Baby Damian one-shots

A Prince Among Amazons

Themyscira wasn't on Bruce's list of "ideal places" to take a three-year-old. But when Diana extended an invitation, Damian—stubborn as ever—refused to let his father decline.

"Papa, you always say it's important to understand different cultures," Damian reasoned, standing in the Batcave with his hands on his tiny hips. "Themyscira is a crucial ally. I must visit."

Bruce sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It's not exactly a place designed for children, Damian."

"I am not a regular child," Damian shot back.

Diana, standing nearby with a bemused smile, knelt down to meet Damian's gaze. "He has a point, Bruce. Besides, the Amazons will adore him. It will be a learning experience—for both of you."

And that was how Bruce found himself on a boat, sailing through the misty barrier to Themyscira with a wide-eyed Damian by his side.

As soon as they arrived, Damian was captivated. Towering statues, sprawling gardens, and warrior women clad in shining armor filled the island. The air buzzed with energy, and Damian's sharp green eyes darted everywhere, trying to absorb it all.

"Welcome, little one," Queen Hippolyta greeted, her voice regal yet warm. She knelt slightly, placing a hand on Damian's shoulder. "You must be Bruce's son. You carry the strength of your lineage well."

Damian puffed out his chest. "Of course I do. I am Damian al Ghul-Wayne, heir to greatness."

Hippolyta chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling. "You certainly have the spirit of an Amazon."

The Amazons were endlessly amused by Damian. While Bruce tried to keep him by his side, the boy quickly charmed the warriors with his confidence and curiosity. He pointed out flaws in sword techniques ("Your foot placement is slightly off."), climbed onto a practice horse uninvited, and even attempted to teach an Amazon how to hold Batty properly during a "battle simulation."

At one point, Diana found him sitting on a rock, legs swinging as he watched a sparring match. "Damian, what do you think of Themyscira so far?"

"It's impressive," Damian admitted, hugging Batty. "The architecture is well-designed, and the warriors are skilled, but..."

"But?"

He frowned thoughtfully. "There's a lack of stealth training. And no Batcave."

Diana burst out laughing. "I'll be sure to let my sisters know."

As the day went on, Damian's antics continued to surprise even Bruce. He refused help when climbing a small tree to get a better view of the training grounds, declared that he wanted to ride one of the royal horses ("I don't need a saddle!"), and insisted that Batty deserved a place of honor during lunch.

Despite the boy's brashness, the Amazons couldn't help but dote on him. They braided his hair with tiny beads, taught him basic Amazon greetings, and even fashioned a miniature training tunic for him. Damian, for his part, accepted the attention like a prince holding court.

By the evening, Damian was sitting in Hippolyta's lap, listening intently as she told a story about the gods. His usually sharp demeanor softened, and he leaned against her shoulder, mesmerized.

Bruce watched from a distance, his arms crossed as Diana approached. "He's doing better than I expected," he admitted.

Diana smiled knowingly. "You underestimate him, Bruce. He's more adaptable than you think. And he's thriving here."

Bruce sighed. "I just don't want him getting too comfortable. This isn't his world."

"Perhaps not," Diana agreed. "But it's part of yours—and now his. He's learning what it means to be more than just a Wayne."

As the night fell, Damian reluctantly returned to Bruce's side, his eyelids drooping. "Papa," he mumbled, clutching Batty. "Themyscira is... acceptable."

"Glad to hear it," Bruce said, smirking slightly as he scooped Damian into his arms.

"Can we come back?" Damian yawned, snuggling against his father's chest.

Bruce hesitated, glancing at Diana, who nodded encouragingly.

"We'll see," he said softly.

As the boat sailed away from the shores of Themyscira, Damian slept soundly, his tiny fingers gripping Batty and a beaded bracelet one of the Amazons had tied around his wrist—a small reminder of the day his world grew just a little bit bigger.