go here. I have a hair fetish, so this picspam made me very happy. I especially like the season two hair. That's about how I visualize Adair's hair. Amber Rose is pretty much Alan Cumming with longer hair and boobs. I made a series of "dolls" of Amber Rose that you can find here.
Pairing/Characters: 'Ambrose', 'Lavender Eyes', Ahamo, Wyatt Cain, 'Adora' Cain; 'Lavender Eyes'/Ahamo, Wyatt/'Adora'/'Ambrose'
Rating: G
Fandom: Tin Man
Word Count: 1,714
Spoilers: Whole miniseries
Summary: A slight detour that accomplishes nothing, apparently.
Notes/Warnings: AU! lionille wrote The Curious Case of the Mysteriously Missing Lady-in-Waiting In Training and andrealyn wrote The Path Not Taken and the two fics together gave me the idea of writing a fic where Ambrose/Glitch is born a woman and stays one. *grin*
Beta and plot-hole-poker: umbralillium
Sounding board: unicorn_catcher
Previous Chapter(s): 1. Rocky Beginning, 2. Smoothing the Way, 3. Hidden Bumps, 4. Getting Over the Bumps, 5. Roadwork Ahead!, 6. Repairing the Road, 7. Good Road, 8. Hairpin Bend, 9. At a Crossroads, 10. Choosing a Road, 11. Changing Direction, 12. The New Journey Begins, 13. Dip in the Road, 14. Surprise Detour, 15. Detour Becomes a new Road, 16. Idyllic Travels, 17. Abrupt Halt, 18. Broken Road, 19. Two Roads Merging, 20. Changing Direction, 21. Travels, 22. Clearing the Road
The Road Less Traveled
23. Dead End
Glitch found herself walking alongside DG as Ralph led them to where they'd be crossing the Crack in the O.Z. "You're a lot like her, you know? She wasn't always all ermine robes and 'thees' and 'thous'. She started off just like you: feisty, but fair."
"My mother's done so much for me and I don't even know her name," DG replied, sounding sad more than anything else.
She waved a long-fingered hand dismissively. "Oh, that's easy! Her name was Queen--" As she reached for the name, her mind came up completely blank.
Glitch stopped walking, her face contorting as she tried in vain to remember the Queen's name. Grimacing, she turned to DG and shrugged sheepishly. The hopeful look on the girl's face was replaced by a sympathetic smile as she patted the former Royal Advisor's shoulder. "It's okay."
"She was happy to make the sacrifices she thought were right." A vague image of Raw talking to DG, the latter with tears shining in her eyes, flashed across Glitch's mind as she spoke. "We should all love someone that much."
"It sounds like you loved Wyatt, Adair, and Jeb that much," DG commented as they continued on their way.
Smiling faintly, Glitch nodded. "Yes, I just wish I could remember them."
"You will, if I have anything to say about it," DG assured her, blue eyes glinting with determination.
She smiled, glad for the girl's support. In what seemed like next to no time, they reached the line they were going to use to cross. It took little time for the six of them to uncover it. As she worked, Glitch heard Ralph tell Wyatt, "Your family crossed this same line, friend. Said they were headed to an old cabin about three spans on the other side. Tucked behind a giant white elm, the only one there."
"Thank you." There was suppressed excitement in Wyatt's voice as he shook Ralph's hand.
The balding man shook his head. "We should thank you."
"Wyatt?" Glitch paused by the ex-Tin Man's side, wondering what that was about.
He turned to her with a reassuring smile. "I'll explain later. Go on."
"You'd better," she muttered under her breath as she turned to climb onto the platform. Faced with the reality of making the crossing, Glitch was only vaguely aware that Makanu had shifted to become Toto. She glanced down at DG, ignoring Raw behind her. "Did I ever tell you I was afraid of heights?"
DG frowned, glancing across the gorge, and then back at Glitch. "You were hanging from the ceiling when I met you."
"Involuntarily!" Her reply ended on a shout because Raw pushed her off the platform. Her feet flailed uselessly for ground as she swept across, the roaring river hundreds of spans below them. Would I drown if I fell, or would the impact kill me first? Or maybe I'd just be knocked unconscious. Or-- Her musings were cut short when she hit the anchoring tree face-first. "Ow!"
Glitch tumbled to her back and barely managed to get to her feet before Raw was landing beside her. They caught DG, and then Wyatt landed beside them. Toto jumped down from Wyatt's arms and changed back to Makanu while the ex-Tin Man glanced at each of them, concerned. "Are all of you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." DG sounded breathless.
Raw simply nodded when Wyatt looked at him. Glitch smiled reassuringly. "Nothing permanent. I was too busy thinking."
"You're sure?" Wyatt frowned, stepping closer to take her arm.
She nodded, covering his hand with hers and urging him forward. "Come on, we can't linger here. The Longcoats are still down there."
"Right." Still holding her arm, Wyatt started off with the others falling in step behind them.
After a few moments, Glitch asked, "What did Ralph tell you about your family?"
"Back in the cabin, he told me Jeb and Adair are still alive," Wyatt explained, joy shining briefly in his eyes.
She nodded, suddenly understanding. "And he was giving you directions for finding them."
"Exactly." He nodded in reply. "Maybe seeing them will help you remember."
Glitch grinned, touched and pleased that Wyatt had heard her discussion with DG earlier. Quietly, she asked, "If you get a chance, could you tell DG what her mother's name is?"
"I will." He squeezed her arm gently, reassuringly.
She squeezed his hand in return; content to walk alongside him in silence for once.
* * *
Wyatt was grateful that Glitch was silent for once. He still loved her, but she'd never been much of a chatterbox before. Except when she was nervous. I guess that's what happens when you have half your brain removed... As they walked, he heard DG and Raw telling Makanu about everything that had happened since the former had arrived in the O.Z. "Father Vue said this was a gift from my mother, but I'm not sure what it's for, exactly."
"It's a focus for your gift," Makanu explained after a moment. Wyatt figured the tutor had been examining the mark on DG's palm. "Have you done anything extraordinary with it?"
Raw answered for DG. "Made Papay tree bloom."
"Now that I think about it, my hand was tingling and I pressed it back against the tree." DG sounded thoughtful as she explained. "Maybe it was my gift working."
Makanu gave a chuckle. "Good. How did you come to use your gift, though? With Wyatt around, I'd have thought he would shoot the Papays."
"There were too many," Wyatt explained over his shoulder, preferring not to mention that he'd forgotten to reload his gun. "I just told her what you used to tell her and Az all the time."
At his side, Glitch stifled a giggle. Wyatt smiled, and then came to a dead stop. Glitch took a few more steps then turned to face him. "What's wrong?"
"There." He stared at the white elm that gleamed in the early morning light. "That's it. That's where our family made their new home."
Without another word, he started running towards the tree, eager to see Adair and Jeb again. He was vaguely aware of Glitch keeping pace with him, but Wyatt's focus was on reaching the tree, and then ducking through the younger trees that screened the cottage from view. "Adair! Jeb!"
"Adair!" Glitch echoed as she pushed through the young trees behind him. "Jeb!"
He crashed through the last of the trees and into a clearing, his eyes caught by the Iron Suit in front of the cottage. His heart in his throat, Wyatt slowly approached the Suit, wondering if he'd see Jeb or Adair peering back at him if he were to look in. Glitch was the one who reached out to open the Suit, revealing that it was empty. He closed his eyes as disappointment clenched his heart. "Jeb..."
"Wyatt." Glitch patted his shoulder and directed his attention to a small, wooden marker standing at one end of a mound of earth.
Instinctively taking her hand in his, he walked over to read the name carved onto the simple grave marker: Adair Walker. He dropped to his knees by the grave, the sudden swoop from hope to despair too much for him. "No..."
"I'm sorry." Glitch knelt beside him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
He covered her hands with his as he reached into his pocket and reverently drew out the Tin Man badge. Blinking back tears, he laid it down beside Adair's grave. Take care wherever you are, Darling...
After a long moment, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the marker, a last farewell to his husband. He straightened up and watched as Glitch tilted her head thoughtfully. Giving a small nod, she leaned forward and did the same. He heard her whisper, "I wish I remembered you."
"You will, Sweetheart." He reached down and took her hands to help her to her feet. They turned to rejoin the others, seeing sympathy and sadness on all of their faces. "Let's go to Finaqua. There's nothing left for us here."
"We should rest soon," Makanu suggested gently. "You four look ready to fall asleep where you're standing."
Wyatt nodded, starting back the way they'd come. "We will, but we're not resting here."
"Too painful for some," Raw added as Glitch moved to join the ex-Tin Man.
Silence fell as the little party exited the small grove and started for Finaqua.
* * *
Glitch stayed near Wyatt as they continued on their journey. When they stopped at a stream to rest their feet and drink some water, Raw approached, resting a hand on each of their shoulders. "Jeb still lives."
"No." Wyatt didn't even lift his head, staring intently at the ground.
She turned to look at Raw, recognizing that the Viewer's gift was at work. "He lives to honor you." He glanced at Glitch. "Both of you." After a long pause, he added, "I feel it."
"You feel too much." Wyatt straightened up and walked off into the trees.
Giving the Viewer an apologetic look, Glitch followed her husband. She found him leaning heavily against a tree trunk, shoulders heaving as he fought back sobs. "He was just trying to help."
"I don't need more false hope," Wyatt retorted between ragged gasps. "It hurts too much when it's snatched away."
She reached out and rested her hand on a heaving shoulder. "Viewers don't give false hope. You know that better than me."
"I don't have time to hope right now anyway." He finally got his sobs under control. "I said I would help DG and that's what I'll do."
Glitch stopped him when he turned to rejoin the others, pressing her hand over his heart. "At least promise me you'll look for Jeb once this is over."
"I will. Even if only to learn where he's buried." Wyatt met her eyes for a long moment before leaning down to kiss her, soft and swift.
She remained where she was, fingers touching her lips, even after he'd returned to the stream and called for the others to get ready to go. A touch from Raw startled her, "Glitch?"
"Sorry, Raw. Just glitched again, I guess." She grinned and set off with him after the others.
End Chapter
A/N2: For the record, if people want a visual image for Adair, picture Dr. Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. For lots of pictures of him and the actor in other roles, go here. I have a hair fetish, so this picspam made me very happy. I especially like the season two hair. That's about how I visualize Adair's hair. Amber Rose is pretty much Alan Cumming with longer hair and boobs. I made a series of "dolls" of Amber Rose that you can find here.