Episode Ten: Magic & Misdirection

Cut to the underground headquarters of the Cult of Skath. We follow Marcy Reynolds, Cyborg's ex-girlfriend, making her way through the torch-lit tunnels beneath Jump City. She herself is now wearing a robe bearing the Mark of Skath. As she approaches the personal chamber of the Cult's leader, we hear the voice of Goth talking to someone. Whoever Goth is speaking with, he promises that everything is proceeding as they have planned and that he will uphold his end of their bargain. When Marcy finally turns a corner and enters Goth's chamber, she sees that Goth is alone and before a table covered in texts. Goth notices her and Marcy apologizes for the interruption, though Goth doesn't mind. Marcy asks Goth who he was talking to and Goth explains that Skath speaks to him. Goth can hear the voice of Skath and if Marcy proves herself a faithful servant like he has, she will one day hear the voice of Skath as well. Goth mentions that Marcy has already put her name in the Book and he asks to see her Mark. Marcy nods and reveals a Mark of Skath on her wrist. However, it's not a tattoo. Closer inspection reveals that the Mark was burned into her skin. Goth asks Marcy if getting her Mark was painful and she admits that it was. Goth is pleased, because pain is necessary if Marcy wants to reach paradise. Skath is coming and when he does, Marcy will be among the worthy who will have a place in the new world. A better world for the deserving. However, Goth informs Marcy that she must also prove that she is a believer and that she is willing to do what Skath asks of her. Goth asks Marcy if she knows a man named Norman McCay and Marcy says that she does. Goth explains that McCay is an enemy of Skath, spreading lies and leading astray potential recruits. McCay teaches the false religion of Christianity and those he succeeds in converting lose the chance to be healed by Skath. This can not be tolerated any longer, so Skath has asked for his servants to remove McCay from the picture. Marcy is reluctant, since she thinks that McCay is a good man who only wants to help people. But Goth insists that McCay's beliefs are too dangerous and he reminds Marcy that Skath has helped her. He places his hand on Marcy's shoulder and he recites an incantation: "Necronom Hezberek Mortix!" His eyes glow white and Marcy feels her negative emotions being suppressed. It's revealed that Goth is an empath just like Raven is and he uses his powers on his followers to suppress their negative feelings. Goth says that should refresh Marcy's memories of what she owes Skath, since she has been happier with them than she had in a long time. And if Marcy wants to keep enjoying these benefits, she must do what Skath asks of her. And by helping Skath, she also helps herself and others like her. Marcy understands and Goth tells her that she won't be going along either. She will be accompanied by several other cultists who are now entering the chamber behind Marcy. Goth then dismisses them and as Marcy leads with her fellow cultists, the torches in Goth's chamber flicker slightly. And for a brief moment, Goth's shadow takes a monstrous shape…

Cut to outside Norman McCay's church. It's currently night and McCay is bringing in stuff from his car to restock the soup kitchen. But he knows that he isn't alone and he calls out to his stalkers, asking if they are the ones who have lately vandalized his church and left him death threats. The hooded figures from the Cult of Skath reveal themselves, one of them telling McCay that he should have heeded their warnings because then Skath would have at least let him live longer. The cultists have knives with them, but McCay is unimpressed and unafraid. He tells the cultists that he knows their kind and has dealt with them before. They gave him their warning, so now he'll give them his. He warns the cultists that they have a choice to make. They don't have to go down this path and what they're being offered comes with a price. He looks at one of the hooded figures in particular, asking: "And what would your parents think of you, Marcy Reynolds?" Marcy gasps upon being recognized and begins having second thoughts about going through this. But another cultist screams that McCay is attempting to deceive them and is about to charge at the pastor with his knife… when he gets knocked down by an arriving Jay, who puts himself between McCay and the cultists. Jay tells the cultists to back off, since McCay is under his protection. The cultists still rush Jay, however, and he swiftly dispatches them. After a brief fight, the outmatched cultists decide to retreat and Marcy looks back at McCay one last time before following the others. Jay turns his attention to McCay, asking the old man if he's alright. McCay says that he's fine and mentions that he noticed Jay was holding back during the fight. Jay admits he was, since he didn't want things to get too messy in front of the pastor. McCay is grateful, especially because he believes that it's not too late for those kids to make the right decision. He asks Jay why he was in the area and Jay explains that he's been wanting a chance to repay McCay for his earlier kindness, so he's been keeping an eye on the church when he is able to. McCay appreciates this and says that he knows something else Jay can do…

Cut to the next morning. Beast Boy (using the holographic rings) and Raven are arriving at Norman McCay's church to help out at the soup kitchen. Raven thanks Beast Boy for coming, since she's glad that this is something she can do with him. Beast Boy admits that he's glad to do this with her as well and they are greeted by McCay, who is happy to see them both yet again. He also informs that that the soup kitchen has a new volunteer and he introduces them to Jay, who has agreed to help out. Beast Boy and Jay (who calls Beast Boy by his real name) immediately recognize each other, then exchange high fives and fist bumps. Beast Boy tells Jay that he's surprised to see him here and Jay explains that McCay helped him out not too long ago, so Jay decided to help McCay in return by volunteering. Despite his initial surprise, Beast Boy is happy that Jay is here. A curious Raven asks Beast Boy how he knows Jay and Beast Boy explains that they met each other when he was taking Wonder Dog for a walk. After hitting it off, he and Jay began hanging out together. Beast Boy introduces Jay and Raven to each other, referring to Raven as "Rachel." They shake hands, though Raven's polite smile vanishes briefly as they do. She tells Beast Boy and Jay to go ahead without her, since she wants to stay back and talk to McCay about something. The boys leave and McCay asks Raven what's on her mind. Raven confesses that she used her empathic abilities on Jay when they shook hands and she felt a lot of pain from him. McCay isn't surprised, since he knows that Jay has been through a lot that caused him to isolate himself from his family. Jay is hurting and working through some things, which is why McCay reached out to him. So that Jay would be a little less alone while battling with his demons. McCay reminds Raven that everyone has their own demons to battle, including him. But McCay does believe that while Jay sees himself as broken, he can eventually be fixed. Because Jay has a good heart, despite the trauma that he's working through. Jay is hurting though, even if he tries not to show how much the pain is affecting him. Which McCay points out makes Jay not that different from Beast Boy. A surprised Raven asks McCay how he would know that and McCay simply answers that she is not the only one good at reading people. However, McCay suspects that Raven has been suppressing her empathic abilities and Raven confirms this. She doesn't like using her empathic abilities on her friends, since they may have their reasons for trying to keep things to themselves and she wants to respect that. She only sensed Jay's pain because of how overwhelming it was. McCay still suggests that she try to help Beast Boy while he keeps trying to help Jay, warning Raven of "the beast within." Aka what we become when we are at our worst, something Raven herself knows from personal experience. McCay reminds Raven to be wary of outward appearances, because they may be deceiving…

Meanwhile, Jay has realized that "Rachel" is really the girl that Beast Boy had developed feelings for and he asks about her. Beast Boy doesn't want to talk about it, admitting that he didn't tell her how he felt even after Jay gave him advice. Because he saw that Raven had already made her choice and he's trying to move on. Part of how he's trying to move on is by focusing on his friendships, which he does think has been helping. But he also confesses to Jay that he thinks a girl had recently asked him out. Jay tells Beast Boy that's great news and he congratulates his friend, asking who the girl is. Beast Boy explains that Aquagirl, a honorary Titan, had expressed a desire to hang out with him more when they weren't on missions together. He does like her, since she's shy but nice and honestly pretty cute as well. But he doesn't really know her that well and if she does have a crush on him, he honestly doesn't know what to think of it. Especially while he's still trying to get over Raven and move on, since he doesn't want to use her to feel better about himself after losing his chance with the girl he did have feelings for. Because those feelings haven't gone away yet and it would be unfair to take advantage of Aquagirl if she really does like him that way. Jay considers this and asks for Aquagirl's exact words. Beast Boy gives them and Jay tells him that he should take Aquagirl up on her offer. If Beast Boy does not know her that well, this could be his chance to fix that. She is just asking to spend more time with him, which doesn't have to mean going on a romantic date. Them hanging out together could be fun and it could also help Beast Boy figure out what he wants from that friendship. He could find himself liking Aquagirl as well or he could be honest with her about just wanting to be friends. Either way, Jay thinks that Beast Boy should at least give things a chance. Beast Boy thanks Jay for the advice, though Jay hopes that Beast Boy will follow through this time because he wants Beast Boy to be happy. "We can't both be screw-ups."

Cut to Cyborg arriving at S.T.A.R. Labs, responding to a call he got from his dad. He finds Silas Stone waiting for him with two other adults that Cyborg recognizes despite not having seen them in a long time. They are Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, the parents of Marcy. Cyborg is surprised to see them, but can see from their expressions that something is wrong. Silas explains that they came to him wanting to get in touch with Cyborg and that it's about Marcy. Cyborg, despite not having spoken to Marcy in months, immediately shows concern and asks the Reynolds what happened to Marcy. He learns from them that after she broke up with him, Marcy became sullen and silent. She stopped acting like her usual self and fell into depression. Her parents tried to get her help, but her condition didn't seem to improve… until one day she came home happier than she had been in months. Marcy said that her friends had helped her and the Reynolds were just relieved that their daughter seemed to be back to normal. But then Marcy began acting strangely. She would come back home later and later, her only explanation being that she was with friends. She avoided giving any other answers and her parents grew suspicious. The final straw was when her parents discovered what they thought was a tattoo at first. But it wasn't a tattoo, since Marcy's friends had apparently made her burn a symbol onto her arm. She called it her Mark. When Marcy's parents attempted to stop her from going out to meet her friends again, she ran away and still hasn't come back home. She left only a letter that stated she was sorry for hurting her parents, but they couldn't help her and she had become "a believer." The Reynolds reported Marcy missing to the police and questioned some of her friends, who all claimed that they hadn't seen Marcy in weeks. Then they got a call from the pastor Norman McCay, who told Marcy's parents that he had seen their daughter… with a group that attempted to assault him. While the call confirmed that Marcy was alive, it also confirmed that she had fallen in with a bad crowd. Since the police have been unable to bring her home, Marcy's parents had no other choice than to reach out to Cyborg and ask for the Titans to help them find their daughter. They know that the last time they saw each other, Cyborg and Marcy didn't end things on good terms. But her parents are desperate and they're begging Cyborg to help them. Cyborg promises that he'll do what he can. Marcy may have hurt him, but he still cares about her and helping people is what he does now. And it sounds like Marcy was in a bad place like he was, but unlike him she didn't have the right people to help pull her out of it. The Reynolds thank Cyborg, grateful that he will at least try to help Marcy. They admit that Marcy did regret her rejection of Cyborg and that guilt drove her to depression. Of course, they don't hold Cyborg responsible for that and they're honestly sorry for everything that he's been through. Cyborg says he's fine, but Marcy is clearly not. What's important right now is that Marcy is in trouble. The Reynolds are grateful as they leave and Silas tells his son that he is proud of how Cyborg isn't holding a grudge against Marcy or her family. Cyborg mentions that it's just like what his father said. Hate is useless and wasteful. It only consumes and destroys you piece by piece. Cyborg is done hating and that extends to Marcy. Though he does feel like he should have tried to reach out and forgive Marcy earlier. But he's going to make up for that now by finding wherever she ran off to and getting her away from whoever she's with.

Cut to Titans Tower, where Donna is practicing in the training room. Blackfire enters and Donna asks if the Tamaranean would like to join her. Blackfire appreciates the offer, but she admits that she actually wants to ask for Donna's help since her sister mentioned that Donna enjoys photography as a hobby. When Donna agrees to hear her out, Blackfire reveals that she is actually thinking of getting a job. Blackfire wants to be better and she wants to put her criminal past behind her, so applying for a legitimate job is a step toward that. She's an adult woman but is currently living with her little sister's friends and while she appreciates what the Titans have done for her, she doesn't want to be just a freeloader. Donna is happy to help, mentioning that Starfire would be really proud of her sister when she hears about this. Blackfire then admits that the job she has her eyes on is modeling, since she thinks it could be fun and she thinks that it's something she could be good at. As for where Donna comes in, Blackfire wants her to forge a fake ID and birth certificate for her like Donna did for Starfire. But Blackfire also wants Donna to take pictures of her in different outfits that she could use in a portfolio when she applies for a job. If it's not too much trouble, of course. Donna says that it's not too much trouble at all and she agrees to help Blackfire out. She just has to get her camera first and they leave the training room together.

Cut to the Tower's living room. Dick is standing in front of the elevator, visibly nervous. Starfire is with him, visibly excited. And when the elevator's doors open up, we see why. Standing there is someone who has come to pay Dick a visit: Barbara Gordon. The first thing she does when she sees Dick is punch him playfully on the shoulder, saying that's for leaving Gotham before she came back from her skiing trip and making her come to Jump City just to see him. But she's clearly happy to see him again and the two embrace each other warmly. Starfire doesn't want to interrupt their moment, impatiently waiting for Dick to introduce them to each other. Dick finally does so and Starfire immediately welcomes Babs to the Tower with a hug, her friendliness surprising and amusing the girl from Gotham. Starfire next points out how they have the same hair color before bombarding Babs with questions (which includes asking Babs if she wishes to be her friend). Babs does her best to answer Starfire's questions, saying "sure" to the last one much to the joy of the Tamaranean teenager. Babs is introduced to Wonder Dog next, who eagerly greets the Tower's guest with a wagging tail. Babs instantly takes a liking to the canine and pets him, commenting that she still tries to convince her dad that they should get a dog but she has yet to win him over. That's when Donna comes in. She has her camera with her, though she wanted to say hi to Babs first before doing what she promised to help Blackfire with. Babs and Donna hug, Babs telling Donna that it's great to see her again. Donna asks how Kara is, admitting that she misses when the three of them used to hang out. Babs says that Kara is doing well and that they really enjoyed their skiing trip together over the holidays. They were also both very happy for Donna when they learned that she had become leader of the Titans. Babs always thought that Donna would be a fantastic leader, no offense to Dick of course. She goes on to suggest that she, Donna, and Kara should get back together and hang out in the future, just like old times. Donna does think that would be nice, though it would depend on how busy the three of them are. But if they could find a time when they're all free, then Donna would love to spend time with her old friends again. Babs wonders where the other Titans are and Donna explains that they all have their own things to do, but she reassures Babs that she'll see them all later.

Cut to Tara in her bedroom. She's in front of the mirror and practicing what she wants to tell Raven. She pretends that she's talking to Raven, but is visibly struggling to put into words what she is trying to say. Her attempt: "Raven, you mean a lot to me. More than you know. You may think that you know, but you don't. Because I feel a certain way about you. I feel this way very strongly and I never have for anyone else. You're my friend, my best friend in fact. And I value what we have. However, there is something that I can't deny any longer. I want more than friendship. I want you. I have to say it, even if you don't want me. Because these feelings I have for you, they're romantic. But you're in a relationship and I want to be happy for you… even though I wish you were with me instead. I just need you to know, even if telling you hurts. Though it already hurts, wanting someone that you can't have." Tara buries her face in her hands, sighing deeply. She wishes that she didn't fall for her best friend, but she did. A part of her doesn't want to tell Raven, even though she knows that she has to. After all, the truth always comes out eventually…

Cut to Beast Boy (now without the rings and just wearing a hoodie) standing on the Jump City docks, waiting for someone. That someone eventually shows up and it turns out to be Aquagirl, dressed more casually than we've seen her before. She cheerfully greets Beast Boy, happy that he had called her on his communicator about meeting up so they could hang out together. Beast Boy returns her greeting, complimenting her outfit and saying that it looks good on her. Aquagirl blushes, shyly thanking Beast Boy for the compliment. She tells him that he can call her Tula and he likewise says that she can call him Gar. Tula admits that she's never been in a surface city before, so she's both nervous and excited to see what one is like. Beast Boy promises to show her around and they head inland together, not noticing an amphibious arm appearing at the edge of the docks to pull the rest of the amphibious body out of the water…

Cut to a psychiatric hospital, where psychiatrist Marnie Herrs is having a session with three "ex-supervillains": Arthur Light (aka Doctor Light), Bezel Kenny (aka Mumbo), and Neil Richards (aka Mad Mod). Unfortunately, their treatments have not been going well. Despite trying different medications, Arthur admits that he still sees the ghost of his deceased partner Jacob Finlay. He's been told that it's only a delusion brought on by grief and guilt, but Arthur still suffers from hallucinations and night terrors. It's a similar case for Bezel, who is afraid of going to sleep because he believes that he might wake up as Mumbo again. He also doesn't think he's safe here because of someone called "the Agent" that is out to get him. Though like how Arthur is told that the ghost of Jacob Finlay is all in his head, Bezel is told that "the Agent" is all in his head. As for Neil Richards, he's the simplest case. From his time here Marnie has come to the conclusions that Neil is nothing more than a bitter old man afraid of being forgotten, so his most recent stunt as Mad Mod was a cry for attention and driven by a desire to stay relevant in a changing world that threatens to leave him behind. Neil wants to reject Marnie's theory, despite knowing that there's some truth to it. He remains stubborn however, since accepting that the world has moved on without him would mean that he would have to be the one to change. The session ends with little progress being made and the three patients are sent back to their rooms. Bezel is seen anxiously pacing around his room, anticipating the worst as he talks to himself. He doesn't ever want to become Mumbo again, but a voice informs him that he has no choice. Bezel turns around and his face goes white as he sees the Agent now standing there. Bezel backs away in fear, screaming for help while panic takes over. The Agent reveals a hat and wand that Bezel never wanted to see again and the former stage magician tearfully begs for the Agent not to make him turn into Mumbo. Unfortunately, the Agent has need for Mumbo. The hat and wand disappear from the Agent's hands, reappearing on Bezel's head and in his hand. Bezel begins to transform, his eyes wide in terror as he is changed into Mumbo. By the time the hospital staff reach the room, it's too late. The Agent is gone and so is Bezel Kenny. Now there is only Mumbo, who laughs insanely before attacking the hospital staff.

Cut to Arthur Light's room. He can hear the commotion going on nearby and he gets clear as the door to his room gets suddenly blasted off its hinges. Mumbo comes in through where the door used to be and Arthur cowers before him. However, Mumbo reassures Arthur that he's not here to hurt the former scientist. No, Mumbo is here to offer Arthur a gift from the Agent… his Doctor Light suit. Arthur tries to refuse the suit, not wanting to go on a rampage like he had before. But Mumbo promises that it will help drive the "ghost" that haunts him away. That promise, combined with his fear of what Mumbo would do to him if he refuses, causes Arthur to accept the suit and put it on. Arthur comments that the suit feels different this time… it feels more powerful. And that feeling only gets stronger, the lights in Neil Richards' room flickering before going out completely. Neil is trying to get some sleep, but that gets disturbed by the intrusion of both Mumbo and Doctor Light. Neil boredly asks the two what they want and Mumbo once again offers a gift from the Agent… Mad Mod's cane. Neil seems interested, but asks what's the catch. Mumbo explains that the Agent only wants to help Neil get his revenge on those who put him here, aka the Titans. Neil considers the offer and says that he'll accept under one condition. If they're really doing the whole supervillain team-up thing, Neil wants them to call themselves the New Injustice Society. Mumbo agrees and Neil takes the cane, which causes him to feel a change coming over him… and he likes it, commenting that this is going to be fun.

Cut to Beast Boy giving Tula a tour of Jump City. It's all very new to her and she is in awe of it, though Beast Boy does admit he's surprised that this is the first time she has ever been in a surface city. An embarrassed Tula explains that she was secluded for most of her youth, though with some encouragement from Aqualad she started to try getting out of her comfort zone more. Aqualad was actually the one to convince Tula to become his partner, which started her career as Aquagirl. Beast Boy mentions that Tula and Aqualad sound close. Tula confirms that they are, they grew up together and he's been like a brother to her. They're not actually related though, since Tula reveals that both her and Aqualad are orphans. Tula lost her parents in a terrorist attack soon after her birth, while Aqualad was left to die outside of Atlantis because he had been born with purple eyes and deemed genetically inferior. Beast Boy remembers how Trident was a supremacist who tried to purge what he deemed as inferior and Tula tells him that Trident is far from the only one like that in Atlantis, which used to be a much worse and violent place before Aquaman became the new king. The Atlanteans had become a proud, but divided people over the centuries. Aquaman has made a lot of progress as king, but he still has a long way to go. Tula goes on to recount how she and Aqualad were found by one of the royal families of Atlantis, who decided that the orphans would be raised to become personal bodyguards taught in the Atlantean ways and traditions. But when Aquaman and Mera became the rulers of Atlantis, they made Aqualad and Tula their protegees. Tula is very close to Mera as a result, viewing the Queen as a parental figure and even calling her "Mom" by accident a few times. Beast Boy acknowledges the similarities between their pasts, since Beast Boy also lost his parents when he was young and he was secluded for much of his childhood. They even both have someone that they view as a parental figure that they called "Mom" by accident. Tula actually laughs, relieved that she's not the only one who has made that accidental slip-up. Beast Boy recognizes a building up ahead (a place called Sweet Justice) and suggests that they get ice cream. Tula likes that idea, since she never had ice cream before. Beast Boy is horrified to learn this and is quick to right this atrocious wrong. He shows her how she's supposed to eat it and when Tula gets her first taste of ice cream, something lights up in her eyes. Beast Boy asks if she likes it and she tells him that she loves it. There is a huge grin on her face and Beast Boy can't help but smile as well.

An amphibious figure is nearby, lurking in an alleyway as he stalks Beast Boy and Tula from a distance. A homeless man almost gives away the figure's presence, but the figure easily breaks the man's neck in disgust. The figure views the homeless man as inferior, though that extends to everyone. Because superior to all… is Trident. However, Trident realizes that there's someone else in the alleyway with him and he turns around to see Mumbo. But before Trident can attack, Mumbo explains that he actually wants to help the Atlantean terrorist with a gift courtesy of the Agent. Because Mumbo argues that Trident isn't complete, not without what he has. Mumbo presents a new trident for Trident, along with an offer to join the New Injustice Society. Trident is repulsed by the idea of working with beings inferior to him, but Mumbo points out that Trident is at the moment outnumbered by his enemies. Trident acknowledges that larger numbers can be a problem even for him, so he agrees to work with Mumbo and the others if only because of the convenience. Trident takes his new trident and he suddenly feels different. Somehow he feels even better than perfect. Mumbo just says that the perfect being deserves the perfect weapon, which Trident couldn't agree more to. It'll make getting his revenge on those who stopped him last time that much easier.

Cut to the lab beneath Cameron van Cleer's home. Cameron is in the lab working when he hears the Agent's voice behind him: "Drury Walker." There is recognition in Cameron's eyes as he turns around to face the Agent and ask what he wants. The Agent explains that a bunch of Cameron's fellow supervillains are putting together a team to take over Jump City and destroy the Titans. The Agent wants Killer Moth to be a part of this group. The Agent reminds Cameron that before they made their deal, Cameron was a joke. An unsuccessful criminal named Drury Walker that nobody took seriously. When Drury Walker got tired of being laughed at, the Agent made him an offer. The Agent gave Drury Walker a new identity and life as millionaire philanthropist Cameron van Cleer. But what the Agent gave him, he can just as easily take away. The Agent fulfilled Cameron's greatest desires, so in return Cameron has to do whatever he says unless he wants to lose everything. While reminding Cameron of their agreement, the Agent picks up a framed photo of Cameron and his daughter Kitten. The Agent looks at the photo and smiles darkly, much to Cameron's visible discomfort. Cameron promises to do what the Agent asks and the Agent says he better before leaving, vanishing into the shadows. Cameron is relieved when the Agent is gone and he turns to the display case with his Killer Moth costume, as well as the cages occupied by monstrous creatures. It's time.

Cut to Control Freak in his prison cell. He's in the middle of reading a comic book when Mumbo suddenly appears in front of him. Control Freak isn't phased by this, guessing that the Agent sent him. Mumbo confirms this and says that he also has a gift… Control Freak's remote. Control Freak smiles and he takes the remote from Mumbo. He's ready for another shot at the Titans and Mumbo informs him that he won't be alone this time, which Control Freak thinks is even better. Now the Titans will truly see him for what he really is: their arch-nemesis.

Cut back to Beast Boy and Tula, who are now walking together in Jump City's park. Beast Boy brings up something that he has been wanting to ask her about when she suggested that they hang out more. He's been wondering about why she really might have suggested it, but before he can finish asking he suddenly gets hit by an energy blast that knocks him away. The blast came from the weapon of Trident, who now reveals himself to the teens. Beast Boy and Tula are shocked to see him, but Trident informs them that their time is over while the age of Trident is just beginning. Beast Boy and Tula engage Trident in combat, if only to keep him from attacking civilians while they flee from the battle. However, Beast Boy and Tula find that Trident is more powerful than he was the last time they fought him. Now he can actually has hydrokinesis abilities that rival Tula's, using water from a nearby pond and from underground against his enemies. He's actually accomplishing this with his new trident, though the young heroes don't realize it at the moment. But they do realize that they're unprepared for this fight and they decide to temporarily pull back when they see that all the non-combatants have gotten to safety, Beast Boy giving Tula a ride in one of his animal forms. Trident mocks the heroes as they flee, saying that they are no match for his perfection. Mumbo appears in the park, telling Trident that they have to go as well. Beast Boy and Tula will no doubt regroup with their allies, so it would be wise for Trident to regroup with his. Trident reluctantly agrees to this and Mumbo reminds Trident that he will have a better chance at defeating the Titans with the other villains. Trident wasn't supposed to reveal himself so soon, though Mumbo doesn't think it will cost them. Police sirens can be heard in the distance as Mumbo teleports himself and Trident away.

Cut to a bridge in Jump City. Traffic is bad and we see one driver angrily honking his horn at the cars in front of him, demanding to know what the hold up is and why they aren't moving. Then he notices several people out of their cars and running past him in the opposite direction. As the driver sticks his head out his car's window, a dark shadow falls over the bridge. The driver looks up and sees that the sun is being blocked… by a swarm of gigantic, mutated moths. The driver screams while the swarm begins to descend on the bridge and the people trapped on it.

Cut to Titans Tower. Cyborg, Raven, and Tara have met Babs, who is now telling them and Starfire some embarrassing stories about Dick that she knows. Dick's friends are entertained while he is not, but then he gets a call from Beast Boy who says that he was just attacked by Trident in the park. Dick tells Beast Boy that they'll send back-up, but then he gets another alert about the bridge being attacked by a swarm of moths. He calls for Donna as he gets more alerts about something going down at the psychiatric hospital and Control Freak vanishing from his cell. Donna arrives just as the lights in Titans Tower go out. And they're not the only ones, since blackouts are being experienced all over Jump City. The culprits soon reveal themselves as well, Control Freak appearing on the Tower's monitor and on every other monitor in Jump City. Control Freak explains that the blackouts are only the beginning and that now he has the city's attention, he can introduce the people of Jump City to their new rulers. Control Freak moves the camera to reveal himself, Doctor Light, Killer Moth, Mad Mod, Mumbo, and Trident standing in front of City Hall. Control Freak says it would be wise not to resist, since "not even the Titans can stop the Sinister Si-" Mad Mod interrupts Control Freak, insisting that they are the New Injustice Society much to Control Freak's annoyance. The two get into a brief argument, Control Freak believing that naming themselves after the old Injustice Society is "too retro" and "not cool enough" while Mad Mod insists that the old Injustice Society are classics and legends. Control Freak is annoyed, but allows Mad Mod to have his way. He then challenges the Titans to try to defeat them, before saying "Control Freak out" and signing off. The Titans in the Tower aren't the only ones who see this broadcast. We get shots of Boy Boy and Tula watching it on some televisions in the front window of a store, Kate Kane watching it on her monitor in the Wayne Enterprises building, and Bette Kane watching it on the television in her home. After Control Freak signs off, the Titans in the Tower are silent for a moment as the situation sinks in. Then Donna turns to the others with a determined look and says that they have work to do. Her teammates nod in agreement. Babs offers to help, since she did bring her costume with her just in case. And the Titans may need all the help they can get…

Cut to City Hall. The Special Crimes Unit, led by Maggie Sawyer, has mobilized. They try taking the villains out, but Mumbo effortlessly protects the New Injustice Society with his magic. Mad Mod offers to handle the SCU and he tells Control Freak to watch closely, so that he can see how an old school villain does it with style. Then he starts singing "Mad Mod World" and we see that the cane has given him new abilities, similar to how Trident's trident gave him new powers. He no longer needs to rely on holograms and technological trickery. With his cane, he manages to hypnotize the SCU and make them submit to his will. They bow down to their new masters while he also remakes his surroundings in his own image (his cane can now warp reality like Control Freak's remote), clearly having a blast as he sings. When he finishes, Mad Mod admits that he feels younger than he has in years and he asks Control Freak if that was "cool enough." Control Freak has no reply and Mumbo mentions that thanks to Mad Mod they have one less obstacle to deal with. However, they still have the Titans to worry about and Mumbo knows that the heroes should be mobilizing as they speak…

Cut to the bridge under attack from gigantic moths. Cyborg and Raven, now just arriving at the scene, realize that these moths can easily chew through the bridge's steel cables. The two Titans work together to save the bridge, Cyborg using his fingertip acetylene torch to repair the damaged bridge cables while Raven watches his back. However, things get complicated by the arrival of two villains: Doctor Light and Killer Moth. The latter brings even more of his "children" with him, while the former specifically goes after Raven. Doctor Light wants payback on Raven for what she did to him last time and doesn't care when Raven tries to apologize. Raven tells Doctor Light that he needs help, but he isn't listening. The glow in his eyes makes it clear that Doctor Light is drunk on his new power boost and not thinking clearly. He just remembers Raven for the pain she caused him and he wants to hurt her back. While he is attacking Raven, Killer Moth is ordering his monstrous creations to overwhelm Cyborg. Killer Moth doesn't want to risk a physical engagement with Cyborg though, preferring to let Cyborg fight his "children" instead. But then Killer Moth hears a voice that he recognizes… and dreads. "No. Not you. Not here." Batgirl reveals herself to Killer Moth, calling him "Walker." She says that she wondered where he's been and asks if he missed her. Killer Moth furiously says that he hasn't missed her, that she was one of the biggest reasons why he left Gotham in the first place. He wanted to be rid of her, though he does promise Batgirl that he's not the same Killer Moth that she knew in Gotham. Batgirl doubts that, but grins as she tells him to show her the new Killer Moth. He obliges and the two begin to fight.

Cut to Donna, Starfire, and Tara arriving at a bank that Mumbo is in the process of robbing. Mumbo is waiting for them, having robbed the bank only as a means to draw the Titans to him. It's easier that way. The girls try to get Mumbo's wand away from him, but it proves to be a difficult task. He disposes of Tara by saying "open sesame" and causing a trap door to appear beneath Tara's feet. Tara cries out as she falls through the trap door and into a white void. This distracts Donna long enough for Mumbo to hit her with his next trick, which transforms her into a pig. Starfire is horrified while Mumbo laughs. "Now that's entertainment!" Starfire demands that Mumbo change Donna back, but Mumbo refuses. He's done here and he teleports away. Starfire reassures pig Donna that she will change her back and rescue Tara as well, though she admits that she doesn't know how yet.

Cut to Trident attacking a mall, firing energy beams from his trident at fleeing pedestrians without any hesitation. He notices a cowering family and approaches them, ignoring their pleas for mercy. Because Trident has no mercy for inferior beings and he tells the family to take comfort in knowing that the world will not have to suffer their imperfection for much longer. But before he can kill the family, Beast Boy and Tula get his attention. Trident knew that they would come if he threatened the weaklings that they have sworn to protect, since that affection the heroes have for those they defend is a weakness. He promises that after he has killed Beast Boy and Tula, he will make sure that Jump City is purged. And its people will die knowing that their heroes have failed them, cursing the Titans with their last breaths. Beast Boy just tells Trident to shut up, since he's sick of listening to him talk. Trident decides that they're eager to die and he uses his hydrokinesis on the mall's water pipes, launching his attack on Beast Boy and Tula.

Cut to Control Freak waiting in an electronics store that he's broken into, boredly sitting in front of a television and flipping through the channels. He complains about the lack of originality in the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to unnecessary reboots that completely miss the point by either making things darker and edgier or making things "more PC." He considers paying the showrunners and writers responsible for these reboots a visit after this, but then he realizes that somebody has finally arrived to stop him. However, he was expecting the Titans and got Flamebird instead. He doesn't even know who she is and when she introduces herself, he's furious. He wanted the Titans to fight him, not some cosplaying amatuer that nobody cares about. According to himself, he deserves a real superhero to antagonize. Especially if he wants to be taken seriously as a supervillain. Flamebird is a bit annoyed by his behavior, but refuses to leave. Control Freak decides that if Flamebird won't leave, then he'll just kill her and go back to waiting for the Titans to show up. He uses his remote to bring the various electronics to life, taunting Flamebird by saying that she is out of her league. Though Flamebird does show visible signs of nervousness, she remains determined.

Cut to Titans Tower. Blackfire and Dick have stayed behind to protect the Tower, while Dick also tries to keep the Titans updated on the situation while they're in the field. Right now he can only get in touch with Starfire, who informs him of what happened to Donna and Tara. Starfire is worried about their friends and Dick tries to offer her some comfort, telling her that all they need to do is find Mumbo and break his wand which should bring back their friends. Starfire asks Dick where Mumbo might have gone and what he may be planning. Dick is asking the same thing, considering how the Titans and their allies are scattered across Jump City responding to different threats. Then he recalls that Mumbo used to be a stage magician and he remembers something that stage magicians call "misdirection." Doing one thing to divert attention from another. Dick suggests that Mumbo is trying to distract them, keep the Titans busy and divided while he's up to something else. And Dick suddenly realizes what Mumbo's true goal really is… just as Mumbo and Mad Mod teleport into the Tower. Mad Mod realizes that Dick is Robin without his costume and he makes fun of Dick for his lack of threads. Blackfire tries to attack the intruders, giving Dick the chance to make a grab for Mad Mod's cane. Unfortunately, both attempts fail. Blackfire gets knocked out by Mumbo and Mad Mod drains Dick's youth into himself with the cane, restoring him to his young age and reducing Dick to a decrepit old man. Mad Mod savors this moment, because he is truly getting everything that he desires: his revenge, his youth, and a second chance. Mumbo tells Mad Mod that it's time for his next trick, where he will make the home and headquarters of the Titans disappear.

Cut to Tara, now wandering through a white void without any idea of how to leave. Her powers are completely useless here, due to the absence of rocks… or anything. It's just a seemingly endless white voice with no beginning or end. Tara's communicator is also useless here. She then hears a voice, one that she has not heard in a long time. "Tara." She turns around and to her surprise she sees her brother, Brion, standing there in the white void with her. Tara is in disbelief, thinking that it can't really be him. Brion asks why and she says that it's because he's dead. "That's right," Brion told her. "I'm dead. Because you killed me." Brion begins to change, his flesh slowly melting or falling away. Tara begins to back away, her mouth hanging open in horror but no sound coming out. "You did this to me," Brion tells her. "I loved you, but now I see that they're right. You're just another monster." Tara finally lets out a scream while watching her brother decompose in front of her. Brion laughs, even as he completes his transformation into a skeleton and then into dust. Tara falls to her knees, fighting against tears. She tells herself that wasn't real and that she shouldn't listen to a word of it. But despite trying to convince herself that she isn't a monster, she starts crying… which is when someone else reveals himself to Tara. The Agent is standing in front of Tara, looking down at her. Tara immediately leaps to her feet, assuming a defensive position and demanding to know who he is. The stranger says that he goes by many names, but these days he likes to be called the Agent. He calls her Tara Markov, revealing that he knows exactly who she is and where she came from. The Agent tells Tara that he knows a lot about her, from the guilt she feels for Brion's death to her secret attraction toward her best friend. The Agent admits that he finds Tara interesting and that he's been wanting to talk to her, since she's the type of individual that he likes to help. He explains that he is a dealmaker, reaching out to those who have been denied their greatest desires. And Tara has been denied so much. Because the Agent knows that what Tara really wants is to go home. Tara tells the Agent that she has a home, but the Agent isn't referring to the Tower. He's referring to Markovia. The Agent says that he can even bring back Brion for real, though Tara isn't buying it. She tells the Agent that she won't accept anything he's offering, because she knows how these deals usually work and she's happy with what she has. The Agent just laughs, promising that it won't last. "Because I know you, Tara Markov. And I know how this will end. I'll be seeing you again soon." He fades away in front of Tara, leaving her alone once again in the endless white void. Tara realizes that she has nothing to do now but wait and hope that her friends will somehow find a way to rescue her…

Cut back to the bridge where Batgirl, Cyborg, and Raven are battling Doctor Light, Killer Moth, and the "children" of Killer Moth. Batgirl has the upper hand, telling Killer Moth that he is still the same Drury Walker that she remembers. This only angers Killer Moth even more, though he can tell that this fight isn't going well for him. He eventually seems to accidentally fall off the side of the bridge, but when Batgirl tries to see where he landed… Killer Moth has vanished. Cyborg finally manages to defeat all of Killer Moth's "children" and the experience has left him hoping never to see another moth again for a long time. Raven still doesn't want to hurt Doctor Light, but realizes that he isn't giving her a choice. He's not holding back, so she can't afford to hold back either. She manages to finally knock him out with her soul-self. This ends the blackouts caused by Doctor Light, though Raven still feels pity for him as she stands over his unconscious body. She isn't happy about it, but she recognizes that stopping Doctor Light was unfortunately necessary.

Cut back to the mall. Beast Boy and Tula are still fighting Trident, who is giving them both a hard time. They retreat behind some cover, trying to come up with a winning strategy while Trident mocks them for hiding. Beast Boy says that he has an idea, but he's not sure if it'll work because he's never done something like this before. He tells Tula to keep Trident busy so that he can focus and Tula trusts him, engaging Trident by herself while Beast Boy tries to concentrate. Trident mocks Tula as he starts to overpower her, pointing out that her hydrokinesis abilities now pale compared to her own. Tula knows that this may be true, but she stands her ground regardless to give Beast Boy enough time to do whatever he needs to do. Beast Boy does reveal himself and we see that he's shape-shifted into a new form… Trident's form. He calls out to Trident, who is shocked when he notices his doppelganger. Beast Boy declares himself Trident now, which makes the real Trident furious that an inferior being has taken his appearance and dares to make the claim that they are equals. Beast Boy continues to mock Trident's idea of perfection, but this is all a distraction. By taking advantage of Trident's biggest weakness, Beast Boy gives Tula the chance to finish the fight. She sees that Trident has left himself open to attack and she doesn't waste that opportunity, slamming Trident with her hydrokinesis. She wails on him for a while, managing to knock the trident out of Trident's hands. Beast Boy quickly recovers it and breaks the trident over his knee, taking away Trident's new abilities. By the time that Tula is through with Trident, the Atlantean terrorist can only groan weakly as he lays on the mall floor before passing out. Beast Boy changes back, mentioning that was the first time he ever tried turning into a sentient being and he's relieved that it worked. The two heroes stand over their defeated enemy and exchange high fives to celebrate their victory.

Cut back to the electronics store. Flamebird is doing her best to fight against Control Freak's monstrosities, but she's clearly out of her league and about to be overwhelmed. Control Freak is barely paying attention, going back to flipping through channels while his creations take care of Flamebird for him. Things are looking bad for Flamebird until someone else arrives in the electronics store, quickly disabling Control Freak's monstrosities and saving Flamebird. The new arrival offers a hand to Flamebird, who had been knocked down during the fight. Flamebird looks up at who saved her and sees Batwoman smiling at her. Flamebird is in awe as she accepts Batwoman's hand and gets pulled to her feet. She tries to introduce herself, but is surprised when Batwoman says that Flamebird's heroics haven't escaped her attention. But while Flamebird is happy to see Batwoman, Control Freak is not. He says that Batwoman doesn't belong here and he repeats that he wanted the Titans to fight him, not the gender-swapped version of Batman. Batwoman asks Flamebird if she would like to help her take Control Freak down and an excited Flamebird says that she would love to. Control Freak brings more objects to life in order to attack the heroes, but Batwoman and Flamebird work together to make their way through Control Freak's forces. Control Freak tries to keep them away, but the fight ends with Batwoman tasing Control Freak into unconsciousness. Flamebird says that was awesome and Batwoman tells her that she did a good job. She offers Flamebird a fist bump and the teenager eagerly takes Batwoman up on the offer. Batwoman retrieves Control Freak's remote, promising Flamebird that she will continue watching her vigilante career with great interest.

Cut back to Titans Tower. Mumbo is preparing to make the Tower disappear, but he gets interrupted by the arrival of Starfire with pig Donna. Before Mumbo can finish his spell, Starfire stops him… by hitting him in the face with an airborne pig Donna. Mad Mod tries to use his cane on Starfire, but Wonder Dog shows up and gets into a tug-of-war with Mad Mod over the cane. Mad Mod angrily calls Wonder Dog a blasted mutt and ultimately loses his cane, which gets pulled out of his hands by Wonder Dog. The canine runs over to Dick, who manages to use it to restore his youth and return Mad Mod's old age. Dick then breaks the cane and Mad Mod, now stripped of his powers, tries to escape. However, as he gets tripped by LaGrieve as he runs through a doorway and the psychiatrist tells Mad Mod that it would be wise for him to stay down. Blackfire has also regained consciousness and is helping her sister fight Mumbo. Pig Donna also helps, biting down on Mumbo's cape and tugging on it much to the magician's frustration. Starfire finally manages to blast Mumbo's magic wand out of his hands and she breaks it, ending the fight at last. Mumbo changes back to Bezel Kenny, who cries tears of joy when he sees that he's no longer Mumbo. Donna also changes back to normal, relieved that she's no longer a pig and mentioning that she knows "how Diana must have felt." Dick puts handcuffs on Mad Mod, who wants to know who LaGrieve is and what he's doing in the Tower. Dick explains that LaGrieve is their psychiatrist, which annoys Mad Mod because he hates psychiatrists. Tara calls in, letting everyone know that she reappeared in the bank. Dick also gets confirmation from the other Titans and their allies that the rest of the New Injustice Society has been taken care of. It's over. Dick tells Mad Mod that he should have known better than to come here, since this is their home and they do not take trespassers lightly. Mad Mod says he would have gotten away with it, if it hadn't been for those meddling Titans… and their dog too. Mad Mod glares at Wonder Dog, who obliviously ignores the old man's bitterness toward him.

Cut to the Jump City docks. It's night now. Beast Boy and Tula are saying goodbye to each other, since she's about to return to Atlantis. She tells Beast Boy that she had fun today and she liked hanging out with him, despite the attack from Trident. She thanks him for showing her around Jump City, though she's sure that there is more to Jump City that she hasn't seen yet. Beast Boy admits that he enjoyed his time with her as well and they made a pretty good team when they were taking on Trident together. And he agrees that there is more of Jump City that he could show her, suggesting that she visit again in the future. Tula smiles, saying that she would like that very much. Both of them hope for less interruptions from supervillains next time. Beast Boy does finally get around to the question he wanted to ask earlier, whether or not Tula has a crush on him. Tula blushes and confirms his suspicions in a soft voice, mentioning that it's because she thinks he's cute and he's been so nice to her. Beast Boy blushes and admits he's flattered. He tells Tula that he does like her, but not in that way. A friend of his gave him some advice and he's decided to follow it, being honest with Tula about what he wants so that she doesn't get the wrong idea. Right now he just wants to be friends with her, especially since he has feelings for someone else who is in a relationship and he's trying to move on. He would still like to hang out with Tula and his feelings could change in the future, but the last thing he wants to do right now is hurt or take advantage of Tula. To his relief, Tula understands that he's not interested at the moment and she reassures him she still wants to be friends with him. She thanks him for being honest with her so that she knows where he stands and she's fine with it. They promise to stay in touch with each other so that they can do this again and exchange fist bumps. Then Tula turns to leave while Beast Boy watches her go. When she's gone, he smiles to himself as he starts to head back to the Tower.

Cut back to Titans Tower. Babs, Dick, and Donna are in front of the main computer, which shows that all members of the New Injustice Society have been apprehended and are accounted for… except Killer Moth. Donna says that based on testimonies from Bezel Kenny and Tara, it is safe to come to the conclusion that "the Agent" is responsible for what happened today. She has already informed the Justice League of what they know, since she believes that the Agent is a threat they need to watch out for in the future. The League promised they would look into the Agent and try to find out more. Babs, Dick, and Donna are in agreement that the Agent is probably a demon and they're worried what he may be planning, since it won't be anything good. But they at least now know that the Agent, whoever he is, exists and poses a danger. Donna turns off the main computer and heads to her room, saying good night to Babs and Dick. Now alone, Dick asks Babs when she's returning to Gotham. Babs says she'll spend the night and start heading back sometime tomorrow, though she does plan on saying hello to Kate before then since she hasn't already. Babs does confirm that Bruce reached out to her and they're talking again, which Dick is happy to hear. Babs informs him that Alfred even told her about Dick's new suit, asking Dick if he can put it on for her. Dick says he can't, he doesn't want to put the suit on until he knows that he's ready. By putting on the suit, he would be making a commitment. Babs drops the subject and suggests that they train together before going to bed, for old times' sake. Dick smiles at the suggestion and agrees to train with her like they used to in Gotham, for old times' sake. The two get up and start heading toward the training room. As they walk together, Dick admits that he's glad Babs came to visit. Babs is glad she came as well, since she got to see Donna again as well and meet some of Dick's new friends. She can see why he likes them, though he reminds him to not forget his other friends too by playfully punching him lightly in the shoulder. Dick chuckles and promises that he could never forget her.

Cut to where the episode began, in the Cult of Skath's underground headquarters. Goth is in his personal chambers when some hooded figures bring someone to him. The person brought before Goth is a homeless man who was drugged and dragged here against his will with a bag over his head. The bag gets pulled off, revealing the man's frightened face. He asks where he's been brought and who his captors are. When he gets silence as a response, he tearfully begs them to let him go since he's done nothing wrong. Goth finally speaks. "That's what they all think, isn't it? That just because they have done nothing wrong, bad things shouldn't happen to them. I'm afraid that is a fantasy and you are here to be brought back to reality. You were chosen because out there you are nothing, the world will not miss you and it will not notice your absence. But to me you are important and are valuable to me. So thank you." Goth suddenly pulls out a knife and plunges it into the man's chest. The cult leader starts saying the incantation from earlier and the knife burns brightly as a result. The homeless man can only scream as his life force gets slowly drained from his body and into Goth's. When Goth is done, nothing is left of the homeless man but an empty husk. Goth informs the others that he feels rejuvenated and replenished, telling them to throw the husk to the spider. One of the hooded figures asks Goth what they will do about McCay due to the failed attack. Goth explains that Skath told him that McCay will be dealt with soon enough. But for now there is more work to do, since they must be ready to welcome a new member who will be joining them before long…


This episode turned out longer than I originally planned. It's loosely based off an issue of the tie-in comics to the animated series and like that issue this episode initially only had Mumbo in it. Then I decided to include Doctor Light and Mad Mod, but only as a cameo. The scene of the three having a session with Marnie Herrs (a reference to the John Ostrander Suicide Squad run) was originally going to be the only appearance of Doctor Light and Mad Mod in the episode, since I thought it would be fun to see how their treatments were going. But then I realized it would be fun to have a villain team-up in the episode to raise the stakes a bit. Trident only came into the picture after I started working on the Aquagirl and Beast Boy stuff, since I thought it would be fun to bring him back for an attempt at revenge and it would follow up on a loose friend from season one. The idea of including Control Freak and Killer Moth as well came soon after while I was writing the episode. Considering that all these villains have only appeared in one episode previously (well technically Killer Moth appeared in two since Cameron's introduction was near the end of "Car Trouble") and it was honestly a lot of fun to bring them back as the New Injustice Society. I had actually already planned on revealing that Killer Moth had made a deal with the Agent, but my original plan was for the reveal to happen much later. The Agent was always part of my original plan and so was his confrontation with Tara. That confrontation dropped more hints about Tara's backstory and has the grotesque imagery of the flesh slowly falling or melting off the Brion illusion. This is the first time in New Titans that the Agent's dealings take a more central stage after his brief appearances in previous episode and in this episode the heroes become aware of the Agent instead of them continuing to be in the dark. The Agent, as a reminder, is a character from an issue of the tie-in comics. However, he is also a composite character in New Titans. I have a habit of combining characters from the mainstream comics with characters from the animated series continuity. Like with the Puppeteer and Puppet King or Ron Evers and Atlas or Harvest and the Master of Games. I feel that it makes things more interesting and the Agent is no different. I won't give away who the Agent's mainstream comic counterpart is, though there have been a few hints at his true identity.

This episode also developed the Cult of Skath plot, revealing that Goth is an empath like Raven and that he uses his powers to suppress the negative feelings of his followers. This was to give a good in-universe reason for why people might start following him in the first place. His powers are a gift and he uses the life force of others to become even more powerful. This is when he really begins to reveal his true colors and a few details are given on the Cult of Skath, like how all members have their name in the Book and they all have their own Mark. There is set-up here for what will happen to Marcy Reynolds as well. She is actually part of a similar storyline in the comics, though I am trying to do more with her than the comics did since she outside of flashbacks Marcy only appeared in two issues of the New Teen Titans. Out of the interactions between villains, I probably liked writing the dislike that Control Freak and Mad Mod had for each other. Their characters are interesting, since their motivations are similar. Both want attention, to be taken seriously, and to be seen as relevant. But they're from completely different eras, which leads to them butting heads. If you're curious about Mad Mod's song, "Mad Mod World" was actually meant to be featured during Mad Mod's debut episode in the original animated series, but it was replaced by "K2G" by Puffy AmiYumi. I thought it would be fun to give Mad Mod his own villain song, especially since he's all about doing things with style. And yes, that was a Scooby-Doo reference when he was defeated. I couldn't help it. I also couldn't help having Mumbo get hit in the face by a pig, because I just thought that would be something funny. Donna being turned into a pig is a reference to the DCAU, which is why she mentioned her older sister after being changed back. I'll also admit that some of Control Freak's comments was me making fun of certain types of fans. Which isn't anything new, since Control Freak has always been an obese fanboy parody.

The New Injustice Society plot gave me the chance to write a moment that I quite liked: the first team-up of Batwoman and Flamebird. I felt that it was sweet, especially since they're cousins and Batwoman knows who Flamebird really is. I actually have a good friend who is a fan of those two as partners and family members, so I wanted to add that scene for him. Having Barbara pay the Tower a visit was also fun, since it allowed me to reference Super Best Friends Forever and I like writing her friendship with Dick. Starfire's reaction to meeting her is a reference to her reaction when meeting Terra for the first time in the animated series and Barbara's interactions with Killer Moth is a reference to the role he played in her early career as Batgirl in the comics. I have another reason for wanting to show Barbara as Batgirl this season, but that would be getting into spoilers. Something else I enjoyed writing in this episode were the interactions between Beast Boy and Tula. It gave me the chance to go into Tula's backstory (which has some details from the comics likes Aqualad being left to die because he was deemed inferior for having purple eyes), have her be a bit less shy, and actually develop her friendship with Beast Boy. Thanks to some advice from Jay, Beast Boy is also honest with Tula and the two agree to just be friends right now since Tula understands that Beast Boy doesn't want anything more than that. They could still become a couple in the future, but at the moment Tula is mature enough to accept that Beast Boy doesn't have to be interested in her and that his friendship is still worth something. The last thing I'll note is that I actually had to move some stuff I planned for this episode to next episode because of how long this turned out to be. Next episode is "Fracture" and I can promise you that it will be VERY different from the original episode.

Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed this episode and that you'll leave a review as always. I will try to get the next episode out as soon as I can. Stay safe everyone.