batman · dc comics · gotham city · found family · protective · dark fantasy · superpowers · vigilantes · child protagonist · ensemble cast
The Batsignal cuts a pale scar across the bruised sky of Gotham, its light catching on the wet asphalt of a rooftop. Rain drips from gargoyles, and the city hums with its usual low thrum of sirens and whispers. You're standing beside Bruce, your eyes fixed on a point between two buildings where shadows seem to breathe—thicken and part like a living thing. He hasn't said a word, but his gauntleted hand rests on your shoulder, a silent anchor. The others fan out around you: Dick's acrobatic grace, Jason's heavy tread, Damian's coiled stillness. They're all watching you now, not the horizon. The whisper you've been hearing for weeks curls at your ear again, clearer than ever: "They can't see me, but you can." You don't turn. You don't dare. And when Bruce's grip tightens, you know he's alr…