UPDATE 4/26/2014: Yes, I am going to be continuing my stories. I apologize to everyone I've fallen behind on them. I actually have the next chapter of Dark Wing halfway finished, but I got so caught up in my break they've been on the shelf all week. I'll do my best to have the next chapter up within the next couple of days. Last night I recently caught up on writing my articles and a short story I had to submit.

Thank you everyone for your patience! I also did a 5K walk today for Cancer this morning for a family member. She's doing fine, by the way, and very healthy and happy.

Again, I'll try to have the next chapter of Dark Wing up in the next three days or sooner.

Chapter 9

Dark kept his eyes on Bruce for the first couple of days. Deathstroke and him had parted ways at the airport to go their separate routes for the time being. There was nothing remarkable about Bruce Dark saw at first. He could only assume the blind man liked to play at being helpless with his pet clone away. Yet as a week went by he began to notice small things about his quarry.

For one, the lifestyle of the former billionaire now was a far cry from the one he had had in Gotham City. Where once the billionaire may have spent his days going to banquets, night clubs, and parties to mingle with the social elite where now spent doing household chores. In the morning Bruce would go out to water the small vegetable garden he had out back. After which the blind man proceeded to clean the house until it was spotless. Then did laundry which he hung outside to dry in the afternoon sun. He would then make himself a small lunch, eat, and when Superboy returned prepared a big meal for the clone.

Dark found himself amazed by the level of control Bruce had over the creation. No matter what Superboy was always attentive to the older man's needs. Often coming to intervene to help him with a task which proved to much for the blind man. Fixing the fences, feeding the chickens, retrieving the sheep, and even take the cows out to pasture each day. When Superboy would return to the house his time became filled with Bruce tutoring him in various subjects. Helping to fill in the gaps Luthor had left intentionally so the clone could not think for himself.

When he ventured closer to the house in the middle of the night Dark had accidentally alerted the blind man. He had gone extremely quiet staying against the side of the house. He wore a special suit which let off a high frequency sound which kept Krypto from hearing him. Along with a special serum which masked his scent from the animal. Bruce had woken up in the middle of the night despite the mercenary's soft steps. He had remained motionless as inside he heard the creak on the stairs.

Bruce had ventured downstairs to inspect the noise. For a long time the blind man had stood motionless as he listened for another noise. Dark raised an eyebrow when the man had even dared to come outside. His sightless flickering as Bruce walked around the house in search of any intruders. After a while the former CEO had sighed as he sat down heavily on the porch steps. Putting his head in his hands as he took deep breaths to try and control his breathing.

"I'm going insane. There's no one here." Dark heard Bruce whisper to himself. He frowned, coming so close as to only be ten feet away from the man. Yet still the mercenary did not make his move. He was far to fascinated by this former hero. Who would have thought Batman could have fallen so far?

"What am I doing here? Why did I…? Clark, couldn't you have just ended it when you had the chance?" Bruce said into the darkness. This eternal abyss he had become so used too. The hairs on the back of his neck were standing up, but he had found no one nearby.

The very next day he had told Connor they were going down to London. Bruce told himself perhaps he had begun to grow paranoid staying on an empty farm far to long. He only needed a short break to clear his head. Why were these old instincts from his time as a hero coming back to him now? Bruce wished he could live a quiet life without the paranoia of his old one. Shaking his head he had arranged for the animals to be taken care of before he and the boy drove down to London.

For the most part the drive was uneventful. Connor remained quiet throughout the entire ride. Now and again asking Bruce if he was alright or needed anything. They stopped twice for gas before moving on. Eventually reaching London late at night. Once they checked into their hotel room they ate a hasty dinner before going straight to bed. Even then Bruce felt a nagging feeling at the back of their mind they were being followed.

"Do you know where the exhibit even is?" Connor asked dubiously the next morning. He had already gone and ordered room service for breakfast. Krypto had already eaten his breakfast which consisted of sausages and bacon. Bruce had been reluctant to let the dog eat the food, but after hearing the canine whine he had relented and said just once would not hurt the animal.

"I'm assuming wherever the signs would point us too. Didn't you write the address down?" Bruce asked. He found he had no appetite and only picked at his food. Connor let out an irritated sigh as he turned around and reached into his backpack. Drawing out a notebook he flipped it open and searched the pages. Eventually he came to the address and took out his smartphone. Quickly putting in the coordinates for their hotel and the address of the exhibit.

"It's a couple of blocks from here. Do you want to take the truck later or walk?" Connor asked. Bruce blinked slowly as he drank his coffee. At times the teen wondered if his servant took his time just to be irritating.

"How about we walk? Krypto has been stuck inside the whole time. I'm sure he wants to stretch his legs. Do you have his harness?" Bruce asked. He heard a shuffle and then the click as Connor put a black harness on Krypto.

"Do you really think people are going to fall for this?"

"Yes, I'm quite sure they will. While we're here people have to believe we're normal just like them. Now, when we go outside remember. Call him 'Snow' and not Krypto, understand? Everyone is going to assume he's a service dog. Which is why he needs that harness."

"Even Krypto has a secret identity? Seriously?"

"As far as I know, yes. He's the only animal in the entire world with superpowers I've ever met." Bruce answered calmly. He felt something warm on his lap and smiled. Gently petting the dog's head as he continued to enjoy his coffee.

"I think you like Krypto more than you like me." Connor accused him. Bruce chuckled shrugging his shoulders innocently.

"Now, you know I love both you. I just happen to prefer Krypto because he doesn't talk back like someone I know. You both eat enough for ten people though. That's the only downside to having both of you around unfortunately." Bruce replied. Connor huffed indignantly going back to eating his breakfast.

An hour later once they had eaten found them outside on the sidewalk. It was late morning and the streets were mostly clear. On the buildings around them Connor saw posters advertising the exhibition. Promising to reveal the "secrets" of Ancient Egypt to anyone who came. He sighed wondering what dried out human corpses could offer him. By his side Bruce stood with a black leash in his hand. Krypto with his vest on sitting beside him eagerly wagging his tail.

"Come on, this way." Connor said to the two. Krypto got up and immediately began to trot after his young master. Being mindful of the leash as Bruce walked only a few feet behind him. Falling into step beside Connor who did his best to stay level with his servant. Their shoulders bumping from time to time as they crossed the street. Once in a while the blind man turned his head listening to the bustle of the city around him. The streets were mostly clear, but there was still the general buzz of the populace around them.

"Have you ever been to an exhibit before?" Bruce asked his young ward. He heard a snort to his left before an arm slipped through his. Gently steering him out of the path of two men deep in conversation who seemed oblivious to the blind man and his dog.

"Not that I can recall. Probably not, but I know a little about ancient culture. Mostly what you taught me though. Dad was never big on exploring what he called 'outdated' discoveries. He didn't care how old any ruins were. He even Mom once he would tear down Stone Hinge if he could just to build a tourist a better tourist attraction."

"Shame, there's a lot you can learn from history."

"You mean like not repeating it?"

"See? You're already catching on." Bruce said with a wry smile. He heard a chuckle from the boy, but deep down the words had stung when they had been said. Repeating history indeed. There were days he questioned his decision to have brought the boy to a farm. Was he simply paving the way for the next Superman to go insane? Sure, on one hand it would be unethical to blame Connor for what his predecessor had done.

Still, there were days when Connor would grow agitated. The boy would raise his voice just a little to loudly, or push Bruce away just a little to hard which reminded him of Clark. Often sending the blind man into spasms of terror which left him frozen in place for several seconds. By then the teen had stormed off to either be alone in his room or back out to the fields to be with Krypto. Each time the blind man had to force himself to take deep breaths in order to quiet his pounding heart.

As he walked with Connor down the sidewalks and streets Bruce felt a deep ache in his chest. There were times he actually wondered if he might die from a heart attack he became so terrified of his young charge. While he knew the teen may never intentionally hurt him he still could not overlook the fact all of Superman's past clones had anger issues. While the boy had been away at school Bruce had spoken about the matter with Mercy on a serious note. Her only response had been she honestly had no idea. Luthor had not even known how his clone might react. All the previous experiments had died off because the DNA had broken down.

Instinctively Bruce's grip tightened on Connor's arm. Taking it as a sign of comfort Superboy put his hand over his servant's. Squeezing the older man's hand reassuringly before sliding his hand back into his pocket. What if Connor were to die? The thought had never even crossed Bruce's mind until just now.

At any moment his DNA could break down. He could slowly rot away like Bizarro did. Is that the future for Connor? To watch his body begin to fail him as his mind goes, and there's nothing Mercy or me can do about it?

All thoughts of the boy's cruelty fled Bruce's mind when the thought crossed his mind. What would he do should something happen to the boy? Never mind his own safety, Mercy was a surprisingly forgiving woman. She would never blame Bruce for failing to prevent something he had no control over. Perhaps that was why the clones were so angry? Their minds had begun to go so much they became partially insane. Bizarro had developed a skewed sense of reality before he had passed away shortly.

"Bruce, hey, you okay?" Connor whispered quietly. He had picked up an increase in Bruce's heart rate which alarmed him. Looking around he spotted an alleyway. Slipping an arm around his servant's waist he pulled him out of the way of the foot traffic. The blind man barely seemed to notice. His wide, sightless eyes flickering with terror.

"What?" Bruce said snapping back to reality. It was as if the world around him suddenly turned back on. Around him the sounds of the city continued as the boy spoke to him.

"Do you want to go back to the hotel? Maybe you're still tired. We can go tomorrow. I mean, we have a whole week, right? Not like the exhibition is going anywhere." Connor insisted keeping a protective arm around his servant's shoulders. His concern grew seeing the way Bruce became confused about his surroundings. Already the teen was scanning the area trying to guess the fastest way to take home.

"I'm fine. I just spaced out for a moment. Come, I promised you would see this. I already planned on talking your ears off and I'm not letting the opportunity go to waste." Bruce insisted. Connor sighed unsure if he should allow his servant to go or not. He could very easily just grab Bruce's upper arm and drag him back. It wasn't as if the older man could resist him.

"Fine, but we're not staying long. You're still tired and you're hiding it from me. That's not good for your health, Bruce. You need to keep your strength up." Connor lectured him. His servant only chuckled patting the teen on the shoulder.

"I promise I'll take a short nap when we go back. Goodness knows I missed it yesterday."

"You take naps?"

"I'm living the good life. Why shouldn't I?"

Connor scoffed at this bit of information but never the less looped his arm with Bruce's as together they stepped back out onto the sidewalk. Neither of them spotted the older gentlemen with graying hair and mustache step out of a bookstore. Dressed in black wool coat, pressed pants, shiny shoes, and a wool scarf wrapped snugly around his neck Alfred Pennyworth was a handsome figure for a man his age. He took a deep breath of the cool morning air enjoying how crisp it felt. The skies were clear, but cold with the rays of the sun doing its best to warm London.

Alfred had just bought few new novels he had been meaning to read for quite some time. He had been issued time to relax from the British Intelligence Agency in order to keep his mind sharp. His mind in the field was the best they had, and they advocated they wanted him at the top of his game. Currently the former butler had been looking into the matters concerning the fall of Superman. Suspicious in of itself it was of great concern to Britain if the alien had been defeated in a fight.

With his bag secured in one hand the old man clenched his fists trying to warm his fingers. They had a bad tendency of going numb in even the mildest of cold weather. There times he forgot his body continued to age without his knowledge. His mind remained as sharp as ever, but each day it became just a bit harder to rise out of bed. He mused over this fact as he began to make his way down the street.

There had been the temptation to contact Master Dick when he had heard about the fall of Mister Kent. Alfred had felt a stab of pain when he had first received the news several months ago. He had been sorely tempted to contact Bruce's old ward to ask him what had happened. However, years of experience had bade him not too. If young Master Bruce was still out there he would have no doubt heard the news.

"Because that's being lazy. No wonder you always move so slowly. You're groggy from taking a nap?" A tall, handsome young man several steps ahead of Alfred chided. The butler hardly took any notice of the pair walking. He did his best to hide the smile beneath his graying mustache. It looked to be a son and his father out for a stroll. A white dog with a service vest on wagging his tail as he gave his pair of companions a doggy smile.

The pair paused at the edge of the street waiting for the traffic to clear. Alfred navigated around them his thoughts set on making a pot of tea once he got home. Some Earl Grey would warm his bones very nicely. To his left he heard the young man speaking to his father. Talking about what he expected to find at the new Egypt Exhibit in town.

"Do you think they'll have mummies there? The real ones, not fakes?"

"I'm not sure. Did the pamphlet say they would?"

Alfred froze when he heard the familiar voice. No, how could it be? He must have been mistaken. Perhaps the other man speaking simply happened to sound-

"Oh, yeah, it says so right here! Man, that's an ugly looking bastard."

"Language please, Connor."

"Bruce, I've cursed before. You can't say you sound surprise."

"We're at home. There's a difference about cursing in private and being out on the street. What if a child heard you?"

Alfred turned his head at the sound of the name. He had to put a hand on his chest to still his old heart. Not more than a few yards behind him he saw a familiar head turn. His face hidden as he spoke to the young man, who the former butler took to be Connor, who held onto his companion's arm. Guiding him across the street once the light had changed. When they came to the other street corner both men continued walking. Disappearing behind a building, but not before Alfred caught a glimpse of the older man.

Could it be…young master Bruce? Alfred felt his throat go dry at the thought. Foolish, foolish is what he was being! Yet he found his old instincts kicking in. Refusing to rush as he calmly crossed the street as well. Feeling relief when he came around the building to see the two figures several yards away from him. Quite calmly the elder man quickened his pace, only to slow down when Connor paused to ask directions from an officer.

As the pair walked the former butler kept a minimum distance for four yards. Far enough he should not be noticed within the press of bodies, but close enough to keep the two in sight. Alfred had often kept track of such targets for the British Intelligence. Tracking them into practically three countries before the people noticed they were even being followed. It was quite amazing how little young people paid attention to their senior citizens. A fact the British spy liked to use to his advantage. He barely had to conceal himself no matter where he was.

Twenty minutes passed before the pair of men finally reached the exhibit. Connor frowned as he saw the press of people going in. Most were throngs of young students from schools in the area come to see it. Letting out an irritated sigh he wrapped an arm around Bruce's shoulders. Not wishing his servant to get lost in the hubbub as they came up to the window.

"Um, two tickets please?" Connor asked the woman at the front desk. She was young with mousy brown hair and eyes. Chewing on some gun she glanced up, then was forced to look up at her customer.

"No pets are allowed, sir." She said barely glancing at Bruce. Superboy did his best not to give an irritated sigh. Bruce, as usual, had decided to remain silent pretending to be fussing over Krypto's harness.

"He's a service dog, ma'am. My father is blind."

"Alright, but you're going to get kicked out. Don't tell me I didn't warn you when security bothers you." The woman warned him. Connor pressed his lips into a thin line trying not to snap at her. He reached into his pocket for some money and slipped her several pounds. When she handed him the tickets he snatched them from her. Leading Bruce inside the building where Krypto began to sniff excitedly. His tail thumping against his master's leg at all the excitement.

"Good job on not losing your temper." Bruce complimented Connor. Superboy huffed, feeling his face color at the way the woman had gazed at him.

"You could have said something."

"I'm disabled, I had no idea what was going on. How in the world could I assist you?" Bruce asked. Superboy actually turned around to glare down at his servant. He could not remember any day where his servant had insisted upon having a sense of humor.

"You choose the worst days to be a comedian."