Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Project K Arc) (14/54)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce (Clark does not appear in this chapter), Alfred, Hal/Steve/Diana, Zatanna, Ojjix
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. New superheroes appear on the scene as the Abolitionist Movement gathers strength. Meanwhile, Lex gets his heart’s desire while long-held secrets begin to spill out of the Manor. Nothing will ever be the same again.
The entire series can be found
here.Genres: AU, Challenge, Drama, Slavefic
Challenge Category: Section E (Slavefic)
Rating: (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The Day of Jubilee comes a little closer.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): September 26, 2009
Date Of Posting: January 15, 2011
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1064
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Written for my
2010 DCU Fic/Art Bondage Challenge.
And, lo,
The Herald
Came,
Blazing with
Trumpet and
Wings of gold,
Preparing the way
For the coming
Of the Sal-Vor.
Psalm 20, Verse 16
"The Book Of Rao"
16th Century, B.C.E.
XIV
THE HERALD
“The Amazing Amazon joined the Dynamic Duo and the Arrows from Star City in subduing the gunmen who attempted to terrorize the celebratory crowds in Gotham last night.”
Bruce watched as Wonder Woman easily fended off a hail of bullets with her bracelets, allowing Batman and Robin to attack the gang while the Arrows practiced crowd control, managing to assist by firing precisely-aimed arrows, knocking the guns out of the criminals’ hands as neatly as batarangs sliced away weapons.
The Canary opened her mouth and her sonic cry spilled out, the remaining gunmen dropping their guns, revelers and criminals alike grimacing and covering their ears.
Wonder Woman’s glittering Lasso rounded up several crooks, and the police hurried into to snap handcuffs on them.
Bruce turned off the television. It had been a good night last night.
“Master Bruce, it is time to take your guests into the city.”
“Of course, Alfred.”
& & & & & &
Diana soaked up every sight, every sound, every smell: blazing lights, shrieks of laughter, calliope music. Smells of friend dough and grilled sausages filled the crisp night air.
She was looking forward to Samhain, observing the custom of trick-or-treating and going to the Harvest Ball, but she wanted to observe the carnival on this night before All Hallows’ Eve.
She liked the combination of glitter and tawdry, the excitement and joy, the chills and thrills.
She happily went on rides that spun and dipped and whirled, eating corndogs and cotton candy and keeping her eyes open as she passed shooting galleries and dancing girls and was that a Witch’s tent?
The yellow-and-black sequined tent glittered under the strings of lights, the sign ‘Madame Zee-Fortunes Told’ painted in dark purple letters.
“You want your fortune told?” Steve asked, squeezing her hand.
“Oh, yes! It is a special science. The Oracle of Delphi taught Zara all she knew.”
“Zara?”
“One of my sisters.”
“Ah.” They were trailing the others, and the carnival noise kept anyone from overhearing. “Did she…predict what happened in 1863?”
“She saw something, but there were no details. It was all so murky.”
Steve squeezed her hand again. “I’m sorry.”
“It is the way of seers.”
“Are you sure about this?”
She squeezed his hand back. “Yes.”
“All right, then.” Steve escorted Diana to the tent. “I’ll wait for you here.”
“Thank you, Beloved.” Diana kissed Steve warmly on the lips, then slipped inside the tent.
She breathed the scent of incense, gaze roving over the rich tapestries and objects like the crystal ball on a pewter dragon base with winking ruby eyes, or the carved walking stick propped up in the corner. She looked at the deck of Tarot cards, admiring the artwork.
The folds at the back of the tent shifted, bracelets jangling as Madame Zee appeared, the faint scent of patchouli wafting from her.
Diana admired her pumpkin-colored peasant blouse and purple skirt, gold bracelets, rings, and necklaces studded with jewels of every hue. Large gold, hoop earrings swung back-and-forth, blond hair spilling over her shoulders, a purple-and-yellow starred kerchief encircling her head. Dark-blue eyes glittered as she smiled.
“Have a seat.”
Diana settled into the comfortable chair, crossing her legs.
“Do you wish a Tarot reading, or the crystal ball?”
“The ball, Madame.”
Zee nodded, earrings swinging. She took her own chair and began a low chant, passing her hand back-and-forth over her crystal ball.
Mists began to swirl in the ball, rose-pink and lemon-yellow and cobalt-blue, coalescing and breaking apart as Zee murmured, “Time endlessly stretches out…Elysian Fields…emerald-green and azure skies…white marble gleaming in the sun…blood and chains and wailing…there are many rainbows, but only one Freedom’s Rainbow…star-spangled joy…the blood of thy ancestors…sunshine falling from the sky…emerald light pure and gleaming…” Zee’s eyes widened. “Princess,” she breathed.
Surprised, Diana cocked her head. “I am but a simple peasant girl from a fishing village off the coast of Greece…” She trailed off. “You truly have the Gift.”
Zee’s hand had stilled, hovering over the crystal ball, and she began moving it again. “I have been waiting for you.”
Diana smiled. “I am here.”
Zee learned forward. “You are the Herald.”
“In what way?”
“You are the linchpin of two concentric Trinities. You are the center between your own personal Trinity, a latecomer, but your female energy centers your male counterpart. The other center is your first love, who is the bridge between you and your other lover.” Zee’s bracelets jangled softly as her hand moved. “In the other Trinity, the first to come is the Bat, and now you.”
“And who is the third?”
“Kal-El of Krypton.”
Diana’s eyes widened. “The Sal-Vor?”
“The Savior, yes.”
Diana leaned forward. “How is this to be?”
Zee’s eyes bored into Diana. “The Day of Jubilee grows closer, Princess. When the Sal-Vor matches with you and the Bat, the Day will dawn.”
A thrill of excitement coursed through Diana. “I eagerly await that day.”
Zee nodded with a smile. Diana began to rise. “Hold, Princess.” Diana sat back down. “Your loves are Destined.”
“I know.” Diana’s blue eyes sparkled. “My Destiny fell out of the sky to me one day, and I have never regretted it.”
“Lovely, Princess. Yes, you and your Beloved were Destined for each other.”
Love filled Diana’s heart. “I have love for my other as well. He came to me through my first Beloved, and I am enamored of him with all of my heart.”
Zee’s eyes sparkled. “That is heartwarming, Princess.”
Diana smiled and inclined her head.
“Be well, Princess.”
Diana left the tent, taking Steve’s hand and kissing his cheek lightly while drawing Hal in.
“A good reading, Angel?” Steve asked.
“Very good, Beloved.” She kissed the knuckles of his hand and drew Hal closer, kissing him warmly.
They went arm-in-arm to catch up with the others.
& & & & & &
Inside the tent, Zee smiled at the image coalescing in her crystal ball. The Guardian of Oa’s expression was expectant.
“I have found our linchpin.”
Pleased, Ojjix said, “Your Sight is true, Zatanna. This Galaxy’s new future has begun.”
Zee smiled and the image faded.
Excitement built up in her heart.
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