Dick Grayson's whole world shattered in an instant. Panic overwhelmed him, have to get away, this isn't happening, this can't be happening, have to get away, this is bad. All thoughts of escape ended as he ran right into a large man in a suit. Uh-oh. The man looked him over then turned to one of the policemen and spoke in a language Dick didn't understand before picking him up and leaving. The policeman walked them to a black car, getting the door for them before walking back to the tent. In the car, the man sat Dick down beside him and buckled his seatbelt before speaking to the frightened boy "There is no need for that. I will make you stronger than those fools who crossed you." Something in the way the man spoke convinced Dick that maybe he was right.
They were taken to a mansion, the man showed Dick around before leaving him in a huge room beside his own. The next day, Dick left his room to find the man waiting "Who are you?"
"You may call me Deacon, most call me Master."
"Thank you, sir."
"And you are?"
Dick froze. He didn't know? He took me home without knowing? "I'm Dick."
"What is your full name, Dick?"
"Richard."
"You will not allow lessers to call you Dick, understand?" Dick shook his head. Deacon knelt down in front of him and smiled, revealing fangs. With a serious face, Deacon said "I am a vampire. I do not know what you have been told of my kind but we are superior to humanity in many ways. I have chosen you as the first of my kindred, my family. While it is true we drink blood, I prefer to dine from willing sources. I will share with you the gifts of my existence, if you wish but for now you must understand that I am not human for your own safety."
"What do you mean?"
Deacon stood "You have free reign of the house but I must ask you do not leave. There are those who would do anything to harm one of my kind."
"If you're a vampire and you're not going to, to-"
"Drink your blood? No. However, you must never interrupt me when I am feeding. You will be cared for here."
"My parents, they were killed last night."
"You would seek vengeance."
"Vengeance?"
"You want to avenge them, yes?"
"Yeah. Hey, if you didn't know who I am, how'd you know what language to speak?"
"I am very good at guessing. In order to stay here, you must abide by my rules. You will receive tutoring in all things I deem necessary. You may not leave the property and you will need my permission to go outside. There will be times when going outside is dangerous, which is why you must ask me first every time. Understand?"
"Yes."
"Good. When other vampires are visiting, I may ask you to stay in your room. Other times, I may ask you to join us. You will be my ward while you are human. I intend to make you kin by your 22nd birthday. Even if I turn you one week from now, there are ways to allow young vampires to grow. Being immortal does not mean you will be stuck looking as you did the day you became a vampire. Your tutors will mostly be human, I expect them to address you with respect so please, do not ask them to call you Dick."
"Why?"
"Because nicknames are not for lesser tongues."
"But I'm human."
"For now. You will be turned, they most likely will not. I may not always answer your questions but I will never lie to you if I can help it. Know that now."
