batarang ☜ dick greyson

00 | PROLOGUE.

- 0 -
PROLOGUE;

Star City Children's Orphanage

   Safe. Warm. Protected.

   It was similar to that of any other summer day in the city of the Flash, Green Arrow, and many other beloved heroes. The soft breeze whispered against the ears of the locals; the sun shone brightly upon them as they walked the streets, played in parks, drove in cars, and lived their everyday lives in peace. The sky's clouds danced on top of it's blue backdrop, causing the city to glow in the summer heat. Though many stood in the shadows of tall buildings and shops, sheltering themselves from the rays, it seemed as if the entire population of Star City was out of their homes as they enjoyed the beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime weather.

   The City of Stars was known to be fairly calm and reasonable, aside from the daily crime activities taking place behind it's glorious facade. To see such a fast, moving sight such as this one was that of a phenomena.

   All were enjoying the outdoors and it's beauty.

   All, but one.

   Located in the center of the city was an out dated, dark brown building; the color of it's bricks began to slowly fade away from the intense sun and seasons.

   This was Star City's local children's orphanage.

   Painted in such a dark color gave the building an old, weathered feel to it. In it's blooming, front courtyard were children chasing each other, playing catch, bathing in the sun as they read books, and even sharing each other company. However, these are the ones of which enjoy the day light and warmth. One child in particular did not.

   On the second floor of the orphanage was a lonely, pale girl, standing in the comfort of her own home. Or at least the closest things she could call "home."

   The girl stood in front of her bedroom window which she shared with multiple other girls her age. Her black, almost raven, tangled hair hung in front of her face, casting a shadow over her grey eyes. She wore filthy hand-me-down clothes, too big for her own good, with the exception of shoes and socks.

   Behind her messy hair and ragged clothes, her face, hands, and feet were covered in a mysterious black, coal-like bust, as if she returned from the coal mines; the girl didn't seem to mind.

   Looking down from her view outside, she glared at her hands neutrally, her emotion seemingly careless. Her gazed hardened slightly, as she then processed to whip the substance from her hands onto her white, almost grey, shirt, and brought her gaze back on the children outside.

    Little did she know that bust did not stain her clothes, but her skin. The bust absorbed into her clothing and attached itself on the girls abdomen, becoming something similar to that of a bruise.

    Her surroundings were nothing more than four, blank walls. The room was aligned with rows of beds facing each other against them. The walls were chipping with white paint, reveling the wooden structure underneath. It's old, wooden stairs and doors leading to the top floors were constantly creaking in the worst possible way.

   Truly, a sign of a decent home.

   While watching the children play, a young woman with short, blonde hair with the name tag, Nurse Carrion, knocked on the open door of the girl's bedroom, a clipboard in her hands, "Sorry for interrupting but have you seen- Oh, Mercy. What are you doing up here all alone?" She asked.

   Mercy turned towards the woman and shrugged calmly, "I don't know."

   Walking towards the girl, the nurse continued on, "I see you're watching the others play, yet you're sitting on the side lines. Don't you want to go outside? It's a beautiful day out today. Enjoy it while it last."