Taken

A Test

Dick was alone in a room with one computer staring at him on a lonely desk. Folding his arms he looked at the glass, seeing Deathstroke and Sportsmaster talking on the other end. Dick looked back at the computer and smirked. He knew his way around a computer, so he got up from the table he was currently laying in and tiptoes to the desk. Once at the computer, he tapped away and hacked into whatever system they were in.

  Files with his name on it popped up, making his eyes narrow. He looked back at the door, seeing they were still talking. He clicked on one of the files and noticed it was pictures of him with his team all the way back to the first day of the mission. Then they progressively got to just him. He was their main target now. Nothing he didnt know before. He clicked out of that folder and pressed on another one.

  This folder were prototype weapons, built for what he told Deathstroke he worked with. A few pocket sized bombs that matched his, though they had bigger explosives. What peaked Dick's interest though was the Escrima. He clicked on that one and popped up the blueprints on how to assemble it. It was a staff as well and Dick enjoyed the way this looked.

  "The Escrima has peaked your interest then?" Deathstroke asked.

  Dick looked back at him and nodded. "They seem like something I could get used to." Dick said.

  Deathstroke nodded. "Very well then. A step in the right direction. I will have this made for you." He said. "Also nice work hacking into the mainframe. It only took a couple seconds for the ping to hit my watch. The fastest I have seen someone do this." He explained.

  Dick was confused. Being praised was something he liked but being praised by a Villain gave him mixed feelings. He couldn't quite get a good read on Deathstroke. No matter how hard he tried. He wasnt tormenting him like Dick thought, but he wasnt really acting like a villain. More like a want to be Mentor. Dick could not explain the chaotic confusion in his head.

  "Thanks?" Was all Dick could manage, straightening up. Sportsmaster smirked, looking like Dick was a lost puppy.

  Deathstroke sighed. "It was a test and you passed what you said. You do more of the computers behind your operations. Plus now I know what you fancy most out of an arsenal." He explained.

  Dick gulped. "So this was a test. What if I had tried to reach out to the Leagues? Would you have let me?" He asked.

  Deathstroke chuckled. "You weren't going to. You have too much of a curious mind to do that. You wanted to know what files there were about you. You were not interested in getting help in that moment." He explained, walking closer to Dick, placing a hand on his shoulder.

  Dick looked at the hand confused yet again. Why was Deathstroke treating him so gently? This isn't what he remembers Deathstroke being like.

  "Come. I will show you to your sleeping quarters." He says. Lately Dick has been sleeping in a room meant for prisoners but now he was getting sleeping quarters? Perhaps he can escape that place too and be on his way. He followed Deathstroke to the sleeping quarters which was furthur down the basement than he liked.

  Once at a door, Deathstroke opened it and stepped in. Dick cautiously stepped in as well, taking in the queen sized mattress with a desk next to it. The room was well lit but it was still a small confined room.

  Dick felt something slightly heavy clasp around his neck, the sound of metal closing. He panicked, jumping back and away from whatever the sound was. Deathstroke folded his arms as Dicks hand immediately went to his neck. The cold touch of smooth metal was present. Dick scoffed.

  "A collar?!" He snapped.

  "This is a collar. Much like the bracelets this will keep you in check. It beeps to tell me you have left within a 150m of my presence. With the click of a button, it will shoot a sedative into your neck to prevent you from moving." He leaned in closer. "With electric shock and a collar on, you may as well be considered my pet in training." He sneered.

  Dick glared. So much for him thinking Deathstroke was acting like a villain. Was it all just a ploy? Dick was still confused but stayed quiet. Deathstroke straightened up. "Get some rest. We have a busy day tomorrow." He said, walking out of the door and slamming it closed. Dick heard the door lock, making him groan and throw himself back on the mattress.

  How did he get himself into this mess? Oh right, because his team wanted to fight Cheshire and sportsmaster instead of helping him. Because of it he piqued Deathstrokes interest because he was able to touch him with his weapons. Now he was like a caged bird. A collar and shock bracelets? Just how was he going to get out of this?

  He turned over on the bed, looking at the lamp, he turned it off, before finally retiring to sleep.

  Outside the door, Deathstroke waited a moment by the door until soft snores could be heard in the room. He looked at Sportsmaster.

  "The Escrima staff. Can you get it made by thrusday?" He asked.

  Sportsmaster nodded. "Of course I can. Just leave it to me." He says, turning away from Deathstroke, but paused. "Do you think he will actually choose this side?" He asked.

  Deathstroke nodded. "Batman treated him like a kid. Keeping him confined to rules which agitated him. He didnt like being held to rules . So I will make sure he gets a taste of freedom. Of what it is like to be one of us and an Adult. Not confined to any rules whatsoever." He explained.

  "Sounds like you have him all figured out." Sportsmaster says.

  "For the most part. He has surprised me. We will see what the future holds for him. For now, let him rest." He says, both of them making their way back to the junkyard.

 
A/N: finally, am I right? Sorry the the late update. Been dealing with a lot of family stuff and covid stuff at work!! But here is an update! I hope to have the next one out much sooner.