Work Text
Alfred Pennyworth did not mince words, even with friends and family. He had always thought it better to be straightforward, succinct, and honest. That's how his parents had raised him. And when it came to idle gossip, he just plain avoided it. So when his roommate was asking him about a particular rumor, his answer was simple, “No. Not a clue.”With a roll of his eyes, the tall, lanky man in the letter jacket scoffed. “Be serious, Alfred. Honestly!"Alfred flashed a half-smile over his shoulder. "Aren't I always, Leonard?"A snort of brief amusement was the response. A good two minutes of silence followed soon after. Alfred took that as the end of the conversation. Besides, he already knew his flatmate should be leaving for his Wednesday afternoon study group.Thus, Alfred turned his attention back to the neatly organized table of glass jars, beakers, a note pad and pen, a drying rack, and a small, bubbling pot. As per usual for a Wednesday afternoon, he was looking forward to some quiet. He wanted time to finish his potion for his upcoming Double MM levels. He had managed to pass the first round of them last semester with little trouble. However, this next round for him would include a particularly tricky section on advanced Experimental Alchemy. He’d have to present something truly ground breaking to pass.When he once more scribbled notes on the pad, Leonard's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Look, Alfred, I'm just saying you can tell me. I mean anything, and especially, if you got an assignment already. I’d share with you, if I had one. And knowing you, I don’t doubt you’d be a first pick.”Despite feeling frustrated, Alfred wasn't upset. He honestly liked his flatmate, most of the time. He wouldn’t have shared the small dorm flat with him these last two years, if he didn't. Leonard could just be overly curious and way too impulsive for his own good.So, Alfred shook his head with amusement. “I'll choose to take that as a compliment.”He practically heard the sputter of surprise from his flatmate as he scrambled to say, "Which it is. I mean that's what I meant. A compliment."Alfred turned slightly towards Leonard, giving him a broad smile. "I know. Thank you."There was a moment of silence.Leonard still looked nervous from behind his gold-framed glasses. One of his hands rested on the back of his long neck, just below his sandy brown hairline, and the other hand clutched at the top of his open backpack. "Good." His throat bobbed, and he suddenly found something overly interesting in his bag to stare intently at.With the shake of his head, Alfred turned his attention back to his brewing concoction. It was close to done, and he didn't want to lose focus. Still, he had to admit this rumor was distracting him. Not that he knew anything about it besides what Leonard had told him.Looking back over his week, he suddenly realized just how wide spread it had become. He had heard more than one person whisper his name these last couple of weeks. Out of the corner of his eye, he had spotted people staring at him with a frown or a raised eyebrow. A few times, he had entered a lecture hall or passed a dorm room only to hear it fall suddenly silent.He had just chosen to ignore it and go about his day as normal. He had even politely greeted some of the whisperers with a greeting or a nod as he passed. Before today, he had never let it keep him from his daily activities.Just then, Alfred heard the creak from his own bed behind him. Glancing to his left, he saw Leonard leaning across to look over Alfred’s shoulder at his notes. Slowly the taller man's gaze met Alfred's. “Just to be clear, you haven’t been asked to do a special assignment by the Alchemist Council or thy High Council of All Orders? In Britain, the States, or anyplace at all?”Sighing heavily, Alfred turned completely towards Leonard. He crossed his arms and fixed his flatmate with a stern expression. “No. I have not. Nor am I going to be. This… this rumor is just that. Nothing more, and that’s all I’m going to say on it.”As Alfred was about to turn back to his work, Leonard piped up. “If that’s true, then why haven't you said that to anyone else? Why not correct them, so this all…”Rolling his eyes, Alfred sighed very deeply. “Because telling people they are wrong never works. It just makes certain people want to talk more about it. Besides, eventually it will be forgotten for some new rumor. Hopefully not about either of us.”As he turned back around, reaching for a few more strands of jackrabbit fur from a properly labeled jar, he heard Leonard. “And what if it turns out to be true?”Alfred tipped his head to one side and then the other. “Then, I suppose someone from either Council will contact me sooner or later.”Raising an eyebrow, Leonard asked, "And then you'll let me know?"With a brief chuckle. "If you wish, Leonard. You'll probably be the second to know... after me that is."oOoFor three weeks, that was the end of it from Leonard. There was even a full week when he didn’t accidentally over hear someone whisper his name. Alfred half hoped, he could focus in on reviewing his second round of Double MMs. However, four days into the new week, he got a knock at his flat door.When he opened the door, he saw a small man with a long, curly red beard and dressed in an emerald green suit and top hat. Blinking at the small man, it took Alfred a second to recognize the finely dressed Leprechaun. Alfred was quick to correct his behavior. He bowed deeply in respect, as his grandmother had taught him, towards the Leprechaun. "Good Morning, Good Sir! What have I done to get the honor..."Before Alfred could finish speaking, the Leprechaun waved off his compliment. Instead, he bowed to Alfred, and then, asked, "May I have your name, sir? "Alfred paused only a few seconds to consider the question. He knew he had to be careful. Another thing his grandmother always said about ancient beings, like Leprechauns, was to be careful how you answered their questions. Some beings used questions to trick others out of life and property.Slowly, Alfred nodded, before replying, "Depends who you ask. I am called many names. My mother and father call me Son. My grandmother calls me Wise. My brother and sister call me Brother. Others call me Alfred Thaddeus Bradshaw Pennyworth. And what of you, good sir? "A bemused smile crept across the Leprechaun's face. "Tierny.”Smiling warmly, Alfred inquired, "What brings you here today?"Reaching into his side satchel, Tierny pulled out a slim, pristine white scroll. "This is for you, Mr. Pennyworth, from the Alchemist Council."Alfred was hesitant. That was partially due to a few neighbors who had stopped and stared when the Leprechaun had mentioned the Council by name. Still, Alfred accepted the scroll. His jaw had tightened, and he found himself just staring at the scroll with the blue ribbon and red seal.Coughing slightly, the Leprechaun courier said, “Well, go on, young man. Open it.”Moving his gaze to the courier, Alfred blinked in confusion.Crossing his short arms, Tierny said with tightly drawn lips, “I am not allowed to leave, until you open it. Rules and all that.""Oh. Yes. Rules," Alfred agreed as his gaze went back to the scroll."I must know that you have opened and read it," Tierny went on, "I also need a verbal confirmation on the scroll's content... from you. So go on.”Swallowing a lump in his throat, Alfred hesitantly did as he was told. With the red seal broken, he carefully unwound the blue ribbon. Slowly, the paper unfurled. The second he saw the glowing red text, his voice got caught in his throat. Still, he silently read the words.It was a summons for him to come before the Alchemist’s High Council tomorrow to stand for judgment for an important assignment. It was mandatory. There was nothing short of death and imprisonment that could delay his appearance.“So what is your response?” Tierny pressed. He was now impatiently tapping his gold buckled boot.Despite his shock, Alfred drew in a long breath to calm his racing heart. Putting on his most serious expression. “Yes,” he said simply at first, but then he thought better. Lifting his chin, he nodded once. “Tell the Alchemist's High Council that I shall be there tomorrow.”A broad smile spread over Tierny’s face. “Good. Then I shall tell the Council that you shall be there at ten-sharp. Don’t be late.” There was a twinkle of mischief to the leprechaun’s eyes. “Some days, they actually are on time.” Then he bowed. “Good day, Sir.” With a snap of his fingers, the Leprechaun vanished from sight in a flash of green light. oOoAlfred was as good as his word.He arrived promptly, despite Leonard’s freak out when Alfred told him. He almost spent the entire night answering the same questions over and over. He ended up having to slip a bit of sleeping draft to Leonard just to get some rest himself. He knew Leonard would thank him in the morning, since his flatmate had his own exams the next afternoon.At 9:55 am, Alfred arrived dressed in his best, freshly pressed outfit. A deep blue tie and a brand new, white handkerchief accented his three-piece, light gray suit. Hooked to his arm, his slightly damp umbrella hung right beside his clean bowler hat, which was in the crook of the same arm. His dark, thinning hair was smartly combed and his mustached was waxed to be pristine. Still, he felt uncomfortable as he passed through the main doors.Trying not to seem nervous or anxious, he strolled with his head held high and his gaze focused forward. He did not bother to look around the brightly lit, expansive chambers. He just took a seat on one of the long benches in the waiting section. He was pressed between a large woman with too much perfume on and an older, bearded man who kept muttering about nightingales. Placing his bowler hat in his lap along with his umbrella, he waited for his turn before the Council.Well over an hour passed as person and creature alike were called to step forward. Alfred only half listened to these events. Most of them seemed uninteresting, and others sounded rather trivial compared to the reason he was here. Still, Alfred remained seated throughout.Eventually, he heard his name being called. “Alfred Thaddeus Bradshaw Pennyworth. Step before the Alchemist's High Council.”On command, Alfred rose. He heard a few whispers from his row and those further back. He ignored them. Instead, he placed his hat under his arm and calmly stepped up on to the raised, stone platform. As he had seen with others, the platform rose slightly and began to change its shape. Soon, there was a place to put both his hat and umbrella, so Alfred did. Then, he was turned to face towards an arching row of pedestals that almost appeared to float high above the waiting area.There seated at each of them was a member of the Alchemist's High Council. There were eleven of them all together. Each had their hoods pulled up, making only their stoic expressions visible. Most of the hooded gazes were locked solely on him.“You are Alfred Thaddeus Bradshaw Pennyworth?” asked a large man near the center of the group. His voice seemed to boom like thunder when he spoke. When he lowered his hood a bit to look at a sheet of paper, Alfred almost instantly recognized the man. He was an old friend of Grandfather Albert Pennyworth. It took a second or two for Alfred to recall the name: Sir Reginald Morrison. The formality and the question itself felt unnecessary to Alfred, since he had known Reginald most of his life. Still, he knew it was tradition to be addressed by one’s full name when first meeting the Alchemist's High Council.Keeping his breathing even, Alfred answered, “Yes, Sir.”“Do you know why you’ve been called here today?” asked Reginald, folding his hands together.“I only know that you have a first assignment for me.” Alfred tried to keep his response straight to the point but truthful. “Nothing else.”A slender man with dark, wire-rimmed glasses on the left side of Reginald added, “The High Council of All Orders has placed it upon the Alchemist's High Council to find a suitable candidate for a very special, very unique assignment. That might be you, Mr. Pennyworth.”“Might be,” emphasized a female council member on the other side of Reginald. “It will depend on how you answer our questions today.”Glancing down at some documents before him, Reginald spoke. “All your teachers agree you are an excellent student. Your abilities in alchemy make you among the top of your class.” The older man gave him a praising look. There was even a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Perhaps better than any we have seen in the last few centuries. Would you agree?”Alfred did not smile back at the compliment. Rather, he nodded simply and said, “I do my best to honor the Order and my family.”“Well said,” commented the slender man with the wire-rimmed glasses.Reginald nodded as if in agreement. Then, he looked down at the stack of documents again. He was flipping through them, seeming to be looking for something in particular.As he was doing that, the woman beside him spoke up again. “You also come from two good magic lineages: alchemists on your father’s side and spell-casters on your mother’s side.”“Yes,” Alfred agreed. He let himself smile briefly but only for the sake of his family. “The Pennyworth alchemists and the Bradshaw spell-casters.”“More interesting,” the woman said, sounding very intrigued. “You yourself are skilled in both.”“Not necessarily uncommon, Councilwoman Lance” pointed out a Councilman with a darker complexion further to the left of her.“No, true, Councilman Fulford,” she conceded, before going on, “but we don’t often see them go into alchemy when they have a more active magic aptitude.”With a tilt to his head, Councilman Fulford seemed to not disagree with her comment.She continued, “But you chose to pursue alchemy over spell-casting, Mr. Pennyworth. Why?”Alfred nodded again, raising his chin. He took in a deep breath, before speaking. “Because I prefer it.”Now, all eleven Council members were looking at him. There was a beat of a few moments where no one spoke.Finally, Councilwoman Lance spoke. “Please elaborate, Mr. Pennyworth.”Furrowing his brow, Alfred asked, “Why is it necessary to know my reasons?”She huffed, leaning forward with a frown. “Are you being purposefully obstinate, Mr. Pennyworth, or do you have something to hide perhaps?”“No,” Alfred said without thinking. Then, he paused, pressing his lips together. He knew he’d have to say more. Despite his desire to be succinct, he elaborated. “As you said I come from long lineages. My mother and her mother and father were of the Spellcaster Order. All their family before were as well. My father and his mother and father were alchemists. All their families before were as well, too. I am the youngest of three children. My older brother and sister took more after our mother. My brother is currently assigned in Sweden as a teacher, while my sister is in London, last I heard, working for MI-5 under order of the High Council of All Orders. Despite an ability and initial training, I decided to follow my father and be an alchemist. It was the right thing to do. Someone should carry on the that legacy.”Reginald inquired, “Is that the only reason?”Tilting his head, Alfred considered the question for a moment. “No. I wish to create and heal.”Councilman Fulford pushed out his lower lip. “Heal? You sound as if you want to be a doctor or something.”That got a brief chuckle from a few of the other members of the Alchemist's High Council.Shaking his head, Alfred elaborated. “What I mean is… while any magic can be said to be a creation, making a potion or spell from scratch has always felt more rewarding to me. And if what I create can heal or protect someone, all the better for me. I don’t want to heal like some human doctor. I want to heal as my grandfather once did during World War I. Like my ancestors did after the Great Magic Divide.”Alfred noticed a smile on Reginald’s face. He even threw a positive look towards his fellow Council members.However, Councilwoman Lance still had a sour look on her face. Her voice became cold as she clasped her hands together. “Does that only include those close to you? Or would you also be willing to protect and heal a non-magic person, too? Even a human?”Alfred couldn’t help the stunned look on his face. He just blinked for a good few seconds. “I… well, I… I guess. I hadn’t really thought about who I’d be helping. I know our magic isn’t normally to be used on humans, unless instructed, but… if instructed to do so…” Furrowing his brow, he fixed a questioning look back at the woman. “Why would I need to heal a human?” He looked among the different Council members. “What sort of mission is... this?”“Mission would be an incorrect term for what we are asking you, Mr. Pennyworth,” Reginald said seriously. “Rather, it would be a long term posting outside the UK.”“In the States, I assume,” Alfred commented. When he got a look of shock, he added, “There was a rumor that there might be a posting in the US coming up.”A rumble of mutterings rolled across the group and even among the people on the waiting benches below. A stern look crossed the faces of the Alchemist's High Council, but most evened out.“Yes,” said Councilwoman Lance with a none too happy look on her face. “Clearly, this posting... to some degree... has been leaked without our permission, but yes, it would be in the States.”Councilman Fulford added, “It’s a unique posting and would likely be long term, requiring commitment, patience, and could lead to much hardships and even dangers. Of course, it would provide much opportunity for you to create potions and items to heal and protect a special individual.”Raising an eyebrow, Alfred asked, “Special how?”For the first time, Councilwoman Lance smiled. “Interesting. The thought of commitment, hardships, and dangers do not bother you, Mr. Pennyworth?”“No. I expect one must accept the consequences to any endeavor.”Councilwoman Lance chuckled briefly, nodding her head in agreement. Alfred saw her write something down on a paper in front of her. Then, her gaze coldly rose up to look at him again. “And if that means not seeing your family or friends or possibly your homeland for many years, even decades… that does not bother you? Being in mortal peril, does not worry either?”Alfred knew what the councilwoman was driving at, and he took a moment to really consider what she was asking. His throat did tighten at the thought of not seeing all he held dear for a long time, if at all. He did not relish running or fighting for his life either. Then again, they were not absolute certainties, only possibilities. He remembered both of his grandfathers telling him about their experiences during World War I. There had been many a dark day when they thought they’d never again see what they held dear.“I suppose I am afraid, but I also know I would be doing right by them with this posting. I’d be carrying on their legacy and hopes,” Alfred said, before smiling up at the Council. “Besides, I will carry them with me.” He touched his chest. “Here.” Then, he touched his head. “And here.”Reginald and Councilwoman Lance exchanged looks. A raised eyebrow and part frown passed between them. There was whispering among the other council members as they went on for a few seconds more.Then, Councilwoman Lance sighed. “Very well. I'm convinced enough... for now. Tell him more.”Reginald turned back towards Alfred. “You would have a charge in your care. Someone gifted but not in the way of magic.”Despite his urge to ask more questions, Alfred just nodded and listened.“This individual will need to be watched, guided, and possibly protected. The High Council of All Orders has deemed an alchemist to be the best choice over any other. In fact, they hoped to find someone gifted in multiple magic abilities, but especially alchemy. And your name was one of the first suggested.”Warmth flooded his face, and Alfred smiled despite himself. “I’m honored.” He swallowed. “But a charge. I never imagined having a charge. What would be required? You mentioned guidance and protection, but what does that mean?”“This individual will be but a child. It will have a unique, possibly limitless gift that hasn’t been seen in centuries,” Reginald continued.Alfred's eyebrows shot up a split second before he heard a new series of whispers from the audience far below. “Centuries?” His mind immediately spun as he started to put the pieces together. “Are you talking about…?”“A Guardian,” Reginald finished for him. His voice was a perfect reflection of the excitement building inside Alfred. “A being born only every few generations.”“That means,” Alfred said, finding his own breath hitching, “If the tales of old are anything to go by, that means something is coming. Something great and dangerous.”“Yes,” Reginald agreed. His expression grew serious. “As you know from these tales, a Guardian is meant to be near invincible with abilities to stop disasters and end wars.”“Or start one,” added Councilwoman Lance. There was a deep frown on her face.Looking at her with a sad look, Reginald nodded in agreement. “Yes. That is also... a... possibility.”Alfred recalled the Guardian’s tale that Councilwoman Lance was referring to. Of the many that he read in primary school and at home, that one was Alfred’s least favorite. Besides the Guardian being in constant torment, it was a dark and depressing story that led to the worst moment for magic beings – the Great Magic Divide. The breaking point that no one wanted to think about, but everyone had to remember, so that it never happened again."But that's why the High Council of All Orders has been so watchful these last several centuries," Councilman Fulford explained. "They have had to be. We can never truly know when a new Guardian will arise.""Life for our kind and for the entire planet could possibly hang in the balance," Councilwoman Lance added.Licking his lips nervously, Alfred hesitated say anything. Rather, he took note of the somber mood that had befallen everyone in the room. No doubt, they too were recalling the same dark Guardian tale.Desperate to break the mood, Alfred placed his hands behind him and spoke up. “And one has been born?”Councilwoman Lance was the first to meet his gaze. She slowly shook her head. “No, not yet, but soon and across the waters in a large city called Gotham.”“Among the Deviation Order, they had predicted a new one was coming some time ago. The High Council has been on the lookout for one since then,” Councilman Fulford explained. “Actually, it was the soon-to-be parents of the Guardian that contacted us. Through a wandering card reader, they discovered something was different about their unborn child, something that worried them. Thus, the father, not a practicing magic user himself, contacted distant relatives who were still part of the Summoning Order.”"And we're sure?" Alfred asked without thinking. He immediately regretted it as all eyes went to him. There was a mix of confusion and anger in those gazes. "I mean... is it genuine? Not some flight of fancy... of... a non-magic...?”Councilwoman Lance's response came out sharp. “Do you think us fools, Mr. Pennyworth?"Alfred blinked as he stumbled to get words out. They never made it past his lips."Do you think we have not had our best and brightest checking and rechecking the facts and meeting with both parents to be absolutely sure?!""Well, no. I...""Do you think we'd bother to bring you here if we hadn't varied this situation from all angles before even bothering to seek out a Protector?! To even think about asking an upstart, wanna-be Alchemist like you?!!!"Alfred's throat tightened. He wanted to so badly look any place else, but he was suddenly too afraid to look away from the woman who now loomed over the front of her pedestal like some specter, glowering at him."How dare you, Mr. Pennyworth! How dare you question the Alchemist High Council, not to mention the High Council of All Orders!”Despite the fear, Alfred tried to answer. "No, but the question had to be asked. I'm sorry if my word choice was impolite, but..."Blowing out a breath, she waved off his words. Then, she muttered under her breath. Despite that moment, Councilwoman Lance gave Alfred a small smile the next. “Still, despite your poor word choice, your question is... valid."Alfred felt his heart squeeze a bit tighter. He raised an eyebrow. "It is?""Yes," Councilwoman Lance told him."Of course, it is," Reginald agreed."And I respect you for your bluntness for asking. Even the oldest and wisest need to be kept in check." Alfred saw her look at Reginald with a raised eyebrow. "I see now why Councilman Morrison and several others have pointed out that you have more than just the skills for this assignment, but also the necessary temperament.""Oh?" Alfred said with a questioning tone."Yes." She was looking down at a set of papers. She appeared to be reading them as she spoke. "You will need it in guiding and protecting this young Guardian as it grows, but also to deal with its parents and their world.""The Waynes," Fulford said, seeming to take over where Councilwoman Lance left off, "are a wealthy and powerful family in the States. Thomas Wayne is a highly respected doctor and philanthropist in Gotham. People look to him for guidance and he is ever in the eye of the media. No doubt his son will be the same. Also, the Waynes were one of the founding members of the city. Martha Kane Wayne is a humanitarian and philanthropist as well, often sponsoring fundraisers for the poor, the hunger, and most often, children. In fact, she has been known to fundraiser for organizations, under the table of course, of non-humans in Gotham. She is also known to be quite attractive and draws many a camera. No doubt her son might inherit some of that, too. The Kanes were also one of the founding families of Gotham.""With that influence, that ego and gloat, you will be in a world unlike any you've experienced. Scrutinized on every level by humans and others alike. Both the parents and that world will require you to be level-headed and calm, discrete and mindful of your words and actions. No one must know who you really are and why you are there."Interrupting her, Councilman Fulford added, "Yes, you must be straightforward and watchful, but you must also be prepared for the unexpected when it comes to the Guardian himself as well. We have no real way of knowing yet what his abilities will be when they fully bloom. You will need to have control over him and help him to control himself, despite any repulsion you have to his appearance or the consequences of his abilities.""An iron stomach it might require," pointed out Councilwoman Lance. "You can not be softhearted or weak willed. And you can not second guess your decisions and actions. You must be resolute and always vigil for the sake of the Guardian, his parents, yourself, and potentially, for everyone else." There was a bit of fear still tinkling under his skin. Absentmindedly, Alfred, reached out and gripped the hand to his umbrella. He drew in a shaky breath, ever so slowly releasing it. Then, Alfred slowly nodded.Reginald must have noticed his discomforted, because he spoke up with a smile on his face. It was the sort of smile Alfred recalled from his childhood. He suddenly looked less like a member of the Alchemist's High Council and more like the man who used to sit Alfred on his knee and tell him stories about far away lands and creatures. "Do not worry, Alfred. We believe that is you. Otherwise, we would not have nominated you. Even the Guardian’s would-be parents feel you are a most suitable candidate.”Alfred managed a small smile and nodded his understanding. The tension in his body lessen just a bit.Councilwoman Lance nodded. “Despite my reservations, I am more or less in agreement. You seem to be the right choice. However, we do need some reassurance of your commitment to this responsibility, to this posting.”Raising his chin, Alfred met her gaze. “What do I need to do?”“First, you must understand, Mr. Pennyworth. There is no quitting. No matter what happens in the months and years ahead, until the full High Council of All Orders orders it, you must remain beside that young Guardian through everything. There can be no wavering. No doubts. No second guessing. You must be willing to put its life before anything else, even your own.”Alfred’s gut clenched. He drew in a shaky breath. So much was being thrown at him, but he tried to stand steady and take it all in."Do you understand?" asked Councilwoman Lance.Alfred swallowed as everything played over his mind. He was a world of fear and euphoria. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Rarely did anyone ever get to be a protector of a Guardian. At the same time, Alfred started to realize what that actually meant. Years of his life would be given to the Guardian, if he said 'yes'. He'd have very little say in his own path, if he said 'yes'. He could fail and die.Still, he kept coming back to the fact that he had been chosen to be this Guardian's protector. That was not something so lightly bestowed upon someone. Considering one of the last two had nearly meant the end of the world, a lot could ride on his ability, patience, and commitment. And they had chosen him over anyone else. He wasn’t even a fully graduated Magic user. Still, it was him. And that thought terrified him and excited him at the same time.When Alfred heard Councilwoman Lance loudly say his name again, he was immediately pulled from his thoughts. He blinked up at the Alchemist's High Council, who were all staring intently at him. Unlike the first time, they looked less scary. In fact, he thought they all looked more scared. He wondered if they shared his fear or if they feared him saying, 'no'.When he realized that, Alfred already knew his answer. Straightening his back. Alfred lifted his chin high. “Yes. It would be an honor to take the post."Suddenly, every member of the Alchemist's High Council, even Councilwoman Lance wore a smile. They looked among each other with looks of relief. That actually made Alfred realize he had made the right choice, at least for now."Good." It was Reginald's voice that drew Alfred's attention the most. "I knew we'd made the right choice with you.""Just one last question," Alfred piped up. "How soon do I need to leave?”Councilwoman Lance threw a half smile at Reginald, who suddenly looked very sad. "Since he was your nominee, you should tell him, Councilman Morrison."With a sigh, Reginald nodded. He turned his frown at Alfred. "There's no easy way to say this, Mr. Pennyworth." Alfred found it interesting that, despite Reginald having called him by his first name just a few moments ago, he now reverted back to his last name again. "You will have to leave tomorrow."Instantly, Alfred’s stomach dropped. “What?! That soon? I mean… I have… Why?”“There can be no delay, Mr. Pennyworth,” Councilwoman Lance stated. “We need you set-up and ready for when the Guardian is born. That could be next month or a week from now. Some seers even said it could be as early as tomorrow. And you will have much preparation ahead of you. Even more, despite the would-be parents choice of you, you must still make them fully comfortable with your presence and the knowledge that you can be there for them and their child."Furthermore," Councilman Fulford added, "we do not want to draw any unwanted attention. If you suddenly appeared as the baby arrived or afterwards, there are forces out there, dark ones, that are more likely to be alerted." He leaned forward with a concerned look. "You know the old story of the Great Magic Divide as we all do. We can not risk that happening again. The child's true nature and abilities must be kept secret, no matter what. He must be allowed to grow under our guidance, your supervision. The parents have been informed of this and agree as long as he is allowed to grow up. Grow up are the key words for them.”Alfred nodded his understanding. "Of course. Being their offspring, it only makes sense."Councilman Fulford added, “And do not worry. All the arrangements have been made for you. All your remaining classes have given you passing grades. You will be receiving your full passing acceptance into the Alchemist Order. All contracts and debts you may have will be handled for you by the Alchemist's High Council. And your family will be notified about your posting. But your focus must be on the Guardian. You must have no other concerns back home to occupy your time.”Still feeling a bit stunned, Alfred nodded. "I understand." Managing a tiny smile, Alfred ask more as a joke than a real question. "Is there at least time to pack?"Alfred was glad that at least some on the Alchemist's High Council chuckled at his comment, because inside he was still in shock.
To be continued…
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Thump thump... thump thump...
The steady sound briefly filled the blackness around him. Then a piercing howl broke the rhythm. Something was on his trail.
On his heel, he turned and ran as fast as his legs could carry him. Just in the distance stretched a towering structure of glass and metal. He had to reach it. But already his legs felt tired and sore. Already, the fight felt lost. Still, he knew it was all on him, so he could not fail. No matter what he felt or thought.
A grimace creased his face as he felt a new pain shoot up his legs. It was the first time he realized he was bare foot and the ground was made of shards of stone and glass, wet with rain and blood. Still, he did not dare to stop. He could not.
There was a sharp cry, almost bird like, high above him.
His sight was drawn up. Against a flash of lightning, a winged figure shot past him in the direction of the building. Its wings seemed to glisten brightly in the glow of the lightning, cascading a shaft soft light over him. He briefly slowed his pace, looking in awe of the light that seemed to protect him from his pursuers. At the same time, Alfred felt a renewed sense of strength flood through him. Silently, he thanked the winged figure, and he quickly picked up his pace again.
Looking forward, the towering structure appeared much closer than it had before. He felt sure now he would make it there in time. So even as the storm above released its full fury, Alfred ignore it. Rather, he focused his attention on the highest levels of the building. Near the top, there was an enormous, metal symbol - a 'W'.
From the dark clouds above came the sound of thunder, or at least, something just as loud. Emerging from the dense cloud and smoke came a monstrous creature - black with leather wings that were might well blot out the sun and blood-red eyes that made Alfred's heart miss more than a few beats. It's fangs were huge, only matched by the sear size of his claws. As it descended, it gave a thunderous roar that shook the whole city. Alfred felt pushed back as a powerful gale suddenly picked up.
Briefly, Alfred gasped for both thought and breath, watching as the monstrous creature came to perch itself atop of the the enormous 'W' on the structure of metal and glass. Then, the creature glowered down at Alfred and the rest of the dark city.
There was intent in those red eyes. However, Alfred couldn't tell if it was good or evil. That scared him.
All of a sudden, there was a spark of red light just over the monstrous creatures right shoulder. The creature turned as Alfred tried to shield his eyes. The red light grew brighter and brighter, until its was a ball of fire in the night sky. Soon, it was as bright as the sun, if not more.
In an instant, the monstrous creature gave a high pitch shriek and the whole city was enveloped in the intense, fiery glow. Alfred knew only pain and then, nothing.
oOoAlfred gave a loud gasp as he shot up in his seat. The book resting in his lap tumbled on to a small table in front of him, knocking over a plastic cup, before hitting the floor at his feet. Eyes wide, Alfred looked about his surroundings. He was on a plane.Of course, he was, Alfred reminded himself. He'd left England early that morning several hours ago and was on his way to his posting in the States.Rubbing his tired eyes, he peered down at the small table. A splash of water covered the pull out table. Muttering quietly to himself, he quickly picked up the cup and reached into his breast pocket for his handkerchief. As he wiped the table and his rumpled shirt, he felt eyes on him. A cold feeling ran up his spine. Quickly, he pushed up his tray table and peered to his left.Instantly, he spotted his watcher, or more specifically, watchers. Two identical, red haired, girls no more than six years old stared wide eyed at him across the isle. One wore a frown. The other wore a part smile.Alfred was taken back, but nodded politely at them as he undid his seat belt and rose to go clean himself up in the airplane restroom. "Good day, young ladies."That earned him a snort from the frowning one, who quickly looked away, and a wave from the other girl who's lips were parting to say something. However, she was cut off by the tall woman beside the window. "Oh! Hello," greeted a very deep, warm voice. Looking up, Alfred was greeted by a broad smile and a set of bright blue eyes. Her long blonde bangs bounced in front of her round face as she looked down at the two little girls.Politely, Alfred nodded to the woman. "Hello.""Have you two been making friends again?"The frowning red haired girl shook her head and said firmly, "No, Mama." She crossed her arms over her chest and fixed the woman with a stern look."I was!" piped up the other, looking briefly at her mother before meeting Alfred's gaze again. Then, she reached out a hand to him. "My name's Beth. That's my sister Kate and my mom. What's your name, um, sir?"Smiling warmly, Alfred accept the small, chubby hand. "My name is Alfred, Miss Elizabeth.""No," she corrected pulling her hand back quickly. "Beth. Please!"There was a snort from Beth's sister. Then, she muttered something under her breath, which earned her a frown from Beth."That wasn't very nice, Katherine," the woman scolded. Then she raised her gaze to Alfred with an apologetic look. "I'm so sorry, Alfred. Beth prefers her nickname, and Katherine is usually much better tempered. She's been a bit air sick.""Mom!!" A scoff from Katherine in response. "Don't tell him that. He's a stranger.""Nah uh! He's a friend. Right, Alfred?"Alfred simply smile. "Quite correct, Miss Beth. Now, I do apology, but I think I need to clean myself up before we get ready to land."As he walked away, Alfred heard Beth call, "See you later." Alfred only chuckled. He wasn't gone that long. About fifteen minutes. When he got back to the row, he saw one of the small red haired girls had climbed into one of the seats next to his. She was flipping through the book he had dropped earlier. Not just any book. It was the one Leonard had given him... as a promise.In Leonard's words, "It's a present, and if you really don't like it, just see it as me lending you something. When we see each other again, you can give it back to me then."Alfred wasn't completely sure why Leonard had put it like that, but the book, despite its boring topic of the lifestyles of the American billionaires, had been interesting read. In fact, there had been more than a few references about the Waynes. Still, he had fallen asleep reading it. That was less about the topic and about the fact, Alfred hadn't slept well last night. He had been worrying so much about packing, about making a few personal goodbyes, despite what the Alchemist's High Council said, and preparing himself for the trip and posting ahead of him, he couldn't get rest.In fact, unbeknownst to him, Leonard had returned the favor from the night before and slipped a sleep draft into Alfred's tea. He woke up the next morning scared he had missed his flight. He hadn't been in the mood for Leonard's humor, until he presented the book to him before he could be truly upset at his former roommate.Leaning over, he looked at the page the girl was on. She was staring at a colored photo of a beautiful young woman. Her tiny, chubby fingers traced the woman's long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders. It perfectly matched her bright blue eyes. She was dressed in a glittering white dress and stood beside a giant check for over four million dollars written to Gotham's east side food bank. The caption under the photo simply said:
Mrs. Martha Kane-Wayne investing in her community's needy.
Alfred had to admit he could see why the young girl was staring at Martha Wayne so intently."Mrs. Wayne must really care about her community," Alfred commented."Kane-Wayne." When Alfred saw the frown, he realized in an instant this was Katherine, not Beth. She sniffed as she returned her gaze to the book. "And, she does. She's more than amazing. She's kind, openhearted, a great baker, and... and..."Slightly taken back, Alfred couldn't help stammer out a question. "Oh, so you know of her?"With a scoff, Katherine said, "Of course, she's my cousin.""You're a..." Alfred started to say."Kane," finished a voice behind him. He turned to see the blond woman and Beth were looking at him. "Yes." She reached out a hand. "It was very rude not to introduce myself before. My name is Gabrielle Kane." Alfred shook her hand gently. "And these two talkers are my daughters: Katherine and Elizabeth Kane.""Mom!" exclaimed Beth.Gabrielle hushed Beth, before giving Alfred an apologetic smile. "We're just getting back from a trip abroad. How about you, Alfred?"Alfred hesitated briefly. He wasn't sure what to say. He had to admit he had not read the chapter on the Kanes yet, so he knew very little about them. He wasn't sure what they'd think if he told them he was on his way to work for their extended family. He was saved saying anything when an American voice came over the intercom.The plane had arrived in Gotham. Soon, they'd be landing. He could already see the flight crew were coming down the isles to pick up the trash.He gave an apologetic look at Gabrielle."Perhaps another time," Gabrielle said, before turning her attention to Katherine. "Come back to your seat, Kate, and let Alfred through to take his."With a sigh, Katherine put his book down and arose from her seat. Alfred took a step back, letting the girl pass by. Then, he returned to his own.Picking up the book from Leonard, Alfred blew out a breath and put it away in his personal bag. He'd soon be starting his new life. As the papers that had been prepared for him, he was going to be playing the role of a manservant to Thomas Wayne, which would allow him access to the family and some influence. However, he was warned to be careful when interacting with the other servants.As the plane shuddered, he heard a hushed voice to his left. "I hope we get to see you again, Alfred."Looking over, Alfred saw a grinning Beth.Smiling back, Alfred said simply. "Then, I think we shall."oOo After the plane had landed, he exited along with Gabrielle, Beth, Katherine, and the rest of the passengers. However, he lost track of the Kane ladies when they had got into customs. He was a bit sad, because he figured they'd probably know how to get to Wayne Manor and had liked Beth's company. Still, he made his way to the new arrivals' area.There he spotted a man smartly dressed in a black buttoned up jacket along one side, black pants, and a black cap. He was holding a sign that simply said, "Pennyworth."Managing a small smile, despite the flips his stomach was doing, he walked up to the man. "Hello. I'm Alfred Pennyworth." He extended a hand politely.The man did not smile nor offer his hand. He just gave Alfred a long up and down look. Then, he sniffed. "A bit young, but I suppose you might be. Do you have an ID, sir?"Taken back slightly, Alfred blinked. "Yes." Hesitating only briefly, he reached into his carry-on luggage and pulled out his passport and show the man.The man in black took a long, scrutinizing look at the passport. After a moment longer than Alred thought was necessary, the man returned his gaze to Alfred. "Huh, so you are. Younger than I thought someone like you'd be, at least how they talked about you.""What do you mean by...?" He didn't have time to complete his question before the man turned on his heel and beckoned him to follow. Tightening his lips, Alfred came after. Being slightly taller than the man in black, he didn't find it hard to catch up with him. "Do you mind if I ask your name, sir?""Sure, you can ask," he said bluntly. Alfred swore he saw a sarcastic smirk on his face.Stepping quickly in front, he stopped the man in his tracks. "Okay. Let me put this another way. What do they call you?"The man gave him a long hard look. "Jeffery. Marcus Jeffery. But Master Thomas just calls me Marcus. You can call me Sir, New boy... until I say otherwise." He poked Alfred in the chest very hard. "I've been with the Waynes for 15 years, back when Patrick Wayne was still around, so I don't need no snotty, upstart British fluff thinking he's better than me, just cause he's from the Old Country and a professional manservant. Got it, kid?! I don't care who recommended you or where you come from. We Americans don't bow down to no King! And I certainly don't to you either!"There were words on Alfred's tongue that he wanted to share, but he refrained. Simply, he nodded. "I understand... Sir. Please lead the way." He motioned for the man to continue. A new smirk curved Jeffery's lips as he past him.Alfred mentally grumbled as he followed.He was led not outside as he expected, but to a bar area. When Jeffery stopped at the entrance to the bar, Alfred looked at him. "I'm not hungry. Nor do I drink."With a heavy sigh, he said flatly, "Master Wayne wishes to speak with you in private inside.""Not very private, I'd say," Alfred commented.Jeffery rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Don't you British folk have private dining rooms in your exclusive diners?""Well, I..." Alfred started to answer, but he was cut off."Master Thomas has a private room further back," Jeffery said, putting out a hand. "Give me your luggage. I'll take it to the car, while you go see him in private.""How am I suppose to know which room?"With another scoff, Jeffery motioned to the nearest maître d'. "Just ask for Thomas Wayne. They're expecting you, New Boy."Once again, Alfred hesitated to comply with Jeffery's orders. He was rude, but he had yet to lie to Alfred. Hesitantly, Alfred handed over his large, leather bound suitcase, but decided to hold on to the shoulder bag. Straightening his back, he told Jeffery, "I do have a trunk at baggage claim."Nodding once, Jeffery said, "That's fine. I'll fetch it soon enough. Now, go on in. Master Thomas doesn't like to be kept waiting." Then he turned on his heel and headed away.Turning to face into the smoky, airport pub, Alfred drew in a long breath and tried to calm his racing heart. Even as he took a few steps in, his mind was racing with why Thomas Wayne would want to talk to him in private and here of all places. He got a few more steps inside when a smartly dressed man with smoothed back, gray hair and finely curled, black mustache stepped up to him. "May I help you, Sir?""Yes," simply said Alfred, still trying to calm his racing heart. "I was told to meet Mister Thomas Wayne here. I'm Mister Alfred Pennyworth."A large smile curved the man's lips. "Ah! Yes! We've been excepting you." He turned slightly gesturing Alfred to follow him. "This way please."Through the bustling, smoky bar the man led Alfred. As they went deeper, Alfred started to realize the establishment looked less like a pub and more like a gentlemen's club. Eventually, they reached an elaborately decorated hallway with a series of wooden doors. The man stopped in front of one of these and gently knocked on it.A muffled voice replied, "Come in!"The man looked briefly back at Alfred. A genuine smile curved the man's lips before he opened the door. A luscious red room with dark mahogany accents everywhere.The gold, ornate mirror across the room caught Alfred's attention first. Not only was it a stunning piece but it gave Alfred his first view of the two two men sat at the large, wooden table in the center of square room. In one of the chairs on the right side, there was a tall, broad shouldered man with a thick mustache. Almost across from him sat a smaller, slender man whose gaze was focused down on the table. Both wore black suits with bow ties. The larger man's tie was undone.Beside the larger man was a large bottle of brownish liquor, probably whisky or rum, and a small glass. He had looked up with a tired but steely look on his face when the door had opened.However, Alfred was only dully aware of the larger man's gaze. Rather, Alfred was more interested in a thick deck of large cards stacked in front of the slender man. Something about them sent a shiver up Alfred's spine. It only intensified when the slender man's gaze briefly flickered in Alfred's direction."Mister Alfred Pennyworth is here, Mister Wayne," stated the smartly dressed man beside Alfred."Well, let him in. Let him in," the towering man snapped, before biting his lip. He sighed. "I mean, thank you, Felix."With a polite bow, he stepped aside to allow Alfred within. As he did, Alfred kept his gaze locked on the slender man. That shiver had made his shoulders tense. He felt the urge to turn and leave, but he couldn't. He had to stay.Forcing his lips to curve, he turned his sights towards Thomas Wayne."Welcome to Gotham, Mister Pennyworth," Thomas said with a firm but friendly tone just as Alfred heard the door behind him shut, "Hopefully, your trip was a pleasant one.""Yes," Alfred said simply, forcing himself to keep his gaze solely on Mister Wayne."Please take a seat, Mr. Pennyworth." He gestured to the table and an empty seat between Mister Wayne and the other man.Tilting his head, Alfred raised an eyebrow in question. He hesitated to sit."I hope you don't mind that we meet this way instead of at the Manor. I felt like we needed to talk... just us, before you met the rest of the household, especially my wife, Martha.""Oh? Is there a problem?"Thomas's lips parted to speak, but the words came from the slender man across from Thomas. "We certainly hope not, Good Sir, is it?" Glancing back to the slender man, Alfred noticed the man's eyes were now closed as his fingers tapped on the deck of cards.Alfred furrowed his brow and just stared at the man. "Excuse me?" He coughed, briefly flickering his gaze to Thomas who now also was looking at the slender man. "I don't think we've been introduced." He stepped closer, offering a hand. "My name is...""Alfred Thaddeus Bradshaw Pennyworth," the man finished for him as his eyes remained closed. Alfred was taken back not from knowing his name, but the fact he knew his full name. "Yes. I know. And you may call me Zatara."Deciding not to just keep his hand out, he straightened himself up and said, "Pleasure to meet you, too, Zatara.""I see you have manners. That is good." His voice was soft but hard at the same time. As his eyes partially opened to mere slits, he looked towards Alfred. "Could be bad, too, so we'll need a bit more... information." Without his gaze leaving Alfred, he cut the deck in half. His hand returned to the original pile, paused, and then cut the deck again but this time rotated the cards to be perpendicular. Now, three smaller stacks sat on the table before Zatara. "Mind if we ask some questions." His hands floated back and forth over the three decks as a smile curved his lips.Furrowing his brow, Alfred was taken back. "Pardon? What do you mean? What kind of questions?"Zatara eyes opened a bit more but remained on Alfred. For a second, his outstretched hand floated over the middle deck, before moving swiftly to the right deck. He pick up a card and flipped it over. The image on it was very similar to something that Alfred had once seen in a book about ancient Egypt. However, Alfred did not recognize anything except for the image of Horus the Sun God. Coughing, Thomas pulled Alfred's attention back to him. "You see, Mister Pennyworth, I have concerns about this whole arrangement. Concerns about my wife, concerns about my child, and... concerns far more sinister about you and your mission here."Tightening his grip on the strap over his shoulder, Alfred frowned. "Can you be more specific, Mr. Wayne? As far as I'm aware you've talked with my..." Alfred hesitated, flicking his gaze to Zatara. Then, he tried to say more carefully "... my employers about our arrangements."That earned him a chuckle from Zatara."No need to talk in round about ways," Thomas told him. "Zatara is of your ilk." Then, he paused tilting his head to one side and drawing in a shaky breath. "I suppose it would be more correct to say our kind, since technically I'm part of some order of the magic kind."Alfred frowned. He wasn't upset at Thomas including himself as was right according to his birth right, but he didn't like being put at a disadvantage. "For one not practicing, you certainly do know a lot more about it than you've let on to... my employers."With sigh, Thomas took his seat again. "You can thank my great grandmother for that. She was the last of my family to even know of it, but she was not trained unlike yourself and Zatara here.""Trained?" Alfred asked. "Were you one of the people sent by the Council?"Shaking his head, Zatara flipped another card from the left deck. This time it was a picture of a cave with two piercing red eyes. For a second, Alfred was reminded of his nightmare. The shiver of earlier returned stronger. "No. While I was trained, I do not work with the Council or for the Council." He raised his gaze briefly. "I freelance.""You mean practice without permission," Alfred said it with a bit more anger than he had wanted. He had heard of magic users like Zatara. People who either failed to have any real skill and dropped off the grid usually leading to them dying or being locked up or those individuals who chose to use their gift for nefarious purposes. 'And despite what I'm sure the Council has taught, I'm neither crazy nor evil. And I'm not a con-artist.""How did you...?"Chuckling to himself, Zatara pulled out two more cards and placed them perpendicular to the first two cards. He hummed as he now looked at all four cards. "It's quite clear right here. You mistrust what you don't understand or what conflicts with your understanding." Glancing briefly again at Alfred, Zatara gave Alfred a sympathetic look. " Shame really. Such a brilliant mind and kind heart and you choose to judge before you know.""I'm not prejudice!" Alfred said angrily.Shrugging, Zatara said, "Fine. You're rash to judge others before truly understanding.""I'm not rash!" He had to force himself to take a deep breath, before continuing. "I'm quite thoughtful in all my actions.""Actions, maybe, but your thoughts are as a river flowing uncontrollably, despite you tempering your words and actions. You do not like me nor trust me.""Not necessarily a bad trait in this city," Thomas added.Zatara's nose flared as he titled his head to one side "True. It could be... useful." He glided a finger across the middle pile and pulled a card of a faceless woman with a sword. "Sometimes, we must. And it is a balance to your politeness." He pulled another card from the left pile and took a long look at it as a smile spread over his face. "A mask over top of the watcher." When he put it back down, Alfred saw two people: one fair and one dark skinned, intertwined together, seeming to both beholding a gold mask. "Cautious, yes. Good""Good," Thomas echoed, before picking up his glass of dark liquor."Of course," Alfred said in a tight voice, crossing his arms."But you shouldn't distrust, Zatara. He's been a good friend of mine for awhile now," Thomas told Alfred."In fact, I'm your best ally here," added Zatara, returning his outstretched hand to the three piles."How's that?""He's done much for me," Thomas explained. "Don't know where I'd be without him. He has earned my trust and confidence. In truth, he encouraged me to reconnect with... the magic side of my family, despite my father's wishes otherwise. And he is also the man who recommended you over all the others that the council recommended."Alfred's mouth hung open for a second as he blinked at Zatara."Don't look surprised. You are quite special, Mr. Pennyworth. You are a good balance, but also you are willing to adjust for others. That is another point on your side. You will need to be willing to bend and work with some... very difficult individuals in your future. Some very..." He paused licking his lips as if carefully choosing his words. "... unusual, very powerful, and potentially scary people. You will need to be willing to bend and open your heart to them when needed. It will do you the world of good ahead."Pinching the bridge of his nose, Alfred drew in a breath. "Okay. Let me restate my earlier question. Is there a problem I should know about?""Not necessarily a problem. Its more of a concern about your mission here. I know what your Council has told me that you are here to protect my son, but to what end? What is your motive? What is their real motive here?"Blinking, Alfred said, "Just as you said to protect..."Slamming his fist down, Thomas barked, "I know there's more! Zatara knows there's more. But your 'employers' won't say. Damn. Zatara won't say either. He said you'd tell me. You know! And I want the truth!"Alfred felt slightly taken back, but he held his face steady. "You are concerned if we plan to hurt your son. I understand.""Do you? Are you a father? Do you know what it is like to feel so helpless to defend that child? To know nothing about its future, its purpose, or how little you can do to shield it from the dark possibilities ahead. Protect him from hatred, pain, and loneliness that might lie ahead. I'm his father, damn it! I can not stand by and be expected to do nothing for him. For my wife!" His throat tightened as he appeared to be struggling to swallow down his emotions. Releasing a breath, Thomas went on, "Martha... she's beside herself. She barely sleeps. Barely eats. She's scared out of her mind. All she does is bury herself in reading every book that my grandmother had. Every book she can dig up in some back alley store about magic. About Guardians. About gifted children. She's hoping she can find something to ease her pain about what fate might await our unborn son. She's half crazy over it." Gesturing at Alfred with a pleading look, Thomas said, "She expects you to be some sort of savior for him, but all you are is some college kid who's very polite and rash. I don't need that! Damn it! I need someone ancient, all-knowing mage." Sighing, he ran his hand over the back of his neck. "And all I've got is you.""I told you, Thomas, do no fret," Zatara said with a reassuring smile. "He doesn't look it, but I know he's the right one." Looking at Alfred, he nodded. "And you might not know it, but you are in the right place. You made the right decision. You'll both see. Now you need to accept and talk to him as you planned. About your worry. About how you two will help Martha and eventually your son. What was that name again that you and Martha chose?""Bruce." Thomas sigh, nodding his agreement. "We chose the name Bruce."
To be continued...