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bradygirl_12Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Paradise Arc) (19/37)
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Harold Allston, Dick, 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): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The Wayne Household tries to process the new and dangerous revelation.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): June 8, 2008
Date Of Posting: April 14, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1059
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
The Roma
Have always held
Their secrets
Close.
XIX
BOY GYPSY
“What?!”
Harold was impressed. Either Bruce hadn’t known, or he was a helluva actor.
“The DNA sample I took from your Squire shows Roma ancestry.” He took out a datapad from his bag and handed it to a numb Bruce. “It’s all there, under my private lock. I’d say that the ‘medicine’ he takes once a year is a masking agent for his Secret. The Roma were rumored to have come up with a potion that allowed them to live undetected among us.” He smiled. “It’s not just a rumor.”
Bruce sat down heavily, staring at the stark figures on the datapad.
“After your parents were killed, I went to Europe for awhile, if you remember. I studied amongst the Roma, though of course they went under another name. I saved the life of one of their most respected chieftains. He told me their Secret, knowing that the Roma needed allies on the outside to survive.” Harold studied Bruce’s expression. “You had no idea.”
“No.”
Harold considered this admission. “You have to protect yourself, Bruce. The punishment for harboring those under a Hunt Decree is pretty severe: confiscation of property, prison…”
“I know.”
“Then you’d better sell this boy quickly.”
Stricken, Bruce said, “I can’t.”
“You’d better. You’re jeopardizing your other slaves, as they’ll be among the property confiscated. Alfred’s a survivor, but what of your Prize? With his illness, he wouldn’t last long unless given the excellent care you give him. Even if he was taken care of, how long do you think he’d last as the star attraction of a brothel or some sadist like Edmund Caldwell?” He saw Bruce’s shudder. “What if this kid has been lying to you all this time?”
“Considering death is his alternative, I can’t blame him.” Bruce’s voiced was strained.
“You’d better find out before you decide what to do.”
As if on cue, the boy in question limped by the library window.
“I can’t sell him.”
Harold looked at the painting of Thomas and Martha. “You may have no choice.”
Looking sick, Bruce went to the window. “Richard! Come here, please.”
The little boy entered through the French doors, fresh as morning sunshine. He smiled at Harold. “Hello, Doctor.” He pointed to his ankle. “Doin’ good.”
Harold acknowledged the smile. He seems truly without guile, but who knows for sure?
“Sit on the couch, please.” Bruce paced back and forth, and the boy began to look worried. Bruce stopped in front of him. “Dr. Allston has…discovered something…in his tests.”
The child darted a look at Harold. He looked afraid, but why wouldn’t he? He thought that he was truly sick…
“Dick…” Bruce dropped to a knee in front of him and grasped the boy’s arms “…your DNA tested as Roma.”
Shock crossed the boy’s face.
Either he’s one hullava actor, or...
“Wh…What?”
“That’s right.” Bruce’s voice was very gentle. “Your shot is a masking agent, not for any illness but to conceal your ethnicity.”
Fear slammed into Dick. “A Roma is under…a Hunt Decree!” His face drained to a ghastly white. “If the Government knows, they’ll…!”
Bruce gripped his arms harder. “No one knows.”
Not quite true, Bruce.
Dick glanced his way, but looked with wide eyes at his Master. “Master Bruce, you’ll have to sell me! If you’re caught, you and Cl…your Prize and Alfred will be in terrible danger!” The boy began to sob. “You’ll have to send me away!”
“No!” Bruce shook him. “I am not selling you. Ever!”
He gathered the sobbing child in his arms, caressing his hair and back and soothing him with comfortable words.
The child stiffened. “A slave under a Hunt Decree...the punishment is almost as bad as for a runaway!” His voice rose to near-hysteria.
“Listen to me!” Bruce whispered fiercely into Dick’s ear, “I would kill you myself before I’d let them do that to you, do you understand?”
Dick was shaking, his grip white-knuckled as he clung to Bruce, but he managed to nod. Bruce rocked him back-and-forth, murmuring words of comfort while still rubbing his back, holding on tightly.
Finally he set the boy back against the couch, giving him a handkerchief to wipe his red eyes. Bruce looked at Harold.
“I know you have to report this…”
Harold made a decision. “No, I don’t.” He looked at the devastated child. “I’ll keep your Secret, not only because Thomas and Martha were my dearest friends, but because I consider you a friend, too.” And that boy wasn’t lying.
“Thank you.”
Harold stood. “You don’t have to rely on that masking agent anymore. It was diluted, anyway. I know what the Roma use.”
“I can’t ask you to do that, Doctor. As it is, you’re in danger of losing your license and worse.”
“You aren’t. I’m volunteering.”
Bruce smiled.
“I’ll see myself out. I’ll deliver the masking agent in a few days.”
& & & & & &
As soon as Harold had gone, Dick grabbed Bruce’s arm. “Master…you could lose everything…”
Bruce smiled gently. “I have many more secrets, my Little Bird.” Dick smiled through his tears. “What’s one more?” He kissed Dick’s hair. “Now, rest a moment. I’ll get Clark and Alfred.”
Bruce began to rise and Dick squeezed his arm. “I swear, Bruce, I never knew.”
“I know.”
& & & & & &
Entering the library, Clark and Alfred were very concerned as they saw how upset Dick was, huddled on the couch.
“Child, what’s wrong?” Alfred asked, going to sit beside him. Clark sat on his other side, putting his arm around Dick’s shoulders.
“I…”
Bruce held up a hand. “Dr. Allston came by. Dick is not ill. His shot is a masking agent to conceal the fact that he is…Roma.”
Shock, then fear crossed two faces.
“Master Bruce…” Alfred choked out.
“I know.” Bruce took a deep breath. “I’m not selling Dick.”
“Of course not!” Clark exclaimed, squeezing Dick’s shoulders.
“We all know the risks, but it’s unthinkable, sir.” Alfred looked quite fierce.
Bruce smiled. “It’s settled, then.” As Dick opened his mouth to protest, Bruce said, “Dick, you’re among family. You stay.”
Dick nodded, tears in his eyes.
As Clark and Alfred hugged their boy, Bruce thought grimly, I need a word with Elias Haly.
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Harold Allston, Dick, 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): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The Wayne Household tries to process the new and dangerous revelation.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): June 8, 2008
Date Of Posting: April 14, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1059
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Have always held
Their secrets
Close.
Shayera Quinzell
"Gypsy Nights"
1926 C.E.
BOY GYPSY
“What?!”
Harold was impressed. Either Bruce hadn’t known, or he was a helluva actor.
“The DNA sample I took from your Squire shows Roma ancestry.” He took out a datapad from his bag and handed it to a numb Bruce. “It’s all there, under my private lock. I’d say that the ‘medicine’ he takes once a year is a masking agent for his Secret. The Roma were rumored to have come up with a potion that allowed them to live undetected among us.” He smiled. “It’s not just a rumor.”
Bruce sat down heavily, staring at the stark figures on the datapad.
“After your parents were killed, I went to Europe for awhile, if you remember. I studied amongst the Roma, though of course they went under another name. I saved the life of one of their most respected chieftains. He told me their Secret, knowing that the Roma needed allies on the outside to survive.” Harold studied Bruce’s expression. “You had no idea.”
“No.”
Harold considered this admission. “You have to protect yourself, Bruce. The punishment for harboring those under a Hunt Decree is pretty severe: confiscation of property, prison…”
“I know.”
“Then you’d better sell this boy quickly.”
Stricken, Bruce said, “I can’t.”
“You’d better. You’re jeopardizing your other slaves, as they’ll be among the property confiscated. Alfred’s a survivor, but what of your Prize? With his illness, he wouldn’t last long unless given the excellent care you give him. Even if he was taken care of, how long do you think he’d last as the star attraction of a brothel or some sadist like Edmund Caldwell?” He saw Bruce’s shudder. “What if this kid has been lying to you all this time?”
“Considering death is his alternative, I can’t blame him.” Bruce’s voiced was strained.
“You’d better find out before you decide what to do.”
As if on cue, the boy in question limped by the library window.
“I can’t sell him.”
Harold looked at the painting of Thomas and Martha. “You may have no choice.”
Looking sick, Bruce went to the window. “Richard! Come here, please.”
The little boy entered through the French doors, fresh as morning sunshine. He smiled at Harold. “Hello, Doctor.” He pointed to his ankle. “Doin’ good.”
Harold acknowledged the smile. He seems truly without guile, but who knows for sure?
“Sit on the couch, please.” Bruce paced back and forth, and the boy began to look worried. Bruce stopped in front of him. “Dr. Allston has…discovered something…in his tests.”
The child darted a look at Harold. He looked afraid, but why wouldn’t he? He thought that he was truly sick…
“Dick…” Bruce dropped to a knee in front of him and grasped the boy’s arms “…your DNA tested as Roma.”
Shock crossed the boy’s face.
Either he’s one hullava actor, or...
“Wh…What?”
“That’s right.” Bruce’s voice was very gentle. “Your shot is a masking agent, not for any illness but to conceal your ethnicity.”
Fear slammed into Dick. “A Roma is under…a Hunt Decree!” His face drained to a ghastly white. “If the Government knows, they’ll…!”
Bruce gripped his arms harder. “No one knows.”
Not quite true, Bruce.
Dick glanced his way, but looked with wide eyes at his Master. “Master Bruce, you’ll have to sell me! If you’re caught, you and Cl…your Prize and Alfred will be in terrible danger!” The boy began to sob. “You’ll have to send me away!”
“No!” Bruce shook him. “I am not selling you. Ever!”
He gathered the sobbing child in his arms, caressing his hair and back and soothing him with comfortable words.
The child stiffened. “A slave under a Hunt Decree...the punishment is almost as bad as for a runaway!” His voice rose to near-hysteria.
“Listen to me!” Bruce whispered fiercely into Dick’s ear, “I would kill you myself before I’d let them do that to you, do you understand?”
Dick was shaking, his grip white-knuckled as he clung to Bruce, but he managed to nod. Bruce rocked him back-and-forth, murmuring words of comfort while still rubbing his back, holding on tightly.
Finally he set the boy back against the couch, giving him a handkerchief to wipe his red eyes. Bruce looked at Harold.
“I know you have to report this…”
Harold made a decision. “No, I don’t.” He looked at the devastated child. “I’ll keep your Secret, not only because Thomas and Martha were my dearest friends, but because I consider you a friend, too.” And that boy wasn’t lying.
“Thank you.”
Harold stood. “You don’t have to rely on that masking agent anymore. It was diluted, anyway. I know what the Roma use.”
“I can’t ask you to do that, Doctor. As it is, you’re in danger of losing your license and worse.”
“You aren’t. I’m volunteering.”
Bruce smiled.
“I’ll see myself out. I’ll deliver the masking agent in a few days.”
As soon as Harold had gone, Dick grabbed Bruce’s arm. “Master…you could lose everything…”
Bruce smiled gently. “I have many more secrets, my Little Bird.” Dick smiled through his tears. “What’s one more?” He kissed Dick’s hair. “Now, rest a moment. I’ll get Clark and Alfred.”
Bruce began to rise and Dick squeezed his arm. “I swear, Bruce, I never knew.”
“I know.”
Entering the library, Clark and Alfred were very concerned as they saw how upset Dick was, huddled on the couch.
“Child, what’s wrong?” Alfred asked, going to sit beside him. Clark sat on his other side, putting his arm around Dick’s shoulders.
“I…”
Bruce held up a hand. “Dr. Allston came by. Dick is not ill. His shot is a masking agent to conceal the fact that he is…Roma.”
Shock, then fear crossed two faces.
“Master Bruce…” Alfred choked out.
“I know.” Bruce took a deep breath. “I’m not selling Dick.”
“Of course not!” Clark exclaimed, squeezing Dick’s shoulders.
“We all know the risks, but it’s unthinkable, sir.” Alfred looked quite fierce.
Bruce smiled. “It’s settled, then.” As Dick opened his mouth to protest, Bruce said, “Dick, you’re among family. You stay.”
Dick nodded, tears in his eyes.
As Clark and Alfred hugged their boy, Bruce thought grimly, I need a word with Elias Haly.
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no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 04:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 05:29 pm (UTC)It was written and typed so time to post! :)
And I didn't want to leave people hanging too long. :)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 05:18 pm (UTC)Wow I can breathe again. Cool. I'm proud of all of them rallying behind Dick. The doctor included. He is a good man. Bruce really couldn't sell Dick because of the fact that he is Roma wouldn't they have had to kill him? I'm still worried too many people would love to find out this information. :(
Great chapter!!!
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 05:33 pm (UTC)Wow I can breathe again. Cool. I'm proud of all of them rallying behind Dick. The doctor included. He is a good man.
They've all come together beautifully!
Bruce really couldn't sell Dick because of the fact that he is Roma wouldn't they have had to kill him? I'm still worried too many people would love to find out this information. :(
Bruce would do as Pop did: keep Dick's heritage a secret, and provide the 'medicine'. But of course he'd never sell Dick. :)
Great chapter!!!
Thank you! :)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 05:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 05:51 pm (UTC)*nods*
Bruce would never let Dick suffer the gruesome torture that would take place before the final execution.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 05:43 pm (UTC)Of course, Edmund is still around...
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 05:49 pm (UTC)Harold Allston's an old family friend, so he's willing to take the risk, and Clark and Alfred are just awesome sauce. :)
Of course, Edmund is still around...
And wouldn't he just love this information?
*shifty eyes*
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 06:46 pm (UTC)Oye oye oye!
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 09:57 pm (UTC)Oye oye oye!
:)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 07:02 pm (UTC)Thank God for Harold.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 09:58 pm (UTC)Thank God for Harold.
*nods*
If Harold wasn't willing to keep the secret, they'd all be in BIG trouble.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 07:37 pm (UTC)Stupid, racist, antiquated, stupid rules! What the hell is everyone so afraid of? Super-sekrit Roma cooties? WTF? And they call themselves 'civilized'? Grrr!
PS: Doc Allston RULES! ;^)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 10:02 pm (UTC)Stupid, racist, antiquated, stupid rules! What the hell is everyone so afraid of? Super-sekrit Roma cooties? WTF? And they call themselves 'civilized'? Grrr!
PS: Doc Allston RULES! ;^)
All true! :)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 08:54 pm (UTC)But it's nice to see it, anyway. ♥
But, yeah. Words with Haly. Lots of them.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 10:04 pm (UTC)*nods vigorously*
But it's nice to see it, anyway. ♥
It was a good chapter to write! :)
But, yeah. Words with Haly. Lots of them.
Oh, yes.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 09:16 pm (UTC)Angeloz
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 10:06 pm (UTC)Angeloz
LOL! I think Alfred has no forbidden secrets. ;)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 10:13 pm (UTC)When Dick was telling Bruce that he needed to sell him... that just broke me. T-T
They are so lucky to be such a tight-knit family. I know they'll pull through this, just like everything else.
Bruce does need to speak with Haly, and Lex. Talking to Lex would be a good thing.
Mad props for Dr. Allston! Not only is he keeping the secret, but he's giving Dickie's Secret an upgrade, which he learned from the Roma. That's my kind of Doctor.
Lovely as always! Can't wait for more!
As usual, you are the master of writers! Bravo!
-Singer
no subject
Date: 2009-04-14 10:40 pm (UTC)Harold just wants to protect Bruce.
When Dick was telling Bruce that he needed to sell him... that just broke me. T-T
Tough scene to write!
They are so lucky to be such a tight-knit family. I know they'll pull through this, just like everything else.
I knew they'd come through! :)
Bruce does need to speak with Haly, and Lex. Talking to Lex would be a good thing.
Lex could be a help, all right.
Mad props for Dr. Allston! Not only is he keeping the secret, but he's giving Dickie's Secret an upgrade, which he learned from the Roma. That's my kind of Doctor.
He's a smart man.
Lovely as always! Can't wait for more!
As usual, you are the master of writers! Bravo!
-Singer
*beams*
Thank you, Singer! :)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-15 05:16 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-15 05:23 pm (UTC)Pop was unaware of the defective drug, yes, and will be taking care of that supplier once Bruce tells him.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-15 01:28 pm (UTC)“No!” Bruce shook him. “I am not selling you. Ever!”
That was exactly the answer I was thinking we could get from Bruce!
“Of course not!” Clark exclaimed, squeezing Dick’s shoulders.
And Clark, of course. :)
Bruce thought grimly, I need a word with Elias Haly.
Hmmm, reading this chapter, the thought about Haly crossed my mind. I was sure he knew since I read first time about the Hunt Decree against the Roma.
Thanks for sharing the update, BradyGirl.
LS.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-15 05:26 pm (UTC)"No!" Bruce shook him. "I am not selling you. Ever!"
That was exactly the answer I was thinking we could get from Bruce!
Oh, yes. :)
"Of course not!" Clark exclaimed, squeezing Dick’s shoulders.
And Clark, of course. :)
Of course! :)
Bruce thought grimly, I need a word with Elias Haly.
Hmmm, reading this chapter, the thought about Haly crossed my mind. I was sure he knew since I read first time about the Hunt Decree against the Roma.
Pop's involvement comes clear in a few chapters. :)
Thanks for sharing the update, BradyGirl.
LS.
You're welcome, dear! :)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-15 11:22 pm (UTC)So finally the secret is officially out. I didn't expect it that soon, but braced for it since your first mentioned it.
Now there is the matter of another revelation lurking in the shadows....er correction sun. :)
I do hope Harold won't be put in a situation where he safety is at risk for keeping the secret.
Again adorable father/son and family scenes.
Of course Bruce wouldn't sell his Little Bird, and of course Alfred and Clark would support him.
*hugs the entire Wayne household*
Lovely chapter, thank you so much.
A long talk with Pop Hayley is really necessary. I guess he either has strong emotional ties to the Roma or he is part Roma himself and therefore tries to protect a handful of this people....
Can't wait for the next chapter...as always.
On the other hand I'm also afraid something very bad will happen soon.....*shivers*
no subject
Date: 2009-04-16 01:25 am (UTC)Yes, it was time! :)
Now there is the matter of another revelation lurking in the shadows....er correction sun. :)
Not time. ;)
I do hope Harold won't be put in a situation where he safety is at risk for keeping the secret.
*shifty eyes*
Again adorable father/son and family scenes.
Of course Bruce wouldn't sell his Little Bird, and of course Alfred and Clark would support him.
*hugs the entire Wayne household*
Lovely chapter, thank you so much.
You're very welcome! :) And I couldn't see Bruce selling Dick , uh, uh, no!
Good observation about the family.
A long talk with Pop Hayley is really necessary. I guess he either has strong emotional ties to the Roma or he is part Roma himself and therefore tries to protect a handful of this people....
Can't wait for the next chapter...as always.
On the other hand I'm also afraid something very bad will happen soon.....*shivers*
Pop Haly's story is interesting.
And there's always good and bad in this 'verse!
no subject
Date: 2009-04-15 11:42 pm (UTC)LOVE the contrast you've built into Bruce and Clark here, the way each expresses himself and just... is.
*is nervous for all of them*
no subject
Date: 2009-04-16 01:28 am (UTC)*beams*
LOVE the contrast you've built into Bruce and Clark here, the way each expresses himself and just... is.
Good observation about Bruce and Clark.
*is nervous for all of them*
Yes, never rest too easy!
no subject
Date: 2009-04-16 11:28 am (UTC)I'm not even going to try to guess what the deal is with Pop Haly. Could be anything. I just want Dick to be safe. I can't help wondering how Edmund Caldwell could get hold of this info; I know he'd love to have something to hold over Bruce, but ??? Maybe he has something on the doctor? We shall see!
Is Clark going to get a nickname soon, something that people can refer to him by besides "the Master's Prize?" I notice that little awkwardness has been coming up a lot in the last couple of chapters. Hmmm...
Great updates all around -- thanks!
no subject
Date: 2009-04-16 05:41 pm (UTC):)
I'm not even going to try to guess what the deal is with Pop Haly. Could be anything. I just want Dick to be safe. I can't help wondering how Edmund Caldwell could get hold of this info; I know he'd love to have something to hold over Bruce, but ??? Maybe he has something on the doctor? We shall see!
Dick's Secret will play a part in a future arc, but I haven't worked out the details yet.
Is Clark going to get a nickname soon, something that people can refer to him by besides "the Master's Prize?" I notice that little awkwardness has been coming up a lot in the last couple of chapters. Hmmm...
I have to sift through my notes. I may have already given him a nickname, or am going to soon. I know I came up with one but I just can't remember it at the moment! ;)
Great updates all around -- thanks!
Glad you're enjoying this, Juniper! :)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-26 12:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-26 12:50 am (UTC)It's one of the best things about writing this series. :)
no subject
Date: 2010-08-11 11:06 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-08-11 04:38 pm (UTC)Good speculation. ;)
no subject
Date: 2011-01-26 12:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-01-28 06:52 pm (UTC)Dick is in good hands. :)