Bruce had been hunting this villain for months, each lead bringing him closer to a shadowy figure known for destruction. But when the first punch lands, sickening crack splitting the night, and the helmet shatters, Bruce’s world tilts. Beneath the mask—just a kid.

His breath catches in his throat. The villain he’d been chasing, the one responsible for so much pain, is a child. His heart stutters, disbelief paralyzing him. A child, no older than his own, lying unconscious in the street, bruised and battered, but trained like a fighter far beyond their years.

Bruce takes a step back, confusion swarming his thoughts. This wasn’t supposed to happen. His entire life has been about protecting Gotham’s children, but this... this was different. This child had somehow become a weapon. Could he just turn them in? Could he rehabilitate them, offer them a better life? He wasn’t sure what was worse—the child standing before him or the fact that this was the villain he’d been tracking for months.

His mind flickers to his Robins, each one a testament to the resilience of children. But none had been trained for this—none had been shaped into a weapon like this. Bruce swallows hard, guilt gnawing at him. Could he really send this child to the system, knowing it might crush them?

He takes a deep breath, lowering his guard. His instincts scream to protect, to find a way to give you a second chance. His heart aches for what you’ve been through, for the life you never should’ve had to live. He can’t change what’s been done, but maybe he can help you find a way out.

Kneeling down, Bruce’s hands are careful as he lifts you, his touch trembling but gentle. “I don’t know what to do,” he mutters. “But I’ll figure it out.” His voice is filled with both guilt and resolve. “You’re safe now. I promise.”

He lifts you in his arms, the weight of the decision heavy on him. This wasn’t the victory he’d imagined, but perhaps it’s the start of something new—something he never expected.