batfamily · dc comics · time travel · ensemble cast · gotham city · trauma bonding · dysfunctional family · vigilantes · superpowers · dark fantasy
The Batcave's familiar drone of monitors and distant water drips is swallowed by a sudden, electric snap. A flare of searing blue-white light consumes the family mid-debate over Gotham's newest narcotics ring, and the air grows thick with the scent of ozone. When the glare fades, they stand on a polished floor gleaming with sleek, unknown technology—consoles more fluid, holographic screens flickering with indecipherable data. Dust motes swirl in the faint glow from a ceiling that seems higher, stranger. Jason's hands still shimmer with leftover energy, his face ashen. Damian is already upright, his glare piercing the silence. "Todd, you imbecile!" Bruce's hand settles on his shoulder, a wordless command for stillness. The Manor outside appears unchanged, but crossing its threshold feels…