Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (Rainbow Prisms Arc) (2/42)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Rainbow Prisms Arc) (2/42)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Alfred, Dick
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. Clark finally learns about his identity and heritage. Will that knowledge tear him and Bruce apart? Meanwhile, Rebellion and Abolition twist and turn in the pageantry of events.
The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Challenge, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Clark is told about Bruce’s discovery.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): September 14, 2010
Date Of Posting: August 26, 2011
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1067
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The magnificent story cover is by the wonderfully-talented ctbn60. Thanks so much, luv! :)
"Truth comes in many forms, as is the telling of truths. Sometimes the simplest methods of the telling are the best, even when the truths are the most complicated."
Queen Hippolyta
363 B.C.E.
II
TRUTH
Clark yawned as he stretched, feeling well-rested. He smiled as he moved, frowning slightly at the empty space next to him.
Bruce up early? Will wonders never cease?
Clark rolled over, the indented pillow and mussed sheets indicating that Bruce had at least come to bed. Besides, he had impressions of his lover’s arms around him, albeit sleepy ones.
Sunlight streamed in through the windows, heralding a brand-new day. Clark smiled. He loved the breaking of dawn and golden morning. He was, he supposed, what they called ‘a morning person’. Bruce would always grumble (he was most definitely not a morning person) and Dick always laugh (because he most definitely was a morning person).
Clark showered and dressed and went downstairs to breakfast. The kitchen was empty, but he heard the murmur of voices in the library.
Probably an intergalactic conference call.
With some of his business dealings spread out to other planets in the Empire, Bruce had to set up meetings at odd hours. Alfred and Dick were probably helping him with the call, providing data, both financial and cultural.
A basket of warm cranberry muffins was on the table and Clark put one on his plate, breaking it open and buttering it as he noticed that there was only one place setting.
Guess they’ve already eaten.
Clark poured a glass of orange juice and ate the large muffin, as always marveling at Alfred’s baking skills. He looked out the window, pleased at the beauty of the day.
I’ll suggest doing some outside chores today. Dick can run off some energy, and maybe I can persuade Bruce to join us. I bet Alfred would like to be outside today, too.
Pleased at his tentative plans, Clark finished his juice and muffin, cleared the table and washed his plate and glass. He went back upstairs to retrieve his watch and brushed his teeth. He had made the bed before breakfast, so he was ready for any chores Alfred might hand out. He was still going to try for getting outdoors.
Smoothing his shirt, Clark headed back downstairs again. Just as he reached the bottom, Alfred appeared.
“Master Bruce would like to see you in the library, Clark.”
Clark flashed a smile. “Sure, Alfred.” He followed the butler down the hall.
& & & & & &
Alfred stood off to the side as Clark entered the library behind him. His friend was cheerful this morning, certainly not an unusual occurrence, grateful for that. What he was about to learn would be a shock, no doubt.
Bruce and Dick were already here, Dick greeting Clark with a bright smile and Bruce a less radiant one. He was clearly nervous. He had stumbled over his words as he had told Alfred the amazing story of the happy man standing before the couch where the Dynamic Duo was sitting, Bruce holding a folder. Alfred was not sure if it was the papers sent over by Lex Luthor, or those found in Silas Bracken’s safe.
“Yes, Master?” Clark asked, his posture relaxed as he waited for Bruce to speak.
“I have some good news, Clark.”
Despite the slight tremor in Bruce’s hand, his words were sincere. Despite his fears, he was happy for Clark. Dick and Alfred felt the same, though they shared the same fears: would Clark be leaving them now? Surely he had other things to do once his memory and powers were restored. He would not be content to remain Bruce Wayne’s slave anymore.
Bruce said quietly, “We’ve found out about your past.”
Clark’s smile faltered. “What?”
“I found out some things that Silas Bracken wanted kept hidden, and Lex and Jamie found out some things, too.”
Bruce waved a stunned Clark to sit over on the couch. Clark obeyed, sitting between Dick and Bruce as Alfred sat down in the overstuffed chair. Bruce handed Clark the folder. Clark took it with shaking hands and opened it, beginning to read.
For several minutes, nothing but the ticking of the grandfather clock could be heard, then Clark lifted his head. “I’m Kryptonian?”
Bruce nodded. Hand still shaking, Clark pointed to a page. “I’ll also get my memories back?”
“Once we stop giving you the quinium.” Bruce squeezed his arm. “You might not even have withdrawal symptoms once your powers kick in.”
“Powers,” Clark whispered. His eyes suddenly widened. “I’m under a Hunt Decree!”
Bruce squeezed his arm again. “Yes, but they won’t be able to hurt you now.” He did not mention Green Kryptonite, but that was a given.
Clark frowned slightly but continued reading. He glanced at his manacles. “If I take these off…”
“…you’ll absorb the sunlight and your powers will go on-line, so to speak,” Bruce said with a chuckle.
Dick bounced beside Clark. “How cool is that, Clark, soaking up the sun for powers!”
Clark grinned and tousled the boy’s hair. “Must be why I’m such a sun-worshipper.”
“Your memories should return eventually after the cessation of the shots, but your powers should come back almost immediately,” Bruce said.
Clark looked out at the gardens soaked in sunlight.
“Let’s go outside,” Dick said excitedly.
Clark looked toward Bruce.
Old habits die hard, Alfred thought. He rose, and Bruce smiled. “Let’s go.”
The folder was set aside as everyone trooped outside. Clark went to a green expanse of lawn a few feet from the seawall. He stood unmoving for a moment, then looked at Bruce as his lover reached around and unsnapped his collar, Clark rubbing the skin now exposed for the first time in four years. Bruce unlocked the manacles next, and stepped back.
Clark turned his face up toward the sun, stretching his arms up as in supplication. A smile spread across his face, beautific as he soaked in the rays, and Alfred could only begin to imagine the feelings coursing through Clark now, in addition to the power.
A slight breeze ruffled his dark hair as he closed his eyes and the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks below mingled with birds singing in the trees and gulls shrieking as they wheeled over the sea.
Suddenly, Clark began to tremble and his eyes snapped open just before he collapsed on the ground.
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