Hello everyone! As soon as this is uploaded, I am posting the full Prologue of the sequel, Family Knight, to FF. Please enjoy a short piece of it and then continue on to the full prologue if you would like. Thank you!
Bruce Wayne stared at the heavy, mahogany door that had just been slammed shut by his young ward. Dick Grayson, his protégé, had been getting moodier and moodier for some time, and Bruce had a sinking feeling regarding the cause. Sighing, he made his way to towards his study, his voice raising to be sure that Dick could hear him. "If this attitude doesn't come to an end soon, patrol will!" A crashing sound came from inside, most likely a heavy antique being thrown against the door. Teenagers.
Diana entered the study to see Bruce sitting at his desk, massaging his temples like there was no tomorrow. The lights were dimmed and his mind was obviously elsewhere. She made her way behind him and gently rubbed his tense muscles with her delicate fingers. "What did he do today, Bruce? Plaster your identities across the eastern seaboard?" At this Bruce laughed dryly. "No, nothing that drastic, though I'm becoming concerned that it isn't far off. He took off joyriding across the country with Kid Flash." Diana laughed. "Was that all? He's a teenager, Bruce, and it's just a car. He's seventeen and has a license. When I was seventeen, I accidentally leveled my mother's palace. Sometimes I think you forget that for all his skill and intelligence, he is still only a boy."
Bruce shook his head. "Not a car, Princess. He took the Batwing! And then he had the guts to lie to me about it. Good thing Kid Flash is terrified of me. Did he really believe I wouldn't notice it was missing?!" Diana's eyes grew wide. "He really has a death wish doesn't he, I wouldn't dare look at your plane the wrong way, let alone fly it. He must be taking cues from Damien." The newest addition to the family tended to see rules as guidelines and was not afraid to ignore them when he saw fit.
He leaned into her hands, relishing her every calming touch. "Don't be too hard on him, Bruce. His life has changed so much in the last year. First Barbara's accident and their breakup, you and I start dating, Jason's death, our marriage, and then Damien comes into our lives. Barbara's accident alone would be devastating enough, they've spent most of their lives training together. He blames himself, you know, for her paralysis." Bruce grew still. "There was nothing he could have done. If it was anyone's fault, it was mine. Jim entrusted her to my care, and I failed him."
Diana turned his face toward her, their blue eyes meeting. "It wasn't your fault either, dear. Joker shot her while she was dressed as a civilian, not in the line of duty. And, even though it has taken major effort on her part, she is adjusting to life well." Bruce smiled. "What would I do without your optimistic logic?" Diana's face was now just inches from his. "Oh, that's simple. You'd still be brooding in the Batcave where I found you."
Bruce pressed his lips to hers, happiness replacing his worry. He had long ago forgotten why he had tried to push her from his life for so long and he couldn't remember how he'd survived without her. Sometimes even the Batman was wrong.
Dick angrily threw clothes in his red duffel bag. I've had enough of Bruce telling me how to live my life! He is not my father, no matter how hard he tries. Another pair of jeans, a sweater, a shirt. His duffel would soon be full. A couple bat-a-rangs and his bo staff, in case of emergency. Underwear. A uniform. Some extra cash. Finally, he yanked on the zipper, pulling the bag closed. Grabbing his sunglasses of his dresser, he made his way out into the hallway.
Diana's sweet tones and Bruce's low rumble could be heard pouring from the study, but the door was closed. Great! Diana's got him busy. This might actually work. Taking slow, precise steps, he snuck down the hallway, putting every ounce of acrobatic skill and the training Bruce bestowed upon him to use. Almost there. I just have to sneak past Alfred in the-
"Master Richard, off to get yourself into some more trouble, I see." Crap. Think fast Grayson. "I was just off to spend the night at Wally's, until Bruce cools down." Alfred gave him a knowing look, one that would have made you believe he could read your very thoughts. "Shall I inform Master Bruce that you are leaving?" Double crap. "Um...no. He's busy with Diana, and if anyone will help me get back on Bruce's good side, it's her. Don't worry. I'll talk to him when I get home and accept whatever punishment he decides to give me." Alfred didn't appear to be convinced, but he ceded. "Alright, Master Richard. But I'll be expecting you to be careful on that bike of yours." Dick nodded. "I will, Alfred. Thanks."
Bitterly cold, unfeeling space spread out before her. Gone was her beautiful home, gone was her loving family. Everyone turned against her, simply because of her sister's traitorous deeds. Her sister's unfathomable cruelty and her heartrending injustice had sent her hurtling on this path, a path to nowhere. Then she seen it, just as she was about to lose all hope. A blue and green planet. It was small, not nearly as big as her home world, but it may suffice as sanctuary. Taking a deep breath, she plummeted toward the planet.