Title: Rainbow's Freedom (Sanctuary Arc) (10/17)
Author: BradyGirl
Characters/Pairings: Clark/Bruce, Alfred
Series Notes: In the 23rd century, Earth is a technologically-advanced society that practices slavery. The wealthy freeman Bruce Wayne acquires a highly-prized bedslave whom he learns to cherish...but can he every truly love a slave? And will it all be moot as a weak abolitionist movement slowly gathers strength while the Galactic Empire remains in a perpetual state of Cold War? The entire series can be found
here. Categories: Drama, AU
Rating: (this chapter): G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Flying is in Clark's heart and soul.
Date Of Completion: February 27, 2007
Date Of Posting: April 9, 2007
Disclaimer: I don't own 'em, DC does, more's the pity.
Word Count: 622
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author's Note: Just a short chapter before they begin to lengthen again. Enjoy!
For the Gods,
The gift of flight
Is what makes them
Strong and bright.
Elysia
“Laurel Leaves
And Other
Amazonian Poems”
326 B.C.E.
X
FLYING
“Sunspot activity has returned to normal. The interference on radios, television and other electronic equipment should no longer be a factor. Ships in the Space Fleet are able to navigate without the problems experienced in the last few days.
“In related news, Air Force majors Hal Jordan and Steve Trevor will test the latest space fighter, the X-16, on Moonbase Tranquillity today.”
Alfred prepared waffles and strawberries as Bruce walked into the kitchen.
“So you will be working from home today, sir?”
“Yes, Alfred.” Bruce took his seat as his slave appeared. Clark’s smile faded as he touched his temple and winced. “Clark, what’s wrong?”
“I…seem to have a bit of a headache this morning.”
“Come book a cruise for Paradise Island, home of the most beautiful female slaves in the world! Princess Cruises is offering a great deal for the holidays…”
Clark sat down as Bruce frowned. His slave’s boundless energy had disappeared, leaving a weakened Clark behind.
“Did you take aspirin?”
Clark started to nod but quickly stopped. Bad idea.
Sympathetically Bruce said, “We’ll skip the work-out for you this morning.”
“In Star City, Black Canary and Green Arrow took down a gunman who threatened to kill a class at Benjamin Harrison Elementary School.”
Alfred set the plate of waffles and strawberries before Clark, who took a tentative bite, testing his queasy stomach.
“The Batman was seen last night all over the city, preventing robberies, muggings and at least one attempted rape. Witnesses say he seemed charged with energy…”
“Take a short walk after breakfast, then lie down on the couch in the study.”
“Yes, Master.”
Bruce was satisfied that he had come up with a solution of sorts.
& & & & & &
Clark hated feeling so weak. The energy he had enjoyed the past three days had been exhilarating, but now he was as drained as an old battery, not to mention suffering from a hellacious headache.
The skies were cloudy and the wind cold as Clark walked around the garden, dizziness forcing him to cut it short. He carefully made his way to the study, stretching out on the couch.
It doesn’t help that I’m due for a shot tomorrow.
He closed his eyes, trying to quell a queasy stomach, smiling as Bruce entered the study an hour later.
It remained quiet as Bruce read paperwork, worked on the computer, and made the occasional call. Clark was relaxed despite his headaches, the sense of sanctuary strong. He began to drift off to sleep…
& & & & & &
The fields stretched out, tall and yellow with wheat and corn. A strong wind blew, bending the stalks.
He walked through the rows upon rows, the smell of fresh corn sweet. Birds sang full-throated warbles, and a field mouse dashed across his path.
Blue. The sky was a shocking, cloud-filled blue. Warmth from the sun kissed his skin, his heart soaring as he lifted his face skyward.
His manacles and collar lay at his feet. With a sigh, he took a deep breath…and flew.
High, high up in the sky, wind rushing through his hair, strength flowing as he flew!
He laughed. Joy spread through him like the sun’s rays.
He was free.
& & & & & & &
“A good dream?”
Clark blinked awake. Bruce was sitting on the edge of the couch close to him.
“Yes.” He smiled as he rubbed his eyes. “A nice change.”
“Good.” Bruce smiled and gently ran his fingers through Clark’s mussed hair.
Clark hoped that the good dreams would always outweigh the bad.