sanctuary || d. wayne

PROLOGUE

GOTHAM CITY
SEPTEMBER 17th
22:47 p.m.

Heights were never a problem. Kicking the ass of men much bigger than him? Never a problem. Being raised by a league of assassins and later becoming the sidekick of his vigilante father? The change was a nuisance, but never a problem.

So why should this be any different?

The sixteen-year-old boy tugs at his mask, trying to adjust it without taking it off. His perfect vision is currently being forced to adhere to the sudden tightness of his mask. He's standing on the edge of a tall building beside his father, both dressed in their uniforms.

The September breeze pushes their capes behind them, giving the iconic heroic look all superheroes get before they fight.

Batman, also known as Bruce Wayne, lowers the binoculars in his hands that were directed at the harbor where an arsenal deal is currently about to go down. He looks over at his son, who's almost grown to his height after a particular growth spurt, before raising a brow as the boy clearly struggles with the mask.

"What's wrong?" His gruff voice questions as he puts his binoculars back into his utility belt.

"Nothing," Damian Wayne lies, moving his hand away from the mask.

"Robin..." Batman warns, knowing when his son is lying. Or at least, avoiding a problem.

"I can't see that well," Damian admits, "but it's no big deal. I've been trained to fight blind." Batman resists the urge to roll his eyes at the mention of his son's harsh training, a topic brought up too often.

"I can adjust the mask for Master Damian tomorrow," Alfred offers through the coms.

"Good," Batman responds before looking back at Damian. "You think you can handle the mask tonight?"

Of course I can, Damian thinks bitterly, I'm not a child. He refrains from saying anything rude or sarcastic considering he's done "so well" with his anger management the past few years.

"I'll be fine," Damian dismisses, lowering his gloved hand. The 'R' badge on his chest manages to gleam from the light of Gotham City. "Let's just kick ass already."

Batman nods before pointing to the harbor. "Remember-"

"I attack on your signal, I know," Damian interrupts, eager to get the fight going. He says the same thing before each fight. Sometimes he listens, most of the time he doesn't. When he was younger, it used to be 'justice, not vengeance' but that was only because the kid had been taught to kill.

"We're entering from different sides. I'll enter from the North, you'll enter from the South to make sure none escape."

Damian nods his head. "Understood." Without warning (not that it was needed) Batman jumps off the roof of the building. Damian watches as Batman uses his cape to glide across the rest of the city and to the harbor.

He cracks his glove-covered knuckles before cracking his neck. He frowns at the sight before him. Everything seems so close.

Don't be ridiculous, he scolds himself, a tight mask can't affect your vision that badly. I'll be fine.

He takes a step back before leaping off the building, just as his father did. He allows himself to fall a little longer than Batman did, just to feel wind push his hair and cape back. It was a good feeling. Rather than paying attention the incoming ground, as most should, he takes a few seconds to enjoy it. It made him feel "awesome," as one of his less intellectual friends would put it.

He quickly grabs the edges of his cape before spreading it for the wind to catch. The air catches him, and he's suddenly gliding.

He frowns as things start to blur together. Buildings and lights start to merge, making it difficult for Damian to see where he's landing.

Shit.

And before he can stop himself, Damian manages to crash through the large window of Noelle King's apartment.