Becoming Nightshade

The streets of the Narrows were quieter than usual, their usual chaos in the dead of night. Maggie parked the motorcycle a block away from the building she had seen in her mind's eye. It stood there, decrepit and looming, its broken windows like jagged teeth. The pull grew stronger as she approached, her heart pounding in her chest. She hesitated at the door, her breath visible in the cool night air. Whatever was inside, she knew it wasn't going to be friendly. Still, she pushed the door open, stepping into the darkness shadows inside seemed to move, shifting in ways that didn't make sense. Maggie swallowed hard, her instincts screaming at her to turn back, but she pressed on. The sensation that had drawn her here grew overwhelming, almost suffocating.

"Hello?" she called out, her voice echoing in the empty space.

A faint sound came from deeper inside—a whisper, almost. Maggie's fists clenched as she summoned all her courage, stepping further into the abandoned building.

"Who's there?" she demanded, her voice steadier now. "You need to show yourself."

The shadows ahead coalesced, forming a shape—tall, indistinct, and vaguely humanoid. Maggie froze, her breath catching as the figure stepped closer, its voice low and chilling.

"You shouldn't have come here," it said, the words sending a shiver down her spine.

Maggie squared her shoulders, trying to ignore the fear clawing at her. "And you shouldn't be taking people. What are you?"

The figure didn't answer, but the shadows around it began to surge toward her. Maggie's instincts kicked in, and she reached for the power she didn't fully understand. Shadows of her own rose up in defense, colliding with the advancing darkness.

The figure paused, seeming to regard her with interest. "So… you are the one."

Maggie stood frozen, her shadows pulsing and flickering around her, colliding with the swirling darkness of the figure in front of her. The figure stepped closer, its movements deliberate and fluid, as though it was part of the shadows themselves. Its face was obscured by the dim light, but its presence was suffocating.

"You really don't know, do you?" the figure said, its voice smooth and dripping with amusement. "How delightful."

Maggie's fists clenched at her sides. "I don't know what you're talking about. Who are you?"

The figure chuckled, a low, chilling sound that echoed through the empty building. "You can call me Umbra. Let's just say… I've been watching you for a while, Maggie."

Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of her name. "You know me?"

Umbra's shadowed form shifted, the darkness flickering like flames. "Oh, I know exactly who you are. The daughter of the Bat, with a gift you barely understand. You walk through the world blind to your own potential, fighting against what you are instead of embracing it."

Maggie's frustration boiled over. "If you're here to tell me something, then say it. Stop talking in riddles!"

Umbra's form was a living nightmare, a manifestation of pure, unrelenting darkness that defied logic or sense. They appeared humanoid in shape, but their features were indistinct, constantly shifting as if the shadows themselves were uncertain of their form. Their "skin" was a swirling void, deep and impenetrable, absorbing the dim light of the cavern rather than reflecting it. Tendrils of shadow extended from their body, writhing and curling in slow, hypnotic movements, as though alive and seeking something unseen. Where a face should have been was a swirling abyss, darker than the rest of their body, a hollow that seemed to draw in everything around it. The faint suggestion of features—eyes, a mouth—would momentarily flicker into being before dissolving back into the formless void. It gave the impression that Umbra was both there and not, a presence that shifted between reality and something far more abstract. Their arms were long, unnaturally so, tapering into claw-like shapes that seemed more an extension of the shadows than actual hands. When they moved, their limbs trailed streaks of inky blackness, dissipating like smoke before being reabsorbed into their body. The edges of their form bled into the surrounding darkness, making it impossible to tell where Umbra ended, and the shadows began. They wore no clothing, yet their body was adorned with intricate, glowing runes etched into the swirling void of their form. The runes pulsed faintly, their dim violet glow contrasting sharply with the oppressive blackness. The symbols shifted and rearranged themselves as Umbra moved, as if alive and responding to some unseen force. When they tilted their head, it was unnerving, a slow and deliberate motion that felt more like a predator studying its prey than anything human. The shadows curling around their form responded in kind, coiling tighter and closer, creating a suffocating sense of inevitability. Umbra was not just a being—it was a presence, a force that consumed everything it touched, leaving behind only darkness and silence..

"Oh, Maggie. The answers you seek aren't so easily handed over. Power like yours comes at a price, and understanding it… even more so."

"Enough games!" Maggie snapped, her own shadows surging forward. "What do you mean, 'what I am'? What's happening to me?"

Umbra didn't flinch, the shadows consuming Maggie's attack effortlessly. "I mean exactly what I said. You are more than you think you are. The power you wield—the shadows themselves—they answer to you because you are one of them. But, of course, you don't know how to truly command them, do you?"

Maggie's breath hitched. "And you do?"

Umbra's grin was audible in their voice. "I know what you are, Maggie. I understand your power better than you ever will on your own. But if you want answers, if you want to unlock the truth about yourself, you're going to have to help me."

"Help you?" Maggie echoed, her tone sharp and disbelieving. "Why would I ever help you?"

"Because" Umbra said, their voice dropping to a whisper, "without me, you'll never understand who you are. You'll always be a shadow of yourself, fighting a battle you're destined to lose."

Maggie's frustration mounted. Every word felt like a taunt, every answer just out of reach. "What do you want?"

Umbra stepped closer; their presence overwhelming. "There is a place, deep within Gotham, where the true power of the shadows lies. Something has disturbed it, something dangerous. Help me fix it, and I'll give you the answers you're so desperate for."

Maggie hesitated, her instincts screaming at her not to trust this creature. But the pull she'd felt earlier, the questions swirling in her mind—she couldn't deny that Umbra knew something. Something she needed to know.

"How do I know you're not lying?" Maggie demanded.

Umbra laughed, the sound low and eerie. "Oh, Maggie. Lies aren't necessary when the truth is far more compelling. The choice is yours—help me or remain in the dark."

As Umbra melted into the surrounding shadows, Maggie's own shadows receded, leaving her alone in the empty building. Her mind raced as she headed back toward her motorcycle. Whatever she had just agreed to, she had a sinking feeling it was only the beginning.

Maggie straddled her motorcycle, her fingers gripping the handlebars tightly as she stared at the dark, abandoned building she had just exited. Her heart was still pounding, her mind racing with everything Umbra had said. She couldn't shake the eerie way they seemed to know her, to *understand* her power better than she did herself. But trust? That wasn't something she was ready to give.

As she revved the engine, a voice—faint but familiar—broke through her thoughts.

"Don't trust them, Maggie," Lillyanna's voice whispered in her mind, soft yet urgent.

Maggie froze, her grip tightening. "Lillyanna?" she murmured, glancing around the empty street. "Where are you?"

"I'm always here, in the shadows," Lillyanna replied. Her tone carried a warning edge. "And so is Umbra. They're dangerous, Maggie. They'll say whatever they need to get what they want. You can't trust them."

Maggie exhaled sharply, her frustration mounting. "You think I don't know that? Umbra's basically a walking red flag. But they know something—something about me, about my powers. I can't just ignore this."

"They *do* know," Lillyanna admitted, her voice softening. "But whatever truths they hold, they'll only share what benefits them. They're manipulative, Maggie. Everything they do is part of a game you don't understand."

Maggie shook her head. "Then what do I do? Sit back and let people keep disappearing? You said it yourself—there's something happening in Gotham, and it's connected to the shadows. If Umbra has the answers, I don't have a choice."

"You always have a choice," Lillyanna countered. "But if you want to stop what's happening, you may have to follow Umbra. Just… don't let your guard down. They'll try to twist you; make you doubt yourself."

Maggie's jaw clenched as she stared down the empty street, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She hated feeling like a pawn in someone else's game, but she hated the idea of doing nothing even more. If Umbra was the key to stopping this, she'd have to play along—for now.

"Fine," she said aloud, her voice firm. "I'll follow their lead, but I won't trust them. I'll keep my guard up."

"Good," Lillyanna said, her tone softening slightly. "You're stronger than they think, Maggie. Don't let them make you forget that."

Maggie nodded, her resolve hardening. She revved the engine once more, the roar echoing through the quiet streets. "Let's see where this takes me."

As she sped off into the night, the weight of Lillyanna's warning stayed with her. Trusting Umbra wasn't an option but following them might be the only way to uncover the truth—and stop the shadows threatening Gotham.

Maggie descended deeper into Gotham's forgotten underbelly, her footsteps echoing in the damp, cavernous tunnels. Following Umbra's trail was unsettling; the shadows seemed to guide her, pulling her toward a place that felt suffocatingly alive with darkness. The air grew colder as she reached a massive chamber lit only by flickering, unnatural flames that seemed to dance without fuel. Scattered across the floor were dozens of people—motionless, pale, and unconscious. Maggie's heart clenched as she recognized some of the missing faces from the profiles on the Bat computer. She rushed to the closest person, checking their pulse. It was faint but steady.

"What is this?" she demanded, standing abruptly as Umbra's form emerged from the shifting shadows on the far side of the chamber.

Umbra's presence was more imposing here, their form sharper and more defined, as though the darkness itself gave them strength. They smiled, their expression both amused and sinister.

"Ah, you made it," they said, their voice dripping with satisfaction. "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist."

Maggie glared at them, her hands curling into fists. "What have you done to these people?"

Umbra chuckled, stepping closer. "Nothing permanent… yet. They're simply asleep, caught in a world of dreams and shadows. But they're not why you're here, Maggie."

Her stomach turned. "Then why *am* I here?"

Umbra gestured to the unconscious bodies with a sweeping motion. "Because these people are the key. Their essence—their *sacrifice*—is needed to summon a force greater than anything you or I could imagine. Something that will reshape Gotham… and beyond."

Maggie's blood ran cold. "Sacrifice? You're planning to kill them?"

Umbra's smile widened. "Oh, don't be so dramatic. Their deaths will be swift and painless. And in return, we will unlock power beyond comprehension. A force that could even help you control your own shadows."

Maggie took a step back, her shadows beginning to stir defensively around her. "You brought me here to help you kill them? Are you insane?"

Umbra sighed, almost disappointed. "Don't be so short-sighted, Maggie. This isn't just about death—it's about rebirth. Creation. Imagine the power you could wield if you embraced this. No longer would you be tied down by fear, by rules, by *him*." The last word carried a sharp, accusatory tone, clearly referencing Bruce.

Maggie's jaw tightened. "I'd never go along with this. These people didn't ask to be a part of whatever this is. You don't get to decide their fates."

Umbra's expression darkened, the shadows around them growing more menacing. "And you don't get to decide what you are, Maggie. You *are* shadow, whether you accept it or not. This power you fear. It's your birthright. You can either help me unlock it and claim your place… or you can stand in my way."

Maggie's shadows flared, swirling protectively around her. "I won't let you hurt these people."

Umbra tilted their head, their smile returning, cold and calculating. "Such a shame. I had hoped you'd see reason. But I suppose we'll have to do this the hard way."

The shadows in the chamber surged, twisting and writhing as Umbra's form became larger, more menacing. Maggie steadied herself, her heart pounding. If Umbra wanted her power, they'd have to go through her first.

"You made a mistake bringing me here," Maggie said, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "You think you know me, but you don't."

Umbra's laughter echoed through the chamber. "Oh, Maggie… we'll see about that."

The cavern plunged into chaos as Maggie and Umbra's shadows collided, filling the space with tendrils of writhing darkness. Maggie concentrated, willing her shadows to respond, but Umbra's command over the darkness was overwhelming. The sheer force of their power sent her stumbling backward as her shadows buckled under the assault.

"Pathetic," Umbra taunted, their voice echoing through the chamber. "You've barely scratched the surface of what you can do. And you think you can stop *me*?"

Maggie gritted her teeth, forcing her shadows into jagged, sharp shapes that lashed out toward Umbra. The tendrils struck with precision, but Umbra deflected them with ease, their own shadows surging forward like a tidal wave. One tendril wrapped around Maggie's ankle, yanking her off her feet and slamming her to the ground.

"You're wasting your potential," Umbra said, their shadowed form looming over her. "All this effort to protect people who mean nothing. If you'd just join me, you'd never have to lose again."

"Not happening!" Maggie shouted, forcing her shadows to break the tendril holding her down. She rolled to her feet, sending a burst of shadow energy toward Umbra. It hit them squarely, causing their form to flicker for a moment, but they quickly recovered.

Umbra's laugh was cold and cruel. "That's better, but still not enough."

Before Maggie could react, Umbra's shadows surged again, striking her from all sides. She cried out as she was flung against the cavern wall, the impact knocking the wind out of her. Her shadows recoiled, weakened and unstable.

Umbra advanced, their shadows coiling like snakes. "This ends now, Maggie. You were never a match for me."

Just as Umbra's tendrils lashed out to finish her, a batarang flew through the air, slicing through the darkness. Umbra turned, hissing in irritation, as Batman, Robin, and Nightwing emerged from the shadows of the cavern entrance.

"That's far enough," Batman growled, his voice low and commanding.

Umbra's smile returned, more sinister than ever. "Ah, the family. How quaint."

Robin sprinted toward Maggie, helping her to her feet. "You, okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Maggie nodded, though she was shaken. "I'm fine. Just… don't let your guard down."

Nightwing stepped forward, his escrima sticks crackling with electricity. "You picked the wrong city to mess with, shadow creep."

Batman didn't waste time. "Take them down," he ordered, and the three heroes moved as one.

Umbra didn't flinch. With a wave of their hand, the shadows in the chamber surged, meeting Batman, Robin, and Nightwing head-on. Nightwing's sticks sliced through the darkness, creating bursts of light that briefly illuminated the cavern. Robin darted and weaved, throwing a barrage of birdarangs that disrupted the shadows' flow. Batman charged directly at Umbra, grappling with their shadowed form.

"Release the hostages," he demanded, his voice as cold as steel.

Umbra laughed, their voice a chilling echo. "Oh, Batman."

With a sudden surge of power, Umbra's shadows lashed out, wrapping around Robin's legs and pulling him to the ground. Nightwing was next, tendrils ensnaring his arms and dragging him backward. Batman managed to hold his ground longer, but even he was overwhelmed as the shadows coiled around him, pinning him in place.

"Did you really think you could stop me?" Umbra sneered; their voice triumphant. "This is my domain."

Maggie watched in horror as the three of them struggled against the shadows, unable to break free. Her own shadows stirred weakly around her, but she was too drained to summon enough strength to fight back.

Umbra turned their gaze to Maggie, their grin widening. "Do you see now, Maggie? Join me, and you'll never be this weak again."

Maggie's heart pounded as she looked at her family, trapped and struggling. She knew she couldn't let Umbra win—but she was running out of options.

"Let them go," she said, her voice trembling but defiant.

Umbra tilted their head. "Make me."

Maggie knelt on the cold, damp ground, her breath coming in sharp gasps. The cavern pulsed with darkness, Umbra's shadows tightening their grip on Batman, Robin, and Nightwing. Their struggles were becoming weaker, and Maggie's heart raced as she realized she was running out of time.

You have to do something, * she thought desperately, her shadows trembling weakly around her.

Then, a familiar voice whispered in her mind, smooth and commanding. *Unleash it all, Maggie. Stop holding back. I'll show you how. *

"Lillyanna?" Maggie whispered aloud, her voice shaking.

Yes.* Lillyanna replied, her tone calms yet insistent. *You've been fighting against your power. Let it out... Let me guide you.*

Maggie hesitated, fear gripping her. "If I do that… what if I lose control?

You won't* Lillyanna said firmly. *You're stronger than they are. But you have to stop being afraid of yourself. Trust me.*

Maggie clenched her fists, staring at her family, helpless and bound in Umbra's shadows. If she didn't act now, they would die. She couldn't let that happen.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. "Okay, Lillyanna," she murmured. "Show me."

The whisper in her mind became a roar, a rush of energy surging through her veins. Lillyanna's voice guided her as her shadows began to stir, stronger than ever before. They pulsed and writhed, growing denser and darker, until they consumed the entire cavern. Nightwing, however, looked stunned, his eyes darting between Maggie and the writhing shadows around her. He clearly hadn't expected her to wield such a strange power.

"Maggie!" Nightwing called, his voice strained. "What—what is this? What are you doing?"

Umbra's laughter echoed, but there was a nervous edge to it now. "Impossible...You can't control that power!"

Maggie's eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with an eerie violet light. The shadows around her exploded outward, forcing Umbra to take a step back. Her voice, steady and resonant, cut through the air.

"I'm done being afraid."

Umbra snarled, their own shadows surging forward to attack, but Maggie met them head-on. Her shadows twisted and snapped like living creatures, overwhelming Umbra's tendrils with ease. Each strike from Umbra was deflected or absorbed as Maggie's power continued to grow.

Lillyanna's voice guided her. *Focus, Maggie. Use the light within the shadows.*

Maggie raised her hands, her shadows coalescing into a massive wave of darkness that crackled with glowing streaks of violet energy. Umbra's form flickered, their confidence unraveling as they realized they were losing control.

"You don't understand what you're doing!" Umbra shouted, their voice tinged with desperation. "If you destroy me, you..."

"Then so be it," Maggie said, her voice resolute.

With a final surge of power, Maggie unleashed everything she had. The wave of shadows roared forward, engulfing Umbra completely. The cavern shook as the dark energy exploded outward, the sheer force dissolving Umbra's form into nothingness. Theshadows binding Batman, Robin, and Nightwing disintegrated instantly, dropping them to the ground. Maggie stood at the center of the chaos, her shadows swirling protectively around her like a cocoon. Her chest heaved, her body trembling with exhaustion.

Batman rose first, his calculating eyes locked on Maggie. "You stopped them."

Robin grinned, brushing himself off. "Knew you had it in you, Mags."

Nightwing, still catching his breath, stared at her in disbelief. "Okay, can someone explain what just happened? Since when Maggie can do that?"

Batman's expression remained neutral, though his tone carried a weight of unspoken understanding. "I suspected she had this power," he admitted, "but I've never seen it before. Until now."

Lillyanna's voice whispered once more, soft and reassuring. *You did well, Maggie. You saved them. Now, rest. The shadows will always be with you.*

The cavern was silent now, save for the faint, labored breathing of Maggie and the unconscious murmurs of the missing people scattered around. The oppressive darkness that had filled the chamber was gone, leaving only the flickering remains of Umbra's shattered power. Maggie swayed on her feet, her body trembling with exhaustion as her shadows receded fully. Batman approached her swiftly, his expression unreadable but his movements deliberate.

"You did it," he said, his voice low, yet carrying a hint of something softer beneath its usual authority. Without hesitation, he scooped Maggie into his arms, her head resting limply against his chest.

"Let's get her out of here," he said firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Robin, brushing off the lingering remnants of Umbra's shadows from his suit, stepped forward. "What about them?" he asked, gesturing to the unconscious victims sprawled across the cavern floor.

Batman glanced at the missing people, his sharp mind calculating the next steps. "Call Gotham City Police. Give them the coordinates and let them know we've located the missing civilians. They'll handle the extraction."

Nightwing exchanged a glance with Robin, his eyes still carrying the weight of what they'd just witnessed. "We'll stay behind," he said. "Make sure they're all accounted for and safe until GCPD gets here."

Robin nodded in agreement, though his gaze lingered on Maggie, worry etched across his face. "She going to be okay?"

"She'll be fine," Batman replied, his voice steady as always, though his grip on Maggie tightened slightly. "But she needs rest. I'll take her back home."

Robin and Nightwing watched as Batman turned and began making his way toward the exit, Maggie cradled securely in his arms. Robin sighed and glanced at Nightwing.

"You ever seen her do anything like that before?" Robin asked, his voice low.

Nightwing shook his head, still processing what he'd witnessed. "No. And honestly, I don't know whether to be impressed or terrified."

Robin smirked faintly. "Little bit of both, maybe."

As the two of them moved to check on the unconscious civilians and prepare to call the GCPD, Batman disappeared into the shadows of the tunnel, carrying Maggie away from the scene. The fight with Umbra was over, but the questions left behind lingered, heavy and unanswered.

The faint glow of moonlight filtered through the curtains of Maggie's room, casting long, eerie shadows on the walls. Jason stood in the doorway, hesitating before stepping inside. The events of the night still played on a loop in his mind—Maggie unleashing her powers, the shadows consuming everything, and her collapsing in the aftermath. Something wasn't sitting right with him, and he couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that she might not be okay.

"Mags?" he called softly, his voice carrying a mix of concern and hesitation.

There was no response. Jason stepped closer, his boots muffled by the thick carpet. As he reached her bedside, his heart sank. Maggie lay curled under the blankets, shivering uncontrollably. Her skin was ghostly pale, and her damp hair clung to her forehead, glistening with sweat. Her breaths were shallow, and she barely stirred as he leaned over her.

"Maggie," Jason said more firmly, touching her shoulder gently. Her eyes fluttered open, glassy and unfocused.

"Jason…" she murmured weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel… awful."

Jason swallowed hard, panic rising in his chest. "Hang in there. I'll get Bruce and Alfred."

She tried to nod but sank back into the pillow, her trembling worsening. Jason bolted out of the room, his mind racing. Jason burst into the study, where Bruce, Alfred, and Dick were gathered, going over notes and data from the fight with Umbra. The moment they saw Jason's expression, all conversation stopped.

"It's Maggie," Jason said quickly, his voice edged with panic. "She's worse. She's shaking, pale—barely conscious."

Bruce's face darkened, his calm demeanor slipping as he stood abruptly. "Alfred, grab the medical kit and meet me in her room."

"Right away, Master Wayne," Alfred said, already moving toward the door.

"I'll come too," Dick said, his brows furrowing with concern. "She didn't look great earlier, but this sounds worse."

Bruce nodded, already heading toward Maggie's room, Jason and Dick on his heels.

When they entered the room, Bruce immediately moved to Maggie's bedside. He placed a hand on her forehead, his sharp gaze scanning her pale, trembling form. Maggie stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering open just enough to see her father.

"Dad…" she whispered faintly, her voice barely audible. "I… I feel so cold."

Bruce's jaw tightened. "I'm here," he said softly. "We're going to take care of you."

Jason hovered near the foot of the bed, unable to hide his worry. "She wasn't like this before. She looked bad, but now it's like… she's getting worse."

Alfred arrived with the medical kit, placing it on the bedside table. Bruce gently pulled back the covers to check her pulse, breathing, and vitals, his movements calm but efficient.

Dick stood nearby, his arms crossed, his expression grim. "Do you think this is because of what happened in the cavern? Her powers? Or… Umbra?"

Bruce didn't respond immediately, focused on his assessment. Finally, he straightened, his expression unreadable. "Her body is weak, and her vitals are unstable. This isn't just exhaustion—it's something deeper."

"She's burning through her energy too fast," Alfred observed, his tone laced with worry. "Whatever she unleashed may have taken more of a toll on her than she can handle."

Jason's fists clenched. "So, what do we do? We can't just sit here."

"We're not going to," Bruce said firmly. "Alfred, stay here with her and keep monitoring her vitals. Jason, Dick, come with me."

Jason hesitated, his gaze lingering on Maggie's pale face. "She's going to be okay, right?"

Bruce didn't answer immediately, his silence heavy. "We'll do everything we can."

Dick placed a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Come on," he said gently. "If we're going to help her, we need to figure out what's happening."

Reluctantly, Jason nodded and followed Bruce and Dick out of the room. As they headed toward the Batcave, the weight of what was happening hung heavily between them. Maggie had saved them all, but the cost of her power was a mystery they had to solve—and quickly. The Bat computer's glow lit up the worried faces of Bruce, Dick, and Jason as they huddled near the console. Jason paced back and forth, his frustration and worry evident. Maggie's condition weighed heavily on him—her pale skin, trembling body, and weak voice replayed in his mind.

"She's getting worse," Jason said, his voice tight with emotion. "Whatever happened to her in that cavern—it's like it's still pulling at her. We need answers."

"We need Constantine," Dick said, leaning against the console, his arms crossed. "If anyone knows how to deal with this supernatural stuff, it's him."

Bruce nodded, his jaw set. "Agreed. This is beyond us."

Bruce pressed a few keys, opening a secure line to a contact only he trusted. After a few tense moments, the screen flickered to life, revealing John Constantine sitting at a cluttered desk, a cigarette between his lips. Smoke curled lazily around him as he leaned forward, his trademark smirk appeared as he leaned closer to the camera, his sharp eyes scanning the familiar faces.

"Well, well," Constantine drawled, exhaling a puff of smoke. "This must be serious if you lot are giving me a ring. What is it this time? Did Maggie's shadows finally swallow half of Gotham? Or is it just the usual doom and gloom?"

Jason stepped forward, his voice sharp and urgent. "It's Maggie. She's worse than we've ever seen her—pale, shaking, barely conscious."

The smirk faded instantly. Constantine leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "What the bloody hell happened?"

Bruce answered, his tone even but grim. "She used her shadow powers to fight an entity named Umbra. She pushed herself to the limit to stop them, and now she's deteriorating."

Constantine's eyes widened slightly at the name, and he let out a low whistle. "Umbra? You're not messing around, are you? That's pure, nasty, ancient magic deity. And you're telling me Maggie went toe-to-toe with it?"

Jason interjected, his frustration boiling over. "She didn't just fight it—she *destroyed* it. But whatever she did, it's like it's eating away at her. We don't know how to help her."

Constantine tapped his cigarette against the edge of an ashtray, his expression thoughtful. "Shadow magic like that isn't just a tool, mate. It's alive. When you push it too far, it pushes back. Sounds to me like Maggie's paying the price."

Jason bristled. "We didn't call you for a lecture, Constantine. Can you help her or not?"

Constantine gave a small, humorless chuckle. "Settle down, kid. I didn't say I wouldn't help. But if you're expecting a quick fix, you're dreaming. This kind of magic doesn't play fair—and it doesn't forgive."

Bruce's voice cut through, steady and commanding. "What do you need from us?"

Constantine stubbed out his cigarette and grabbed his trench coat. "First, I'll need to take a look at her. Figure out just how deep this rabbit hole goes. And if Umbra's left any parting gifts."

"What kind of parting gifts?" Dick asked, his arms crossed.

Constantine's tone turned grim. "Magic like Umbra's don't just disappear quietly. They leave traces, imprints—sometimes even pieces of themselves. If any of that's latched onto Maggie, we've got a bigger mess to clean up."

Jason's jaw tightened, his worry plain on his face. "So, you're saying this could get worse?"

Constantine's smirk returned, though it was faint and humorless. "Oh, much worse. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'll be there in an hour. And for the love of all things holy, have decent coffee ready. I don't work miracles without caffeine."

The screen went dark, leaving the room in heavy silence. Jason resumed pacing; his anxiety barely contained.

Dick glanced at Bruce; his brow furrowed. "You think he can actually help her?"

Bruce nodded, his voice firm. "If anyone can, it's Constantine."

Jason stopped; his fists clenched. "He better."

The sound of boots on the polished floors echoed faintly as John Constantine made his way through the manor, led by Alfred. Constantine's sharp eyes flicked around the grand halls, his usual smirk replaced by a focused, almost grim expression. He carried a leather bag slung over one shoulder; the faint jingle of magical trinkets inside barely audible.

As they reached Maggie's room, Alfred handed Constantine a steaming mug of coffee. "Your coffee, sir. Black, as you prefer."

Constantine took it with a small nod of gratitude, taking a long sip before muttering, "Cheers, mate. Knew there was a reason I liked coming here."

Alfred offered a polite, knowing smile. "Quite. Though I dare say, Mr. Constantine, the circumstances for this visit are far from ideal."

"Aren't they always?" Constantine replied, setting the mug on the bedside table as he approached Maggie's bed.

She lay motionless, her pale face damp with sweat, her breathing shallow. Bruce, Jason, and Dick stood nearby, their tense postures betraying their concern. Constantine crouched by the bedside, his sharp gaze scanning Maggie's face.

"She looks like hell," he muttered, pulling a small charm from his bag.

Jason stepped forward, his voice tight with urgency. "Can you help her or not?"

Constantine didn't look up, waving him off. "Hold your horses, kid. Let me take a look at what we're dealing with first."

He held the charm—a small crystal etched with runes—above Maggie's chest, murmuring under his breath. The air in the room seemed to shift, growing heavier as the charm glowed faintly. Maggie stirred, a faint groan escaping her lips, but her eyes didn't open.

Constantine's brow furrowed. "Bloody hell," he muttered.

"What is it?" Bruce asked, stepping closer.

Constantine stood, pocketing the charm. "Your girl's shadows aren't just part of her anymore—they've been twisted, corrupted. Umbra left a nasty trace behind, like I suspected. It's feeding off her, pulling her under."

Jason's voice was sharp. "So, what do we do?"

Constantine grabbed another item from his bag—a small vial of shimmering liquid—and poured a few drops onto Maggie's forehead. The liquid spread out in intricate, glowing patterns before fading away. Maggie flinched slightly.

"She's in a tug-of-war," Constantine explained. "Her shadows are tied to her, but Umbra's leftovers are trying to take control. If we don't sever that connection soon, it's going to consume her completely."

Dick frowned, crossing his arms. "Can you sever it?"

Constantine smirked faintly, though there was little humor in it. "That's the easy part. The hard part is keeping her alive while we do it. This kind of magic isn't just dangerous—it's personal. Maggie's going to have to face this head-on, whether she remembers how to use her powers or not."

Jason glanced at Maggie, his hands clenching into fists. "She doesn't even know what she's doing."

"She doesn't need to," Constantine replied, his voice steady. "All she needs is to fight. And we're going to give her the tools to do it."

Bruce's voice was low but firm. "What do you need from us?"

Constantine turned, his sharp eyes scanning the room. "Space, for starters. This isn't going to be pretty, and I don't need you lot breathing down my neck while I work. Alfred can stay—he's got the steady hands I'll need for the prep."

Jason opened his mouth to protest, but Bruce cut him off. "Do what he says, Jason."

Jason glared but stepped back, his jaw tight. "Fine. But if anything happens—"

"Nothing's going to happen," Constantine interrupted, his tone dismissive. "Now, clear out. I'll let you know when it's done."

Bruce placed a hand on Jason's shoulder, steering him toward the door. Dick followed reluctantly, glancing back at Maggie before stepping out. As the door closed behind them, Constantine turned back to Maggie, rolling up his sleeves.

"All right, Maggie," he said softly, more to himself than to her. "Let's see what kind of fight you've got in you."

He reached into his bag, pulling out more tools and charms, while Alfred quietly prepared the room for whatever was to come. The air grew heavier still, a foreboding tension settling over the manor as Constantine began his work. The room was silent except for the faint murmurs of Constantine's incantations. Maggie lay still on the bed, her breathing shallow, her pale face twitching as if caught in a dream. Around her, faint tendrils of darkness began to rise, curling and twisting like living creatures. Alfred stood at the ready, holding a tray of vials and tools Constantine had laid out, his usual calm demeanor masking his concern. Constantine lit a small candle etched with runes, its flickering flame casting an unnatural, golden glow across the room. He placed it on the bedside table, leaning in close to Maggie.

"All right, kid," he muttered, his voice soft but firm. "This is your fight now. I can guide you, but you've got to be the one to take control. Show those bloody shadows who's boss."

He placed two fingers on her forehead, chanting in a low, melodic tone. The glow from the candle flared, and Maggie's body tensed, her head jerking slightly as her consciousness was pulled inward. Maggie found herself standing in an endless void, the ground beneath her feet slick and black like polished obsidian. The air was heavy, oppressive, and filled with whispers that seemed to come from every direction.

"You don't belong here," one voice hissed.

"You're nothing without us," another growled, more guttural.

In the distance, a writhing mass of shadows loomed, its shape constantly shifting. It felt alive—angry, malevolent, and hungry. As Maggie took a tentative step forward, the shadows surged, forming jagged tendrils that lashed out toward her. She threw up her arms instinctively, but nothing happened. The shadows struck her, sending her flying backward. She landed hard, pain shooting through her body as she struggled to get up.

"Come on, Maggie," she muttered to herself. "You've faced worse than this."

Have you, though?* a voice that sounded eerily like hers whispered mockingly. *You don't even know what you're doing.*

Before she could answer, another voice—calm, steady, and familiar—cut through the noise. *Focus, Maggie. Stop letting them control you.*

"Constantine?" Maggie asked, looking around, but he was nowhere to be seen. His voice echoed in her mind, clear and sharp.

Yeah, it's me. The shadows belong to you, not the other way around. Take control, or they'll destroy you.*

The mass of shadows surged again, this time forming a grotesque, towering figure with glowing red eyes. It roared, its voice shaking the void.

"You are ours, Maggie," it growled. "You cannot escape us."

Maggie's fists clenched. She felt the fear creeping in, but Constantine's words grounded her. "No," she said, her voice trembling but resolute. "You're *mine*. You don't control me—I control you."

The shadow figure lunged, but this time, Maggie didn't run. She held her ground, reaching deep inside herself for the strength she knew was there. Her hands began to glow faintly with a violet light, the same light she'd seen during the fight with Umbra. The shadows crashed against her, but instead of knocking her back, they recoiled, writhing and hissing as the violet glow intensified. Maggie took a step forward, her confidence growing.

"You're done feeding off me. You're done trying to take over."

The figure roared again, its tendrils lashing out wildly, but Maggie raised her hands, the glow surrounding her now like a shield. She reached out, gripping one of the tendrils and pulling it toward her. The shadow twisted and screamed, but it couldn't resist her pull.

Constantine's voice echoed again. *Good, Maggie. Pull it in. Reclaim it. Make it yours.*

One by one, the tendrils surged toward her, and one by one, she absorbed them. The figure grew smaller, its shape flickering as it lost its power. Maggie's confidence surged as she took another step forward, then another, until she was face to face with the shadow. It lashed out desperately, but she grabbed it with both hands, the violet light burning brighter than ever.

"You're part of me," she said, her voice steady. "But you don't own me. I *own* you."

With a final roar, the shadow dissolved, its energy flowing into her like a flood. The oppressive weight lifted, and the void around her began to shift, softening into a calm, quiet darkness. Maggie gasped, her eyes snapping open as her body jerked upward. The candle beside her flared, then went out, leaving the room in silence. Constantine stepped back, wiping his brow and letting out a long breath.

"There we go," he said, his tone laced with relief. "Knew you had it in you."

Maggie looked around, her breathing still heavy. "I… I did it?"

"You did," Constantine confirmed, grabbing his coffee from the bedside table. "Told you the shadows were yours. Took you long enough to believe it."

Alfred stepped forward, placing a steadying hand on Maggie's shoulder. "Miss Maggie, are you feeling all right?"

She nodded slowly, a small smile creeping across her face. "Yeah. Tired, but… I feel like myself again."

Constantine smirked, sipping his coffee. "Good. Just remember, kid—control isn't a one-time thing. Those shadows are part of you now, for better or worse. Keep them in check, or we'll be having this little chat again."

Maggie gave a faint laugh, leaning back against the pillows. "I'll keep that in mind."

The door opened, and Bruce, Jason, and Dick entered, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. Jason was the first to rush to Maggie's side, his worry giving way to a wide grin when he saw her sitting up, her color returning.

"You're okay," Jason said, his voice filled with both relief and disbelief. "You scared the hell out of us, you know that?"

Maggie managed a faint smile, her voice still a bit weak. "I'm okay now. Thanks to Constantine."

Jason gave her a hug before stepping back, but the moment of lightheartedness didn't last long. Bruce stood at the foot of the bed, his piercing gaze fixed on Maggie. His arms were crossed, and his jaw was set in that unmistakable way that spelled trouble.

"Maggie," Bruce began, his voice low and steady, but the weight of disappointment was evident. "What were you thinking? Going out into the field, following Umbra's trail without telling anyone? Worse, you've been hiding these powers from us."

Maggie's small smile vanished, her shoulders sinking under the weight of his words. "Dad, I didn't—"

"You didn't think, clearly," Bruce interrupted, his tone sharp. "You could have been killed. You nearly were. And now we're left picking up the pieces."

Jason stepped forward defensively. "Come on, Bruce, she—"

"Jason," Bruce said, his voice firm, cutting him off. "This isn't about defending her. It's about accountability."

Dick crossed his arms, frowning. "Bruce, maybe now's not the time. She just fought for her life—again—and she's barely had time to recover."

Bruce turned his attention back to Maggie, ignoring Dick's protest. "These powers aren't just something you can brush aside, Maggie. They're dangerous—not just to you, but to everyone around you. You should have told me the moment you realized you had them."

Maggie clenched her fists, her earlier exhaustion giving way to frustration. "I didn't know how to tell you! You've already got enough on your plate with Gotham, with the League—I didn't want to add more."

Bruce's tone softened slightly, but his expression remained stern. "Maggie. Hiding something like this doesn't make things easier—it makes them worse. You can't shoulder these things alone."

Maggie's eyes met his, her voice wavering. "I wasn't trying to hide it forever. I just… I didn't even understand what was happening. And I didn't want you to look at me like I'm some kind of—"

"Enough," Bruce said, his voice softening further, though the authority in it remained. "You're not a burden, and you're not a threat. But you are part of this family, and that means you don't get to make reckless decisions like this without letting us help you."

Jason stepped in again, his tone gentler this time. "Bruce, she's had a rough night. Maybe let her get some rest before the lecture."

Bruce glanced at Jason, his expression unreadable, before giving a curt nod. "This conversation isn't over, Maggie. We'll talk more about this when you're stronger."

Maggie nodded reluctantly, sinking back into the pillows. "Okay, Dad."

As Bruce stepped back, Dick walked over, offering Maggie a reassuring smile. "For what it's worth, that was one hell of a fight. You really came through."

Jason nodded in agreement, his grin returning. "Yeah, Mags. You were amazing."

Maggie smiled faintly, exhaustion catching up to her again. "Thanks, guys. And… I didn't mean to scare you."

Jason gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Just don't do it again, okay? Or at least let me come along to save your butt next time."

Bruce shot him a look, but Jason only smirked, making Maggie laugh softly.

Constantine raised his coffee in a mock toast. "Here's to the weirdest family I've ever had the pleasure of bailing out. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find another cup of coffee—and maybe a stiff drink."