bradygirl_12: (robin forever)
[personal profile] bradygirl_12
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Paradise Arc) (17/37)
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Dick, Harold Allston, Alfred
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. As Bruce and Clark continue to juggle being lovers as well as Master and slave, Bruce continues his Abolitionist work, and a shocking Family Secret is revealed. Meanwhile, the Queen Family welcomes a new member, and Steve and Hal meet their Destinies, although neither one realizes it yet. The entire series can be found here.
Genres: Drama, AU
Rating: (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Dick’s first anniversary of his arrival into the Wayne Household approaches.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): June 5, 2008
Date Of Posting: April 6, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1240
Feedback welcome and appreciated.



Under the Big Top,
There was joy.
From the Big Top,
Came the boy.

Broken and lost,
From one night,
A terrible loss,
From evil’s blight.

Time passed,
And he was bright,
Joy and laughter,
Love and light.

And then came
Dimming sorrow,
As the year turned
To the morrow.

Would the boy
Be once more bright?
Or forever lost
In blood’s ruby light?


The Freedom Chronicles
2363 C.E.



XVII

DIMMING OF THE LIGHT


Dick’s first anniversary of his arrival into the Household was coming up. Bruce was happy that this bright little boy was in his life, but the reason Dick had come to him was because of tragedy. Bruce understood that well.

Clark and Alfred helped him keep Dick busy, but Bruce could see the dimming of Dick’s light the closer it came to the anniversary of his parents’ deaths.

Yes, he understood very well.

& & & & & &


Dick bit his lip as Dr. Harold Allston set his sprained ankle. The man’s salt-and-pepper hair gleamed in the morning sunlight as he examined his handiwork. He was as tall as Bruce and broad-shouldered like him, his hands large but gentle.

“Be careful climbing trees, young man.”

Dick smiled wanly. “I will, Doctor.”

Bruce came into the living room. “How is he, Doctor?”

“He’ll live.” Harold frowned. “You’re looking a little peaked, son.”

“I’m fine,” Dick said quickly.

“Still, I’d better take a sample of skin and blood. You’ve got some mottling here on your arm, and we have to keep track of your blood condition.”

“Yes, sir.”

“How’s your Prize, Bruce?”

“Fine, except for the usual.”

“And Alfred?”

“Excellent health.”

“Good. I’d like to do a quick examination of them both while I’m here.”

“Certainly.”

Harold took the samples, Dick stoic throughout it all, and then the doctor went over to Bruce.

“As always, I’ll run these tests personally.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

Harold smiled and patted Bruce’s shoulder. “Little enough I can do for my old med school roommate’s son.”

“You were far more than that, Dr. Allston.”

Harold grinned. “Thomas and Martha and I could paint the town red in those days, that’s for sure.”

Bruce smiled. “I’ll tell Alfred and my katare to go to their rooms and wait for you.”

Harold nodded.

& & & & & &


“How do you feel, son?”

Clark sighed. “Okay, besides the usual.”

“Have your attacks become more severe or frequent?”

Clark buttoned his shirt. “Once in awhile, but not on a regular basis.”

“Hmm.” Harold stored the vial of Clark’s blood in his doctor’s bag. “Well, unfortunately, that’s the nature of Wertham’s Disease. At least the quinium seems to be working, though I expect it’s a little rough after you receive your weekly shot.”

“Yes, and about a day before.”

“Mmm.” Harold checked his PDA for his next appointment. The Caldwell mansion. Let’s hope there aren’t any half-dead slaves laying around this time. “All right, you seem fairly healthy, young man. Keeping the Prince satisfied?”

Clark laughed. “Yes, I’ve had no complaints.”

“Excellent.” After examination, Harold could see why Bruce had no complaints. “If you do have any unusual problems, be sure to tell Bruce. He wouldn’t appreciate you keeping things like that from him.”

Clark nodded.

“Good. Now go get some sunshine.”

Clark smiled. “Thank you, Doctor.”

“I’m off to see Alfred.”

Harold walked to the butler’s room. “Hello, Alfred.”

“Hello, Doctor.”

“How are you?”

“Quite chipper.”

“Excellent.”

Harold examined the butler, pleased at his findings. As he wrapped things up he asked, “So, how is everyone getting along? It’s been nearly a year since Richard joined.”

“Yes, and he’s brightened things up considerably around here, just as the Master’s Prize does.”

“Yes, the Manor does seem like a sunnier place,” Harold laughed.

Alfred smiled. “Quite so.”

”And the Prize…he keeps Bruce satisfied?”

“Very much so.”

“And have you observed any more severe or frequent symptoms from him?”

“No.” A worried look crossed Alfred’s face. “Has something changed?”

“No, but it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on him.” Harold packed away his instruments in his bag. He liked the traditional doctor’s bag, a time-honored symbol of his profession. “Wertham’s Disease is insidious. It can lull you into thinking it’s not so bad, and then, wham! it’ll hit you worse than ever.”

“I shall certainly keep a closer eye on the Master’s Prize.”

“And he’s certainly a Prize.”

Alfred smiled. “Oh, yes. Master Bruce chose well in many ways.”

Harold grinned. “Well, you’re healthy as a horse, Alfred.”

“Should I partake of oats?”

Harold laughed. “You can eat bran cereal, how’s that?”

“Very good, sir.”

& & & & & &


Everyone had gotten a clean bill of health, himself included, for which Bruce was grateful.

He looked out the library window and saw Dick leaning his elbows on the seawall. Despite being a perpetual motion machine, Dick could remain still.

Bruce was just worried that there was a sad reason for this lack of activity.

He put on a jacket and went outside, quietly walking across the lawn. Reaching the seawall, he put a hand on Dick’s shoulder.

After a few minutes of silence, he said, “Sea’s restless today.”

Dick nodded. His usual bounce and sparkle was subdued.

Bruce gently squeezed. “It’s tough, that first year anniversary.” He could feel the boy’s muscles tense. “And it’ll always bring back the memories, every year.” Bruce watched a steamer chug by, navigating the choppy water. “It’s okay to feel angry, sad, even resentful.”

“Do you?”

“Every time I think of the way I was robbed of my time with them. I know people say that you should ‘get over it’, but they aren’t the ones grieving.”

“Are you still grieving?”

“Yes.” Bruce felt a small arm slip around his waist. “It doesn’t interfere with my daily life, and I can laugh and have a good time with you and Alfred and Clark, but it’s what drives me.”

“At night.”

Bruce nodded. “It helps.”

Dick squeezed. “I know.” A very small voice said, “It helps me, too.”

Bruce pulled Dick close and they watched the seagulls wheel around the gray sky.

& & & & & &


“Sir, Dr. Allston is here to see you.”

Bruce looked up from the contract he was reading in the library. “Send him in, please.”

Alfred nodded and left, Bruce smiling slightly. Protocol demanded that he bow in this instance, but it was a sign of their ease with each other that in this case, Bruce did not expect it and Alfred did not think to be so formal in private.

Bruce rose as Harold entered, Alfred closing the door to give them privacy.

“Hello, Doctor. What brings you back so soon?” He indicated that Harold should take the chair in front of the desk. A worried thought hit as he sat down. “Is everyone all right?”

Harold sat and looked exasperated and perhaps...disapproving?

“You know, it’s a good thing that I run these tests personally instead of handing them off to a lab tech.” Harold shook his head as he crossed his legs. “I know you’re the Prince of Gotham and used to doing what you want, but do you really want to go up against the Govs? Risk your family legacy?” At Bruce’s astonished look Harold continued, “There is a Hunt Decree against your slave.”

“Wha…?”

“Is it really a good idea to keep a Squire who is Roma?”

Date: 2009-04-06 10:24 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] loopylouise123.livejournal.com
As soon as the doctor took those samples I was suspicious that Dick's heritage would come out and now... *hugs Dick tight* No taking him away!

Poor Dick, it's this and his anniversary of his parent's death.

But Harold is nice? I'm starting to like him.

Date: 2009-04-06 10:41 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jeannev.livejournal.com
Uh-oh. But I'm feel a little lost here. Should I know what a "roma" is from the story, or is that part of Dick's heritage in the comics?

Date: 2009-04-06 10:46 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jlvsclrk.livejournal.com
I was so worried the doctor was going to find out something about Clark - having him find a secret about Dick instead was certainly a shock! Did we already know Dick was Roma? I guess Bruce is going to need to take on the political figures behind the Hunt Decrees - good thing since his Prize is the ultimat Hunt target.

Date: 2009-04-06 11:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] saavikam77.livejournal.com
Gaaahhh!! O_O

Well, it had to happen sooner or later. Thank goodness it was in private! Poor Dick...

Date: 2009-04-06 11:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ranger-girl0301.livejournal.com
OOOhh noooo!!!

Date: 2009-04-06 11:51 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] vocallight.livejournal.com
*falls of the edge of her seat* Oh my God! Dickie!!! I had a bad feeling this was going to happen from the very start, 'cause when it rains, it pours.

I am sooo glad that Bruce and Clark are doing well together, because their going to need one hell of a united front to weather this one!

*hugs all the boys tight*

Of all the times Dick doesn't need to worry about losing another family...

I shall be worrying about this till your next fantastic post.

Powerfully done as always.

-Singer

Date: 2009-04-06 11:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lisamariedavis.livejournal.com
Damn you and your cliffhangers!!!!

Date: 2009-04-07 03:13 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] aclytie.livejournal.com
I was thinking Clark's kryptonian blood would be discovered too, and it turns out to be Dick! Poor kid. Wonder when will Clark's identity be brought to light though...and pat Bruce, it is not easy to have three slaves and two of them are against Gov's decree :P

Date: 2009-04-07 03:47 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] batfan-sarah.livejournal.com
Bum Bum Bum! I was still guessing on whether it would be Clark or Dick who was revealed until that *last* line. You'd think they'd notice that Clark doesn't even have human blood if they can tell Dick is a Roma, but then, I don't know how you imagine these tests would work.

In any case, the plot thickens! Poor little Dickie - I'm anxious to see how this changes things in the household.

Keep up the good work!!

Date: 2009-04-07 06:11 am (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
Yes another chapter! :-)

I wondered if Dick would be found out 'cos I suspected he would with the skin description. So I guess the reason Clark feels like crap is the changes or disguises the medicine does to his physiology. I guess the day before is where it's starting to revert back or go back to his natural self. It's a guess though.

Angeloz

Date: 2009-04-07 07:31 am (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
The parts of this story that I really love are the father/son moments between Bruce and Dick. I love how you let your AU Bruce be so open with his affection toawrds Dick - somemthing our canon Bat never seems to have a good grip on; and now Dick's cover is blown! Overprotective Daddy-Bat to the rescue!I can't wait to see How Bruce handles this. You mentioned tha the Wayne Family will be going on a little trip in the next arc and that there are some weird customs - I think it would be funny if there was a reversal of the master and slave roles - imagine Bruce as the slave and Clark, Alfred, and Dick in charge! Haha I can already see the boyish pranks our Little Bird would pull on his Bat just becuase he could! Can't wait to fins out what happens. Eager for the next update!

Earendel

Date: 2009-04-07 08:55 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] issuesgrrrl.livejournal.com
o.0

Oh, noes! Shit, meet Fan! Free the Roma!

PS: write moars, don't keeps us hangings! ;^)

Date: 2009-04-07 01:44 pm (UTC)
ext_148128: (Default)
From: [identity profile] ctbn60.livejournal.com
Okay my mouth is hanging open here. I suspected totally that Clark's blood would be the issue. I was very surprised to see it was Dick's blood. (I didn't know about his heritage, but do now. ;-))
I think the doctor does suspect something about Clark as well. He seems like he is a smart man and his concern for the effects of the Wertham’s Disease is normal, but he is a very thorough man. I wonder if he will be able to come up with anything to show Clark's true heritage. I'm not sure if they would know what to look for in Kryptonian blood when they seem to just kill all of them, but I was hoping he could see that the medicine Clark was taking was suspect.

Either way I trust him and I believe he will protect Bruce and his family. I hope I'm right.

Lord the scene between Bruce and Dick was so wonderful. Bruce's concern and care shining through. This was a great chapter and of course I'm looking forward to seeing exactly what Bruce is going to do with this knowledge. I know how fierce his instincts will be to protect his family. Can't wait.

Date: 2009-04-08 04:29 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] juniper617.livejournal.com
Oh wow, I just realized how long it's been since I actually commented here -- life's been weird -- and I just want to wave a hand and let you know I'm still reading and still loving it, and hope to be able to make some meaningful comments soon!

Date: 2009-04-08 06:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bat-angelwings.livejournal.com
One of my many fears for the slaves in Rainbows Freedom has come true: Little Bird has been found out by a third party.

When I first read about the samples the doctor took, I was afraid the Caldwells would steal them and discover the secrets of Starchild and Little Bird....I'm glad that didn't happen.

Doc Allston (yeah for the name, just read Aaron Allston's Fate of the Jedi: Outcast) seems to be a trustworthy man, so I guess the secret is safe with him.

I loved the moments between Bruce and Dick, that father / son scenes were rather powerful, and brought me to tears, since a similar anniversary is just days away for me.

Especially

Bruce gently squeezed. “It’s tough, that first year anniversary.” He could feel the boy’s muscles tense. “And it’ll always bring back the memories, every year.” Bruce watched a steamer chug by, navigating the choppy water. “It’s okay to feel angry, sad, even resentful.”

“Do you?”

“Every time I think of the way I was robbed of my time with them. I know people say that you should ‘get over it’, but they aren’t the ones grieving.”

stood out for me.

I have heard this "get over it, life goes on" that often in the past five years since the police came to to inform me my husband would not come home, not ever again, I swear I will hit the next person who will say that to me.


Thanks for sharing bradygirl, a brilliant emotional roller coaster.
As always I'm really eager to read the next chapter.

And for the promised off world arc.....;-) Yeah that promises to be fun.

What about Pop Haley?

Date: 2009-04-12 04:10 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] skeptic7.livejournal.com
Didn't Pop promise the annual shots to control Dick's condition? Shouldn't this have hidden the Roma Ancestry from Harold Allston?

I wonder why Allston ran the tests that detected this problem. I mean it doesn't really affect anyone's health and the Roma are supposedly extinct.

I hope Lex gets the Hunt Decree off the books soon.

Profile

bradygirl_12: (Default)
bradygirl_12

June 2025

S M T W T F S
123 4 567
8910 11121314
15161718192021
22 2324 25262728
2930     

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Jul. 2nd, 2025 01:38 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios