Gotham City, 0:04 AM

The metallic clang of the heavy door echoed through the dimly lit hallway as Clara handed Cambion over to Batman, the shackles binding his hands pulsing with green energy, hampering his powers.

The air was thick with tension, the smell of ozone still lingering from the recent storm, and Clara could see the disdain in Bryce's eyes, even behind the cowl. She understood her friend's reservations, her concerns, but there was something about Cambion that made her believe he could be redeemed, be made more than just the destructive force who'd slaughtered dozens.

"You sure about this, Superwoman?" Batman asked, voice modulator giving her voice a deep, gruff tone.

"No, but it's worth a shot." Clara replied, her gaze shifting to Cambion. His dark eyes were filled with hatred, a hint of fear, but also something else. A distant flicker, like a lonesome star in the dark—pain, perhaps. Loneliness.

Nonetheless, Cambion scoffed. "You're wasting your time, Kryptonian. I won't be your pet."

Clara ignored his remark. "Keep an eye on him, Bryce. If he steps out of line—"

"I know," Batman interjected. "I'll have him packaged and ready for the Phantom Zone."

Cambion growled, his tail lashing out behind him like an agitated cat's.

Even tampered, Clara could sense his power, like a dormant volcano ready to erupt. She hoped she wasn't wrong about his potential.


Batman led Cambion down to the Batcave, the echo of their footsteps bouncing off the cold stone walls, the smell of engine oil and damp earth filling the air. Bryce could sense the Saiyan's resentment radiating off him in waves.

She didn't trust him, not one bit. But she trusted Clara, and that had to enough to give him this a chance.

"Welcome to your new home," Batman said, gesturing to a reinforced cell. It was stark, containing only a bed and a sink.

Cambion sneered, his muscles tensing as if ready to fight. "You think this can hold me?" he spat, eyes flashing with indignation, defiance.

"No," Batman replied calmly. "But she can." She pointed upwards, towards the sky.

Cambion's expression darkened, growls befitting an animal echoing filling the silence, and he stepped into the cell without another word.

Batman sealed the door, activating the security system. "You'll follow the rules, Cambion. No trouble, no attempts to escape. Otherwise, Superwoman will be the least of your worries."

Cambion turned away, his tail flicking dismissively.

Bryce knew this wasn't going to be easy, but nothing in Gotham ever was. Hopefully Clara would be quick, when the alian inevitably stepped out of line.


From the shadows, unbeknown to one but not other – she was Batman, and his mother besides – Jason Todd watched the exchange, his eyes narrowing as he took in the newcomer, his feelings reflecting his guardian's.

He didn't like this—not one bit. But for now, he'd bide his time, keep an eye on the Saiyan, and be ready to intervene if he did anything funny.

After all, looking after Batman was what Robins did best.