𝐀𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐧 (𝐃𝐂 𝐱 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫)

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙕𝙤𝙤

(Remember to Vote and Comment as it Does a Lot for Motivation Seeing That You're Reading)

The Gotham City Zoo was buzzing with the sounds of animals and chattering children, but one boy was focused. He had only one exhibit in mind. Pressing a hand against the glass panel of the bat habitat, the boys eyes lit up as he read the bold, slightly ridiculous slogan: Bats are CRAZY! A cartoonish bat on the sign seemed to wink down at him, declaring, "I'm batty!"

"Y/N!" called a familiar voice.

The boy named Y/N turned to see his father, Dr F/N L/N, standing amidst a cluster of classmates. His smile was gentle but insistent, a signal that Y/N had lingered too long. "There'll be plenty of time for bats later," he assured, nodding toward the path that led deeper into the zoo. "Come on, let's get started."

Reluctantly, Y/N gave one last glance at the bats and trotted over to rejoin the group.

As they continued on their tour, the class reached the lion enclosure. There, a massive lion lay sprawled on a sun-warmed rock, lazily gnawing on a hunk of meat. Dr. L/N raised his voice to address the students, eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "So, what have we learned here, class?"

Everyone was silent, Y/N looked to his left, and then to his right awkwardly hoping someone would speak up, but he was still met with silence. So he decided to take the risk and speak "Uh, that this guy has the life?"

A few students snickered, casting quick glances at one another. F/N's lips curled into a slight, knowing smile.

"Enlighten us, Y/N," F/N said, his eyes settling firmly on his son.

Y/N glanced back at the lion, considering his response. "Well... it says here he sleeps twenty hours a day. Plus, he gets fed prime rib three times a day, and he never has to be afraid of anything."

F/N nodded thoughtfully. "Fair. He might be coddled," he said, "but he'll never affect anything. Never mean very much."

Y/N chuckled softly, leaning back with a hint of defiance. "He never has to go to school..."

The classroom broke into scattered laughter, but F/N wasn't fazed. He shook his head with a smile. "Says the boy to his father, the teacher," he replied, his voice warm and full of subtle humor.

Y/N's eyes softened. "I'm just messing with you... Mr L/N."

"Forgiven," F/N said, ruffling his son's hair. The class began to scatter around this small area, taking in the sights of the many animals around them. As they did so, Y/N stayed close to his father. "So, are you excited for the movie tonight?"

Y/N looked away, a bit bashful. "I mean, I'm excited for the movie. But... do I really have to come?"

"Yes," F/N said firmly, but with a twinkle in his eye. "It's the film you and your mom met at, the Mark of Zorro is old I get it. But why do I—"

Suddenly, the sound of a loud bang echoed, sharp and startling.

BLAM

Y/N's head whipped around just as F/N's face grew serious, his eyes widening. Another gunshot cracked through the air, sending a jolt of fear into everyone nearby. "Follow me! Now!" F/N shouted, his voice steady but urgent.

The sound of panicked cries rose around them as the crowd scattered. Bodies dropped to the ground, some frozen in fear, others pressing themselves against the zoo's exhibits for cover. Another gunshot rang out, tearing through the air with brutal finality.

BLAM

F/N's hand clenched around Y/N's shoulder, guiding him and the other children away from the open path. They weaved through the chaos, past fallen figures and startled zoo animals, past a giraffe stretching its neck up in panic.