Godfather Owl: Guardian of Batman [5]
"Each time we enter a new world, its laws will automatically assign you an identity based on your situation.
"This helps you move through the world without drawing too much attention.
"No need to worry—just go with it."
Kathoom perched on Bruce's shoulder, casually explaining the situation.
But Bruce was still struggling to accept it.
"So, you're telling me this identity suits me best?"
"Exactly!"
Really?
Bruce stood in front of the orphanage's iron gate, checking several times to make sure he wasn't mistaken.
It was an orphanage.
"I'm not an orphan!" Bruce protested, his patience snapping. "I have Alfred!"
"Don't complain to me. I didn't assign your identity. If your fragile dignity is wounded, feel free to complain to this world."
Kathoom replied coolly, eyeing the orphanage's name: Wool's Orphanage.
He now understood which world they had entered.
The Harry Potter world.
Wool's Orphanage had a small claim to fame here.
After all, it once housed a rather notorious resident—Tom Riddle.
Kathoom had glimpsed the date on a newspaper while they'd passed through the street. It was 1991, the start of the original story's timeline.
This meant it was a relatively peaceful period, with a few years left before any major conflicts.
In a world like this, young Bruce could grow without immediately facing life-threatening danger.
Even Kathoom still felt a twinge of anxiety from their encounter in the time-space corridor.
As soon as they'd arrived here, he'd reached his conclusion.
"Barbatos won't let this go."
Maintaining his indifferent demeanor, Kathoom reminded Bruce of what lay ahead.
"As the ruler of the Dark Multiverse, Barbatos is bound to the DC world, but that doesn't mean he'll give up on you.
"If my guess is correct, he'll try to send DC characters to whatever world you're in, aiming to drag you back."
Bruce had been thoroughly confused. "Why would he want me? I don't even know him!"
"I told you, you're the key to his plan. That's all you need to know—don't ask any more."
Kathoom wasn't willing to tell him the full truth. A ten-year-old couldn't handle the harsh reality behind it.
It would shatter Bruce's worldview, potentially weakening his resolve.
In the original comics, much of Batman's life trajectory was orchestrated by Barbatos, the Bat God.
Including the death of Bruce's parents.
Barbatos' goal was to use Batman's body as a gateway for the Dark Multiverse to access the primary earth.
By taking Bruce away, Kathoom had essentially ripped open Barbatos' door and walked off with it.
There was no way Barbatos would let that slide.
More attempts to capture Bruce were bound to come—whether it was Gotham's criminals, supervillains, or even parallel-universe Batmen.
The stronger Bruce's world was, the more powerful the pursuers would become.
In comparison, the Harry Potter world was a low-magic universe, making it relatively safe.
Bruce was adept at keeping secrets.
Since Kathoom wouldn't explain further, and Bruce wasn't in a position to press him, he chose to let it go, planning to investigate on his own someday.
For now, his focus was on integrating into this new world.
Creaaak.
Bruce pushed open the iron gate and walked inside.
Beyond it lay a barren courtyard. In the back stood a square, weathered building surrounded by a tall fence.
Wool's Orphanage was set to be demolished next year to make way for an office building.
Few residents remained here, giving the place a stark, foreboding atmosphere. Bruce muttered under his breath, "Great, I already hate this world."
Kathoom followed him in, glancing around as he flew over the courtyard. "Reminds me a bit of Wayne Manor."
Bruce didn't disagree.
To him, Wayne Manor without his parents felt just like this orphanage—a vast, empty tomb.
He climbed the short steps to the front door. Before he could knock, a middle-aged matron in an apron stormed out to meet him.
"Bruce!!!"
She shouted in exasperation, "Where have you been?! I told you someone would be coming today to see you! You can't just wander off on your own!"
To see me?
Bruce was baffled. He'd only just arrived in this world—who could possibly be looking for him?
Before he could respond, she grabbed him firmly and pulled him inside.
Bruce turned, glancing back at Kathoom for help.
But the owl had already perched next to the mailbox, entirely uninterested in Bruce's situation.
Bruce was pulled inside.
Kathoom truly didn't care; this world was arranging things to help Bruce settle into his new identity.
No need to interfere.
The assignments were random, sometimes even surprising.
If it turned out Bruce was Voldemort's long-lost son, Kathoom wouldn't be shocked.
Coo-coo—
As Bruce disappeared into the building, the surroundings fell silent.
Then, a smaller owl landed beside Kathoom on the mailbox.
A letter was clutched in its talons, addressed to "Bruce Wayne, Wool's Orphanage."
On the back was a wax seal with a crest—a capital "H" encircled by a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a serpent.
The little owl tilted its head, puzzled to see another owl already here.
Wasn't it assigned to deliver the letter alone?
Kathoom turned, meeting the smaller owl's gaze.
Neither spoke, their eyes locked on each other.
Suddenly, Kathoom whipped his wing forward, smacking the little owl off the mailbox with lightning speed.
"What are you staring at, punk?"
Kathoom grumbled. "Who do you think you are, sharing my mailbox perch?"
---
"Are you Bruce Wayne?"
In the orphanage director's office, two men in sharp suits held a stack of papers, scrutinizing Bruce with meticulous attention.
Bruce's brow furrowed.
He hated this feeling of being examined. It made him feel entirely unsafe.
Fortunately, the men quickly concluded their inspection.
One of them set the papers down with a satisfied nod.
"No doubt about it!"
He smiled warmly.
The men's attitude toward Bruce shifted completely.
"We've finally found you, Master Wayne!"
"Hm?"
Bruce's brow furrowed further.
What was going on?
Why was he suddenly being called Master Wayne again?
---
T/N: Phew, of course Batman is always going to somehow get his superpower. "money"