Dear Dannell
Shang-Chi is from Marvel comics the master of Kung Fu who according to was also a member of MI-6 British Secret Intelligence (As was Alfred!) I love your story! your charerters show depth of charecter and you truly have their relationships worked out like w well blocked out dance. cool lines:

"I came as soon as I heard about young Master Jean-Paul," the
valet said sadly. Before Bruce could reply, Alfred stepped away, regarding with hopeful eyes the
quiet youth sitting at the table.

"I see you've made a new friend," he smiled.

Wayne nodded. "Alfred," he began the introduction, "This is Shang Chi. Azrael. He'll be staying
with us."

Alfred bowed slightly from the waist, as was proper for one member of the family to another.
"Welcome, Son of Heaven," he said. "The Middle Kingdom rejoices."

When the tea was ready, steeped to perfection, the butler poured three cups and joined the two
others already seated at the table. He sighed, sipping the fragrant, calming tea.

They had a lot to discuss.

I love all of your stories that deal with the batclan. thanks for inspiring me. PS you are on my favorites list.
Jude

Great story - I really enjoyed it...

And, the boy got the name from Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu (a Marvel book, if memory serves me right!)

And, 10 brownie points back at'cha if you can guess where I got that last turn of phrase from, Dannell! ;-)

Email me back at tclaybon@earthlink.net!!!

T

Dannell --

First off, here's a blanket "love your work."

Now, about this story ... I'm not that familiar with Azrael, but this story struck a chord. Maybe it was your depection of Bruce as a caring and all-too human man? May favorite part was towards the end, with Bruce greeting Shang Chi with respect and courtesy in Chinese! Then his comments about the man's name ... yet another incident showing that Bruce isn't an idiot. Yay for Dannell!!!

"Eight letters. A lucky number. You are most fortunate. ... You were born in one of the years of the Dragon, I think. Your element is fire. Fire and destruction. Born in Kowloon you are oriented towards the West. Towards the Shouting Winds. Another sign of destruction. Feng shui advises that you must be especially careful entering and leaving large, inviting doorways. You must always enter them from the East ... "

Marvel character. The master of Kung fu.

I enjoyed this thanks!