Episode 8: I know why the Caged Bat sings
Gotham City, GCDP: 9:03pm. It's a rainy night; Commissioner Gordon is standing next to the lit bat-signal. Renee Montoya comes over with two cups of coffee.
Renee Montoya:
Do you think he'll be here soon?
Commissioner Gordon:
I'm eyeing you as my successor and yet you forget that he's not alone. (He accepts the coffee) Thanks.
He takes a sip.
Renee Montoya:
Any word from Detective Chimp regarding the mansion investigation? He's been at it for a few weeks now.
Commissioner Gordon:
The mansion was owned by Lindsay Walters, one of Gotham's elite twelve. He was found dead and his safe was picked clean, from what I could gather.
They hear feet plant down on the roof behind them. The two turn around to see Huntress.
Huntress:
Evening Commissioner, Detective.
Renee Montoya:
What about Batman?
Huntress:
Daddy's busy with something. He'll be here soon.
Renee Montoya:
Very well.
Huntress:
Got any for me?
Renee Montoya:
Lindsay Walters was murdered. Police found a poison dart in his neck. We analysed the substance and researchers say it comes from a golden dart frog.
Huntress:
Any leads on the suspect?
Commissioner Gordon:
None, other than them being a member of an ancient group of assassins.
Huntress:
So, dressed like a ninja? It must be Shiva but why?
Commissioner Gordon:
Or someone wearing an owl mask.
Huntress:
She stole a golden poison dart frog. It seems obvious to me that it is her.
Renee Montoya:
Anyway, the assailant was last seen in the Chinatown district.
Huntress:
Thanks.
She fires her grappling hook and takes off. Gordon and Renee watch her leave.
Commissioner Gordon:
She has the spirit of her father.
Renee Montoya:
Definitely.
She sips her coffee. Batman drops down in front of them.
Batman:
Sorry I'm late Commissioner, Detective. I had to take Ace to the vet.
Commissioner Gordon:
We already told Huntress everything.
Gotham's Chinatown: 9:14pm. Huntress was standing on top of a noodle bar, behind a neon sign, observing the district with her binoculars, but due to the heavy rain, it was hard to see anything other than lights.
Huntress:
Great...
She kept looking until a silhouette in the distance climbed out of a two-storey window onto the side of a building. The silhouette happens to notice Huntress staring at it, because it begins to run. Huntress puts away her binoculars and gives chase. Huntress touches her earphone.
Huntress:
Oracle, I spotted a suspect. I'm going after him.
Oracle (Voice):
Okay, but be careful.
The suspect jumps onto a lower building before jumping onto another, illuminated only by the neon lights; Huntress follows, albeit a bit more carefully. She sees the suspect run towards the edge of the building.
Huntress:
Stop! You have nowhere to run!
The suspect doesn't stop; to Huntress's surprise, the suspect keeps running and jumps across the promenade below. He lands on the ledge of an opposite building. Huntress follows and takes out her grappling hook. She fires it to the other side and pulls the trigger and it starts reeling her over; when Huntress is halfway across, the suspect takes out a knife and slices the cord. Huntress's expression changes to shock as she begins falling; she hits her head on a fire escape, before falling through the canopy of a food stall, before coming to a stop in the middle of the path, hearing a loud 'crack' in her left leg. Huntress grits her teeth as she touches her earphone.
Huntress:
Oracle, he got away from me and I think I broke my leg. Need backup. Over.
Oracle (Voice):
Copy that. Over.
Huntress sees a familiar person in a bat mask before everything goes black.
Later, she begins to regain consciousness. Her mind steadily comes back into focus; she could hear what sounded like her mom sobbing, and the beeping of a heart monitor. Her eyes fully open to see Alfred patting her forehead with a cloth, as well as the faces of Tim, Stephanie, Cassandra, Damian and her parents staring at her. She looked around; she was in the Batcave's infirmary.
Helena:
I'm fine, Mom. Ouch.
Selina wipes her eye sand throws her arms around Helena.
Selina:
I thought you wouldn't wake up!
Helena:
Well, I'm awake now. Where's the suspect?
Bruce:
The suspect got away. You wouldn't have gotten help if I hadn't been there.
Helena:
Sorry, Dad. I should've been careful. If I'd just waited for you, then we would've apprehended them.
Dick comes in, holding an X-Ray of Helena's left leg.
Dick:
Your lower leg was fractured in three places when you fell.
Helena:
So I guess Huntress is off like Robin.
Dick:
So it would seem.
They look at Damian, who skulks out of the Batcave.
Stephanie:
Don't forget, I'm also off-duty.
She rubs her now-noticeable baby bump.
Dick:
Huh; how time flies.
Stephanie:
It's only been two months.
Dick:
I don't think it would be that swollen.
Stephanie:
How was Kory's pregnancy?
Dick:
She was off-duty as well, but she continued her modelling gig, even as her bump grew.
Stephanie:
Okay.
He turns to Bruce.
Dick:
I can stay in Gotham full time if you need me, Bruce.
Bruce:
And your career as a cop? You can't be gone that long.
Dick:
I still have two weeks of leave to take so I can help out here.
Bruce:
Your help couldn't have come any sooner.
They look at Helena.
Helena:
You may be able to replace me as Batman's sidekick but not as a Titan. Jaden lost a member of his squad there.
Dick:
They'll be fine. (Gives his sister a reassuring smile)
Helena:
I hope so.
She lies down.
Alfred:
The patient is feeling a little tired and it would be best for you all to clear out.
Dick:
I understand.
The Bat Family begin to file out of the infirmary.
Selina:
Get well.
Helena:
Yes, mother.
Damian:
If only I had been there.
Selina:
Damian, we talked about this. You can't go back to being Robin until you finish school.
Damian groans and leaves.
Living Room: 10:45pm. The Bat-Family are assembled (minus Helena and others).
Bruce:
I know you're all tired, but because of recent events, this rule will be implemented immediately. The Court of Owls is becoming more dangerous with each passing day, and with three of our members off-duty, patrol time is doubled for all of you.
Dick (On his phone):
Mar'i and Kory, I'm so sorry.
Starfire (On the phone):
If it is for a good cause. I have Bludhaven covered.
Mar'i (On the phone):
I have to manage my squad, otherwise I would have come too. I still haven't met the new member.
Dick (On the phone):
Thanks.
He hangs up to see Bruce, Cassandra and Tim had gone, leaving just him, Selina, Damian, Stephanie and Ace.
Dick:
You're not going Selina?
Selina:
Patrol hasn't been my favourite pastime since I retired from the cat-burglar lifestyle.
Ace ambles over to him, and coughs.
Dick:
How you holding up, old buddy?
Selina:
Bruce took him to the vet but he shouldn't be long.
Dick:
Sixteen years since you were brought here as a stray. Since you were giving rides to Koro and Helena.
Selina:
Yeah, he's had a good life fighting alongside the Batman and turning me into somewhat of a dog-person.
Dick:
You're exaggerating.
Selina (Pouring herself a glass of wine):
Am I now? (She sips it as Ace licks her other hand) I'll be having a bath.
She leaves the room, and Ace struggles over to the couch and sniffs Stephanie's belly.
Dick:
I'm going to the Batcave.
He opens the Grandfather Clock's inner workings, tugs on the third weight, and the clock swings open, revealing the secret entrance. He walks down it and the entrance closes.
Damian's Room: 11:09pm. Damian is sitting at his desk, but he's not doing schoolwork like he should be. Instead, he's researching information about the Court of Owls.
Damian:
Where are they?
The webpages he was searching had little to no information, other than a few paragraphs reading "The Court of Owls is a mysterious cult that pre-dates Gotham, all the way back to the 1700s. It is rumoured that the Court is a coalition of Gotham Elite members and people who want to be part of something, usually wearing an owl mask to conceal their identities. Occasionally, the Court will go out and commit crimes, such as arson or murder, or host ritualistic sacrifices or orgy gatherings. Their base of operations is unknown to this day". The rest of the page is blank.
Damian:
What's their goal?
There's a knock at the door; Damian turns off his computer and pretends to be studying.
Damian:
Enter.
Alfred enters.
Alfred:
Are you alright, Master Damian?
Damian:
I can't stop thinking about Helena. How is she?
Alfred:
Fine. But I assure you, she shall be up in good condition in no time.
Damian:
More like a few weeks.
Alfred:
Onto other matters. Miss Bertenelli sent a message to the parents; she'll be serving as interim principal and you are all free to return to school up until exams.
Damian:
Great.
Alfred:
You've been studying most of the day. It's best you get some shut eye.
He steps out.
Damian:
Going back to school with those crazy people on the loose? What would stop them from assassinating the former Huntress or she is setting a trap for them?
Gotham Academy: 8:40am. The limo pulls up outside the building. Damian gets out first, and holds the door open for Helena, who is on crutches.
Damian:
You know you could have been home-schooled.
Helena:
It's not the same, and to be honest, it was pretty boring.
Helena waves to Alfred and the limo drives off. The two enter the school, but are forced to line up behind other students.
Damian:
What is this? An airport?
Static:
Ever since the principal was murdered, we have tightened security. Just need to make sure no-one is carrying anything malicious.
Helena:
Do any of you have x-ray vision?
Lagoon Boy:
No. (To a student) Hold still, we just need to scan you.
Helena:
Too bad, it's going to take time to scan my cast.
Plastic Man waves the metal detector over Damian, then over Helena, in particular her cast.
Plastic Man:
Place your bags on the table and open them up.
Damian and Helena oblige. Plastic Man looks inside, emptying out the contents in all compartments (mostly books).
Plastic Man:
You're in the clear.
He puts the items back in both bags and returns them to Damian and Helena.
Helena:
Thanks.
They leave the foyer. As they're walking, Damian sees Nick.
Damian:
Oh, the face I didn't want to see.
Nick:
Could you frisk me, Stargirl? I could be hiding a big weapon in my pocket.
Stargirl:
That's disgusting. Now could you move along? You're holding up the line.
Damian:
Did you hear her? Go away!
Nick sees Damian and Helena approach him.
Nick:
Well, well. Dami-boy and his crippled sister. You slipped on a wad of cash?
Helena:
No.
Damian:
You know it's illegal to solicit someone older than you for sexual activities, especially if they're part of the Justice League.
Damian's fists begin to ball up.
Helena:
Damian, just ignore him. He likes to get under people's skin, but let it be.
Damian (Putting down his bag):
He insults you, he insults me and our family. He needs to be taught a lesson.
Nick:
You know it's unwise to start a fight in front of the Justice League.
Damian:
Unless it's to teach you a lesson in insulting people.
He throws a punch at Nick's face, leaving a knuckle-shaped bruise on his right cheek. Nick rubs his cheek.
Nick:
Ow.
Nick throws a punch, which Damian evades. Damian then proceeds to punch him in the gut and roundhouse kick him in the chest. By this point, the other students had crowded around to watch the fight while Helena watched, horrified.
Nick:
I yield!
Damian:
I'm not done with you yet.
He touches him on the left shoulder; the touch seemed to have cut off blood circulation, because Nick's arm went limp. Damian then knocked him to the ground and began to strangle him with his arms.
Damian:
Just be lucky I don't break your neck.
Nick tried to use his free arm to shake off Damian, but he was unrelenting. Stargirl pushes through the crowd and uses her cosmic spear to separate the two.
Stargirl:
Enough! You two, in the principal's office.
The crowd disperses.
Principal's Office: 8:50am. Damian and Nick were sitting in front of Miss Bertenelli; Nick was rubbing his numb arm and bruised face, while Damian was completely unscathed.
Miss Bertenelli:
I see that things are not changing. Damian, you have to learn to control your anger. And Nick, stop picking a fight.
Damian:
He was treating Stargirl as an object. I had to do something.
Miss Bertenelli:
That kind of idiot; better ignore him than play his game.
Damian:
I'm sorry, Miss Bertenelli. I don't know what came over me.
Miss Bertenelli:
You can leave Nick. I need to talk to Damian alone.
Nick leaves; the door closes.
Miss Bertenelli:
Now, Damian.
Damian:
I know, I've crossed the line and I'm going to detention. I used to with the old principal.
Miss Bertenelli:
But I'm not Principal Grey; I recently learnt he was a sex offender. But he should've faced the hammer of justice instead of an early death.
Damian:
So what am I going to get as a punishment?
Miss Bertenelli sighs.
Miss Bertenelli:
I think it would be good if you had some more sessions with M'gann. You had made progress but you still have trouble controlling your anger and that's a problem.
Damian:
I understand. I believe it was my mother's side coming out.
Miss Bertenelli:
Selina?
Damian:
No.
Miss Bertenelli:
And you don't know your real mother?
Damian:
No.
Miss Bertenelli:
in the meantime, avoid Nick and all the other jerks at school. You can leave my office and go to class now.
Damian:
Yes, Huntress.
He leaves.
Miss Bertenelli:
I don't know who his mother is, only Bruce knows.
Jump City Titans Tower: 9:20am. Kid Flash was eating a sandwich and Damon and Crush were arm-wrestling. Emerald Witch was reading one of her mother's books: the title read 'Dunkle Magie'.
AI:
DESIGNATION- NIGHTSTAR.
Nightstar appears from the zeta tube; everyone looks up at her.
Kid Flash:
Hi, boss.
Nightstar:
What did I say about calling me Boss?
Kid Flash:
That you'd slam me into the ground if I did. But, you have to catch me.
Crush gets distracted by Nightstar and that enables Damon to win. She gets up and approaches Nightstar.
Crush:
So you're the leader of this team. I see a certain resemblance to the Troq.
Nightstar:
Yeah, that's my mom and please say Tamaranean instead.
Crush:
Alright, Tamaranean. (To Damon) That victory wasn't deserved. I demand a rematch!
Damon:
Anytime.
Crush:
Now! (Punches the table)
Damon:
Okay.
They sit back at the table, lay their elbows on the table-top and push their arms against each other.
Nightstar:
So much for a proper introduction.
Emerald Witch:
I think it's pointless.
Nightstar:
Now that I'm back from my break, we can get back into the swing of things. Namely, the training course.
Damon:
Wait! We'll finish this round!
He and Crush continue to push their arms against each other, determined not to break their focus.
Emerald Witch:
They're evenly matched.
Damon:
I can do this all day.
Crush:
That depends on your endurance.
They continue arm-wrestling, until Crush finally pushes Damon's arm down.
Crush:
Ha! Go suck an egg! Victory is mine!
Nightstar:
Now we can go.
Jump City Titans Tower- Outside: 9:42am. The team are on the training course. Nightstar has set it up.
Kid Flash:
I'm ready.
Nightstar:
Hang on Kacey. I'd like to test our newest member first. It is something my father would do whenever there was a new Teen Titan. Crush! You're up.
Crush steps forward. She takes out Obelisk and begins wielding it around like a lasso.
Emerald Witch:
Watch where you're swinging that thing; you could take out an eye. And we already have someone without an eye. (Looks at Damon)
Crush:
Yeah.
Nightstar:
Somehow, that doesn't reassure me.
She presses a button; hatches open up and several drones appear from out of them.
Crush:
Are they set to Kill?
Nightstar:
No.
Crush:
So all I have to do is destroy them? Easy.
Nightstar:
I hear you gave my team a run for their money. Alright, I'll make it challenging, which in your tongue means "more fun".
She presses a few buttons, and the drones' optical sensors change from yellow to red.
Nightstar:
Start!
The drones begin firing upon Crush. Crush, undeterred by the barrage of fire, flings her chain and slices a drone clean down the middle. She impales a second drone through the optical sensor, causing it to become stuck on the chain. She flings it into a third drone to dislodge it.
Emerald Witch:
I'm glad she's on our side.
Kid Flash:
Okay, gossip time. Mar'i, Murdoc and I are officially dating!
Emerald Witch:
Yeah, I know about it and I still can't believe it.
Damon:
From harassing him, he finally gave up.
Nightstar:
Now I'm going to have to find another boyfriend so Dad doesn't get suspicious.
Kid Flash:
Oh yeah, he still doesn't know about Damian and you.
Nightstar:
It's nothing like that. Damian and I are strictly cousins.
Emerald Witch:
Yeah, that's it. Keep hiding your feelings but that doesn't fool me.
Nightstar:
Let's change the subject. We're here to train Crush and nothing else.
Crush:
Hey. I'm finished.
The other Titans look at Crush, and the training course littered with destroyed drones.
Nightstar:
Well played.
Crush wipes oil off Obelisk.
Crush:
I'm gonna grab a bite.
Nightstar grabs her by the arm.
Nightstar:
First, you can challenge me in a sparring duel, then you can go eat.
Crush:
I have a question. If I beat you, do I become the new leader?
Nightstar:
I don't know what planet you grew up on, but here, it doesn't work like that.
Crush:
Shame. Do we start?
Nightstar takes out her bo-staff.
Nightstar:
Give it your best shot.
Crush:
I hope you brought a spare.
Crush thrusts out her chain at Nightstar, who swings it back with her staff. Nightstar pulls the chain, pulling Crush in and punches her in the face at full power. Nightstar approaches the fallen Crush and points her staff at her.
Nightstar:
Your overconfidence is your weakness.
Crush:
What was that? A caress?
She pushes the bo away and gets up.
Nightstar:
I'll make it harder for you.
She smirks and lights the ends of her staff in green starbolts. Crush begins swinging her chain.
Crush:
Adding sparks won't change much.
She flings out her chain again. Again, Nightstar deflects it; Crush pulls it back and charges. She strikes Nightstar with full ferocity, and each time Nightstar deflected her quick attacks. Then, Nightstar begins to levitate eight feet off the ground. Crush uses her chain to grab Nightstar's ankle and pull her to the ground.
Crush:
I prefer a level playing field.
She kicks the downed Nightstar's staff out of her hand and points her chain at her.
Crush:
I win. What are you gonna do about it?
Nightstar looks at Crush, then a beam of green energy shoots out of her eyes, sending Crush tumbling back. Crush stands up.
Crush:
Laser vision, I forgot about that.
Nightstar:
You shouldn't let your guard down so easily.
She pats her on the shoulder. Crush smiles at where she touched her.
Nightstar:
I'm going to the showers. (To Kid Flash, Damon and Emerald Witch) You three can start your own training.
Kid Flash:
You're the boss. (Realises) Sorry, Mar'i.
Nightstar leaves.
Crush:
I'm going inside.
She leaves.
Damon:
She doesn't seem to be taking the loss hard.
Shower Area: 10:03am. Nightstar locks the door; she places her staff and communicator on the countertop. She begins taking off her gloves and boots, and she lays the gloves on a hanger, and stores her boots underneath it. She is just taking off her top when her communicator goes off. She checks the caller ID: Robin. Nightstar turns on her Communicator.
Nightstar:
Hi, Damian.
The conversation cuts between Damian calling from a restroom at Gotham Academy, to Nightstar in the Tower's shower area.
Damian:
Hi Mar'i. Have you heard about Helena?
Nightstar:
Yeah, she took a hell of a fall. Hope she's alright.
Damian:
She'll be fine. Nothing that time and rest cannot fix. A bit dazed initially, but she's in good spirits. Only problem is, we're three members short and the Court of Owls is striking parts of Gotham more frequently.
Nightstar:
My dad said he'd come help out.
Damian:
Then, who's watching Bludhaven when he's gone?
Nightstar:
Mom, and sometimes Koro or me.
Damian:
Bludhaven needs its defenders. Who knows what big bad would establish themselves to threaten Nightwing and his family?
Nightstar:
It's mostly little thugs. The supervillains are in Gotham.
Damian:
Oh Mar'i Joanna Grayson, how naïve you are. Metropolis and Dakota City have several supervillains, even Jump City.
Nightstar:
There hasn't been a real Jump City threat since the HIVE was disbarred following Gizmo's permanent incarceration and Brother Blood's death, courtesy of Auntie Jinx. Anyway, there aren't any more in Bludhaven.
Damian:
I should get back to class. Talk soon.
He hangs up. Nightstar puts down the communicator and turns on the shower.
Gotham City, Walters Mansion: 10:20am. Renee Montoya, Detective Chimp and Commissioner Gordon are in the victim's office; a chalk outline on the carpet indicated where the victim's body was found, and they were looking into the safe for anything the murderer left behind.
Detective Chimp:
Hmm, just money and a gun. And a pack of gum.
Renee Montoya:
So allergies killed him?
Detective Chimp:
If he was allergic to gum, why would he keep it in a safe?
Renee Montoya:
It was a joke. A bleak one but a joke regardless.
Voice:
In short, nothing of value.
The two detectives look to see Red Robin walking through the door. Gordon flinched.
Commissioner Gordon:
I'm close to 70 and you still wanna give me a heart attack!
Red Robin:
Don't shout, Jim. You'll give yourself a heart attack. (To the detectives) Overlooked something?
Red Robin:
Thanks.
He takes a piece and begins chewing on it.
Red Robin:
Have you found any fingerprints? And if they were cleaned away, did you use luminol fluid?
Renee Montoya:
We did. Unfortunately, not even the luminol could find any traces.
Red Robin:
Great. Nothing to confirm the murders' identity.
Detective Chimp:
Any evidence of a break-in?
Red Robin:
Not likely. Whoever it was, they were very thorough.
He opens the holographic interface on his wrist, and brings up Lindsay Walters' profile.
Red Robin:
Says here that prior to his death, he was planning to run for mayor. Hmmm, perhaps Gil Carson wanted his rival taken out.
Renee Montoya:
Maybe.
Detective Chimp:
Well, I guess we have to talk to this Gil Carson.
Red Robin (Typing into his interface):
Here's his address: 14, Vietti Lane. (He receives a notification) Steph needs me. Carry on, detectives.
He leaves out the window.
Detective Chimp:
Uh, heroes should never get married. Distracts from getting the job done.
He takes a banana out of his coat and begins eating it; Renee gives him a disapproving look.
Gotham Academy: 11:45am. Damian was sitting in Math class, as the teacher walks around, handing out sheets.
Teacher:
On these sheets, you'll find a list of everything you need to know for your exams in three weeks.
He hands a sheet to Damian; Damian looks over it, and lets out an exaggerated sigh.
Damian:
Calculus? Algebra? I'm not gonna use this for my life?
Teacher:
Hey, I never used them as well, but I still needed to learn them.
He goes back to handing out sheets. Damian opens his textbook and begins reading equations. He looks out the window; he sees what appears to be Talon. He rubs his eyes, and when he opens them again, the image of Talon was gone.
Damian:
Just a figment of my imagination. (To the teacher) May I be excused? Bathroom break.
Teacher:
Alright, five minutes.
Damian gets up and leaves the room. He begins walking normally down the hall, passing S.T.R.I.P.E on patrol. He sticks his hand out in front of him.
S.T.R.I.P.E:
Can't go anywhere without an escort.
Damian pushes his hand away.
Damian:
I can take care of myself. I'm just headed to the bathroom.
S.T.R.I.P.E:
The safety of the students is our top priority during this time.
Damian:
(Sighs) Fine.
Damian enters the boys bathroom, while S.T.R.I.P.E waits outside.
Inside the bathroom, Damian waits until he can no longer hear S.T.R.I.P.E. Then, he enters one of the stalls and climbs onto the toilet. Keeping his balance, he opens a window and crawls out through it. He closes the window behind him and drops down onto the bitumen, landing on his feet. He runs.
Damian:
I don't need a bodyguard.
He runs to the area where he believes he saw Talon, and sees a footprint left behind only recently.
Damian:
Wish I had some tech right now.
He looks round; there was no-one else around. He photographs the print and runs.
Gotham Academy: 12:00pm. S.T.R.I.P.E is still waiting for Damian to finish using the bathroom.
S.T.R.I.P.E:
Damian, are you done using the facilities?
No reply; S.T.R.I.P.E knocks the door off its hinges and enters. He opens all the cubicles; Damian is not present. He presses his ear.
S.T.R.I.P.E:
Miss Bertenelli, Damian's gone.
Miss Bertenelli (Voice):
No, he's in class. He came back a few minutes ago.
S.T.R.I.P.E goes to Room 7C; Damian was seated.
S.T.R.I.P.E:
I didn't see him pass me.
Miss Bertenelli (Voice):
Your niece caught him before he could get far.
S.T.R.I.P.E:
Right.
The bell rings. The students pack up their desks and file out of the room.
S.T.R.I.P.E:
I've got my eye on you Damian.
Damian looks at S.T.R.I.P.E, then turns away and walks off.
Damian (Under his breath):
Not for long.
He is stopped by Stargirl.
Stargirl:
You thought you were being clever, escaping school when there are cultists walking around the city?
Damian looks around to make sure other students weren't eavesdropping.
Damian:
I had good reason. I thought I saw their leader.
Stargirl:
First, you start a fight this morning, then you attempt to escape school. What the hell is going through your mind?!
Damian:
I have no idea. But I will find out!
He turns and walks away.
Vietti Lane: 12:10pm. Detective Chimp and Renee Montoya are standing in front of house 14. It opens, revealing a middle-aged man with a receding hairline.
Renee Montoya:
Gil Carson?
Gil:
Yeah?
Renee Montoya:
We have some questions we'd like to ask.
Gil:
By all means, come in.
Gil was weirded out when Chimp entered.
Detective Chimp:
What's the matter? Never seen a chimpanzee dressed like a detective before?
Gil:
No, I haven't.
Renee Montoya (Pointing at an armchair):
Sit.
Gil sits, still weirded out by Chimp. Renee takes a small wired device out of her pocket; she attaches the two wires to Gil's head.
Renee Montoya:
Now, answer these questions truthfully. You are under oath. If you lie, this device will pick up on it and you will be shocked. Also, we're recording this, so anything you do or say can be used against you. Understand?
Gil:
Fully.
Renee Montoya:
Let's begin. Question one: Did you kill Lindsey Walters?
Gil:
Oh! I get it! I'm the political opponent! I am obviously the killer!
The device buzzes, causing Gil to be zapped.
Gil:
What was that for?!
Renée Montoya:
You were being sarcastic and the machine considers that a lie. But, now we know you're not the killer.
Gil:
I know I didn't kill anyone. Why do you ask?
Renee Montoya:
Mr Walters was killed by a toxic dart. Tell me, did you recruit anyone to kill the competition?
Gil:
Maybe.
Detective Chimp:
Maybe tends to mean yes.
Gil gets buzzed.
Gil:
I didn't hire anyone! I actually respected Walters. He and I would debate against each others' political views, but I'd never want him dead. It wouldn't be a fair fight.
The device dings.
Detective Chimp:
Huh. He's telling the truth.
Renee Montoya:
You're all clear. We'll leave now.
Renee unplugs the wires from Gil's head, and she and Chimp leave. Gil sees them out and closes the door. He watches them leave from the window, then once they were out of sight, he closes the curtains. Gil then picked up his phone and dialled a number.
Gil:
You killed him?
Talon (Voice):
You were struggling with your campaign; I wanted to make it easier for you.
Gil:
A police detective and a monkey were here earlier, questioning me about it.
Talon (Voice):
You said you wanted him to give up. So, in a way, I made his life give up on him. Welcome to the office, Mayor Gil Carson.
Gil:
Thanks, but I think I'll resign.
Talon (Voice now an angry tone):
Why?
Gil:
Because this is wrong.
Talon (Voice):
Gil! Without you, the Court of Owls will be nothing and if you resign as Mayor of Gotham I will come down and cut your tongue out!
Gil says nothing, and hangs up.
Gotham City Hall: 12:50pm. Gil Carson is standing in front of a podium, facing a crowd and reporters.
Vicki Vale:
I'm standing live here at City Hall where the new Mayor of Gotham, Gil Carson, will be delivering his first press conference.
She turns around to listen to Gil. He taps the microphone; sound emanates out of it.
Gil:
Citizens of Gotham. In these times, it is important that we stand together. The Court of Owls will not affect our daily lives, or the fairness of our elections. Which is why, I'm resigning as Mayor. (The crowd murmurs in surprise) I know this is a shock to you all, but I was made Mayor by default as my rival, Lindsey Walters, was murdered and not on my behalf. Therefore, as the election wasn't a fair battle, this is the first, and last time, I'll be speaking to you as mayor.
He exits to the right. Vicki turns back to the camera.
Vicki Vale:
In an astonishing turns of events, Gil Carson has resigned right after being sworn in.
Wayne Enterprises: the same time. Bruce Wayne is sitting in his office, eating his lunch and watching the report unfold. Barbara enters, closing the door behind her.
Barbara:
You saw the news?
Bruce:
Just now. You wanted to see me about something?
Barbara:
Well, I was looking through the school monitors and found this.
She showed Bruce a video of what appeared to be a sniper on the roof of Gotham Academy.
Bruce:
The police haven't found it?
Barbara:
They said there were blind spots. Despite the fact they had just been repaired three weeks ago.
Bruce:
Huh. Wait a minute, can you tell me the position of the roof?
Barbara:
Why?
Bruce:
Because I have a feeling I know where they were shooting.
Barbara:
Lindsey Walters.
Bruce:
Bingo.
Barbara accesses Bruce's computer and opens the footage of the sniper; the video was dated May 27th.
Bruce:
Zoom in by 75%. (The video zooms in on the sniper's face, albeit blurry) Enhance picture. (The blurriness clears, showing the sniper's face) Analyse. (The computer analyses the face; it opens a database on the person's identity) William Cobb. Barbara, pull up a file on William Cobb.
Barbara opens up a file, showing a black-haired Caucasian man with brown eyes.
Barbara:
William Cobb; born October 10, 1901. Became a well-known juggler at Haly's Circus. At age 20 He married Amelia Crowne, daughter of Burton Crowne, one of Gotham's elite. At 21, he became a part of the Court of Owls to act as their assassins "The Talons", and was gifted with a chemical known as Electrum. His and Amelia's son grew up at the circus, being dubbed the 'Gray Son of Gotham'.
Bruce:
1901? How is that possible? No man 120 or over could do something like that!
Barbara:
Correction; no ordinary man could! But as it just said, Cobb was gifted with Electrum.
Bruce:
What is Electrum?
Barbara (Typing on the keyboard):
Electrum is a metal. If prepared right, it can reanimate the dead or even prolong ones' life.
Bruce:
So Talon is a zombie. That's good to know. We don't need to hold back our attacks.
Barbara:
If he were a zombie, wouldn't his skin be all clammy and pale?
Bruce:
The Electrum should make him keep his normal complexion.
Barbara:
I'll relegate this information to the rest of the Bat Family and the New Teen Titans. That should make Jason happy.
Bruce:
You can stay for lunch if you'd like.
Barbara:
Thanks for the offer.
They stand up and leave the office.
Jump City: 1:10pm. Mar'i, Paine, Kacey, Damon and Crush were at the Pizzeria, sitting at an outdoor table.
Crush:
Meat pizza.
Kacey:
Uh...Paine is a vegetarian.
Crush:
I know but I eat only meat.
Damon:
Me too.
Mar'i:
We're going to order two pizzas. One with meat on it and the other with vegetables, are you happy?
Kacey:
Personally, one pizza won't be enough for me.
Mar'i:
I know, neither do I.
Paine:
Look; we'll get one vegetarian, two meat, and three margaritas each for both of you.
Kacey:
Okay, sounds good.
Mar'i:
Let's order.
She raises her hand. A waiter comes over to her.
Mar'i:
One vegetarian, two meat with extra meat, and six margaritas.
Waiter:
Alright. That'll be eighty-four dollars.
Mar'i pulls out her credit card. She scans it against the payment terminal.
Waiter:
Thanks.
He leaves to process the order.
Mar'i:
So, Crush. We didn't have a proper introduction this morning. I'll start; hi, my name is Mar'i Grayson, your team leader.
Crush:
Me too, should I introduce myself?
Mar'i:
It's polite to.
Crush:
Alright, hi I'm Xiomara, but I like to go by Crush.
Kacey laughs.
Kacey:
Xiomara? How did Lobo choose that name?
Crush:
He didn't. My mother chose it for me, but I hated it.
Mar'i:
Why? It sounds like a beautiful name.
Crush:
It conflicts with my image.
Kacey:
Yeah, you're more tomboy than princess in skirts.
Crush:
You want your pizza in your eye?!
Kacey:
Not the orifice I'd like my pizza to be.
Paine:
That's enough, stop arguing. We are not here to fight. We are here to enjoy a nice lunch and get acquainted with our newest member.
At that moment, the Waiter returns, carrying six pizzas.
Kacey:
That was fast.
Waiter:
Six margaritas (lays the pizzas in front of Mar'i and Kacey), a vegetarian (lays the pizza in front of Paine), and two meats (lays the pizzas in front of Crush and Damon) Buon Appetito.
He leaves. They eat. Paine takes a slice of her pizza, and shoots a glare at Crush and Damon, who are eating like wild animals.
Crush:
What? You want some?
Paine:
No. We're in public; could you eat in a more appropriate manner?
Crush:
That's how we eat on Tamaran, right ? I just wanted to honour our leader.
Mar'i:
Uh, Tamaranean biology. I'm half and half, and I'm more of an Earthling culture when it comes to eating.
She takes a bite of her first pizza.
Crush:
You're one to talk when you have three whole pizzas to yourself.
Kacey:
Is that aimed at me?
Crush:
Both of you.
Kacey:
Jokes on you, I'm getting a fourth.
She sprints off.
Crush:
Glutton.
Paine:
Kacey is a speedster with a high metabolism so she needs to eat a lot. And Mar'i has five stomachs.
Crush:
Weird.
Damon:
Me too, I thought it was weird that she had 5 stomachs but her mother has 9.
Mar'i:
Can we change the subject?
Paine:
To Damian?
Crush:
Yeah, when is he coming back ? I have never met him. I just know it's Robin.
Mar'i:
He's my cousin.
Kacey (Who has just returned with a fourth pizza):
A little more than that.
Mar'i glares at her. Everyone goes back to eating their pizza.
Gotham Academy: 2:05pm. In the boys' change-room, Damian is changing into his gym clothes. He's at his gym locker looking at a picture of him, Mar'i and Jon during his father's annual Christmas gala.
Damian:
Don't worry guys, I'll be back.
A hand takes the picture out of his. Damian looks to see Nick looking at the picture.
Nick:
This your girlfriend, Dami? Hmmm, not bad. She's a fine piece of ass.
Damian:
Give it back, Nick. Unless you want another limp arm. Plus, she's my cousin!
Nick:
Oh. Oh, forget that then.
He drops the picture; Damian quickly catches it before it can land on the floor.
Damian (Under his breath):
Prick.
He puts it back in his locker, before closing and locking it, and leaving the room.
Nick:
What did you say, rich boy?
Damian:
Maybe I should add "deaf" too.
Nick:
So, you think I'm a prick?
Damian:
No, I think you're a dick and if you act like one, it's not my fault.
Nick:
Why you stupid rich boy!
He balls his fists and is about to punch him when someone out of view threw a knife into Nick's hand, causing him to scream. Damian turns around.
Damian:
Did you see who did that?
The other boys reply with a "no".
Damian:
Well, don't just stand there. He needs to go to the infirmary!
One of the boys takes Nick to the infirmary.
Damian:
Don't remove the knife; it's the only thing preventing him from losing blood. (The boys leave) That's been twice I've been helped, even if the method used is a little too violent for my taste.
The other boys leave the locker room, looking at Damian nervously.
Damian:
I wonder if it was such a good idea for me to come back to school.
He looks around the locker room; he wonders into the shower area. The showers hadn't been touched.
Damian:
Who did that?
No-one replied.
Damian:
Show yourself! Is this a Court of Owls member?! (Still nothing) Must already be gone.
He leaves the locker room.
Damian:
Maybe the surveillance cameras picked him up.
At the same time, Helena was sitting in her year 9 English class, her broken leg propped up on a spare chair, and her classmates' signatures all over the cast.
Helena (Thinking):
I hope Damian doesn't get in trouble, even though it happens often.
She returns to her copy of 'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee.
Miss Bertenelli (On the PA System):
Could Damian and Helena Wayne come to the front office please.
Helena gets up from her chair with difficulty.
Helena (Thinking):
I knew it.
She takes up her crutches and limps towards the door, while the class watched her. Outside, Lagoon Boy escorts her.
Principal's Office: 2:30pm. Damian and Helena were sitting in front of Miss Bertenelli.
Helena:
What did he do this time?
Miss Bertenelli:
You know he started a fight this morning. Later, he attempted to escape school to follow an Owl, and Nick got stabbed in the hand and Damian was the one closest to him at the time.
Damian:
But that wasn't me.
Helena:
Can't hold still, can you?
Damian:
Staying in school won't stop the Court of Owls.
Miss Bertenelli:
Damian, your father made it clear that you can't do any work until after you've finished school. That was the deal.
Damian:
Tell him the deal's off.
He stands up and walks out, slamming the door.
Helena:
How did he get a knife?
Miss Bertenelli:
Chance he snuck into the school when Stargirl and the others finished their shift.
Helena:
There was a security check this morning; Damian's person and bag were searched thoroughly. If he had a knife on him, they'd already have it. It must be someone else who "helped" Damian.
Miss Bertenelli:
And this someone could've also been the one who murdered Principal Grey.
Helena:
Possibly. I'm gonna ask Nick.
She takes her crutches, stands up and limps to the door.
Infirmary. Nick had the knife removed, and his hand was being bandaged when Helena appears in the doorway.
Helena:
Hey Nick.
Nick:
What do you want?
Helena looks at the medic.
Helena:
Leave us. This is sort of a private discussion.
The medic nods and steps outside, closing the door.
Helena:
I need to ask you a few questions about the stabbing. Was there anyone out of the ordinary in the locker room?
Nick:
Besides your psycho brother? No.
Helena:
My brother is not a psycho. He could never hurt a dog.
Nick:
I got a question for you; why are you questioning me instead of a member of security?
Helena:
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. But don't tell anyone else, because I know some people who can wipe your mind clean.
Nick:
Come on. Say it.
Helena reaches into her pocket and takes out a communicator.
Helena (Dropping her voice):
I am a Teen Titan.
Nick:
Great knockoff. I almost believed it.
She turns it on.
Helena:
Calling any Teen Titan.
Mar'i's friendly face appears on the little screen.
Mar'i (On the comm):
Mar'i calling. Helena, how are you? Hope you're well soon.
Helena:
Thanks, cuz.
Nick sees Mar'i.
Nick (Thinking):
She's hot. (Out loud) Okay, you called your cousin but that doesn't prove anything.
Helena sighs.
Helena:
Mar'i, can you light up your eyes?
On the screen, Mar'i's eyes glow bright green. Nick is still not convinced.
Nick:
Those are just special effects.
Mar'i (On the comm):
You want me to come here and take you high in the air to prove to you that I'm an alien?
Helena:
It's the only way.
Mar'i (On the comm):
Alright.
She hangs up.
Wayne Manor: 2:50pm. Tim arrives home and sees Stephanie asleep on the couch, Ace lying down next to her. The TV was on, showing the news report from earlier that day.
Tim:
What's it about?
Stephanie:
Gil Carson resigned as Mayor immediately after taking office.
Tim:
That's very suspicious.
Stephanie:
Do you think he has something to do with the Court of Owls?
Tim:
It's possible but he was remorseful.
Alfred comes in with a cup of tea.
Alfred:
It's chamomile. It'll do you good.
Stephanie:
Thanks Alfred.
She sits up and accepts the cup. Stephanie takes a sip.
Alfred:
I'm off now.
He approaches the front door, puts on a chauffeur's hat hanging on the rack, and leaves. Tim takes out his phone, and sees a new message from Bruce.
Tim:
Bruce wants us to be on the lookout for a William Cobb.
He kisses his tired wife on the forehead and enters the Batcave. He sees Dick on the Batcomputer, reading an article from the 'Gotham Times'. The article read "Just in, now Out' (About Gil's immediate resignation).
Tim:
So?
Dick:
There's no further details on his resignation, other that his opponent was killed.
Tim:
Bruce and Barbara believe they have the identity of the murderer; William Cobb.
Dick opens a file on William Cobb; it shows the same information that Barbara showed to Bruce.
Dick:
(Reading) Joined Haly's Circus. His was was raised at the circus. Hmmmmmmm, that sounds all too familiar.
Tim:
He's your ancestor?
Dick:
It would be shocking if it was. It would also be impossible if not for this paragraph here.
Tim's eyes follow Dick's to the bottom of the file.
Dick (Reading):
"His and Amelia's son was raised at the circus, being dubbed the "Gray Son of Gotham". (Shocked) What the forglackt?
Tim:
What?
Dick:
Tamaranean cursing. Also, there's no way he could still be alive. There's no-one alive today that was born at the start of the 20th century.
Tim:
Lazarus Pit.
Dick:
Doubt it.
Tim:
Well, could be worth finding him or going undercover to the Court.
Dick:
Who are you thinking of? Damian?
Gotham Academy: 3:10pm. Helena and Nick were still waiting for Mar'i. The door opens and Mar'i enters, wearing a magenta t-shirt and daisy duke shorts.
Mar'i:
Sorry I'm late. There was a jewellery store robbery and I had to prevent Crush from getting too carried away.
Crush was walking in looking like she was hiding something in her mouth.
Nick:
I guess Crush is also a Teen Titan?
Crush:
Recently.
Mar'i:
Listen Nick, we want some answers. Did Damian stab you in the hand?
Nick:
Prove to me that you're an alien, and then we can talk.
Crush:
Uh, big hands here! Hello!
Nick:
Wasn't talking to you, Punk Rock Girl.
Crush:
You do realise these hands will crush you, right?
She picks an empty soda can out of the trash can beside the door and crushes it in her left hand and dropping it back in.
Mar'i:
I'll just be outside.
Mar'i opens the window and climbs out. She begins levitating off the ground; Nick watches.
Crush:
You could have stunned him.
Mar'i:
I already did.
Nick's mouth was wide open.
Nick:
Okay, I'm convinced. Although Crush looks a little too bad to me to be a Teen Titan.
Crush glares at him. Mar'i climbs back through the window.
Mar'i:
Now, did Damian stab you?
Nick:
He couldn't have. I had my hands on his shoulders. Plus, he wouldn't have gotten a knife passed the security checks.
Mar'i:
Hmm, and STRIPE would have noticed.
Helena:
Exactly. We were checked thoroughly this morning.
Mar'i:
It's safe to say Damian's innocent. Nick, thank you for your time.
The bell rings, signalling the end of the school day.
Nick:
I'm going. Find the guy who did this so I can sue them
Helena:
We don't have the authority to discharge you.
The medic comes back inside.
Helena (Standing up on her crutches):
We will find your attacker and bring them to justice; don't worry.
The three Teen Titans leave.
Wayne Manor: 4:34pm.
Bruce:
Starting a fight, then trying to escape from school?! I can't believe it!
Bruce and Damian were in his private study; Bruce was standing behind his desk.
Damian:
I had a good reason for each; Nick was provoking Stargirl and I saw someone suspicious!
Bruce:
Whether it was Court of Owls or not, you weren't supposed to leave school!
Dick:
Bruce, I need-
Bruce:
Not now, Dick!
Dick leaves. Bruce places his hands on his desk and sighs.
Bruce:
What am I going to do with you, Damian?
Damian says nothing and stares at his anguished father.
Bruce:
Damian, I get it, you want to help. But you have to have a regular life. I never did.
Damian:
Why would I if you never did?
Before Bruce can answer, Dick comes back in.
Damian:
Father, I will focus on my studies and finish school, and leave the mystery of the Court of Owls to you.
Bruce nods and Damian walks out the door; Dick watches him leave.
Dick:
I found out something about Cobb, based on Barbara's evidence.
Damian's Room. Damian takes out the math sheet and looks over the exam requirements. He hears a tapping on the window. Damian nearly gets a shock.
Damian:
Mar'i?
He opens the window; Mar'i flies in.
Mar'i:
Hope you didn't forget about our sessions together.
Damian:
Not at all. Okay, so what are we doing?
Mar'i:
Busting you out.
Damian:
Not a good idea. Dick's here, remember?
Mar'i:
Not to worry. Hey Super-Martian!
Mor'gann appears from the floor.
Mar'i:
How's your shape changing?
Mor'gann:
I turned into a man at the zoo, so it's going quite well.
On cue, Mor'gann changes into Damian.
"Mor'gann":
So, how do I look?
Mar'i:
The voice needs work; you still sound like yourself.
Damian:
Just nod your head.
Mar'i:
That would raise suspicion.
Damian:
Well, listen to my voice and analyse it
Mor'gann clears his throat and tries again.
"Mor'gann":
Well, listen to my voice and analyse it.
Mar'i was impressed.
Mar'i:
Now you sound like him. C'mon, let's go.
She moves to the window. Damian doesn't move.
Damian:
I'm not coming.
Mar'i stops.
Mor'gann:
So I learnt this for nothing?
Mar'i:
Uh! Hello, Mar'i!
Damian:
I love that you did this for me, but I'm in enough trouble as it is, and I don't want you to get roped in.
Mar'i:
I get roped into danger all the time. Don't you want to clear your name?
Damian:
My name is already cleared. Now go, please. Last time I escaped from home, I got found and grounded, and I roped Helena in. Not this time.
Mor'gann:
Well, this was pointless.
Mar'i:
No, I think he knows what he's doing. Okay Damian. See ya.
She kisses him on the cheek and leaves with Mor'gann, closing the window behind them. Damian rubs his cheek and smiles.
Bruce's Study.
Bruce:
Did I hear that correctly? You and William Cobb might be related?
Dick:
Yes you did. Tim proposed we send Damian undercover to the Court-
Bruce:
No!
Dick:
I said no.
Bruce:
We're not sending Damian into that cult. It's too dangerous!
Dick:
Bruce. Damian is a strong kid; he's faced worse and survived. And aren't his grades improved enough for him to resume being Robin? It feels like you no longer have any faith in him. Besides, I wasn't gonna suggest him. I was gonna suggest me.
Bruce looks up at him.
Bruce:
Dick, I'm sorry I yelled. This Court of Owls business has gotten me stressed; with Helena crippled and Tim and Stephanie with a baby on the way, I feel as if I'm not doing enough for this family and unable to keep them safe.
Dick:
We got Jason and his wife to keep an eye out for them, and Batwoman in London keeping a vigil.
Bruce:
But what if the Court gets to them?
Unknown to the pair, Damian was listening to their conversation.
Dick:
They can hold their own. Look, lift Damian's suspension-
Bruce:
No! Sorry.
Dick looks around to make sure they're alone.
Dick:
You're hiding something from him, aren't you? The identity of his mother? She's involved in all this, somehow.
Bruce:
Talia is not important, Dick. She died a long time ago. Regardless, Selina is Damian's mother and he will never know of Al Ghul's existence.
Dick:
Do you really think Slade killed her? Because we never found her body.
Bruce opens a file on Talia Al Ghul; at the bottom it read 'Status: Deceased'.
Bruce:
In some way, I hope he has.
Dick:
Or maybe she's trying to make herself forget about you and Slade.
Damian hears all this and leaves.
Downstairs, Damian walks by Stephanie, Selina and Helena watching a news report.
Vicki Vale (On the screen):
Earlier today, former Mayor Gil Carson, after his resignation, disappeared from his home. So far, police have been unable to find any leads.
Stephanie:
If Cassandra was here, she'd say he's already dead.
Helena:
There would have to be a body if he was already dead.
Selina:
By the way, Kitten, you got mail.
Selina hands her an envelope. She opens it; it was a 'Get Well Soon' letter, signed by Jaden Stone, Murdoc Logan, Olivia Queen, Bart Allen and Martin Jordan Jr, along with a photograph of the Coast City Titans, herself included. Helena smiles.
Helena:
This is so nice of them.
Selina:
How are your sessions with Mar'i?
Damian:
They're fine.
Selina:
I hope they aren't frustrating.
Damian:
They aren't…..Mom.
He opens the fridge and pours himself a glass of milk.
Stephanie:
That was odd. He paused before calling you Mom.
Selina:
I didn't notice.
Tim:
He's having a phase.
Selina:
That's believable for a growing boy like him.
Tim:
I hope he doesn't know.
Damian gulps down the milk quite aggressively, slams the glass on the countertop hard and looks at them.
Damian:
Sorry, just got a lot of studying to do.
Selina:
Okay baby.
Damian shudders and leaves.
When Damian gets up to his bedroom, he shuts the door and and opens his floorboard and pulls out his Robin suit. He goes over to his desk, where a framed portrait of his father was positioned. He pushes the picture down, face-first, before undressing, leaving him in only boxers; he pulls up the dark-green pants, clips the yellow utility belt around his waist, puts on the red shirt with the 'R' emblem on it, his black cape and hood, his dark green gloves and finally, his mask and boots. At the foot of the bed, Ace wakes up and sees Damian opening the window.
Damian:
Shhhhh.
Ace goes back to sleep, as Damian closes the window behind him.
Meanwhile, Gil woke up in a dark room.
Gil:
Hello?! Hello?!
Voice:
Hello, Gil Carson.
Gil looked around him, but he couldn't see past his nose. Candles lit up, and he found himself face-to-face with a man wearing an owl mask.
Gil:
I-I didn't want this!
Mask:
You were supposed to follow our lead.
Gil:
I didn't think it would involve murder.
Talon:
We're not called the League of Assassins but it's like that.
Gil:
Where am I?
Talon:
Gotham City's lowest point.
Gil looks around; the room he was in was a dimly-lit chamber where stone statues of owls were everywhere. Water cascaded out of a pipe into a river, brown with pollution and guardrails on both sides. On the far wall, carved into the stone, was the face of Talon, which opened up to reveal a large screen. Gil was positioned on a raised floor, lying on a table, stripped of his clothes and tied down by his wrists and ankles. the sound of a chanting crowd echoed around the chamber.
Gil:
Sewer?
Talon:
Our Base of Operations. You're our special guest, willing to partake in our annual ritualistic sacrifice.
Gil:
Annual sacrifice? Can't you choose someone else?
Talon:
We gave you an advantage, and you didn't take it. We feel betrayed, and thus, you must depart this world.
Talon takes a dagger out of his sleeve.
Talon:
Bring forth the poison.
A cloaked person wearing an owl mask moves towards Talon, carrying a jar labelled 'Frog Poison'. They open the jar, and Talon dips the dagger in, coating the blade in the toxic material. He holds it high above Gil's chest; the chanting gets louder.
Gil:
Screw you! Release me! I will take my place as mayor on your behalf.
Talon:
Too late for that.
He plunges the dagger deep into Gil's chest, as he lets out a shuddering gasp. The chanting reaches a deafening pitch, as Talon removes the dagger and watches as Gil's skin becomes a rotten black from the poison. A tear falls from Gil's eyes as he finally falls still.
Talon:
It is done.
The Court cheers; Talon looks at them, holding the dagger victoriously. His focus moves past the crowd to the back. The other Court members take the hint and look behind them.
Talon:
We have a visitor.
The crowd parts down the middle, clearing a path to the front. Robin, still hooded, walks down the aisle as the Court watches him.
Talon:
Damian Wayne. We're humbled by your presence. How's school? Did you drop out and disobey your daddy?
Robin removes his mask.
Robin:
Secret identities, you don't know, I guess?
Talon:
Did you come to be initiated?
Robin:
I came for a question, and I want an answer. Tell me, William Cobb, where is my mother?
End of 'I Know Why the Caged Bat Sings'
Cast
Kari Wahlgren: Nightstar/Mar'i Grayson
Stuart Allan: Robin/Damian Wayne
Alyson Stoner: Huntress/Helena Wayne
Ashley Eckstein: Emerald Witch/Paine Logan
Jessie Flower: Kid Flash/Kacey West
Will Friedle: Damon Jones, Red Robin/Tim Drake
Jack De Sana: Super-Martian/Mor'gann Kent
Janet Varney: Crush
Alan Tudyk: AI, Gil Carson
Scott Menville: Nightwing/Dick Grayson
Hynden Walch: Starfire/Kory Grayson
Kevin Conroy: Batman/Bruce Wayne
Grey DeLisle Griffin: Catwoman/Selina Kyle-Wayne
Tara Strong: Oracle/Barbara Gordon, Stargirl
Mae Whitman: The Spoiler/Stephanie Drake
Melissa Disney: Batgirl/Cassandra Cain
Alastair Duncan: Alfred Pennyworth
Ray Wise: Commissioner Gordon
Vanessa Marshall: Renee Montoya
Kevin Michael Richardson: Detective Chimp
Amy Acker: Miss Bertenelli
Yuri Lowenthal: Lagoon Boy
Phil LaMarr: Static, S.T.R.I.P.E
Jim Parsons: Plastic Man
Stana Katic: Vicki Vale
Troy Baker: Talon/William Cobb
Greg Cipes: Nick