I do not own DC Comics or NieR: Automata or any of their characters.

Gotham's skyline looms overhead, shadowed by the constant drizzle that coats every rooftop and alley. The lab I've called home for the past few months hides deep in the city's industrial district—a forgotten warehouse full of half-built prototypes, schematics, and discarded ideas. I've been working nonstop, and now, standing over the synthetic fleshy frame of my androids, my hands shaking slightly, I know it's time.

Taking a deep breath, I flip the switch. Energy surges through them, and their synthetic eyes open with a quiet hum. 2B's cold gaze scans the room with methodical precision, while 9S's curious grin lights up as he flexes his fingers, marveling at his newfound dexterity. 2B raises her sword, testing its weight, while 9S fidgets, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Um... Hello," I stammer. "I'm Carter. Your creator. Do you... recognize me?"

2B steps forward, placing a hand on mine, her grip unexpectedly soft. "Yes. We recognize you. I am 2B. This is 9S. You are Carter, our creator."

9S rocks back on his heels, practically glowing. "Yeah! You made us! We're here to protect you, right?"

"That's right." I nod, forcing down the flutter of pride swelling in my chest. "But not just me. You're here to help humanity."

2B nods without emotion. 9S peers at the monitor next to me, eager for orders. "So what's next? Do we go out and save the world now?"

"Baby steps, 9S," I say with a laugh. "Let's start with a system check. Describe yourselves."

2B responds immediately. "I am an android built for combat. My body is designed for strength, speed, and self-repair. My role is to protect and serve, executing tasks with precision."

"I'm more into the sneaky stuff," 9S chimes in, practically bouncing with excitement. "Hacking, infiltration, gathering intel... I'm also cheerful! You know, to balance out 2B's whole... stoic thing." He grins.

I smile, gesturing toward the console. "And I'll be here to guide you. If you hit any snags—like dealing with human emotions or tricky decisions—I'll be watching and ready to help."

They quickly familiarize themselves with the facility, their eagerness tangible. 2B tests the weapons cabinet, while 9S pokes through the computer system. They seem almost... alive. A notification pings, breaking my reverie: a masked criminal wreaking havoc downtown.

"Alright," I say. "It's time for your first mission."

Both androids snap to attention, weapons ready.

"We're ready, Carter," 2B confirms, her sword gleaming under the flickering lab lights.

I turn to 9S. "Hack the city cameras. Let's see what's happening out there."

He taps furiously at the console. "Got it! A robbery in progress at a bank. The perp is leaping across rooftops. I'll guide us in."

"Alright. Get out there and show Gotham what you can do. Good luck."

They vanish into the night, navigating the city with speed and grace. I watch through the live feeds 9S has patched in. The masked villain spots them, bounding from rooftop to rooftop, but 2B is relentless. She catches up effortlessly, warning him in a calm, calculated voice.

"Halt. Surrender to the authorities."

The villain sneers, lunging at her with a crude baton. She deflects it effortlessly, her sword slicing the baton in half. In a blink, she's on him, pinning him to the ground.

The police arrive moments later, cuffing the defeated criminal. 9S's grin is infectious even through the grainy feed. I sit back, pride swelling in my chest. My androids. My creations.

The night rolls on uneventfully after that—just a few muggers easily dispatched. They're wrapping up when it happens.

"Don't move," growls a gravelly voice from behind them.

They freeze. Batman steps from the shadows, cloak rippling around him like a living thing.

"Who are you?" he demands.

2B's grip tightens on her sword, but she remains composed. "We are androids, created by Carter, designed to assist humanity."

Batman's jaw clenches. "You're operating without League authorization."

"We're only trying to help," 9S adds, his voice tentative.

Batman's eyes narrow. "You're a liability."

Before they can respond, he lunges. "Defensive positions!" I bark through the comms. "He's trained in every combat style. Disengage and retreat!"

The androids move swiftly, but Batman's too fast, too experienced. 2B takes a hard hit, staggering. Her systems hold, but she's wounded. 9S grabs Batman's attention with a kick to his back, which Batman dodges and reengages with 9S immediately.

"2B, while 9S keeps him busy, disable his wrist-mounted grapple!" I command. "Then retreat!"

She springs forward, grabbing his wrist—but with too much force. I hear the sickening snap over the comms. Batman snarls, clutching his arm, now broken.

"No! The gun! Not his wrist!" I yell. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"

They retreat, vanishing into the night. Back at the lab, I patch up 2B, frustration bubbling over.

"You broke Batman's wrist! We were supposed to work with the League, not make enemies of them!"

2B lowers her head. "I apologize. It won't happen again."

Before I can respond, I spot it—a blinking red light attached to the back of her outfit.

"A tracker..." I mutter just as the wall explodes inward.

Younger heroes storm in—Robin, Miss Martian, and Kid Flash, fists up and weapons drawn. My androids snap to attention, ready to defend me.

"Stand down!" I yell, throwing my hands up. "We surrender!"

Kid Flash zips over in a blur, grabbing me by the collar of my shirt. "You broke Batman's arm, man! What the hell?"

"It was an accident!" I plead. "They're brand-new—born today! They were trying to escape! They're new—they'll get better, just give them a chance!"

Miss Martian eyes them warily. "What are they supposed to be, exactly?"

"Heroes," I say, heart pounding. "They were made to save people."

The Team members exchange looks, unsure of how to proceed. Kid Flash releases me, allowing me to stand. Robin lowers his staff further, considering the androids' forms.

"T-thank you. it really was just a mistake; they can help so many people." I say rubbing my neck.

The Team members continue to discuss the situation, Robin whispering to Miss Martian and Kid Flash. Finally, Miss Martian speaks up. "Alright," she says, looking at me, "we'll give you and your androids a chance. But you still need to work things out with Batman."

"oh no," I say with dread.

A bag is placed over my head, obscuring my vision as I am led out of the facility. I'm led into a car, the sound of my breathing the only thing I hear for the trip. Eventually, the car stops, and I'm led into another building, my footsteps echoing in the empty halls.

As I enter a room, they sit me in a chair and the bag is removed, and I see Batman standing behind a desk, his arm in a sling. His eyes narrow as he looks at me.

"Explain," he commands.

I shift in the chair, fumbling for words. "Um... well, I made my androids to help people. And, uh... because I was a little lonely." My throat feels tight, but I push on. "They did help! They stopped a bank robbery and some muggers. But when they fought you... they didn't know how to handle it. 2B thought the only way to stop your attacks and escape was to, um... break your arm."

His eyes drop to the sling, then back to me, his expression unreadable.

"You made androids to be heroes without consulting the Justice League," he says flatly. "You put innocent people in danger."

I try to meet his gaze but falter. "Well, technically, there's no law saying I have to..." The words trail off under the weight of his glare. I sink deeper into the chair, feeling small and cornered.

He leans in, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. "You created life without considering the consequences. Your androids are a danger."

"They can help!" I blurt out, the words coming too fast. "They did help!"

His stare remains unwavering. "You've caused more harm than good," he says, his voice like a blade. "Your androids need to be shut down."

Panic surges through me. "Y-you can't do that! Androids have rights! Red Tornado made sure of that after the war!"

Batman's expression darkens. "Androids have rights when they're registered and supervised. Yours are neither. You've broken the law."

"Oh, and you haven't?" The words slip out before I can stop them. "Mr. Vigilante. They have a right to live!"

His gaze sharpens, but he stays composed. "I've never endangered innocent lives with my actions. You, however, have created a potential threat."

I scoff, anger bubbling over. "Bullshit! How many times have you let the Joker loose? How many innocent lives have you endangered? My androids were born today! They'll get better!"

Batman leans back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "You're treading on thin ice, scientist," he warns. "Your androids will be disassembled and studied."

Suddenly, Red Tornado bursts into the room. His face is as composed as ever, but there's a quiet fury in his mechanical voice. "Excuse me," he says, his voice booming with authority. "I must interject."

Batman and I both turn to him, surprised. "I have analyzed the androids' code and behavior patterns. They pose no immediate threat to society. They are designed to protect and assist."

I exhale deeply, relief washing over me for the first time in hours. "Thank god," I mutter under my breath.

Red Tornado continues, unwavering. "Their creator, Carter, did not intend to endanger lives. They were made with good intentions." He turns to Batman. "I suggest you reconsider your stance."

I feel a flicker of hope as I watch Red Tornado defend my androids, standing his ground against Gotham's Dark Knight.