Disclaimer: This fanfiction is based in the era of the Roman Empire to give you all some context. Some practices from this empire may be present in this story. I created a new Empire for this story. The Gotham Empire, totally original right? Wrong! I can't claim DC Universe, or the Known World like many have done before *cough* Alexander the Great *cough* Napoleon *cough* Your face :B
Rated T: For blood
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The Changing of a Heart
By. Fanficer21
Chapter 14: Part 1
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I'm back! And I'm alive! I've some people ask me if I died or something. Nope, just took me absolutely forever to finished this chapter! Arrgh! Anyway, since chapter 14 is sooooooo long, I've decided to put it into 2 or 3 parts.
Enjoy!
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Wally searched the entire town, several times as he sped through the market, the city center, residences, and every other place he could think of to find his uncle. He'd been doing this ever since Bruce took him in. His last round of searching was yesterday, and he decided to go out again today. He had to stop several times to eat some snacks because of his high metabolism, he bought them with the money Bruce gave him. The sun was almost reaching the horizon, and he was considering heading back until he heard something flying through the air. Looking up, Wally saw a large rock fly above him and hit the fortress wall surrounding the city, followed by shrieks of unsuspecting people. A shout immediately sounded, catching the boy's attention.
"No! No! You idiots! You aimed too low. It was supposed to go over the wall! Alright, try again." The voice was so familiar. Turning his head in the direction of the voice, Wally ran until he saw a group of men repositioning a catapult. Others were rolling another large rock up to the basket. Standing with his back to the boy was a tall, blonde man barking orders to the other men. His arms waving in every direction as he tried to get his point across. Wally's breath left him when he recognized the man immeditately.
"Uncle Barry!" The boy cried as he took a few steps forward, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. The man quickly turned around, confused, until he saw the boy about 20 feet away in a yellow tunic with a red belt. He would recognize that fiery red hair anywhere. "Wally! You're here!" He shouted as they both ran towards each other as fast as they could. Barry opened his arms just before Wally glomped him, knocking him to the ground on his back. Wally on top, crying into the man's chest. Barry ran his fingers through the red hair as he sat up, quickly hugging his nephew.
"W-Where were y-you! A-All this t-time!" Wally bawled into Barry's tunic, causing the man to squeeze the boy tighter. "Oh Wally! Let me tell you..." The man said while getting into a more comfortable position. The other men stopped what they were doing to sit and listen to the man's tale as well. Barry just shrugged his shoulders and began.
Flashback
Screams filled the air as soldiers plundered the city of Lartnec. Houses burned, bodies littered the streets, captives were taken and forced towards the edge of the city. Wally was curled up against the dead bodies of his mother and father, crying. he jumped when a pair of hands grabbed his waist and lifted him up. "Easy Wally!" Barry said as he pulled the boy to his chest. "We need to leave!" He continued, looking around to make sure no soldiers saw them before dragging Wally into a nearby alley and out of sight.
"Mom and dad...they're...they're..." Wally couldn't finish his sentence as he buried his face into man's chest, the man brushed his fingers through his nephew's hair. "Come on, we need to find auntie Iris!" Barry said, taking one last look at his brother-in-law and sister laying in their blood before slipping further down the alley. They made it to the street that Barry and Iris lived on. It was in shambles, more houses were on fire, some caved in, and others pillaged.
"Wait here!" Barry said to Wally before he crept his way to his destroyed house. There was a chance Iris was still inside. Making it inside, he didn't see anyone. Creeping out, he stopped in his tracks as he spotted a group of soldiers making their way down the street, spears and swords at the ready. Whipping his head around to where Wally was, he quickly made signs for the boy to hide in the shadows further down the alley. The boy tried to do as instructed, but one of the soldier's caught his movement, alerting the others. As quick as he could, Barry ran across the street, grabbed Wally's hand and ran from the soldiers that were now chasing them.
They rounded the corner, but were suddenly met with more soldiers. Barry's attempts to change direction were halted when he and Wally were tackled to the ground, their arms tightly bound behind their backs and forced to their feet. They both fought against the bonds valiantly, causing the soldiers as much problems as they could. That is, until one soldier hit them both in the back of the head with his sword hilt, knocking them out.
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When Barry opened his eyes he was met with a sunrise. The landscape was mountainous. The distant cloud of smoke caught his attention. Lartnec continued to burn. Barry deduced that they weren't too far from the city, maybe half a day's journey. Looking down he noticed the sleeping form of Wally, huddled beside his body. Barry looked around, taking in the situation. He saw hundreds, of people clustered together in smaller groups. The soldiers gathered around a wagon drinking stolen wine, walking around the camp keeping watch of the prisoners, or sleeping. Using the chance he had when no soldiers were looking, he quickly worked the bonds off his wrists before pretending to be bound again when a soldier looked his way. As soon as the man's attention was on something else, Barry threw his bonds to the ground before leaning down to Wally. Placing a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead. "I need to find Iris. I will come back for you! I promise!" He said
crawling away and out of sight. "What are you doing?" Another prisoner whispered "They'll kill you if they catch you!"
"Then I better not get caught!" He replied with a small smile before continuing his crawl. When he was far enough away to not be seen in the disappearing darkness, he got to his feet and ran back towards Lartnec. With his great speed he made it to the city gates within a few hours. Looking around, it seemed as though the city was abandoned. No one remained in sight. Funny. The soldiers couldn't possibly have taken the whole city captive, and they couldn't all be dead. The others went somewhere else, but where?
He looked throughout the city, searching every building, every alley, calling for his wife, but found nothing. That is, until he heard a faint "help!" Barry followed the voice until he saw a pile of dead bodies. Beneath it was a pale arm, the fingers scratching the dirt as if trying to pull the body out. As quick as he could, he pulled the bodies off and threw them to the ground. A huge grin covered his features when he saw the woman of his dreams laying on the ground. "Iris!" He knelt beside her, turning her over. But, his grin fell at the sight of blood on her tunic, on her abdomen. "One of the soldiers got me. I-I'm sorry dear!" She said weakly, placing a hand on his cheek, a tear rolling down her face.
"Come on, we need to get you patched up!" Barry said as he hooked his arms beneath her knees and around her back, lifting her off the ground slowly as he tried not to cause her more pain. He went to the nearest house and placed her on a table before searching for anything medical related that could help him. All he found was cloth and an overlooked jar of wine. Making his way back to Iris, he grabbed a knife from the counter and cut her tunic open before pulling it down her shoulders. He helped her remove her arms and let the fabric fall at her waist, leaving her in her wrap-around brazier. Gently he helped her lay on her back, before opening the bottle of wine. "Sorry honey, this is going to hurt!" He said, preparing to pour it on her skin.
"Just do it!" Iris tensed her body and growled through gritted teeth, preparing herself. The instant the liquid touched her wound she cried out, gripping the loose fabric at her side. Barry then put the wine down and tore the cloth into long strips before lifting his wife's body at the waist and wrapping the fabric around her wound. "That should do it. Rest here while I go search for anything we can use.
Barry gathered enough bread to last them a few days. He had to scrounge through as many houses as he could to find leftover pieces the soldiers dropped in their sacking of the city. Unfortunately, all the wine was gone, save the jar he found. So packing up what other supplies he could, he slung the pack across his back before picking Iris up bridal style. "Barry! I can walk beside you. It'll wear you down more to carry me." Iris protested, but Barry would have none of it. He walked for as long as he could, following the trail left behind by the soldiers and captives. They were on their way to find their nephew.
Taking breaks every few hours, Barry re-bandaged Iris's wound. Several days later while taking a break, they could see enormous city gates. "That must be Gotham" Barry breathed at the great expanse. It looked as though the city went on for miles. "Let's go find Wally!" He smiled.
"How do you know he's down there? He could be anywhere." Iris said while also taking in the sight of the city-state. "Those soldiers who attacked us were from Gotham. So, he is somewhere in the city." Barry insisted as he began packing up their stuff. Taking Iris in his arms once again, he began walking towards the city. Their hearts pounded the closer they got with anticipation of what they would find on the other side of the gates. It was not likely that the great city of Gotham would open it gates willingly to two passersby without documents stating their importance. They would wind up as slaves for sure, so they had to come up with a plan.
As luck would have it, not far away another group was approaching the city. This group was pushing a catapult towards the gates, these people must have been engineers specializing in battle tactics. What better way to enter the city, Barry thought with a grin. "Hold on tight Iris. I've got a plan." He held her tight before running to meet the group.
"Halt! Who are you?" A tall man with dark hair and blues eyes barked as the blonde and redhead approached. "My name is Barry, and this is my wife Iris. We are in need of medical help and I'm afraid
the city might not be kind to us alone. Can we enter the gates with you?" Barry asked with a small smile, hoping these people wouldn't turn them down. The man seemed to think it over before cracking a toothy grin. "Heh! Why not! We could always use more help pushing this thing." He patted the catapult while the other men looked at him with confused faces. "The names Marcus! Have you any skills working with a beast like this?" Marcus patted the device once again. "No, but I'm a quick learner!" Barry piped up with a grin, he liked this man and had a feeling they would become fast friends. Marcus laughed, this time patting Barry on the back. "Come join us! We'll get you set up!" Barry quickly placed Iris upon the base of the catapult before finding a spot in the back to help push.
Iris smiled as they entered the city, the sight was beautiful with all the statues and fine houses. Even the clothing the people wore were fine. As soon as they were settled into the city, Marcus got them a house, a doctor, and taught Barry how to use the catapult. He even made Barry in charge when he had to leave for business matters. Barry and Iris lived like this for a few months, and every chance he got, Barry would search the city and ask around for anyone who might have seen Wally.
End Flashback
"So you've been here the whole time? I felt so alone these past few months, well except for Bruce, Alfred, and Robin." Wally said after Barry finished his story. He was so glad he found his uncle. "Would you like to come live with Iris and me. We would be happy to have your company again." The blonde patted Wally on the shoulder. Wally nodded greatfully, eliciting cheers from the other men. "But first, I want you to meet Bruce and the others!"
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Bruce, Robin:
Robin awoke to the sound of the little European Robin chirping outside his window. He quickly sat up and maneuvered to his knees where he then rested his arms on the window frame, laying his head on his arms while watching the bird. "Good morning little one!" He smiled as the robin hopped on a few branches before flapping onto the windowsil. Curious, Robin extended a finger and brought it close to the bird. The robin did not fly away. Instead it moved its head around in quick motions, looking at the boy, the room, and the tree before chirping again. The boy's finger brushed the bird's soft, feathery breast. He could feel its rapid breathing and heartbeat against his skin. He was about to brush it again until a knock on the wall caused him to jump. The little robin immediately took flight, Robin watched as it disappeared in the distance.
Looking back into the room, Robin saw Bruce standing in the doorway. He quickly sat himself back on the bed, silently telling Bruce to come in. The man obliged and entered, sitting on the bed beside the boy, letting out a deep sigh. "Robin, I have some guests coming over this afternoon. I'd like you to meet them, but if the thought makes you uncomfortable then I won't force you." He watched the boy's thoughtful expression, as if he were fighting an imaginary enemy in his head. "I'd like to meet them!" he replied quietly with a nod.
"I'm glad" Bruce chuckled as he ruffled the boy's hair, Robin didn't even flinch. When did he stop doing that? Bruce thought as he stood up with a yawn. "We've got time before they arrive. Want to help Alfred prepare? Maybe even snatch a few snacks?" Bruce chuckled when Robin's eyes lit up. "Come on, I'll race you!" Bruce laughed as he speed-walked out the door, followed by Robin rolling off the bed, straightening his tunic and then speed walking out the door as well. He didn't want to push his stomach wound by running. He almost caught up to Bruce, but stopped dead in his tracks when the man entered the kitchen. His eyes grew wide and his breathing quickened as he stood right in front of the doorway looking in. He could see the large stove with a rolling flame, a table covered with fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, and every thing he could possibly imagine.
Bruce offered the boy his hand, silently asking the boy to enter the room. But the response he got was Robin shrinking back towards the hallway wall, grabbing his upper arms as he folded them across his chest. He shook with fear as he stared ahead. The memories of Rekoj and him in the kitchen replayed in his mind as tears formed in the corners of his eyes. He hardly registered Bruce's pained, yet fearsome look. The man could tell something awful happened to the boy by his reaction. Was it the man in the arena (Rekoj) or was it the man in the alley (Antonius) that caused this fear. He did not know, but Robin would tell him in time, when he was ready. Instead, he knelt down in front of the boy placing a hand gently on his shoulder. He put his other hand beneath Robin's chin, slowly lifting it until he met tear-filled blues.
"No one's going to hurt you anymore. Do you trust me?" He asked quietly, watching the boy's reaction. Robin, after a few minutes of thinking, slowly nodded his head as he looked into the man's eyes. Bruce smiled brightly at that before removing his hands from the boy and stood up. He held a hand out for Robin to take, his eyes never leaving the boy. Robin couldn't help but feel a little awkward with the man staring at him, but he put his hand into the larger one after a moment's hesitation. Taking a deep breath, he slowly followed the man into the kitchen, despite his body's protests. Once he made it past the doorway he immediately whipped around to check the corners to make sure no one was hiding there, which caused Bruce to narrow his eyes. Just what happened to Robin to make him this afraid of kitchens.
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How you like?
Part 2 is up next. Robin meets the Romanized Justice League! Yayz! It will be much longer and much more intense, I promise!
