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bradygirl_12Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Paradise Arc) (22/37)
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Roy, Melody, Ollie/Dinah,
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: Hints of sexual abuse
Spoilers: None
Summary: Nightmares plague Roy and Melody.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): June 16, 2008
Date Of Posting: April 27, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1175
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
They say
That nightmares
Are the mind’s
Way
Of working
Things out.
I say
They are
Just screams
Waiting
To get out.
XXII
SCREAMS IN THE NIGHT
“You said you came here from somewhere else?”
Roy and Melody were sitting in the living room watching the news before dinner.
“Yes.” Melody stared at the TV.
“So this place is better?”
“By far.”
“And the latest news from Gotham concerns Batman and Robin, who successfully apprehended the Riddler.”
Roy watched footage of the Dynamic Duo flying through the air. “That is so cool.”
“Robin’s cute!”
Roy grinned. “He is.” He watched the grace of the Boy Wonder. “I’d love to do that.”
“What, fly through the air?”
Roy laughed. “That could be fun, but I’d like to be like Green Arrow, fighting crime with arrows.”
“Maybe you’ll get to meet him. He works out of Star City with the Black Canary.”
“She’s cool, too. All that martial arts stuff and her sonic cry.” Roy winked. “I’ve met them both.”
“Keep practicing your archery. Maybe Green Arrow will need an apprentice someday.”
Roy laughed. “Yeah, right. He’s ready to start auditioning slave boys to be his new kid sidekick.”
“You’re too cynical.”
“That’s me, cynical Speedy.”
“Speedy?”
He grinned. “Brave Bow said I was the quickest he ever saw with a bow-and-arrow.”
“Brave Bow?”
“Long story. I’ll tell you someday.”
Out in the hall, Ollie listened with a thoughtful expression.
& & & & & &
“Any leisure time you have, you can spend it here at the archery field.”
“You mean in between Squire duties and lessons?”
“That’s right.” Ollie nocked his arrow. The kid had a smart mouth he had to rein in but he was also as sharp as a tack. He enjoyed the verbal sparring.
His arrow twanged to hit the target. Roy’s followed a minute later.
“You’re a natural.”
“Yeah, so I’ve been told.
Ollie smirked. The kid definitely had moxie.
“So, what do you think of Star City’s resident archer?”
“Green Arrow?”
“Yeah.”
Twang!
Thump!
“He’s cool. I’ve seen the tapes of him in action. He sure knows his way around a bow-and-arrow.”
Twang!
“Yeah, he’s an expert, all right.”
Thump!
“Do you think he’s looking for a sidekick?” Roy asked.
“He might be.”
Roy carefully aimed. “Well, if he ever took on sidekick, he’d pick a good one.”
Twang!
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I mean, a guy like that who’s smart enough to fight crime can pick someone good. He seemed like a real straight shooter to me.”
Thump!
“That’s right; you’ve seen him up-close-and-personal.”
“He chose that pretty Canary as a partner, didn’t he?”
“More like she chose him,” came the wry reply.
They finished up their session and Ollie said, “Well, if Green Arrow does take on a sidekick, you’re right, he’ll choose the right one.”
Wistfully Roy nodded.
& & & & & &
Yellowed teeth shone in the light of the greedy flames licking at the houses.
“You Injuns oughtta know better than to stick yer noses in where they ain’t wanted.”
The tall Navajo stood proudly before the ragged man. “You and your kind always demand the same things: subservience and the ability to look the other way. When you rape the land, Kragan, you despoil us all.”
Kragan laughed, throwing his head back. “Good one, Chief Sourpuss! Well, tell your fellow Injuns their homes are goin’ up in smoke ‘cause you ratted on us to the Govs!”
“The soldiers will be here and you’ll go to prison, Kragen!”
“Not if there ain’t no witnesses alive to tell.”
Gunfire blazed and the Navajo’s body jerked, then crashed to the ground.
“Brave Bow!” Roy sobbed, running to the body. He gasped as a meaty hand grabbed his arm.
“Oh, yeah,” Kragan leered, “I’ll get good coin for you, kid. You’ll be warmin’ someone’s wigwam fer sure.”
Roy screamed as Kragan pulled him close...
& & & & & &
Roy awoke in a cold sweat, certain that the whole house had heard him.
He jumped as he heard a scream. Shaking, he realized it was coming from the next room. He leaped out of bed and ran to Melody’s room.
The girl was thrashing, sobbing, “Please don’t hurt him!”
Roy grabbed her shoulders. “It’s okay, Mel, no one’s hurting you!”
Melody jerked awake, eyes wide with tears. Shaking violently, she grabbed Roy.
“Don’t let them hurt Danny!”
“It’s okay, Melody. You’re safe here.” Roy rubbed her back. “No one’s going to hurt anyone. The Master and Mistress are good people.”
Melody finally started to calm down.
“Who’s Danny?” Roy asked softly.
Melody began to shake again. “The…the…Master Harrison’s bedslave. He was…was kind to me. He was being punished, down in the dungeon. I heard his screams…”
“Ah, Melody, sometimes men get carried away. It’s not punishment, it’s…” Roy stopped, unsure of what to say.
Melody shook her head. “I know bed screams. These were punishment screams. They were tearing…” Melody looked nauseous. “I…I never saw him again. One of the maids…she told me about the blood she and the others had to clean up…the smell...” Melody clamped her mouth shut.
Roy felt sick. He knew the face of sadism up close. “Who’s this Master Harrison?”
“The Caldwell scion.” Melody leaned close to whisper, “But Old Man Edmund is the worst.”
Roy’s blood froze in his veins. The Caldwells! He had heard two of the kitchen staff discussing them.
“Sadists, all of ‘em. Like to do their work while a slave’s still alive, poor souls.”
“The old man’s the worst. He once took a red-hot poker and did a King Edward on one poor wretch. The man took days to die, agony in his every breath.”
“Sometimes,” she whispered, “I can still hear screams in the night coming from that place.”
“Well, you’re okay now,” Roy said, still feeling shaky himself.
Melody must have seen his own haunted look because she hugged him, and they both held on tight.
Neither one noticed the door close softly.
& & & & & &
The next day, Ollie summoned Roy into the library.
“Yes, Master?” Roy stood before the oak desk.
“How does hard work set with you?”
“Pardon, Master?” Roy was puzzled.
“Does hard physical labor bother you?”
“No more than most.” Was he going to be sold to some farmer, or rented out to a construction crew?
“Can you be discreet?”
“Sir?”
“Can you keep your Master’s secrets?”
“Oh, yes, sir!” A slave who didn’t had his tongue cut out.
“Good.” Ollie rose from behind the desk and came around to clap a hand on his shoulder. “Come with me.”
A book was pushed in (Robin Hood And His Merry Men), and the bookcase moved. A stone stairway was revealed, and Roy could smell musty air.
He followed his Master down the steps, gaping at the computers and other equipment, and a yellow car…!
The Black Canary appeared, a bright smile on her face.
“Welcome to the Arrow Cave, Roy.”
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Roy, Melody, Ollie/Dinah,
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: Hints of sexual abuse
Spoilers: None
Summary: Nightmares plague Roy and Melody.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): June 16, 2008
Date Of Posting: April 27, 2009
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1175
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
That nightmares
Are the mind’s
Way
Of working
Things out.
I say
They are
Just screams
Waiting
To get out.
Addie Cutler
"Drive-Through Thoughts
And Other Poems"
2030 C.E.
SCREAMS IN THE NIGHT
“You said you came here from somewhere else?”
Roy and Melody were sitting in the living room watching the news before dinner.
“Yes.” Melody stared at the TV.
“So this place is better?”
“By far.”
“And the latest news from Gotham concerns Batman and Robin, who successfully apprehended the Riddler.”
Roy watched footage of the Dynamic Duo flying through the air. “That is so cool.”
“Robin’s cute!”
Roy grinned. “He is.” He watched the grace of the Boy Wonder. “I’d love to do that.”
“What, fly through the air?”
Roy laughed. “That could be fun, but I’d like to be like Green Arrow, fighting crime with arrows.”
“Maybe you’ll get to meet him. He works out of Star City with the Black Canary.”
“She’s cool, too. All that martial arts stuff and her sonic cry.” Roy winked. “I’ve met them both.”
“Keep practicing your archery. Maybe Green Arrow will need an apprentice someday.”
Roy laughed. “Yeah, right. He’s ready to start auditioning slave boys to be his new kid sidekick.”
“You’re too cynical.”
“That’s me, cynical Speedy.”
“Speedy?”
He grinned. “Brave Bow said I was the quickest he ever saw with a bow-and-arrow.”
“Brave Bow?”
“Long story. I’ll tell you someday.”
Out in the hall, Ollie listened with a thoughtful expression.
“Any leisure time you have, you can spend it here at the archery field.”
“You mean in between Squire duties and lessons?”
“That’s right.” Ollie nocked his arrow. The kid had a smart mouth he had to rein in but he was also as sharp as a tack. He enjoyed the verbal sparring.
His arrow twanged to hit the target. Roy’s followed a minute later.
“You’re a natural.”
“Yeah, so I’ve been told.
Ollie smirked. The kid definitely had moxie.
“So, what do you think of Star City’s resident archer?”
“Green Arrow?”
“Yeah.”
Twang!
Thump!
“He’s cool. I’ve seen the tapes of him in action. He sure knows his way around a bow-and-arrow.”
Twang!
“Yeah, he’s an expert, all right.”
Thump!
“Do you think he’s looking for a sidekick?” Roy asked.
“He might be.”
Roy carefully aimed. “Well, if he ever took on sidekick, he’d pick a good one.”
Twang!
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I mean, a guy like that who’s smart enough to fight crime can pick someone good. He seemed like a real straight shooter to me.”
Thump!
“That’s right; you’ve seen him up-close-and-personal.”
“He chose that pretty Canary as a partner, didn’t he?”
“More like she chose him,” came the wry reply.
They finished up their session and Ollie said, “Well, if Green Arrow does take on a sidekick, you’re right, he’ll choose the right one.”
Wistfully Roy nodded.
Yellowed teeth shone in the light of the greedy flames licking at the houses.
“You Injuns oughtta know better than to stick yer noses in where they ain’t wanted.”
The tall Navajo stood proudly before the ragged man. “You and your kind always demand the same things: subservience and the ability to look the other way. When you rape the land, Kragan, you despoil us all.”
Kragan laughed, throwing his head back. “Good one, Chief Sourpuss! Well, tell your fellow Injuns their homes are goin’ up in smoke ‘cause you ratted on us to the Govs!”
“The soldiers will be here and you’ll go to prison, Kragen!”
“Not if there ain’t no witnesses alive to tell.”
Gunfire blazed and the Navajo’s body jerked, then crashed to the ground.
“Brave Bow!” Roy sobbed, running to the body. He gasped as a meaty hand grabbed his arm.
“Oh, yeah,” Kragan leered, “I’ll get good coin for you, kid. You’ll be warmin’ someone’s wigwam fer sure.”
Roy screamed as Kragan pulled him close...
Roy awoke in a cold sweat, certain that the whole house had heard him.
He jumped as he heard a scream. Shaking, he realized it was coming from the next room. He leaped out of bed and ran to Melody’s room.
The girl was thrashing, sobbing, “Please don’t hurt him!”
Roy grabbed her shoulders. “It’s okay, Mel, no one’s hurting you!”
Melody jerked awake, eyes wide with tears. Shaking violently, she grabbed Roy.
“Don’t let them hurt Danny!”
“It’s okay, Melody. You’re safe here.” Roy rubbed her back. “No one’s going to hurt anyone. The Master and Mistress are good people.”
Melody finally started to calm down.
“Who’s Danny?” Roy asked softly.
Melody began to shake again. “The…the…Master Harrison’s bedslave. He was…was kind to me. He was being punished, down in the dungeon. I heard his screams…”
“Ah, Melody, sometimes men get carried away. It’s not punishment, it’s…” Roy stopped, unsure of what to say.
Melody shook her head. “I know bed screams. These were punishment screams. They were tearing…” Melody looked nauseous. “I…I never saw him again. One of the maids…she told me about the blood she and the others had to clean up…the smell...” Melody clamped her mouth shut.
Roy felt sick. He knew the face of sadism up close. “Who’s this Master Harrison?”
“The Caldwell scion.” Melody leaned close to whisper, “But Old Man Edmund is the worst.”
Roy’s blood froze in his veins. The Caldwells! He had heard two of the kitchen staff discussing them.
“Sadists, all of ‘em. Like to do their work while a slave’s still alive, poor souls.”
“The old man’s the worst. He once took a red-hot poker and did a King Edward on one poor wretch. The man took days to die, agony in his every breath.”
“Sometimes,” she whispered, “I can still hear screams in the night coming from that place.”
“Well, you’re okay now,” Roy said, still feeling shaky himself.
Melody must have seen his own haunted look because she hugged him, and they both held on tight.
Neither one noticed the door close softly.
The next day, Ollie summoned Roy into the library.
“Yes, Master?” Roy stood before the oak desk.
“How does hard work set with you?”
“Pardon, Master?” Roy was puzzled.
“Does hard physical labor bother you?”
“No more than most.” Was he going to be sold to some farmer, or rented out to a construction crew?
“Can you be discreet?”
“Sir?”
“Can you keep your Master’s secrets?”
“Oh, yes, sir!” A slave who didn’t had his tongue cut out.
“Good.” Ollie rose from behind the desk and came around to clap a hand on his shoulder. “Come with me.”
A book was pushed in (Robin Hood And His Merry Men), and the bookcase moved. A stone stairway was revealed, and Roy could smell musty air.
He followed his Master down the steps, gaping at the computers and other equipment, and a yellow car…!
The Black Canary appeared, a bright smile on her face.
“Welcome to the Arrow Cave, Roy.”
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no subject
Date: 2009-04-27 11:16 pm (UTC)That says it all!
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 12:44 am (UTC)That says it all!
*grins*
no subject
Date: 2009-04-27 11:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 12:45 am (UTC)Glad you enjoyed! :)
Nice chapter
Date: 2009-04-27 11:54 pm (UTC)Also wouldn't Roy be handed over to Brave Bow's family? Poor Melody. I thought it was only Clark that she had seen tortured.
Re: Nice chapter
Date: 2009-04-28 12:48 am (UTC)Thank you! :)
Everyone seems to be moving a little fast. Clark and Bruce waited nearly six months before telling Dick about Batman.
True. I decided to speed things up with Roy for storytelling purposes. Besides, Ollie isn't as paranoid as Bruce. ;)
Also wouldn't Roy be handed over to Brave Bow's family?
There isn't any of Brave Bow's family left. :(
Poor Melody. I thought it was only Clark that she had seen tortured.
It's a blessing she's out of that horror house.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 12:35 am (UTC)Can't wait for more.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 12:48 am (UTC)Me, too! :)
Can't wait for more.
:)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 01:12 am (UTC)I feel so bad for those two... what with those nightmares and all. Life seems to be pretty dismal for most slaves.
I also have the renewed urge to club the Caldwells with their own scalding irons.
Wonderful job as usual!
-Singer
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 01:54 am (UTC)He'll make a great archer! :)
I feel so bad for those two... what with those nightmares and all. Life seems to be pretty dismal for most slaves.
Those in the Wayne and Queen families are pretty lucky.
I also have the renewed urge to club the Caldwells with their own scalding irons.
Their day of reckoning will come!
Wonderful job as usual!
-Singer
Thank you kindly! :)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 04:28 am (UTC)And aww, my brother's name is Danny!!
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 04:33 am (UTC)They'll meet soon! :)
And aww, my brother's name is Danny!!
It's one of my favorite names. :)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 01:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 03:06 pm (UTC)The boys are meant to be friends! :)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 03:12 pm (UTC)Poor kids had it rough. I'm glad things are better for them. Thanks for the post I do so look forward to this story!
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 03:51 pm (UTC)Get your priorities straight! ;)
Good chapter. I think Ollie has chosen wise Roy will be the perfect partner. Again Master Harrison is bad news. I wish he would disappear.
Ollie and Dinah will take care of Roy, and maybe they'll be in on the ultimate downfall of the House of Caldwell, too.
Poor kids had it rough. I'm glad things are better for them. Thanks for the post I do so look forward to this story!
*beams*
Thanks, dear! :)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 04:36 pm (UTC)Poor Roy and Melody. They both have such terrible and painful memories. Especially Melody. I think, it was sad for Roy seeing Brave Boy to die, but Melody was witness of so many cruel things and torture living in Caldwells. And she knows these people are still there, torturing and killing the poor slaves.
Neither one noticed the door close softly.
Reading the paragraphs of Roy’s and Melody’s nightmares and especially the part with Roy calming and soothing Melody, I was expecting Dinah, Oliver (or both?) would come to the room. It seems someone did it, but seeing Roy was able to calm Melody and they understood so well each other, the visitor left unnoticed. *Hugs Melody and Roy*
I loved Oliver-Roy’s talk – in both the paragraphs. And I like Roy’s personality. (and the „moxie“ :))
He followed his Master down the steps, gaping at the computers and other equipment, and a yellow car…!
The Black Canary appeared, a bright smile on her face.
“Welcome to the Arrow Cave, Roy.”
Awesome! *Big smile* I was hoping Roy would meet Green Arrow and Black Canary anytime soon. But I was afraid it was not going to happen in this chapter. I’m so happy it was. :)
Lovely, Lovely ending. Thanks. :)
Looking forward to more.
LS.
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 04:57 pm (UTC)Thank you! :)
Poor Roy and Melody. They both have such terrible and painful memories. Especially Melody. I think, it was sad for Roy seeing Brave Boy to die, but Melody was witness of so many cruel things and torture living in Caldwells. And she knows these people are still there, torturing and killing the poor slaves.
Yes, the poor kids have it rough. :(
Neither one noticed the door close softly.
Reading the paragraphs of Roy’s and Melody’s nightmares and especially the part with Roy calming and soothing Melody, I was expecting Dinah, Oliver (or both?) would come to the room. It seems someone did it, but seeing Roy was able to calm Melody and they understood so well each other, the visitor left unnoticed. *Hugs Melody and Roy*
Yes, whoever was there felt that Roy was doing a good job, and Melody was helping him, too.
I loved Oliver-Roy’s talk – in both the paragraphs. And I like Roy’s personality. (and the "moxie" :))
The boy has plenty of that! :)
He followed his Master down the steps, gaping at the computers and other equipment, and a yellow car…!
The Black Canary appeared, a bright smile on her face.
"Welcome to the Arrow Cave, Roy."
Awesome! *Big smile* I was hoping Roy would meet Green Arrow and Black Canary anytime soon. But I was afraid it was not going to happen in this chapter. I’m so happy it was. :)
I speeded it up a little and it was fun to write. :)
Lovely, Lovely ending. Thanks. :)
Looking forward to more.
LS.
Always more to come! ;)
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 05:20 pm (UTC)But being Speedy will defiantly help Roy heal. Just like it helps with Robin. ;D
Wonderful!
no subject
Date: 2009-04-28 05:31 pm (UTC)I know! They need hugs, poor dears. :(
But being Speedy will defiantly help Roy heal. Just like it helps with Robin. ;D
Wonderful!
Being Speedy will definitely help! :)
A couple of questions
Date: 2009-04-29 06:23 pm (UTC)What was the reference to King James about? There was a King Edward II of England who was supposedly murdered with a poker up the rectum.
Re: A couple of questions
Date: 2009-04-29 06:36 pm (UTC)Just a couple of silly questions.
Never silly! :)
How old is Roy? What was the name of the villian that owned him? You have Kragan killing Brave Bow in this episode, and Broward owning Roy earlier.
Roy is close to Dick's age (around 10 or 11) though I haven't decided exactly yet.
Kragan killed Brave Bow and sold Roy to Broward. Broward was kidnapping slaves for his brothel but bought Roy for his house staff. Was it just house duties? I have put in hints of more.
What was the reference to King James about? There was a King Edward II of England who was supposedly murdered with a poker up the rectum.
Ah! I had it in my head that it was King James. So, I must change that. :)
no subject
Date: 2009-05-01 04:46 am (UTC)Yay Speedy! And smart of Ollie to get him in training pronto, he's too talented and deserves the chance to fight back at some of them scumbags out there!
Write moars, write moars! ;^)
no subject
Date: 2009-05-01 04:55 pm (UTC)The world is full of scumbugs, sad to say. :(
Yay Speedy! And smart of Ollie to get him in training pronto, he's too talented and deserves the chance to fight back at some of them scumbags out there!
Roy is a quick study. :)
Write moars, write moars! ;^)
Always! :)
no subject
Date: 2009-05-01 05:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-05-01 05:04 pm (UTC)Glad you liked this, Juniper! :)
no subject
Date: 2009-05-01 04:54 pm (UTC)Oh, and another name to put on the list "Qualifies for a slow painful death in this universe" Karagan. *evil grin*
Wonderful chapter about Roy and Melody. *hugs both*
Now that they both are relatively safe with Ollie and Dinah they can both start to heal.
Yeah for Roy starting his training to become Speedy. I wonder if Melody will join the crime fighting "tradition" of the Queen household in the future. :)
Thanks for this story, as always I really can't wait for the next!
no subject
Date: 2009-05-01 05:07 pm (UTC)The Bat and Arrow clans will make very good allies. :)
Oh, and another name to put on the list "Qualifies for a slow painful death in this universe" Karagan. *evil grin*
LOL! Agreed!
Wonderful chapter about Roy and Melody. *hugs both*
Now that they both are relatively safe with Ollie and Dinah they can both start to heal.
They're safe with Dinah and Ollie.
Yeah for Roy starting his training to become Speedy. I wonder if Melody will join the crime fighting "tradition" of the Queen household in the future. :)
She might! ;)
Thanks for this story, as always I really can't wait for the next!
I'm glad you're enjoying the story, Bat-Angel! :)