Fic: Rainbow’s Freedom (Justice Arc) (20/61)
Title: Rainbow’s Freedom (Justice Arc) (20/61)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: (this chapter): Clark/Bruce, Dick, Brad Stryker, Sam Elkins, Roy/Johnny (Roy does not appear in this chapter), Charlie Dwyer
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices the ancient institution of slavery. Clark begins training under the Bat and secrets are uncovered as the Abolitionist Movement makes rapid progress with old and new methods. Can Freedom outrace rumors of War as the Galactic Empire rushes headlong to a new future?
The entire series can be found here.
Genres: AU, Drama, Slavefic
Rating: (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: The Blur goes on his first official patrol with Batman and Robin.
Date Of Completion (First Draft): April 13, 2011
Date Of Posting: June 20, 2012
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1044
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Note: The magnificent story cover is by the wonderfully-talented ctbn60. Thanks so much, luv! :)
"Long-held dreams
Come true,
For me
And you."
Selma Diamond
"Dreaming Of You"
RCA Records
1942 C.E.
XX
SMOKE ‘N’ MIRRORS
Bruce smiled indulgently as Dick chattered, pointing out sights of interest as they walked down the streets of Gotham. Clark was by his Master’s side, properly Veiled with dark glasses and a Rigellian-style hat that allowed his face to be shadowed. Neither he nor Dick were on leashes, because Bruce despised the practice, only using them when required. He had no intention of entering any shops that did not allow slaves, so tying them to a hitching post was not an issue.
Besides, guards Brad Stryker and Sam Elkins were with them, providing close security while another pair of guards trailed them several yards behind. Bruce liked to show off his beautiful Household on occasion, but he was not about to tempt fate.
So even on this gray and blustery February day, Bruce and his Family were enjoying themselves, getting a change of scenery from the Manor or nighttime patrol, always on the alert for crime.
“Master?”
“Hmm?”
“Will I be starting patrol tonight?”
“Yes.” They both kept their voices down. “Ready for it?”
“Very much!”
Bruce smiled. “I guess Alfred will have to man the homefront on his own.”
“He can handle it.”
“And so can you.”
Clark beamed, Bruce enjoying the show of sunshine. He looked around and saw people noticing, except that they were not looking at Clark, but at Dick.
Ever the showman, Dick was laughing with and smiling at Sam, his line of patter informative and amusing. He brought out smiles in the passersby, and also glints in the eyes of a few men.
Bruce frowned but kept his eye on Dick. The boy was on the cusp of adolescence, beginning to look coltish as he moved, his smile bright and dazzling, his blue eyes sparkling. As he saw yet another man look with avid interest, his gut clenched.
It’s too soon, too soon.
But he knew what he had to do.
& & & & & &
Dick turned cartwheels in excitement as Clark put the finishing touches on his costume. The black shirt and pants would blend in with the shadows, as would the long coat.
“You look great!” Dick said. “Though you still need some bright colors.”
Clark grinned and winked. “Thanks. Well, I guess it’s time.” He flexed his hand.
“That’s right,” Bruce said, adjusting his cowl. “Alfred, the homefront is all yours.”
“Very good, sir.” Batman and Robin got into the Batmobile while the Blur hovered high above them. “Good hunting, sir.” Alfred gave the thumbs-up sign.
The Blur and Robin smiled as Batman started the engine, and they roared out of the Batcave. Once they were outside, the Blur veered off and stayed high in the clouds.
The patrol started out quiet, only a mugging and attempted robbery of a jewelry store to thwart, but then Robin pointed at the glow from the Narrows.
Batman activated the commlink with the Blur. “A fire…”
“I’m on it.”
The Dynamic Duo saw a streak of light in the sky, then it vanished.
& & & & & &
Johnny battled the flames as his temporary partner, Charlie Dwyer, had his back. The heat threatened to melt their facemasks. The hose was manned by Chet and Marco below them.
He pushed forward, searching for the tenants in this rundown tenement. Despite the prosperity most people enjoyed, the poor were always with them.
He and Charlie made their sweep, finding an elderly woman in a corner, coughing violently. Charlie took her and led her out while Johnny continued the search.
He called as loud as he could but his voice was muffled by the mask. He dared not remove it, however, otherwise he would be overcome by the smoke.
He kept his eyes trained on corners and searched under beds and couches, yanking open closets. Satisfied that no one else was on this floor, he started to head down the hall when a flashover sent him hurtling into the wall just before the ceiling collapsed.
& & & & & &
Batman and Robin watched the fire scene from a nearby rooftop. They let the firefighters do their work, but when they heard the explosion and the crackle of the HTs they knew someone was in trouble.
“Should we go in?” Robin asked anxiously.
Batman shook his head as he put a hand on his partner’s arm, pointing with his other hand to the streak of blurred light heading for the tenement.
& & & & & &
Johnny felt the weight of brick and mortar crushing him. He gasped, trying to breath, and started to try and dig his way out.
“Help!” he rasped, but his mask was muffling his voice. Even worse, the mask was cracked, letting his air escape. His heart pounded as he tried to stay calm, coughing violently.
Oh, Roy, I’m sorry.
Suddenly, the weight of debris was lifted off him and he coughed again. Strong arms lifted him and he caught a glimpse of blue eyes before something was wrapped around him and he was whisked out of the building.
Wind gushed against him and then he was gently deposited on something hard (The ground? The roof?) and the wind blew over him again. Dizzy, he opened his eyes.
“Batman and Robin?”
Robin smiled. “That’s right.”
“Careful, Fireman,” said Batman as Johnny tried to sit up.
Johnny stared up at them, the stars twinkling in the night sky, plumes of smoke wreathing the diadem.
“That was the Blur, wasn’t it?”
“Yes.”
Johnny smiled. “Tell him thanks for me.”
& & & & & &
Alfred stood as he heard the roar of the Batmobile’s engine. The computer screen behind him flickered with the images from the fire.
“Quite an evening, sirs.”
“Very much so,” said Batman as he climbed out of the Batmobile after cutting the engine. Robin hopped out with a smile as the Blur flew leisurely into the Cave.
“I see you saved several people at the fire, including a fireman.” Alfred cocked his head. “Our Johnny Gage?”
“Yes,” Batman said as the Blur touched his feet to the Cave floor with Clark’s smile.
“A successful first patrol,” Alfred declared.
“You bet, Alfred!” Robin gave the Blur a hug. “Clark was great!”
“Excellent.”
It appeared that one of Clark’s longest-held wishes was going to work out just fine.
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