#PLUS steph was a big factor in damian's development and she's still here in this version

[casscainmainly]

If Cassandra was the one taking Batman's mantle back in 2009 instead of Dick, how do u think would've been her dynamic with Damian?

Honestly possibly similar to Dick? In Batman and Robin (2009), Dick wasn't like overtly praising Damian or being outwardly affectionate (until later). What Dick gave Damian was someone who didn't treat him like a prince, but also someone who stuck with him through every mistake; a steady presence during a tumultuous time. Cass could totally provide those, so the foundation of trust that flourished between Dick + Damian would probably flourish for Cass too.

Some key differences would be that Cass, I think, wouldn't feel as immediately responsible for Damian as Dick did. So the beginning would be a lot rockier, and Cass would be giving Damian the silent treatment while he follows her around and insults her. (I also think Cass wouldn't shrug the insults off as easily as Dick). Damian's decision not to kill is also fundamentally different from Cass', so she'd be uncomfortable around him, and they wouldn't have the same sort of lighthearted banter that Dick and Damian had from the beginning.

However, Damian would probably respect her more quickly than he did Dick. And Cass would be more overtly enthusiastic about his decision not to kill, and understand just how big that decision is given his upbringing. This shared understanding would bridge a lot of the cracks in Cass' ability to handle kids. If events play out the same, I think after issue #3 (when Damian fails to save Sasha and is shaken by it), Cass would understand Damian as a person more, and their relationship would improve significantly.

I think they would physically fight a lot more, though, given Cass' tendency to confront with fists. She'd win every time, which would annoy him, but add to the respect thing. This is one area where Cass, if she realises beating up Damian all the time isn't helping, might outsource to Steph.

Anyway in the ideal version of this Dick and Steph would be around to provide the emotional stability a grieving Cass wouldn't be able to give, but I do believe (because they are deeply compassionate people, and Batman and Robin), they would end up being very close.