In DC/Young Justice with the Omnitrix/Ultimatrix and a Chat Group

My first morning at Wayne Manor brings an unexpected sense of calm.

Despite the surveillance and the implicit restrictions on my freedom, there's something almost peaceful about the grand old house with its soaring ceilings and quiet corridors.

The silence here is different from my apartment - deeper, more contemplative, undisturbed by the constant background noise of city living.

I dress in the clothes Alfred provided, appreciating their quality if not their obvious expense.

The uniform for Gotham Academy awaits in a garment bag - navy blazer with the school crest, gray slacks, white shirt, and striped tie.

The picture of privileged normalcy, which is precisely the image Bruce Wayne wants to project for his new ward.

Alfred knocks precisely at seven, his timing impeccable as always. "Breakfast is served, Master Samael. Master Bruce is already in the dining room."

I follow him through the labyrinthine corridors, mentally mapping the layout. The manor is massive, but there's a logic to its design once you understand the original structure and its subsequent additions.

Bruce is indeed at the table, reading the Gotham Gazette while sipping coffee. He looks up as I enter, folding the paper with practiced casualness. "Good morning. I trust you slept well?"

"Well enough," I reply, taking a seat as Alfred serves a breakfast that could feed a small family - eggs, toast, fruit, and pastries arranged with military precision.

"Though I'm still adjusting to the quiet."

Bruce nods. "It takes time. The manor can seem... imposing at first."

"Master Bruce spent years away during his travels," Alfred comments as he pours me coffee.

"He found readjusting to the manor's particular atmosphere quite challenging upon his return."

Bruce gives Alfred a look that might be mild annoyance, but the butler merely raises an eyebrow in response before retreating to the kitchen.

"Alfred has been with the family since before I was born," Bruce explains. "He feels entitled to certain... liberties in conversation."

"I noticed." I sample the eggs, which are perfectly prepared. "He seems to know you better than anyone."

"He does." Bruce takes another sip of coffee. "Which is why I trust his judgment. Including his assessment of you."

Interesting. "And what assessment is that?"

"That you're intelligent, resourceful, and potentially an asset rather than a liability." Bruce sets down his cup. "I agree, with one caveat: potential requires proper guidance to be realized."

"Hence my new living arrangements," I conclude.

"Precisely." He checks his watch. "Alfred will drive you to Gotham Academy this morning. After school, he'll take you to GSI for your research work.

I've arranged for you to have three hours there before returning to the manor for dinner."

"A tight schedule," I observe.

"A structured one," he corrects. "Structure provides stability, especially after traumatic events."

I almost point out that my encounter with the Joker hardly qualifies as traumatic given what I'm capable of, but that would undermine the persona I'm maintaining. Instead, I nod and continue eating.

"One more thing," Bruce adds, his tone shifting slightly. "The Justice League has expressed interest in meeting you."

I pause mid-bite. "The Justice League?"

"Batman works with them occasionally," he explains, maintaining the pretense that we're discussing two different people.

"Your ability to transform into that crystalline form caught their attention. They have protocols for monitoring meta-human activity, particularly involving minors."

This is unexpected. I had anticipated Batman's scrutiny, but the entire Justice League? That significantly complicates matters.

"When?" I ask, keeping my voice neutral.

"This weekend. The meeting will be at Mount Justice, their facility for younger meta-humans and associates." He studies my reaction carefully.

"This isn't optional, Samael. But it isn't an interrogation either. They simply want to understand your abilities and ensure you have proper support."

Mount Justice. The Young Justice team's headquarters.

This confirms I'm in that particular iteration of the DC universe, which aligns with Batman's apparent age and the general technology level I've observed.

No, I can't jump the gun yet. This world may be similar but have either minute or grand differences. Be it capability or otherwise of the people in it.

"I see," I say, processing this information. "And what exactly should I expect from this... meeting?"

"Basic power assessment. Some questions about the origin of your abilities. Potentially an offer of training or mentorship." Bruce's expression remains neutral, but I sense he's watching me intensely.

"They're particularly interested in your device - the Ultimatrix, you called it."

"It's not dangerous," I state firmly. "At least, not in my hands."

"Perhaps not. But technology that allows genetic manipulation is significant. They suspect there may be more to it than the single transformation we witnessed."

I maintain a neutral expression, though internally I'm pleased.

The hours I spent as Graymatter analyzing the Ultimatrix's structure and creating a plausible backstory for its development have paid off.

If questioned, I can now provide convincing technical explanations that support my claim of having created it.

Yet, of course, I won't reveal much.

With how many intelligent people are in this universe, the genetic manipulation of the Ultimatrix may be replicated with enough knowledge given - something I am absolutely not going to allow.

No matter the cost.

"I understand," I say finally. "I'll cooperate with their assessment."

"Good." Bruce stands, straightening his tie. "I have meetings in the city today, but I should be back for dinner. Alfred will ensure you have everything you need."

After he leaves, Alfred returns to clear the dishes. "Gotham Academy can be rather... socially complex, Master Samael. The children of Gotham's elite can be quite territorial."

"I'm not concerned about high school politics, Alfred."

He gives me a knowing look. "Perhaps not. But maintaining appearances is part of your new role.

A certain level of social integration would make your presence here less remarkable to outside observers."

He's right, of course. The more I appear to be a normal, if gifted, teenager, the less attention my unusual situation will attract.

"I'll keep that in mind," I concede.

The drive to Gotham Academy takes us through the wealthier districts of the city, past manicured parks and historic buildings untouched by the decay that plagues other areas.

The school itself is impressive - a Gothic campus with ivy-covered buildings, expansive grounds, and facilities that would make most universities envious.

Alfred drops me at the administration building, where I'm met by Headmaster Hammer, a stern-looking man with silver hair and wire-rimmed glasses.

"Mr. Morningstar. Welcome to Gotham Academy." He shakes my hand firmly. "Mr. Wayne has spoken highly of your academic achievements.

We've adjusted your schedule to accommodate your... unique situation."

He hands me a tablet with my class schedule, campus map, and student handbook. "You'll find we maintain high standards here. Mr. Wayne's ward or not, those standards apply to everyone."

"I understand, Headmaster."

"Good. Your student liaison should be here shortly to show you around." He checks his watch. "Ah, here she comes now."

A girl approaches - red-haired, with intelligent green eyes behind stylish glasses and a confident, purposeful stride.

I recognize her immediately: Barbara Gordon, daughter of Commissioner Gordon and future Batgirl/Oracle.

"Barbara, thank you for volunteering," Hammer says. "This is Samael Morningstar, our new student. Mr. Wayne's ward."

Her eyes widen slightly at this information, though she quickly masks her surprise. "Nice to meet you," she says, extending her hand.

"Barbara Gordon. Academic scholarship student and your designated guide to all things Gotham Academy."

I shake her hand, "Samael. Thanks for the assistance."

"I'll leave you in Miss Gordon's capable hands," Hammer says before returning to his office.

Once he's gone, Barbara gives me an appraising look. "Wayne's ward, huh? That's interesting. He's not exactly known for taking in strays."

As if.

"Recent development," I reply neutrally. "Unusual circumstances."

"My dad mentioned something about it. Not much though," she says, "Something about the Joker?"

"I'd rather not discuss it," I say firmly.

She nods, respecting the boundary. "Fair enough. Come on, I'll show you around before first period."

As we walk through the campus, Barbara points out key locations - the science building, library, cafeteria, gymnasium.

Students in identical uniforms move between buildings, many casting curious glances in my direction.

"Word travels fast," Barbara explains, noticing my observation. "New student plus Wayne connection plus... distinctive appearance equals instant gossip fodder."

"Distinctive appearance?" Of course, how could I forget? I'm never going to escape this am I?

She gestures vaguely toward my head. "White hair, red eyes? Not exactly standard issue. Though this is Gotham, so you're probably only the third weirdest-looking person they'll see today."

I appreciate her directness. "Genetic condition."

"Got it." She checks her watch. "First period is Advanced Physics for you. That's in the Dent Building, second floor."

The morning passes in a blur of introductions, administrative procedures, and classes that would be challenging for most students but are relatively straightforward for me.

The curriculum is advanced, but nothing I can't handle with minimal effort.

More interesting are the social dynamics.

Gotham Academy students operate in clearly defined hierarchies - the wealthy legacies at the top, scholarship students fighting for recognition, and various subgroups organized around athletics, academics, or family connections.

Barbara occupies an unusual position in this ecosystem. Her scholarship status would normally place her lower in the hierarchy, but her intelligence, confidence, and the fact that her father is the police commissioner grant her a certain respect.

She's not part of the elite social circle, but she's well-regarded by faculty and students alike.

By lunch, I've identified most of the key players in the school's social structure.

Various children of Gotham's wealthy families occupy the upper social tiers, their status secured by last names like Crowne, Kane, and Cobblepot.

I sit with Barbara, who seems to have decided her guide duties extend to ensuring I'm not completely isolated on my first day.

"So," she says between bites of her salad, "what's Wayne like as a guardian? Strict? Distant? Obsessively organized?"

"It's been less than a day," I remind her. "But so far, structured is the word I'd use."

She nods as if this confirms something. "Makes sense. From what I've seen at charity events, he's definitely the type who likes things in their proper place."

"You've met him before?" I ask, curious about her connection to Bruce outside of their future Batman-Batgirl relationship.

"A few times. My dad works with him occasionally on various civic projects, and I've attended some Wayne Foundation events." She studies me with renewed interest.

"You know, sorry, If you don't like me bringing it up again, but you should know, there are rumors about what happened to you.

Something about the Joker and a device that nearly exploded?"

News travels fast indeed. "Thank you for telling me, but again, I'd rather not discuss it."

"Fair enough." She shrugs. "Gotham rule number one: everyone's got a story they don't want to tell."

After lunch, Barbara guides me to my afternoon classes before we part ways. "You can find your own way back to the admin building for pickup?" she asks.

"I think I can manage."

"Good. I've got debate team practice after school." She adjusts her glasses. "See you tomorrow, then."

The afternoon classes pass quickly, and by the final bell, I've completely established a solid understanding of Gotham Academy's academic and social landscape.

It's a useful environment for maintaining my cover as a gifted but otherwise normal teenager, though the coursework itself offers little intellectual challenge.

Alfred is waiting precisely where he said he would be, the Bentley immaculately polished and drawing envious glances from passing students.

"How was your first day, Master Samael?" he asks as I slide into the back seat.

"Educational, though not in the way the faculty intended," I reply honestly.

His eyes crinkle slightly in the rearview mirror. "Indeed. The social education at such institutions often proves more valuable than the formal curriculum."

The drive to GSI takes us through downtown Gotham, past Wayne Tower and the business district.

The city looks different in daylight - still imposing with its Gothic architecture and shadowed alleys, but less overtly menacing.

Dr. Chen is surprised but pleased to see me when I arrive at the lab. "Samael! I wasn't sure when you'd be returning after... well, after what happened."

"I'm fine," I assure her. "Just some changes in my living situation."

"So I heard." She lowers her voice. "Bruce Wayne himself? That's quite the development."

"Temporary guardianship," I explain, "Given the circumstances with the Joker, it was deemed safer than living alone."

She nods sympathetically. "Well, we're glad to have you back. The test results from our dimensional viewing portal have been fascinating.

We've detected quantum signatures that suggest multiple parallel dimensions existing at different vibrational frequencies, though occupying analogous spatial coordinates across the multiverse."

This aligns with my understanding of the DC multiverse - different Earths vibrating at unique frequencies, allowing multiple realities to exist without occupying the exact same physical space.

"Have you been able to establish any patterns in the frequency variance between dimensions?"

"That's what we were hoping you could help with," she says, leading me to my workstation.

"Your equations on quantum resonance seem particularly relevant to the frequency patterns we're observing."

For the next three hours, I lose myself in the research, analyzing data from the test and refining our theoretical models.

The work is genuinely engaging, and I make several breakthroughs that advance our understanding of interdimensional barriers.

More importantly, I gain access to data that might help me understand my own situation better.

If the Ultimatrix allows transformation through manipulation of quantum fields, perhaps similar principles could explain how I crossed between universes in the first place -

shifting my own vibrational frequency to match that of this particular reality.

At precisely 5:30, Alfred arrives to collect me. "I trust your research was productive, Master Samael?"

"Very," I confirm, gathering my notes. "Dr. Chen, I'll continue this analysis tomorrow."

"Looking forward to it," she says with evident enthusiasm. "Your insights have been invaluable."

The return to Wayne Manor feels less like returning to captivity than I expected. The imposing structure has already begun to feel familiar, if not exactly homey.

Alfred informs me that Bruce will be joining us for dinner at seven, giving me time to review my notes and prepare for the evening.

In my room, I find a package on the bed - a smartphone and tablet, both clearly high-end and customized.

A note in Bruce's precise handwriting explains they're secure devices for my personal use, though I have no doubt they're also monitored.

I spend the time before dinner organizing my observations from the day and planning my approach for the upcoming Justice League meeting.

If I'm to maintain my cover while maximizing the benefits of this new connection, I'll need to be strategic about what I reveal and to whom.

Dinner with Bruce is a surprisingly normal affair - discussion of my day at school, questions about my research at GSI, explanations of various Wayne Manor protocols and schedules.

He's clearly making an effort to establish a routine, to normalize this unusual arrangement.

"The Justice League has confirmed Saturday for your assessment," he informs me as Alfred serves dessert. "We'll depart at nine in the morning. The session should take approximately four hours."

"What exactly will this assessment involve?" I ask, seeking more specific information.

"Basic power demonstration in a controlled environment. Medical scans to ensure your transformation isn't causing any physiological damage.

Questions about the device's origin and capabilities." He takes a bite of his dessert before continuing.

"They're particularly interested in the energy absorption you demonstrated with the Joker's device."

"I imagine they would be," I reply neutrally. "That's not exactly a common ability."

"No, it isn't." Bruce studies me with that penetrating gaze that reminds me he's Batman, regardless of the civilian attire.

"The League has protocols for evaluating potential recruits, though in your case, age would be a limiting factor."

He's hinting at the question of whether I desire to be a hero or not.

Which to be honest I do - just not the hero he thinks of. One that changes worlds, not one that binds himself to a corrupt system. 

If my plan is to work, I need to establish myself in their circles as someone trustworthy, so that when the time comes, I can gain support from various heroes, and have a reasonable way to come into contact with superpowered individuals on the otherside of the law.

It is the only way after my encounter with the Joker having placed me under some scrutiny. 

"I wouldn't say I'm not interested," I reply carefully. "I've considered the possibilities."

Bruce's expression tightens slightly. "That's not a path I would recommend at this stage. Your abilities require further development and your judgment further maturation before any such consideration would be appropriate."

I note he doesn't outright forbid it, merely advises against it. "I understand your concerns. But I have capabilities that could help people. It seems wasteful not to use them."

"Power without proper training and oversight often causes more harm than good," he counters. "Even with the best intentions."

"Like Batman?" I ask, unable to resist the subtle challenge.

A flicker of something - perhaps amusement, perhaps warning - crosses his face. "Batman operates with years of training and preparation.

And even he has limitations and protocols." He sets down his fork with deliberate precision.

"If you're serious about exploring that avenue eventually, there are proper channels. The Justice League has programs specifically designed for younger individuals with abilities."

I understand the subtext - not that he knows I do - he's referring to the Young Justice team I'll likely meet this weekend. "I'll keep an open mind during the assessment," I concede.

After dinner, Bruce excuses himself to "attend to some business matters," which I take to mean patrol as Batman.

I return to my room and continue organizing my mental notes, adding observations about Barbara Gordon and the implications of meeting the Young Justice team this weekend.

The prospect of joining a team of young heroes is intriguing.

It could also grant me a degree of autonomy that might be harder to achieve under Bruce's direct supervision alone.

Around midnight, I hear the distant sound of a car engine - Batman returning from patrol. I consider attempting to locate the entrance to the Batcave but decide against it.

Such exploration can wait until I've established more trust and have a better understanding of the manor's security systems.

As I prepare for bed, I contemplate my position.

In just a few days, I've gone from independent researcher to ward of Batman, student at Gotham Academy, and subject of Justice League interest.

The constraints on my freedom are significant, but so are the opportunities these connections present.

But no matter. I'll make do.

-----------------------------------

(Author note: Hello everyone! So yes, we are in a version of the Young Justice world!

But emphasis on version, since characters are stronger than their animated counterparts, leaning more to comic strengths.

So yeah, do tell me how you found it and I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)