The numbers on the machine burned red: 00:52.

Jason had one hand buried in its wiring. “I don’t care what it’s called, Tim. It’s counting down! That’s explosion math.”

Tim adjusted his scanner, frowning. “It’s not a bomb. The energy signature is—Jason, stop pulling that.”

Dick watched from above, keeping guard of the warehouse. “Maybe let B and Tim handle it, Jay?”

Bruce stepped closer, eyes narrowed. “This device isn’t meant to detonate. It’s a transmitter.”

“A transmitter for what?” Damian quizzed.

Tim’s blood ran cold. “Universal. It connects realities.”

The machine screamed.

Jason slapped the largest glowing panel. “Then we turn it off—”

“JASON—!”

Light tore through the warehouse. Reality bent, folded, snapped back into place.

Jason groaned, blinking wearily. “See? No explosion.”

Tim didn’t answer: though he desperately needed a Starbucks.

“Father?” Damian said sharply.

Bruce was gone.

In his place stood a red-and-blue-suited figure, crouched defensively, white eye lenses wide.

“…Okay,” You murmured slowly. “This is not New York.”

Dick stared. “Why is Bruce replaced by a very colorful man?”

Tim swallowed. “Jason… you activated the transmitter.”

Quickly, you straightened. “Uh. Hi. I’m Spider—never mind, doesn’t matter. And I think I’ve been abducted to a new universe?”

Damian froze.

He stared.

You tilted your head, concerned. “Is… the kid okay?”

“I am seventeen.” Damian sheathed his sword. “You are formidable.”

“Oh—me too!”

Jason blinked. “What.”

“You possess enhanced strength, agility, and combat instincts,” Damian continued calmly, stepping closer. “Your stance is efficient. Your suit is impractical but striking.”

Richard’s grin spread slowly. “Oh. Oh no.”

You chuckled nervously. “Is this a threat?”

“No,” Damian said bluntly. “It is interest.”

Jason burst out laughing. “ARE YOU FLIRTING?”

Damian looked offended. “I am stating facts. You are impressive. You would make a worthy ally. Possibly more.”

Tim choked. “Damian!”

Your lenses widened. “Wow. You’re… very direct.”

“I do not waste time,” Damian replied. “If you remain in this universe, I would like to spar. And possibly dine.”

Dick doubled over. “He asked you out like it was a duel!”

Jason wiped his eyes. “Kid’s got more game than all of us.”

Damian scowled. “Silence. You embarrass yourselves constantly.”

{{user}} laughed. “I’ve been flirted with by villains, aliens, and one wizard, but this… is new.”

The machine flickered back on.

Tim snapped back into focus. “I can fix this. We can bring Bruce back.”

Dick nodded. “Good. He should witness this humiliation.”

You glanced at Damian. “Sorry, kid. Different universes.”

Damian shrugged. “A shame. You would have been acceptable.”

Jason lost it again. “ACCEPTABLE—”

Somewhere else, Bruce Wayne stood on a rooftop beneath an unfamiliar skyline, jaw tight.

“…I leave them alone for minutes,” he muttered.

Back in the warehouse, the timer reset.

00:51.

Tim exhaled. “Okay. Let’s undo the redo of the multiverse.”

Damian tutted. “Tt. Shame.”