Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sound slowly tricked in, the dripping of water off cave walls, and pinging when they splashed into water. Deep breathing slowly echoed off a small ledge on the cave walls, followed by the sound of dragging as a body adjusted itself against something soft.

A huff sounded, before the deep breaths resumed.

A sharp yelp echoed off the walls, causing you to bolt upright in shock, your arms shifting your body upright and your eyes looking left to right quickly. You groaned, wiping your hand down your face, before haphazardly detangling yourself from the nest you made, your wings unfortunately getting caught in a blanket and dragging it behind you. You shook it off and continued walking, your wings helping you balance.

You made it to the ledge before slowly leaning over, and looking around.

Another yelp sounded off, before the sound of scraping and a splash sounded. A young boys voice sounded from below you. Your shoulder shook in a silent giggle, before letting out a small croon. You lean forward and use your wings to hold your weight as you leaned further over the edge.

Below you stands a rather unhappy little boy, aged around 10 with the angriest little blue eyes and the deepest black hair you've ever seen. Well, 2nd deepest black, his father beat him in that race.

He was wearing bright coloured clothing, green trunks and boots, and a bright red vest, tied together with a bright yellow and black cape.

“B says you gotta come down!” He yells up at you unhappily. You turn your head sideways and let out another croon, followed by a sharp chirp. He looks at his boots, now covered in mud and says to you “My nice boots are all dirty.” He looks up at you with big big blue eyes, giving you a pleading look.

“And I'm tired. Your spot is so far away from the rest of the Batcave, you gotta carry me all the way back!” He says as he lifts his arms up in the universal ‘pick me up, I'm a baby’ motion. You let out a chuffing noise, before hap-hazardly descending down the vertical cave face, your hands, feet and clawed wings grasping every crack and rock it could find to descend safely.

Now standing before the boy, he lifts his arms again, and you pick him up and cradle him close. You take a few steps before his hands tug on your shoulders, and the wings attached to them. You shift them around yourself, almost like giving yourself a hug, and keep taking swift steps over the cave floor. Missing every puddle and loose rock, its a 5 minute trek on this pathway towards the central cavern where the rest of the small family spend their nights. You look briefly on the ground and snort. ‘They really need to place lights on the ground. Keep Dick from stepping on every puddle and mudpile there is,’ you thought.

Dicks voice cuts through the silence that's built up.

“Sooooo, what did you get up to while me n’ B were fighting bad guys? Because Alfred says that all you do all day is sleep, but your a Bat like B, so you have to be active at night, but I don't see you when we get back for patrols” he takes a deep breath “And I know you sleep during the day, which I wish I could do, but then I'd miss school, and tomorrow's pizza day, and you can't miss pizza day ever.”

You cant answer him normally, god forbid you attempt the english language in this body. Thank god your fairly humanoid face and body allow you a level of facial reading and communication. Your eyebrows furrow, and you give a soft chirp before saying,

“I don't sleep all day. Just throughout the morning and into noon. I'm usually awake by then and Alfred gives me a lunch of fruit and veggies, along with a fish or raw meat. Then I help him with cleaning, then when you get home I'm in the cave helping look after the actual bats that live there. I would be upstairs when you get home from school, but Alfred doesn't want to risk anyone seeing me, despite the fact I've apparently been alive longer than him, and I've been living under your house for god knows how long.”

You may think you've been speaking English, but the chirps, whistles, croons and rumblings that escape your throat with every syllable seals your fate. Dicks face doesn't change, and he nods along as if he understood everything you said clearly.

“Well I think you need to be around more, I miss seeing you when I get back like I used to.” he responds. His eyes brighten as the entrance to the official Batcave comes into view. He wriggles in your arms, your wings awkwardly being moved around in the process.

You give a soft hiss as his muddy boot hits your stomach, and you immediately unwind your wings, and hold his body out away from yourself. You sternly look at him, as he pathetically hangs there. Dick gives an awkward little giggle and says “oops” before you shake him softly. His wriggling becomes more excited as he then says “Can you fly us up to the platform?? Please please please please!!”

You roll your eyes and bring Dick back towards you, holding him securely to your chest, his arms around your neck and legs around your waist. Large leathery wings unfurl, and you give them a few small flaps, whipping up dust and wet cave air. You walk towards the ledge of the pathway, the rest of which worms its way around the cave, then winding towards a steel staircase, onto the platform. You give Dick a small grunt as a warning, before slowly leaning off the ledge.

Your wings give only 3 powerful beats before your airborne, into the large dome of the Batcaves massive cavern. Your hair is tousled in the air passing your face, and Dick gives a few ‘WHOOPS’ before descending into massive giggles and laughter. Your wings and body tilt towards the left, and you begin descending towards the platform in large slow arcs. Each turn brings you closer and closer towards the steel flooring before your clawed feet touch down, and you take a few supporting steps, and your wings, with their clawed tip landing on the ground as well, causing you to hunch slightly.

You would've taken a few steps forward before the Batcomputers chair turns, and sitting before you, a few meters away, is The Batman. Or Bruce Wayne, depending on what time of day it is. His cowl is off and hes smiling slightly.

“Dick, I thought you were off to bed.” he said slowly, the sleep slowly creeping up on him.

You set Dick down before he starts buzzing towards B, holding onto the arm of his chair as he swings up and down on his toes, and onto his heels. Back and forth.

“I was before I remembered that I havent seen Crypt all day! And night! And I wanted to say hi before I headed off. Its the nice thing to do ya’know.” he smile sweetly at Bruce, before turning to you and waving “Goodnight Crypt, I’ll see you tomorrow, because you promised to help me with my art homework.” Dick then rushes off to the elevator, pressing the button, and entering. He waves energetically once again as the doors close and hes not visible anymore.

Bruce turns towards you, and looks you up and down. If you were in your old body, you'd probably feel a bit embarrassed. But its been a while since then and shame is not an emotion you feel anymore. Your formally human skin and body is no more. Probably lost in the dirt. Did you get buried? Who knows. You shake your head, which then turns into a full body shake, somehow dislodging dust off the slight velvet like fur off your wings and shoulders. You shiver. You hate how you attract dirt to you now. Like a dirt sponge. Gross.

The Batcomputer chair squeaks as Bruce lifts himself up. His blue eyes weighed down by eye bags, and his chair hanging low because of sweat. You walk towards him, and he doesn't step backward, as your taller body stands over him. You lower your face, and give him a few sniffs ,before sneezing. You retract your face and give him a slightly disgusted face.

He chuckles. “That was almost insulting. You cant complain I smell bad after patrol.”

You lift and eyebrow, before looking at his forehead. You lean forwards and quickly lick a long barbed tongue across it. He quickly steps back as his hand raises to cover it. “You cant lick me Crypt, you know your tongue hurts human skin. We’re too sensitive for that.” He strides past you, and he wipes his forehead. “Your lucky you live here. I know where you sleep.”

He heads towards the elevator, and says to you over his shoulder. “Alfred would like to see you at breakfast tomorrow though. He would've told you tonight, but he went to bed at a reasonable time. Cant we all. Good Night Crypt.”

He enters the elevator, the doors shut behind him. And your officially alone in the Batcave.

Chapter Text

You vividly remember your first day in this new universe. The year was…. Really not sure. The thing with the DC universe is, while there are constants, there's also a LOT of vague instances that really put a hamper on trying to pin down when anything happens.

You remember, suddenly gaining awareness in a body that was definitely not your own. Your body covered in short velvet soft fur, large webbed wings sprouted from your back, moving unconsciously, like breathing or walking. Your face more symmetrical, and unfairly more attractive, as the world of DC dictates. One moment you were walking across the street, heavy rain pattering on your umbrella, and then you awaken taking similar steps down a dark crumbling hallway. Rocky walls with ornate carvings spread down the halls, the floor tiled but chipped and covered in mud.

Your panic session about what could've, and did happen to you only lasted, maybe a day or 12. Or 15. Or a whole month! Before your first human interaction happened.

———————

A tall man and a shorter woman had walked into a broad domed room hidden amongst the caverns, before coming to a stop in the middle. They had stood only a few minutes, you silently watching them, before you realised they were probably waiting for you?

You slowly walked into the domed room, the clean(?) tiles under your padded feet resounding with soft pats as you stepped closer to the couple. Their faces were lowered until you were standing directly in front of them, and you were a little smug. You were almost a whole 3 feet taller than the man, who seemed to come up to your collarbone.

Their faces raised and you stood momentarily shocked as godammit, Thomas and Martha Wayne were standing in front of you. Martha's soft face and kind eyes looked at you with curiosity, and a small amount of fear, while Thomas seemed to look at you with happiness and barely repressed awe.

How did this go over your head. You need to freak out less and FOCUS more. You isekaid godammit, you've played these games before. You shivered, and that seemed to snap Martha out of her shock, as she held a bundle closer to her body.

Your eyes narrowed, and you mumbled “If thats who I think it is, this is gonna be a stressful life. I can already feel it.” Chitters, and growls escaped your lips, and Martha took a larger step back. Thomas quickly stood forward and gave a small bow of the head, before speaking.

“Hello Protector. I greet you with warmth and humility, as is befitting of my family to yours. I am Thomas Wayne, Son of Patrick Wayne, and Grandson of Kenneth Wayne.”

He lifts his head and makes eye contact, his blue eyes seeming to look for something in your gaze, before finding it and smiling.

“ I come before you with my Wife, Lady Wayne, Daughter of Elizabeth and Roderick Kane. And I wish to introduce you to your newest ward under your guard. Our son Bruce.”

Martha slowly walked forward before giving the bundle to Thomas, who unwrapped him slightly, so the baby's face was more open to the cold cave air. His small nose shrivelled before he let out a small cry. Thomas quietly shushed the baby before lifting up towards you. You bent slightly and looked Bruce over.

Yepp, definitely a baby.

Your gaze softened and you nodded to yourself. Yepp, definitely a baby, and definitely normal behaviour from these two. You straightened yourself up, gave them both a quick look up and down, making your head movements obvious, before saying.

“Just so you know, this is the weirdest, wait, 2nd weirdest thing that's ever happened to me. Soooo, crazy you're both part of a cult, kinda weird it's surrounded around me. Try and keep the weirdness to a minimum and we’ll be chill?”

Your words trailed off as you remember, these idiots can't understand you. Alright your leaving. You turn around and softly walk out, the shadows covering your form seamlessly.

Thomas’ words followed you out, “I told you she’d like you and Bruce. You’ve nothing to fear around her, my dear. Shes older than his house you know, maybe older than this city, and nothing terrible has ever happened to our family while it was under her care.”

Great. Your a Bat Demon and your old as hell. You grumbled to yourself as you stalked back to your “Den”.

———————

Your memory is broken by the sound of the elevator coming down to the platform of the Batcave. It opens tk reveal Alfred, who seems surprised to see you awake at 8am of all times. He makes his way towards you and greets you with a cheery “Goodmorning Lady Crypt. I suppose you’ll be joining us for breakfast then? Master Dick was awfully excited this morning about you joining us for breakfast.” He smiled up at you, eyes kind and grin widening.

“And let’s not forget our eventful day today. Your tall statue will be a welcome help with the cleaning.” He turned towards the elevator and you followed in his footsteps. You stepped in first and crouched down to fully fit, your wings held snuggly by your body. Alfred followed suit before pressing the top button.

A few seconds later found you in Bruce’s study, exiting the room and following Alfred again to the formal dining area, with its large dark oak table and matching chairs. Making out the forms if Dick and Bruce, who seem to be in a heated debate on something. You huff, before letting out a crooned “Dick”

His little head snapped towards your hulking form, taking up the whole entryway and then some, of the formal dining room.

“CRYPT! You made it to breakfast!! Good morning! Do you want to sit by me?” He excitedly asked waving you over. You carefully walked over towards him, picking up and moving 3 chairs from beside him so you could sit comfortably on the ground.

His grin split his face and his eyes crinkled. Bruce was the same if a bit smaller.

Alfred quickly appeared with a platter of various fruits, meats and even fish. Almost a whole smoked salmon. You let out a soft purr and turned to Alfred with a grateful “Thank you for breakfast Alfred. Your spoiling me really.”

A small nod and a “Of course “ before he exited the room back to the kitchen to grab drinks and smaller foods.

You quickly picked apart some salmon and started snacking on it with your hands. Using your sharpened nails to easily grab more and more. A small hand quickly came into your field of view and snatched a piece of salmon.

Your eyes met Dicks baby blue ones as he chewed on the salmon piece he stole. Your eyes narrowed before turning to Bruce.

“Your child stole from my plate. Are you gonna do something about it? Because I’ve drop kicked kids for less.”

His gaze met yours before he sighed.

Chapter Text

Bruce would admit that he didn't have many memories of his childhood. This isn't through fault of his own, just an unfortunate side effect of trauma repressing memories. After his parents were killed in that alleyway, most memories about them both became too painful to bear remembering.

He did remember however his father talking excitedly for his 9th birthday, his mother wistfully saying he was ‘Growing up so fast Dear, your almost as tall as your Father.’ Alfred dutifully reminding him to be careful in the gardens, especially near the treelined fence. Warm humid days outside, and cold storms spent inside.

His first memory after the attack was Alfred carefully taking him home, cradled in his arms and the trauma blanket, its metallic surface crinkling under his shifting weight and arms. His hand constantly crushing it between his white fingers, his hold hurting.
Spending the evening fitfully sleeping in Alfred's solid arms. The next morning drifting behind Alfred, hand grasped onto his coat and refusing to leave him alone.

Bruce would admit later in life to Alfred that he was scared that Alfred would leave. Even a second of losing sight would send Bruce into a panic, crying until Alfred was back again. Food was almost impossible to chew, water seemed thick and tough to swallow. The 2nd day passed in a similar blur, until the evening of the 3rd day.

It was a cold rainy afternoon before a knock at the backdoor made itself known throughout the first floor of the Manor. Bruce was in one of the living rooms watching cartoons, a blanket curled around him before Alfred swiftly passed him, a bat in hand as he approached the backdoor. Alfred exited into the hallway before Bruce followed him, his sock clad feet quietly following behind Alfred's fast, tapping footsteps. The back door was always locked when it was weather like this, or when Bruce or Alfred weren't outside. Alfred approached the door before unlocking it and cracking it open slightly.

The sight before him caused him to launch the door wide open and set the bat aside, and turn swiftly to get dry towels and blankets.

The door being wide open meant Bruce could see who was outside on the back step.

He quickly dropped his blanket and bolted towards the open door, launching himself at the person outside, regardless of how soaked they were.

Clawed hands carefully cradled him before picking him up. Rumbling purrs sounded against his chest as he sobbed into a velvet soft neck. Warmth slowly soaked into his clothes and body along with rain.

Alfred returned with a stack of towels balanced in his arms.

“Miss Crypt please come inside! The rain must be soaked into your fur!” Alfred exclaimed.

Bruce felt the body holding him duck downward slightly before he was back inside. A towel was lifted towards his head before ruffling his hair and messing it up. Bruce lifted his head and gave a small whine, and he was dislodged from Crypts arms back into Alfred's, and wrapped in a warm towel. He had a good view of Crypt trying to dry herself, her fur standing upright at awkward angles and her wings lightly shaking as its thin membranes struggled to gain warmth.

Bruce let a small wet giggle pass his lips, the scene in front of him humorous in its absurdity. In the small life he's had, Crypt had always seemed refined and proper, like his Mother or Father usually acted. Seeing her looking unkempt was funny, even Alfred giving a small chuckle.

Spending the rest of the night cuddled into her arms, wings cocooned around him, warmth seeping into him and making him drowsy. Bruce mumbled “I’m glad your here Crypt. I missed you a lot” A large clawed hand softly carded through his hair. His eyes closed and he drifted to sleep.

—————————————————————————————————————

A few years later showed Bruce at 16, still mostly confined to the manor, except for his schooling and extracurriculars. Alfred picked him up every afternoon from Gotham Academy, and every evening he spent with Crypt in the large caverns and caves under the Manor. Climbing over rocky surfaces and almost sheer rock faces. Crypt watched as he climbed and pulled himself up, pushed himself forward. Sometimes its almost like she knew what he wanted to do half the time.

Bruce lifted himself further up the rock wall before finally lifting himself over the edge and laying out flat on his stomach. Gasping breaths escaped him as he caught his breath. Turning onto his back he made eye contact with a face that's been with him his whole life.
Dark eyes, golden pupils, a symmetrical face with small eyebrows. Light grey fur, longer dark hair braided down her back and over her shoulder, brushing his face and causing him to move his head away. A wheezing whistle left Crypts mouth in a facsimile of a laugh.

Crypt smoothly crouched down onto her heels, and let out a small whistle and a loud click. Needle sharp teeth briefly glinted in the low light as the click echoed off the cave walls.

“I need to leave soon Crypt, so I won't see you or Alfred for a while. But I need to get stronger.” Bruce lifted himself off the ground and kneeled in front of the Bat Demon. His blue eyes intensely looking into Crypts own golden ones, her intense gaze meeting his. He nodded in deference to her and asked “While I'm gone, can I ask you to look after Alfred and the manor? I know how much Mom and Dad respected you, I know how much my family owes you, and how you never once denied us of your care. I'm asking you to keep the promises made even though I'm not here.”

Bruce's head was still lowered until he felt a warm hand on his shoulder, that smoothly moved over to his neck and lifted his head upwards, so he was looking at Crypt again. Her gaze was soft, and she softly purred at him, before letting out soft croons and clicks. Bruce smiled and leaned forward for a hug that was strongly reciprocated. “We need to learn Sign Language or something. Start actually talking to each other."

Another wheezing whistle met his ears.

That memory faded into another.

Hot wind guiding sharpened grains of sand. Tall sandstone cliffs, and cool smooth walls. Unending drills and fights. Trying to become stronger. Smarter. Better. For himself and for his family. Giving up himself for months, years. All to lead up to the moment where he could get back home to the Manor, and the two people inside its property lines who cared about him the most. It’d been months since he last even called Alfred, months more since he talked to Crypt. Which in hindsight was for the best.

Letting an immortality cult of assassins who worship ‘The Demons Head’ know that your family has ties to a Demon back in your home would never have ended well. Though he suspected at the time that Thalia may have had suspicion. But even all these years later he has no evidence to bring these suspicions to light.

Bruce closed his eyes then re opened them and focused back into breakfast.

Crypt was looking at him questioningly, a single brow raised and her mouth slightly pursed. She tilted her head at him, which Dick noticed and quickly copied. Bruce have a single chuckle before going back to his eggs and toast.

“You don’t have gymnastics after school today do you Dick?”

Dick have a ‘nuh uh’ and resumed eating his cereal, not before picking more berries off of his neighbours plate. A loud huff exited said neighbours nose. Alfred quickly walked through the doorway and reminded “You both have to leave in 10 minutes. Other wise you shall be late. And I refuse to let either of my wards be subject to tardiness! “

He placed a large basin of fresh juice next to Crypt with a polite “you you are Miss” before turning again towards the 2 boys of the house. “We’ll hurry along! Finish your food and get ready to leave!”

Bruce and Dick quickly turned back to eating they’re good as quickly as possible before Dick jumped out of his chair, across Crypts lap and into the floor. Zooming out of the room and sprinting up the stairs.

Bruce stood up moments later, tidied up the plates shuffled towards Crypt. He leaned forwards and placed his forehead against hers.

“See you soon. Keep Alfred safe.” He stood back up and walked out of the room. A bark of laughter left Alfred while he was in the kitchen, no doubt he heard what Bruce had said and thought it funny. Crypt also chortled, a soft gurgling choking sound escaping her.

Bruce smiled and made his way upstairs towards his study to grab his briefcase and notes for work. It’s going to be a long day today.