My Father is Death

Chapter 15

For those that did not read the AN at the beginning of my story, I did give warning.

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Dick peeked around the archway, peering into the small courtyard. That man was again there doing some kind of sword work. He'd repeated his process over ninety times already. Now it was ninety one. Slowly Dick crept in and sat down. The man didn't even spare him a glance. At the hundredth time through the man stopped, bowed, and than looked at him.

"Hello there, don't you have classes to get too?" The man inquired, "I know Lady Shiva does not like students that ditch."

Dick shook his head, "No, sir."

"You're Dick, yes? We met a few days ago."

Dick nodded ducking his head and running a finger over the stone, "Sorry. Dad said I scared you."

"You did. I'm just glade you are just fine. What brings you back here?"

Dick looked up at him, "I wish to over come my, problems. So I came to face them instead of running away."

"Alright than." He sat down in front of him, "My name's Ben. I'm more known as the Bronze Tiger. I've worked with your dad on many occasions."

"Dad calls you an annoying pussy cat."

Tiger huffed, "Of course he did." Leaning back on to his hands he thought for a moment, "So, Dick, you said that your mornings are free?"

"Yes sir."

"Do you want to train with me in the morning? You say being around me helps what ever fear you have. Why not make it productive, instead of just sitting in the sun."

Dick curled a leg up for his arms to wrap around, "I don't know."

"Well, how about you give it a try." Tiger got to his feet and extended his hand out towards the boy, "What do you say?"

Dick hesitantly took the larger meaty hand that gently pulled him to his feet.

"Alright, stay right here, I'll be right back." Tiger walked through the archway to another courtyard, coming back with a smaller wooden sword, "Here we go." He handed Dick the sword, "Ok, we're going to start with some-"

Dick cut the man off with three fast slashes and a flip.

"Ok, so you know the basics... How about we just do what I was just doing. It's suppose to teach both balance and clearing of the mind."

Dick nodded, "Alright."

~   ~   ~

That night was silent except for a few footsteps of guards walking around. A small figure peeked out of his room looking both ways. He stepped out, hugging his elephant close. One of the many shadows stepped out of hiding and kneeled, "Do you need something young one?"

Dick jumped stepping back into his room.

The shadow lowered his hood and gave a small smile, "Don't be frightened. I'm the shadow of this hall. Do you need something?"

"Dad?"

The man blinked, "You want your dad? Alright, can you tell me his name?"

"Slade."

The man blinked again, "Alright than, this way." He waved for Dick to follow him down the hall.

Dick followed, trotting along. The door they came too was at the beginning of the hall, where Dick's was in the dead center. The shadow knocked softly twice before waiting. There was shuffling a few groans before the door opened to a weary and grumpy Deathstroke.