Becoming Nightshade

The Gotham Museum of Natural History was breathtaking, with towering marble pillars and sparkling chandeliers illuminating displays of artifacts from all over the world. Maggie dressed in a stunning black and silver dress, but she couldn't help glancing at Roy uncomfortable in his suit yet every so often, smiling at how excited he looked to have her there.

"Hey, let me introduce you to my parents," Roy said, tugging her gently toward a couple standing by a display of ancient Egyptian relics. His parents were well-dressed and clearly at ease in the sophisticated crowd, chatting warmly with guests and admiring the exhibit.

As they approached, Roy's mother, Evelyn, looked up and beamed. "There's our boy!" She extended a hand toward Maggie with a warm smile. "And this must be the famous Maggie Wayne I keep hearing about!"

Maggie felt a slight blush creep up her cheeks as she shook Evelyn's hand. "It's lovely to meet you, Mrs. Harper."

"Please, call me Evelyn," she said, giving Maggie a knowing smile. "It's wonderful that Roy finally brought you to one of these events. We were starting to think he'd never introduce us to his girlfriend."

Roy grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Mom…"

Roy's father, Charles, chuckled, his gaze moving from Roy to Maggie with a proud glint in his eye. "We're just glad he's found someone as spirited as our Roy."

"I'd say that's putting it mildly," Maggie said with a laugh, looking at Roy, who rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his grin.

"So, Maggie," Evelyn continued, "are you interested in history?"

Maggie nodded; her smile polite. "Yes, I've actually learned a lot about history and mythology from my dad. He always thought it was important to know about past civilizations and how they shaped the world."

Charles raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Bruce Wayne sounds like a good teacher."

"He is," Maggie replied, trying to keep her tone casual. "But he doesn't let me forget the value of books, either. I spend a fair amount of time in the library, too."

Roy laughed. "Yeah, she's always studying. It makes me look bad." He nudged Maggie playfully, and she rolled her eyes.

"Oh, hush. You're just as smart," she said, elbowing him back.

Evelyn smiled, glancing fondly at her husband. "That's lovely to hear, Maggie."

As the four of them chatted, Maggie felt more at ease. Evelyn and Charles were warm and welcoming, and their easygoing nature made her feel like part of the family. She could see where Roy got his charm and confidence from. Then, just as she was starting to relax, she noticed a subtle shift in the room. The background hum of conversation quieted, and the guests began looking toward the entrance. A sense of unease crept over her as she followed their gazes. The doors to the atrium swung open, and Maggie's heart sank. There stood a tall, dark figure in a black suit, his face concealed by a mask with a menacing grin painted across it. Black Mask. Roy's parents froze, their expressions turning to shock and fear. Charles instinctively moved closer to Evelyn, pulling her behind him as Black Mask entered, flanked by a group of armed henchmen. The guests backed away, some gasping, others too terrified to move.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Black Mask's voice cut through the room, smooth yet menacing. "Don't mind me. Just here to... collect a debt."

Maggie's heart pounded. She quickly grabbed Roy's hand, whispering, "Stay calm, and don't draw attention."

Roy nodded, but his gaze was locked on his parents, who were still standing near the display. His father's face was set in a grim line, his hand gripping Evelyn's tightly.

"Ah," Black Mask continued, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Charles and Evelyn. "Mr. and Mrs. Harper. Why don't you two come with us? I think we'll start tonight's *business* transaction with you."

Evelyn looked at her husband, fear flashing in her eyes, but she squared her shoulders and nodded.

"No!" Roy whispered fiercely, starting forward.

Maggie grabbed his arm, her grip 't..."

"But they're my parents!" he whispered, his voice desperate.

"I know," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. "But if you go after him, he'll kill you."

Black Mask's men grabbed Roy's parents, guiding them roughly toward a side room. The villain turned back to the crowd, his masked grin sinister. "The rest of you… stay right where you are. This will all be over soon, and you'll be free to go."

As Charles and Evelyn disappeared through the doorway, the door shut behind them with a heavy thud. Moments later, the chilling sound of gunshots echoed from the room, sending a wave of horror through the crowd. Roy's face went pale, and he staggered back, his eyes wide with terror. Maggie caught him, pulling him close, her own heart deep down, Maggie felt a pang of helplessness.

The air in the museum's grand hall was tense, a chilling silence hanging over the crowd. Maggie held onto Roy as tightly as she could, both of them watching the closed door through which his parents had been led. Her pulse pounded in her ears as the seconds ticked by, each one feeling longer than the last. Finally, the door opened, and Black Mask strode out, flanked by his henchmen. But Roy's parents weren't with him. Roy tensed in Maggie's arms; his knuckles white as he clenched his fists. Black Mask turned his masked face toward the young couple, his eyes gleaming with something dark and twisted.

"My condolences, young Mr. Harper," Black Mask said with a chilling mock-sympathy. "I'm afraid your parents won't be rejoining the festivities."

Roy's face went white as he processed the words, he staggered, and Maggie held him up, tears wield up in her eyes has her own heart sinking at the implications of Black Mask's tone.

"Oh, they put up quite the fight," Black Mask continued, seeming to enjoy the torment he was causing.

Roy's face twisted with anguish, and Maggie's grip on his arm tightened, trying to keep him grounded. She could feel the rage and despair radiating off him, and she whispered, "Please..."

Black Mask's gaze flicked over to Maggie, his eyes narrowing behind the mask as he took in her face. His head tilted slightly, and then a sickening smile crept across his lips.

"Well, well," he said slowly, reaching out to grab Maggie by the wrist. "If it isn't little Maggie Wayne. Now, what a prize *you* are."

Maggie felt a chill run down her spine as his grip tightened, unyielding, around her wrist. She tried to pull away, but his hold was vice-like. Roy's eyes flashed with anger, and he made a move to step forward, but Maggie shook her head, giving him a silent plea to stay back.

"Do you have any idea how much you're worth, Miss Wayne?" Black Mask sneered, pulling her closer. "Not just for ransom, of course. A Wayne girl has value far beyond that—especially in the darker corners of Gotham."

Maggie's jaw clenched, her eyes blazing with defiance despite the tears the fell upon her cheeks and the fear in her heart. "You're a coward," she spat. "Taking innocent people and using them like bargaining chips. That's all you are."

Black Mask laughed, his voice cold and hollow. "Feisty. I like that... But I don't think you're in much of a position to lecture me right now, do you?" He glanced at Roy, then back to Maggie, his smile widening. "Imagine what I could do with a Wayne in my hands. The ransom alone could buy me an army. Or…" He trailed off, his gaze darkening, a glint of something twisted in his eyes. "There are buyers out there who would pay even more for a girl like you. You'd be amazed what kind of market there is for Gotham's golden daughter."

Roy's face was red with fury, and Maggie could feel his rage vibrating off him. "Let her go," he growled, his voice filled with barely restrained anger.

"Oh, don't worry," Black Mask said, amused. "You'll get to say goodbye soon enough."

Maggie's heart hammered as Black Mask's henchmen moved to separate her from Roy. She kept her head high, refusing to show fear as they began to pull her away, her gaze locking with Roy's one last time.

"Roy, remember—stay safe," she called, her voice firm.

The tension in the museum was thick as Black Mask tightened his grip on Maggie's wrist, dragging her toward the exit. Her heart raced, and her mind raced through every possible way to break free, but his hold was unyielding. She stole a glance back at Roy, who stood frozen, helplessly watching her being taken. As Black Mask reached the grand double doors, the sound of sirens blared in the distance, growing louder and closer. For a split second, Maggie felt a flicker of hope. But Black Mask only laughed, a mocking sneer crossing his masked face. With a final tug, he shoved Maggie into a waiting black car, slamming the door shut. The engine roared to life, tires screeching as the car lurched forward, taking her away.

"No!" Roy's voice broke through the commotion as he sprinted forward, his face twisted in panic and desperation. He tried to chase after the car, but it was already speeding away, disappearing around the corner and into the dark streets of Gotham. As the car vanished, Roy's gaze darted to a side door that had been used to take his parents earlier. Heart pounding, he bolted toward it, driven by a frantic need to find them. The flashing lights from the police cars cast eerie shadows across the marble walls of the museum, amplifying the tension hanging in the air. Roy stood off to the side, anxiously watching as police officers and museum staff moved in a quiet flurry around him. His fists were clenched, his face pale, his eyes darting toward every figure who entered or exited the side room where his parents had been murdered. He barely noticed Batman approaching him until the towering figure was just a few steps away, his imposing shadow falling over Roy. Batman's normally unreadable expression was softened with a quiet gravity, something rare and unsettling in his dark eyes.

"How could he…?" Roy's voice broke, barely audible. "They didn't deserve this."

Batman's voice resolute but filled with sympathy. "Black Mask is ruthless. He doesn't care who he hurts. I swear, he will be brought to justice. But right now, you need to take care of yourself. Don't let his actions destroy you."

Roy's face twisted with anguish, his fists clenching as a flood of emotions surged through him—anger, grief, helplessness. "He took everything from me," he choked out, a tear slipping down his cheek. "My parents… Maggie…"

Batman places a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We're going to bring Maggie back. You have my word. And your parents' legacy won't be forgotten. They raised you to be strong, Roy. Honor them by staying that way."

The skies over Gotham were gray, clouds heavy with the threat of rain, as a somber crowd gathered around two polished caskets at the cemetery. The Harper family's gravesite was adorned with flowers, a small attempt at bringing life to the otherwise bleak scene. Roy stood at the front, his shoulders hunched, and his gaze fixed on the ground. Beside him was Oliver Quinn, his new guardian, a hand resting supportively on Roy's shoulder, his own expression shadowed with sorrow. Not far behind them, Bruce, Jason, Alfred, and Dick stood together, their faces etched with sympathy and silent strength. Bruce's presence was particularly steady, his gaze fixed on Roy with a rare softness. Jason's jaw was clenched, his hands in his pockets as he shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting between Roy and the caskets, as if the reality of it all hadn't quite set in. Alfred stood with a dignified expression, his quiet presence offering solace. Beside him, Dick was stoic, his hand gripping Jason's shoulder to steady them both as they shared a silent understanding of loss. As the minister spoke, his voice a low murmur against the breeze, Roy remained silent, his face pale and drawn. His eyes were red rimmed from days of grief, but there was a fierceness in his gaze that hinted at the fire within him, a fire that had only grown since his parents had been taken. The only thing missing, the one person he'd hoped would be there to help him through this, was Maggie. But she was still missing, still in Black Mask's clutches, her absence a sharp pain that twisted in his heart.

After the minister finished his words and offered condolences, people began stepping forward to lay flowers on the caskets. Roy was last, the single red rose he held trembling in his hand. He placed it gently on his mother's casket, his fingers lingering on the polished wood.

"Mom… Dad… I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I didn't… I didn't do enough to protect you."

Oliver gave Roy's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "They wouldn't want you blaming yourself, kid. This wasn't your fault."

Roy nodded, though his expression remained conflicted, guilt and anger warring within him. He turned, and his gaze fell on Bruce, Jason, and the others, taking in the support they'd come to offer. Bruce stepped forward, his hand reaching out to rest on Roy's shoulder.

"Roy," Bruce said, his voice steady and filled with empathy, "you're not alone. You've got a family here, and we're going to get through this together."

Jason stepped up beside Roy, his usual bravado softened as he met Roy's gaze. "Look, I know words don't fix anything… but I'm here for you, man. Whatever you need."

Dick nodded; his own expression solemn. "If you ever need to talk or just… get out of here for a bit, you've got me. Anytime."

Roy managed a small, grateful nod. "Thank you… all of you."

Oliver gave Bruce a nod of respect, silently grateful for the support his old friend was offering Roy. He could see the weight of the grief on Roy's shoulders and knew he'd need every bit of strength from those around him.

Alfred stepped forward, his gaze warm and compassionate. "Young Mr. Harper, in times like these, it's the strength of those closest to us that will help us carry on. And I have no doubt that you have that strength within you."

Roy took a shaky breath, his eyes flickering back to the caskets before meeting Oliver's gaze. "Thank you, Alfred. Thank you, everyone." His voice cracked, and he swallowed hard, clinging to the sliver of support their words provided.

But the heaviness remained, the grief compounded by the painful reminder that Maggie was still out there, still lost to him. As they all stood around him, he couldn't shake the feeling that a part of him was missing, that Maggie should be here, standing by his side, helping him face the darkness.

After a long, quiet moment, Oliver placed a gentle hand on Roy's back, guiding him away from the graves. "Let's get you home, Roy. We'll get through this. And Batman will find her, too. Maggie's strong—and we're not giving up hope until she's back."

Roy nodded, a spark of determination flickering in his eyes. "And Black Mask… he's going to pay for everything."

As they left the cemetery, Bruce, Jason, Dick, and Alfred watched Roy and Oliver go, silently vowing that they would do everything in their power to bring Maggie back—and to help Roy find a sense of peace amidst his loss.

In a dimly lit stone room far from Gotham, Maggie Wayne sat chained to the wall, her wrists bound tightly with heavy iron cuffs that bit into her skin. The air was damp and cold, and every breath she took felt like a struggle. Bruises marred her stomach and ribs, painful reminders of her many failed attempts to escape. Her clothes were torn and dirty, and exhaustion weighed on her, but her eyes remained defiant, glinting with a spark that even Black Mask hadn't managed to break. The door creaked open, and Black Mask strode in, his polished shoes clicking against the stone floor. He looked down at her with an amused, twisted smile, arms crossed as he took in the sight of his bruised and battered captive.

"Well, well," he drawled, his voice smooth and mocking. "Still looking as defiant as ever, aren't you, Miss Wayne? I must say, I expected you to give up by now."

Maggie glared up at him, unbroken. "I'm not giving you the satisfaction."

He chuckled, his laugh cold and devoid of any warmth. "Oh, I don't need your satisfaction, Maggie. I have something far more valuable than that." He took a step closer, looking her over with an assessing gaze. "A Wayne is a rare prize, especially one with your spirit. You'll fetch a high price."

Her stomach twisted at his words, and a chill ran through her. She'd heard rumors about the dark markets and the kind of people who dealt in them, but she'd never imagined she'd be dragged into that world herself.

"You won't get away with this," she spat, her voice firm even as her body throbbed with pain. "Batman will find me. And when he does, you're going to wish you'd never laid a hand on me."

Black Mask smirked, unfazed by her threat. "Oh, I'm counting on it. That's the beauty of this whole arrangement. While he's scouring Gotham, looking for you in every alley and hidden den, you'll be far, far away, with a new… owner."

Her heart clenched, but she kept her gaze steady, refusing to let him see her fear. "You're disgusting."

"Disgusting?" he echoed, feigning a hurt expression. "No, no. I'm just a businessman, Maggie. And you—you're my possession to sell."

He leaned down, his masked face inches from hers. "So, here's what's going to happen. We'll have a private auction. Some of the world's most… discerning clientele will be in attendance, and they'll pay handsomely for the chance to own a pretty thing like you."

Maggie's breath quickened despite herself, but she gritted her teeth, staring back at him with all the fury she could muster. "You're going to rot in a cell for this."

Black Mask chuckled, straightening. "Perhaps. But by then, you'll be far out of reach, a little trophy for some powerful figure who likes his prizes hopeless." He tilted his head, studying her as if she were an object rather than a person. "But, I'll admit, it's going to be hard to say goodbye to that fire in your eyes. Perhaps I'll put it out myself before the auction."

Without another word, he turned and exited the room, leaving her in the suffocating silence once again. As the heavy door shut behind him, Maggie slumped back against the wall, taking in shaky breaths, the pain radiating from her bruises a constant reminder of her failed escape attempts. But she wasn't giving up. Clinging to the hope that someone from her family would find her.

A week later

The stone room was darker than usual, the only light seeping in through the narrow window high on the wall. Maggie leaned against the cold wall; her body too weak to hold her up on its own. Days without food, without water, without rest had taken their toll. Every inch of her ached, and a dizziness clouded her vision. She'd been left in near silence for so long, with only the faint hope that someone would come for her keeping her from slipping into despair. Today, though, the silence was broken by a low murmur of voices and the steady clicking of heels and shoes against the stone floor. The auction was beginning, just as Black Mask had promised. Through her hazy vision, Maggie saw a line of figures forming outside her cell, each wearing an animal mask—wolf, bear, owl, snake. She forced herself to stay upright, clutching the chains attached to her wrists for support as her legs threatened to give out. One by one, the masked figures stepped forward, their eyes roaming over her with a disturbing interest, as if she were an artifact on display. The snake-masked figure leaned in close, murmuring to himself in a foreign language as he lifted her chin, examining her face with an almost clinical precision. She held back a shudder, her jaw clenching, doing her best to keep her gaze hard and defiant. As each masked figure moved on, her heart sank a little more. They were here to buy her, to bid on her like she was nothing more than an object. Her eyes stung with tears. Then, the final figure stepped forward. He was wearing a mask shaped like a bird, and his posture was calm, unassuming. He leaned down close, and Maggie tried to hold her head up, barely able to keep her gaze focused. And then, quietly, so quietly that only she could hear, he whispered,

"We're going to get you out of here. Be patient."

Her eyes widened as her mind registered the voice, familiar and warm. It was her brother, Dick. A sob escaped her, and she felt the tears break free as she sagged against the wall, too weak to stay upright any longer. She managed a small, shaky nod, her vision blurring as relief mixed with exhaustion. For the first time in a while, hope flared in her chest. Dick stayed just a moment longer, his gloved hand lightly brushing her arm, offering her a fleeting reassurance. Then he straightened, the bird mask hiding his face once again as he moved on, disappearing among the other bidders as though he were just one of them. As he left, Maggie clung to the knowledge that her family had found her, that Dick was here. She didn't know when, but she knew now that they would come for her. She closed her eyes, letting the tears fall freely, feeling the weight of her suffering lift just a little.

The grand hall was adorned with dark opulence, chandeliers casting an eerie glow over the shadowed faces of elite criminals and underground figures, each one hidden behind ornate animal masks. In the center of the room, Maggie stood chained to a pedestal, her wrists and ankles bound, her body swaying slightly as she struggled to stay upright. She was weak, her vision blurred, but she forced herself to look ahead, unwilling to give her captors the satisfaction of seeing her defeated.

Black Mask stepped forward with a twisted smile, arms outstretched to his guests. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth and smug. "Tonight, you have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take home the most valuable prize in Gotham's underground. Maggie Wayne, daughter of Bruce Wayne, the crown jewel of Gotham's elite."

A murmur rippled through the room as he continued, his words igniting the bidding crowd. "Let's start the bidding at ten million."

Without hesitation, the person in the snake mask raised a hand, signaling his bid. The owl-masked figure immediately countered with fifteen million, his posture confident and cold. Maggie's heart pounded; her breaths shallow as she took in the bidding war unfolding before her. She felt the weight of their twisted interest bearing down on her, their eyes hungrily fixed on her as though she were nothing more than a trophy to be won. And then, a hand went up from the person in the bird mask—Dick.

"Twenty million," he called, his voice steady, blending in with the crowd as he held the guise of a bidder.

Black Mask's eyes glinted with greed, and he grinned. "Ah, it seems we have quite the competition tonight!"

The snake-masked figure quickly raised his hand again. "Twenty-five million."

Dick raised his hand once more, voice firm. "Thirty million."

Maggie watched him, a flicker of hope stirring despite her weakness. Her brother was there, fighting for her. But even as she clung to that hope, the owl-masked figure raised his hand once again, his voice deep and unyielding.

"Forty million."

A gasp rippled through the room, and Black Mask's eyes lit up, savoring the escalating bids. He turned to Dick expectantly, waiting for him to raise the stakes further.

Dick hesitated for only a second, then raised his hand. "Forty-five million."

Maggie's breath caught. She could feel the urgency in his movements, the silent desperation in his voice. He was close, but her captors were relentless.

The owl-masked figure chuckled, his voice dripping with confidence. "Fifty million."

Black Mask's face broke into a triumphant grin. "Fifty million! Going once… going twice—"

Just as he prepared to call the final bid, a deafening crash echoed through the hall. The room was flooded with an intense, blinding light as the ceiling above shattered, and the imposing figure of Batman dropped down, landing with the force of a thunderclap. His dark cape billowed around him, and his eyes blazed with fury. Behind him, Robin and Batgirl leaped down, followed closely by the Titans—Raven, Starfire, Beast Boy, and, hovering in the air just above them, Superman. A murmur of panic erupted through the crowd as they took in the sight of Gotham's heroes and their allies, each one ready for a fight.

"Party's over, Black Mask!" Batman's voice boomed, his gaze cutting through the crowd like a knife. "Let Maggie go. Now."

Black Mask staggered back, his bravado crumbling. "How… how did you find us?"

The masked bidders scrambled to flee, some abandoning their masks in a desperate attempt to escape unnoticed. The owl-masked figure made a run for the side door and escaped.

Superman flew toward the snake-masked figure, pinning him down with a single, powerful hand. "I don't think so."

Amid the chaos, Dick—still wearing the bird mask—rushed to Maggie's side, quickly undoing her chains. His hands were gentle but efficient, his voice soft as he spoke to her. "I've got you, Mags. You're safe now."

As the chains fell away, Maggie slumped forward, weak and disoriented. Dick caught her, pulling her into a protective embrace.

"Dick…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You… you came."

He pulled back slightly, his eyes filled with relief as he looked at her. "Always. We're getting you home."

Above them, Batman confronted Black Mask, who was frantically trying to slip away. Batman seized him by the collar, pulling him close. Giving him a couple of hard punches that felt personal.

"You're done, Black Mask," Batman said coldly, his tone laced with anger.

Black Mask's defiant sneer faltered as he looked into Batman's unyielding eyes. "You think this changes anything? You can't protect Gotham forever!"

Batman's jaw tightened. "Try me."

With one swift motion, he punched Black Maks hard in the face and then cuffed Black Mask, leaving him for the authorities who had already arrived on the scene. Across the room, the Titans were rounding up the remaining bidders, ensuring that none would escape justice. As the chaos began to settle, Dick gently lifted Maggie into his arms. She begins to lose conscious, her head resting against his shoulder, her breathing becoming more swallow, her body begins to shake in his arms.

"I need a medic!" Dick shouted franticly realizing the dyer state Maggie was in.

The sterile white ceiling came into focus slowly, and Maggie blinked, the bright lights of the hospital room making her head throb. Her body felt heavy, each breath accompanied by a dull ache in her ribs. Her chest was tightly wrapped in bandages, and as she tried to shift, she felt the tug of the IV and a cast on her wrist. Every movement sent small shocks of pain radiating through her, and a foggy haze clouded her thoughts, reminders of the concussion and weeks of torture she'd endured. As her vision adjusted, Maggie noticed a familiar figure slumped in the chair beside her bed, his head resting on the edge of the mattress, one hand still holding hers gently. Jason Todd, the ever-reluctant softy, had stayed by her side, his face relaxed in sleep, a vulnerability rarely seen in him.

Maggie watched him for a moment, feeling a swell of comfort. She tried to squeeze his hand, but her grip was weak, barely more than a twitch. The slight movement must have been enough, though, because Jason's eyes fluttered open, groggy at first, then widening as he realized she was awake.

"Maggie…" he breathed, quickly straightening in his chair, his hand tightening around hers. "You're awake."

She tried to smile, but even that felt exhausting. "Hey, dork," she managed, her voice hoarse and faint.

Jason looked her over, relief flooding his face. "Thank God," he murmured, rubbing his eyes. "You had us all worried sick, you know that?"

Maggie let out a small, breathless laugh, wincing as her body protested. "Sorry… wasn't… part of the plan."

He shook his head, giving her a look somewhere between exasperation and affection. "Yeah, well, maybe next time leave the whole 'getting kidnapped by a psychopath' thing out of it, okay?"

She nodded weakly, her gaze softening as she took in the familiar face she'd missed so much. "Deal," she whispered.

Jason's face softened, his grip on her hand gentle but steady. "Mags… you scared me. I thought… we thought we lost you for good."

The raw emotion in his voice tugged at her heart, and she could see the weariness in his eyes, the dark circles beneath them hinting at sleepless nights. She gave his hand a small squeeze, the best reassurance she could manage in her weakened state.

"Not… getting rid of me… that easily," she whispered, her words slow and faint but laced with a familiar humor. "You're… stuck with me."

Jason let out a shaky laugh. "Good. That's… that's how it should be." He took a deep breath, his voice softening. "I'm just glad you're okay. "

Jason sat beside Maggie's hospital bed, still holding her hand as she drifted in and out of sleep. The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of machines monitoring her heart rate. He couldn't stop looking at her, relief and gratitude overwhelming him every time he saw her breathing, alive and here. Then he glanced at his phone, realizing he had a duty to share this moment with everyone who'd been waiting. With a soft squeeze of her hand, he slipped away, stepping outside the room to call the others. He dialed Bruce first, who answered on the first ring.

"She's awake," Jason said, barely able to contain the warmth in his voice. "She just woke up."

There was a long pause on the other end, then Bruce's voice, low and heavy with relief. "We'll be there."

Within minutes, Bruce, Alfred, Dick and Barbara arrived at the hospital, each of them looking as if a weight had finally been lifted. They filed into the room quietly, respecting the stillness and the fragile recovery Maggie was just beginning.

Bruce was the first to approach her bedside, his usually stoic expression softening as he took in her appearance his voice low. "Maggie," he murmured. "I'm so glad you're back with us."

Maggie blinked up at him, her gaze tired but filled with warmth. "Hey, Dad," she whispered, a small smile forming. "Guess I… made a mess of things, huh?"

Bruce shook his head, his own smile barely there but unmistakable. "No, sweetheart. You did everything you could. We're just glad you're safe."

He lingered for a moment, his hand resting lightly on hers before Alfred stepped forward. Bruce gave him a nod, stepping back to let Alfred have his turn.

Alfred's gaze softened as he took her hand in both of his, his expression a mix of worry and affection. "Miss Maggie," he said, his voice as gentle as ever. "I believe you've given us all quite the fright."

Maggie chuckled softly, though the movement made her wince. "Guess I… kept everyone on their toes."

Alfred smiled, his eyes misting just a little. "Indeed. But I must insist you refrain from any further dramatics for a while. The manor could use some peace and quiet."

She laughed softly, nodding. "I'll… do my best, Alfred."

He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before stepping back, and Dick stepped up, unable to hide the relief and joy in his face. He took her hand.

Maggie with a faint smile, her voice hoarse but warm. "I heard you in that… ridiculous mask."

Dick laughed, nodding. "Hey, don't knock it. It did the job, didn't it?"

She grinned, her smile growing a little stronger. "Yeah, it did."

After Dick, Barbara came forward, her eyes brimming with tears of relief. She gave Maggie a soft hug, careful of her injuries. "You're one tough cookie, Maggie," she whispered. "I'm so glad you're okay."

"Thanks, Babs," Maggie replied, her voice trembling a little.

Three weeks had passed since being in the hospital, and Maggie was finally home, resting and healing in the familiar warmth of Wayne Manor. Her body still tender but healing, and her cast itched, but it was a small price to pay to be alive. She was grateful for every quiet moment here, surrounded by family. Today, Roy had come to visit. She'd been looking forward to it, happy to see him, but the moment he walked into the room, she could tell something was different. His usual playful grin was missing, replaced by a quiet, almost solemn expression as he took a seat beside her on the couch.

Roy gave her a soft smile but there was a sadness in his eyes that he couldn't hide. He took a deep breath, rubbing his hands together before finally meeting her gaze.

"Maggie… there's something I need to tell you," he said quietly.

Maggie's stomach twisted, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "Roy, what's going on?"

He took a moment, gathering his thoughts, his voice softer than usual. "I'm… I'm moving to Star City. Oliver Quinn is to be my guardian, and he thinks it's best for me to leave Gotham." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "I think he's right."

She felt her heart drop. Star City? He was leaving. After everything they'd been through, the idea of him being so far away felt unbearable. But she forced herself to nod, giving him a small, encouraging smile. "Oliver's a great guy from what I have heard from my dad."

Roy's eyes softened, and he reached over to take her hand. "It's more than just leaving Gotham, Mags. With everything that happened to you… and to me, my parents… I've been doing a lot of thinking." He took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly. "I don't think I'm in the right place emotionally to… to keep this going. Us, I mean. At least, not right now."

Maggie's throat tightened, and she swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure. "You mean… you want to end things?"

He nodded, his expression pained. "Not because I don't care about you. I do—more than I can say. But after everything that happened, I just don't think I can handle being in a relationship. And with the distance… I don't want to end up letting you down."

She looked away, blinking back the tears that stung her eyes. She understood, couldn't blame him for needing space. And yet, the thought of losing him this way hurt more than she'd expected.

"Can we still be friends?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Roy squeezed her hand, giving her a reassuring smile. "Of course."

They sat in silence for a moment, holding each other's gaze, both feeling the bittersweet weight of what was left unsaid.

Just then, Jason walked in, sensing the heavy mood instantly. He looked between them, his brow furrowing. "Hey… everything okay?"

Roy nodded, giving Jason a small, forced smile. "Yeah. Just… letting Maggie know I'm moving to Star City. With Oliver."

Jason's face showed a flicker of surprise, but he quickly covered it with a casual nod. "Star City, huh? That's… big news." He shot Maggie a concerned look, but she managed a faint smile, signaling that it was okay.

Roy stood, glancing between Maggie and Jason. "I'll give you two a moment," he said quietly. He turned back to Maggie, his expression soft. "I'm really going to miss you, Mags. But you know where to find me."

She nodded, her eyes misting as she gave him a small wave. "Take care, Roy. And… good luck."

As he left the room, Jason watched him go, a mix of understanding and sadness crossing his face. He sat down beside Maggie, letting the silence linger before finally speaking.

"He's doing what he thinks he has to do," Jason murmured, "But I know it's not easy."

Maggie nodded, her voice shaky. "Yeah... But it still hurts."

Jason wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into a comforting side hug. She leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his support, and took a deep breath, allowing herself to let go of the pain, just a little.