Becoming Nightshade

Jason leaned back in his seat, an easy smirk playing on his lips as he took a sip of his soda. "So, I finally installed that new turbo kit on the bike," he said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "You should see it, Dick. Thing's got a ridiculous amount of torque now."

Dick raised an eyebrow, wiping a fry through his ketchup before popping it into his mouth. "Let me guess… you already tested it in Gotham traffic?"

Jason grinned, clearly proud of himself. "Nah, I'm not stupid. Took it to the backroads outside the city. Opened it up full throttle. Felt like flying."

Maggie rolled her eyes, nudging Jason's arm playfully. "And here I was hoping you were finally going to start driving like a normal person."

Jason smirked down at her. "C'mon, Mags. Normal's overrated. Besides, you love it when I take you on rides."

Maggie shook her head with a small laugh. "Yeah, until I have to hold on for dear life. Seriously, though, did you at least check it with Alfred before you installed it?"

Jason scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Of course not. Alfred would've told me it was 'impractical' or 'reckless.'" He deepened his voice in an imitation of the butler. "'Master Jason, the roads of Gotham are not a racetrack.'"

Dick chuckled, leaning back. "He's not wrong, you know. Gotham traffic could take you out quicker than a rogue with a grudge."

Jason rolled his eyes. "Whatever, Grandma Grayson. Let me have my fun."

Dick took a sip of his soda, watching the two with an amused expression before leaning forward slightly.

"So," Dick started, cutting into his burger, "figured now's a good time to let you guys know—I'll be heading back to the Titans soon. Now that things are settling down here, they need me back."

Maggie paused mid-sip of her milkshake, glancing up with a hint of disappointment. "Already?" she asked, though she tried to keep her tone light. "Feels like you just got back."

Dick gave her a small smile. "Yeah, I know. But Gotham's in good hands, and the Titans need their fearless leader." He shot Jason a teasing look. "Besides, you seem to have things under control."

Jason smirked, dipping a fry into his ketchup. "Sure, sure, but don't get all sentimental on us, Grayson. You'll be back before you know it."

Maggie poked at her fries thoughtfully, her voice quieter. "It's just… it's nice having you around, you know?"

Dick reached over and gave her a gentle nudge. "I'm always around, Mags. Just a call away. And besides, it's not like Gotham ever really lets go of us."

She smiled faintly at that, but there was something else on her mind. Taking a deep breath, she glanced at Jason, then back to Dick. "Actually… speaking of staying in Gotham, I've been thinking a lot about College, and, well… other things."

Dick raised an eyebrow, chewing thoughtfully. "Oh yeah? What's the plan?"

Maggie traced a finger along the rim of her glass. "I'm looking into majoring in biochemistry. I want to do something that makes a difference, you know?"

Dick nodded, chewing thoughtfully on a fry. "Biochemistry, huh? That's impressive, Mags. A lot of hard work, but I think you'd crush it. You've always been good at that science stuff."

Maggie smiled, twirling her straw in her drink. "Yeah, I guess I have. And I've been thinking… with everything I've seen growing up in Gotham—how injuries, toxins, and antidotes work—I think I could help in a different way. Maybe work in medical research, developing treatments, antidotes, maybe even tech that could help people heal faster."

Dick leaned back, nodding in approval. "That's a great goal."

Jason smirked, nudging her lightly. "So, what you're saying is, you want to be our personal medic when we get banged up?"

Maggie rolled her eyes with a playful grin. "You already treat me like that half the time, Jason. I might as well make it official."

Dick chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "You know, Bruce is going to love this. Biochemistry? Medical research? He'll probably start throwing labs at you before you even graduate."

Maggie sighed, stirring her drink absently. "Yeah, I know. I still need to talk to him about it. But… I also want to talk to him about something else."

Dick arched a brow. "Oh?"

She hesitated for a moment before looking up, her expression serious. "I'm thinking about asking him to let me suit up. To join you guys in the field."

Jason immediately straightened in his seat, his gaze sharp. "Maggie…"

"I know," she interrupted, holding up a hand. "I know it's dangerous. I know it's not just about jumping off rooftops and chasing bad guys. But I've been training for this most of my life."

Dick exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck, his eyes searching Maggie's face with a mix of concern and understanding. "Maggie, you're right—you've trained hard, and you've got skills. But do you really have control of your shadow powers? Are you really ready to suit up?"

Maggie's eyes darkened with determination as she leaned forward, her voice steady but laced with frustration. "I have been ready, Dick. I was ready before these powers even came about." She gestured to herself, exasperation clear in her expression. "I'm tired of being left behind while you, Jason, and Dad are out there every night, risking your lives to protect Gotham. And I just… sit here, waiting, wondering if you're all coming back."

Jason frowned slightly, watching Maggie closely as she continued, her voice rising just a bit. "Dick, you started when you were, what? Ten? Jason was out there at fourteen. I'm almost eighteen. What makes me so special that Dad keeps holding off?"

Dick sighed, his expression softening, but his voice remained firm. "Mags, you're Bruce's daughter. He's trying to protect you."

Maggie's eyes flashed with frustration, her hands gripping the edge of the table."I get that I'm his daughter, but I'm also his daughter. He trained me for this. I'm not asking for special treatment—I'm asking for a chance."

Jason leaned in, resting an arm on the back of the booth, his voice low but supportive. "She's got a point, man. Bruce trained all of us because he knew we could handle it. Why is she any different?"

Dick rubbed his hand over his face, shaking his head. "It's not that you're different, Mags. It's that you're his kid. It's one thing for him to bring in people like us—orphans, kids who had nowhere else to go. But you? You were his from day one. You were never supposed to be part of this life."

Maggie frowned, her voice laced with a quiet defiance. "But I am part of this life, Dick. Whether he likes it or not, I grew up surrounded by it. I've trained for it, and I'm ready. I can't just keep pretending I'm not capable of handling myself."

Dick leaned back, studying her for a long moment. "It's not just about being capable, Mags. It's about what this life does to you. The things you'll see, the choices you'll have to make." He glanced at Jason knowingly. "It changes you."

Maggie's gaze didn't falter. "I'm already changed. What happened with Lillyanna… that wasn't just some fluke. I've been through things that most people can't even imagine."

Jason smirked slightly. "She's got a point."

Dick sighed, shaking his head. "You guys really aren't making this easy."

Maggie smiled softly. "I don't intend to."

Dick chuckled despite himself. "Fine. I'll back you up when you talk to Bruce. But you have to promise me something."

Maggie raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"No reckless moves. No trying to prove yourself."

Maggie nodded, a determined smile forming. "Got it."

Jason grinned, nudging her lightly. "Guess we better start designing your suit, huh?"

Dick smirked. "And don't even think about copying my style. Gotham doesn't need another acrobat in black and blue."

Maggie laughed, some of the tension finally easing from her shoulders. "I'll think of something unique."

Jason smirked, leaning back in his seat. "You better. Gotham's got enough brooding vigilantes in black."

Dick rolled his eyes playfully before taking a sip of his drink. "Have you thought about what your codename would be? You know, your nom de plume?"

Maggie leaned back, twirling her straw in her milkshake thoughtfully. "I've been thinking about it… but nothing's really stuck yet. I want something that actually means something, you know? Something that reflects me."

Jason grinned. "What, 'Shadow Girl' doesn't do it for you?"

Maggie shot him a playful glare. "Wow, so original, Jay. Maybe I'll just steal yours. Robin has a nice ring to it."

Jason scoffed, shaking his head. "Sorry, but I already perfected the Robin thing. You're going to have to come up with your own name."

Dick smirked. "Jason's right, Mags. Robin's a legacy title. You need something that's uniquely you. Nightwing came from an old Kryptonian legend—it was something that inspired me to be more than just a sidekick."

Jason leaned in, his voice softer but teasing. "Yeah, and Maggie Wayne deserves something a little more badass than 'Robin 3.0.'"

Maggie exhaled, tapping her fingers against the table. "I was thinking of something that ties into both sides of me—the science side and the shadow powers. Maybe something with chemistry or darkness, but not too over the top."

Dick nodded thoughtfully. "Something that shows balance between your intellect and your instincts. Makes sense."

Jason grinned. "Just promise us you won't go with anything too nerdy. No 'Doctor Shadow' or 'The Biochem Avenger.'"

Maggie laughed. "Okay, okay. No cringe-worthy names. But I do want something that feels right. Something that when people hear it, they know I mean business."

Dick smiled. "You'll figure it out. It usually comes when you least expect it."

Maggie nodded, a spark of excitement building. "Yeah. I guess I'll know it when it's right."

Jason leaned back, smirking. "Well, until then, you're stuck as Maggie Wayne—Gotham's best-kept secret."

Maggie grinned. "For now."

The three of them laughed.

"Well, well, must be my lucky day," a gruff voice drawled from beside them. "Didn't think I'd run into you here, Todd."

Jason's entire body tensed at the sound of his name, his jaw tightening as he slowly looked up. Standing next to their table was a man Jason clearly recognized—Briggs. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with a crooked smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes. A faded scar ran down his cheek, and his worn leather jacket spoke of years spent on Gotham's rougher streets. But it wasn't just him. Behind him stood five more guys, each with a look that screamed trouble—tattoos, scuffed boots, and the unmistakable air of men who thrived in Gotham's underbelly.

Jason leaned back in his seat, but Maggie could feel the sudden shift in his posture—the way his muscles coiled like a spring ready to snap. "Briggs," Jason said flatly, his voice devoid of any warmth. "Didn't know you were out."

Briggs chuckled, his eyes flicking to Maggie, lingering a second too long before scanning Dick. "Looks like you're keeping better company these days. Real step up from the gutter."

Dick, already gauging the situation, set down his drink and leaned forward slightly, his voice cool but firm. "You're interrupting lunch. Walk away."

Briggs grinned, but there was nothing friendly about it. "Relax, pretty boy. I'm just catching up with an old friend." He placed a heavy hand on the edge of the table, his eyes locking onto Jason. "We've got unfinished business, don't we, Todd?"

Jason's fingers curled into a fist on the table, his voice low and laced with an unmistakable edge. "I don't have business with you anymore."

Before he could say another word, two of Briggs' men slid into the booth with practiced ease. One wedged himself next to Dick, the other settling in beside Maggie. The air around them grew tense, and Jason's eyes darted down for just a second—just enough to catch the glint of metal pressed beneath the table.

The man next to Maggie, a wiry guy with a shaved head and dark, sunken eyes, grinned as he subtly adjusted his grip on the gun beneath the table. "Nah, Todd," he muttered, voice dripping with smug satisfaction. "You're gonna pay up. And you're gonna do it by helping us."

Dick didn't flinch, his posture remaining relaxed, but Jason could see the way his fingers curled ever so slightly against the table, ready for action. "Guns in a public?" Dick murmured, his voice low and unimpressed. "Classy."

Briggs smirked, leaning against the edge of the booth, his eyes cold. "Gotta get your attention somehow, right?"

Maggie shifted slightly, her jaw tightening as the man next to her leaned in a little too close. Jason saw the flicker of fear in her eyes, but she held her ground, her shoulders squaring defiantly. "You really think this is going to end well for you?" she said, her voice steady despite the tension.

The thug next to her chuckled darkly. "Sweetheart, I don't think you get it. We ain't asking."

Jason's gaze darkened, his voice razor-sharp. "Let her go. Now."

Briggs shook his head slowly. "Relax, Todd. We're just having a friendly chat." He tilted his head, his smirk growing. "We need someone with your… skills. There's a job —big payout, and we need a guy who knows how to get things done."

Jason's teeth clenched. "Not interested."

The thug next to Dick nudged him with the barrel of the gun. "That ain't really your call, is it? You're coming with us. Right now."

Jason glanced at Dick, whose eyes remained locked on Briggs, calm but calculating. Then to Maggie, who was still tense but doing everything she could to stay composed.

Jason's lips curled into a dark smirk, leaning back slightly in his seat. "You really wanna do this here? Middle of a crowded diner, with witnesses?" He gestured subtly around the room without taking his eyes off Briggs. "You guys aren't as smart as I remember."

Briggs shrugged, unbothered. "We've got our ways. But you know what happens if you don't cooperate, Todd." He flicked his eyes to Maggie, and Jason's blood ran cold.

Dick's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Here's the thing, fellas," he said, his tone deceptively light. "You're assuming we're cornered. But you've got it backward."

Before the thug next to him could react, Dick's hand shot out, grabbing the man's wrist and twisting it hard under the table. A muffled clank echoed as the gun hit the floor, followed by a sharp grunt of pain.

At the same moment, Maggie elbowed the thug beside her in the ribs with surprising force, using the distraction to slide away from him. Jason seized the opportunity, grabbing the edge of the table and flipping it up, sending trays and drinks crashing everywhere.

"Now!" Jason barked, grabbing Maggie and shoving her behind him as he lunged at Briggs.

The diner erupted into chaos—patrons screaming, chairs scraping against the floor. Dick vaulted over the booth in one fluid motion, landing a clean punch on one of the goons trying to recover.

Briggs stumbled back, his smirk replaced with a furious scowl. "You're making a mistake, Todd!" he snarled, reaching inside his jacket for a weapon.

Dick's eyes widened, and without hesitation, he grabbed Maggie's hand. "Jason, move! Now!" he shouted, yanking Maggie toward the exit.

The sharp crack of gunfire split the air, shattering the relative chaos of the diner into pure panic. Patrons screamed and ducked for cover as Briggs' shot tore through the air, narrowly missing them and embedding itself into the booth where they'd just been sitting.

Jason cursed under his breath, shoving Maggie forward as he followed close behind. "Go, go, go!" He knocked over a table in their path, sending trays and drinks crashing to the floor, hoping to slow Briggs and his men down.

The diner erupted into pure chaos—customers scrambling, dishes smashing, and the waitstaff diving for cover as more shots rang out. Another bullet zipped past Jason's shoulder, hitting the glass door just as they burst through it and onto the dark Gotham streets.

"Keep moving!" Dick barked, his grip on Maggie firm as he sprinted toward the car. He glanced over his shoulder, catching sight of Briggs and his men pushing through the broken diner door, their weapons drawn.

Jason skidded to a stop near the alley beside the diner, yanking Maggie behind him and taking cover behind a parked car. "Get her in the car, Dick!"

"I'm trying!" Dick shot back, shoving Maggie toward the passenger door of the car, fumbling with the keys. "Come on, come on…"

Maggie's hands trembled as she fumbled with the door handle, throwing herself inside just as another shot ricocheted off the hood. "Jason!" she cried, watching as he fired another round before diving into the back seat.

"Drive, now!" Jason barked.

Dick didn't hesitate. The tires screeched against the pavement as he floored it, weaving through Gotham's streets at breakneck speed. Maggie clutched the seatbelt tightly, her heart pounding in her chest.