Episode 18: Scion- Part II (Season Finale)
The Batcave: 9:15pm. Tim and Barbara take Stephanie into the infirmary and lay her on one of the beds. Stephanie is doing her best to practice her breathing, but the contractions are making her groan in pain.
Barbara:
I can stay here with her.
Tim:
Have you delivered a baby before?
Barbara:
First time for everything.
Stephanie:
Please tell me there's a 'how to' on the internet somewhere? (Has another contraction)
Barbara:
Well, we're about to find out. (Proceeds to do an internet search)
Tim:
Steph, look at me, alright (He looks into his wife's eyes as she does the same) Everything is going to be alright, I promise. I'm going to protect you and our baby with my life.
Stephanie:
You can protect me by helping the family. And, survive.
Tim:
I promise.
He kisses her and leaves the infirmary, locking the door behind him. When he leaves, he is met with Red Hood and Ravager.
Tim:
I need you two to stay down here and guard the door. No one is getting in there while my wife gives birth.
Red Hood:
You can count on us, bro.
Ravager:
Just look after Grant and Adeline while you guys are up there fighting.
Tim:
You have my word.
Grant:
We don't need a babysitter Mom.
Ravager:
You will if the undead is involved, son. We didn't go over anything like that when training you two for combat.
Adeline:
Zombie, Shmombie. All I know is I'm ready to bust some skulls.
Red Hood:
That's my girl!
The zeta tube activates; Black Arrow, Arsenal and Cheshire appear, followed by the Flash, Jinx and Miss Bertenelli, wearing her Huntress attire.
Miss Bertenelli:
This is the only thing I could salvage.
Tim:
I'm surprised it still fits after all these years.
Miss Bertenelli:
Kickboxing. Speaking of, you should change too.
Tim:
On it. Don't start the fun without me. (He leaves)
Red Hood:
If zombie hunting qualifies as fun.
The elevator door opens; Helena appears.
Jinx:
Hey, you seem to be doing a lot better.
Helena:
Yup. I couldn't help but overhear what was going on, and I'm ready to help out anyway I can. It'll be so good to wear the suit again.
It's at this moment when she notices Miss Bertenelli, the original Huntress, dressed in her suit.
Helena:
Miss Bertenelli, what are you doing here?
Miss Bertenelli:
Those damn owls burned down my home. I'm here for a little revenge.
Arsenal:
Can you still fight? I mean, it's been a long time since you participated in a conflict of this magnitude.
Miss Bertenelli:
I handled the Owls that invaded my home pretty well until one of them took a cheap shot. I'll be sure not to let that happen again this time.
Helena enters the costume vault just as Tim comes out in his Red Robin suit; Bette in her Flamebird suit; Kate in her Batwoman suit, and Selina in her Catwoman suit. Helena looks over at Bette and Kate.
Helena:
I guess you two are done playing dead.
Bette:
If we kept this charade up we'd miss out on this awesome final battle to come.
Selina:
There's nothing 'awesome' about what's coming up next. This may be our most daunting battle yet.
Helena:
Even more than when Brainiac shrunk everyone down?
Tim:
Or when Slade copied everyone's superpowers and crashed Dick and Kory's wedding?
Selina:
Mere child's play compared to the storm that's coming our way. We need to be prepared for anything and everything.
Red Hood:
Remember, they're zombies so…You know where to aim.
Grant:
BOOM, HEADSHOT! Oh, I'm so ready for this! They won't know what hit 'em.
Batman:
Quiet everyone.
Adeline:
What is it, grandpa?
Grant:
Is it time to go zombie hunting? (Cocks his gun)
Batman:
We should go over our plan of defence.
Selina:
We're all ears, honey.
Batman opens up a map of the Manor on the Batcomputer; all the entrances were highlighted.
Batman:
These are all potential entry points for the Court of Owls to sneak through. What we need is some of you to patrol these areas so they hopefully won't be able to get in.
Red Robin:
No problem.
Batman:
In the event they do get in, we'll need some of our strongest fighters in here to take them on.
Crush punches her hand and cracks her neck; Damon licks his lips.
Red Robin:
Who's going to be stationed where, dad?
Batman:
Anyone with sniping skills or is good with a gun can patrol the entrances. The moment they see the Court approaching, they can shoot them down long before they even make it inside.
Red Robin:
But you're against firearms.
Batman:
This court has done too much damage, not only to multiple cities, but to the people I care about. They don't deserve mercy.
Red Robin:
But this is Damian we're talking about. He knows you. What if he uses an entrance you…
Batman shows him a map which led to an impressed look.
Red Robin:…
Why do I always forget that you're one step ahead?
Alfred enters, carrying a gun dating back to the 1930s.
Alfred:
Just getting a remnant from my SAS days, master Bruce.
Batman:
Make sure you don't kill then.
Alfred:
Of course Master Bruce. I'll just put down the ones that should be.
Selina:
I guess we're all set then.
Batman:
While we occupy the owls here, a team will be sent to their headquarters to destroy it. We have the coordinates thanks to Dick.
Cyborg:
I can go. Anyone else?
Emerald Witch, Crow, Beast Girl, Green Canary, Kid Flash, Hornet and Bumblebee raise their hands.
Cyborg:
Alright, I think we're good. We'll leave once their attention is fully on us.
Grant:
Hey, mom, dad, should we be expecting those freaks you've been hanging around with lately to join the fray? You know those assassins, that Russian guy, those two girls, and their leader. What his name, Netflix or something?
Ravager:
Blockbuster, son, and we're not sure.
At the same time, the Suicide Crew were at their new bar, having a drink.
Blockbuster:
Your sacrifice will be remembered Waylon.
Peacemaker:
Here, here.
The group raise their glasses and heartily drink in memory of their fallen comrade. Vigilante looks at Peacemaker, wondering if there was something wrong with his friend.
Vigilante:
What's wrong buddy?
Peacemaker:
Just thinking.
Livewire:
About what? (Sips from her drink)
Peacemaker:
I don't know, tell me what you guys think. Should we go back and help Red Hood, Ravager, and the Titans with fighting off the Court of Owls? Maybe avenge Croc in the process?
Silver Banshee:
Even though I deafened their son and made a mess of a food court.
Peacemaker:
I'm not saying we have to be best friends, gathering around a campfire and singing 'Kumbaya'. But what I am saying is we made a truce with Ravager and Red Hood when it comes to taking out the Court of Owls. I don't know about you guys, but until that cult is wiped off the face of the Earth, I intend on upholding that truce.
KGBeast:
I don't object to that.
Peacemaker:
Well that makes two of us, what about the rest of you?
Vigilante:
You know I'll follow you to hell and back, buddy. I'm with you every step of the way.
Peacemaker:
You just really want to see the Batcave don't you?
Vigilante:
More than anything in the world right now.
Blockbuster:
It's settled. The Court dies tonight. Next stop; Wayne Manor.
Livewire:
Do you even know where it is? Red Hood never gave the location.
The group falls silent.
Vigilante:
So I guess we go anywhere where there's an explosion and hope that that's where the manor is?
Blockbuster nods. He gets up and goes to the bar to pay the tab.
Bartender:
Couldn't help but overhear you lot are going after the Court of Owls. Are you sure that's a smart idea?
The group of villains make their way out of the bar before Blockbuster turns back to the bartender.
Blockbuster:
We've never made a smart decision our whole lives. Why start now?
And with that, the group leave the bar in hopes of finding Wayne Manor.
Wayne Manor: 9:34pm. Ibn Al Xuffrasch, the League of Assassins and the Court of Owls are near the waterfall, as Ibn Al Xuffrasch feels around for the opening mechanism.
Talia:
You're sure you found the correct spot, my son?
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
Trust me mother. I know what I'm talking about.
He feels around until he finally finds what he's looking for.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
Bingo.
The cliff wall opens, revealing an ascending passage.
Talia:
It would be foolish to enter all at once.
Talon:
Vulture and Peregrine have the main gate. They'll lead their forces that way, while we lead ours through here.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch enters first, followed by nameless assassins and owls.
Talia:
Our plan is going perfectly.
Lady Shiva:
It's still early, milady. Anything can happen.
Talia:
What are you implying, Shiva?
Lady Shiva:
We shouldn't count our chickens before they hatch. For all we know, Batman and his allies could be waiting for our arrival as we speak. I know the idea of there being a 'rat' on our side concerns you.
Talia:
Are you implying my son is a rat?
Lady Shiva:
Who said the rat was on our side of ours and the Court's partnership.
Nyssa:
You're thinking that someone on the Court's side is rallying information to Batman and the Titans?
Lady Shiva:
Don't forget Talon's great grandson was once on Batman's side. Who's to say he totally reformed?
At the front gate, Vulture was unlocking the gate, as Bumblebee hovered in front of him.
Vulture:
What the hell?
Bumblebee grows back to original size and punches Vulture in the face, knocking him down, unaware that Vulture is actually Dick.
Bumblebee:
(Readies her blasters) You're going down, Owlboy!
Vulture:
Karen, wait, it's me Dick! (He removes his mask and Bumblebee lowers her blasters)
Bumblebee:
Sorry; I forgot it was you under there.
Vulture:
(Gets up) That's fine. So, what's up?
Bumblebee:
I was assigned to track the Court of Owls after their failed bombing of the Jump City Tower. I was on your shoulder and you never noticed me.
Vulture:
Well, it's good to know your stealth skills are still in peak condition. I think you'd better get out of here now. Things are going to get real nasty real fast around here.
Bumblebee:
The last thing I want to be is a squashed bug.
Suddenly, they hear footsteps.
Vulture:
Someone's coming, quick shrink down and hide somewhere.
Bumblebee shrinks down and hides in a nearby bush just as Peregrine and a horde of the armoured undead show up.
Bumblebee:
(Whispers; horrified) What the hell are those things?
Peregrine:
Is the gate unlocked?
Vulture returns to the panel and fiddles with the wires; the gates swing open.
Vulture:
Open sesame.
The undead owls run forward through the gate.
Vulture:
I see you're armed in that battlesuit again.
Peregrine:
We're pulling out all of the stops to make sure the Bat Family is history.
Inside the manor, Miss Bertenelli, Huntress, Hornet, Black Arrow, Arsenal, Cheshire, Cyborg and Green Canary waited at the walkway on the second floor, their ranged weapons aimed at the front door. Cyborg is the first one to see the zombies approaching.
Cyborg:
Walking dead, 12 o'clock, people!
Arsenal:
(Readies his bow) Let's do this!
Huntress:
Can you still fire a crossbow Miss Bertenelli?
Miss Bertenelli fires her crossbow and nails one of the zombies right between the eyes.
Miss Bertenelli:
Does that answer your question?
Huntress:
Okay, colour me impressed.
In the Batcave infirmary, Barbara was wiping Stephanie's sweating forehead with a cloth as she took slow, deep breaths to try and forget about the pain.
Barbara:
Just keep breathing, Steph, you're doing great.
Outside the door, Red Hood and Ravager stood waiting. Red Hood had his helmet off, and was puffing on a cigarette.
Red Hood:
(Offering the pack to Ravager) Want one?
Ravager:
You sure it's a good idea to smoke with a baby about to be born any minute in there?
Red Hood:
I'm bored. Besides, the room is well-ventilated.
Ravager:
If you say so.
She takes a cigarette from her husband.
Ravager:
You didn't give Blockbuster the location of the manor.
Red Hood:
Couldn't risk Dad's personal life getting compromised.
Ravager:
Well, how do you expect them to find us then for when the Court and the League get here?
Red Hood:
The manor isn't exactly that hard to miss.
Down below, the rock face near the Batboat parts; the League of Assassins enters the Batcave.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
Home at last.
Lady Shiva:
Impressive.
Talia:
My acolytes, spread out and find Batman! When you do, bring him to me.
Acolytes:
Yes ma'am!
They begin ascending. In the water, Damon, Crush and Alloroc watch; Alloroc has made a bubble for Crush to breathe.
Damon:
Looks like it us versus the traitor, him momma, his auntie, and some other lady.
Alloroc:
We shouldn't just rush in.
Crush:
How much oxygen do I have left?
Alloroc:
I can always make you another one if you run out of air.
Crush:
It's fine.
Above them, Red Hood and Ravager hear rapid footsteps echoing around the cave.
Red Hood (Spits out his cigarette and puts his helmet back on):
They're here.
Ravager:
(Readies her gun) It's go time!
The League acolytes make it to them, but before they can even react, Red Hood and Ravager start shooting at them.
Nyssa:
Take evasive action!
Nyssa and most of the acolytes duck out of the way, but a few of them weren't so lucky.
Red Hood:
You punks are next! (Reloads his gun as does Ravager)
Nyssa slices several bullets with her swords.
Ravager:
Well, shit.
Nyssa:
My turn! (She charges)
Ravager puts her gun away and takes out her swords.
Ravager (To Red Hood):
Lay down cover fire for me.
Red Hood:
You can count on me, babe.
Ravager engages Nyssa in sword combat as Red Hood shoots down any other acolytes that get too close to her.
Ravager:
Why don't you freaks do us all a favour and crawl back to whatever hole you came out from?
Nyssa:
We've stayed in hiding for long enough. We've already killed your father, now it's your time to rejoin him in hell!
Ibn Al Xuffrasch appears and draws Soul Taker.
Red Hood:
Damian; long time, no see little brother.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
That's not my name anymore.
Red Hood:
So, I guess the rumours are true then. You've completely reinvented yourself.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
Wrong; this has always been me. Isn't that right, mother?
Talia appears; Red Hood and Ravager grimace.
Ravager:
Talia Al Ghul. Last I checked, my old man shot you right through that cold, black heart of yours.
Talia:
The Lazarus Pit is a wonderful, wonderful thing. Ask your husband. He can tell you just how great it really is.
Red Hood:
Wouldn't you like to know.
Talia:
After your bastard father shot me in the chest, I thankfully had enough energy in me to secretly make it to our Lazarus Pit so my wound can be healed. And as long as we're talking about 'ol Daddy Slade, you'll be happy to know Rose that I put him out of his misery once and for all.
Ravager changes her focus from Nyssa to Talia.
Ravager:
(As she's clashing blades with Talia) How'd you do it!? How'd you finally end that miserable asshole's life?
Talia:
Much like the Lazarus Pit, I owe most of my achievements in my mission to wipe you all out to the frog poison Shiva stole for me.
Red Hood:
Yeah, that's gonna take a while
Damon, Alloroc and Crush appear behind them. Ibn Al Xuffrasch drops a smoke grenade and disappears.
Damon:
Where'd that traitor go?
Alloroc:
There he is! (He sees Ibn Al Xuffrasch making his way to the elevator) You're not going to get away from me this time!
Crush:
Damon and I will deal with these fools while you go after him!
Alloroc charges at Ibn Al Xuffrasch, throwing rocks at him; Ibn slices through all of them then blocks an attack from Alloroc's hydro-blades.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
Back off, waterboy.
Ibn manages to push Alloroc away. He closes the elevator. Alloroc turns his attention to the Assassins.
Alloroc:
I can't believe I let him get away again!
Red Hood:
Don't beat yourself up, kid. Help me take these psychos out!
Alloroc:
Consider it done!
The two men assault the assassins with more bullet fire and sharpened rocks.
Above them, the manor was the scene of absolute chaos. The defence forces were locked in combat with the seemingly-invincible zombie hoard. Alfred is using his shotgun to surprisingly good effect as he blows one zombie's head clean off. Talon, Vulture and Peregrine cross the threshold. Talon sees Changeling has turned into a gorilla and is charging towards them.
Talon:
Peregrine, you know what to do.
Peregrine:
Right!
In his battlesuit, Peregrine charges at Changeling and engages him in combat. Batman, Starfire, Nightstar and Avocet drop down from the ceiling.
Batman:
William Cobb.
Talon:
So, we meet again, Bruce Wayne.
Starfire, Nightstar, and Avocet prepare to fire starbolts at the Court's leader, purposefully trying not to hit Vulture. They focus all of their starbolts at either Talon or a zombie if one happens to get to close to them. Talon evades every one of their attacks. Talon was so busy avoiding the starbolts, he didn't even notice Batman run up to him and kick him in the stomach.
Talon:
What power. (Gets up) I'd expect nothing more from The Defender of Gotham himself.
Batman:
You and your owls are trespassing on my property. Expect me to hold nothing back when dealing with you.
Talon:
Then expect me to do the same!
Batman raises two batarangs as Talon throws knives out of his sleeves; Nightstar, Avocet and Starfire deal with the horde.
In the sitting room, the bookcase parts; Ibn Al Xuffrasch appears. Nightstar, who had just finished taking out some zombies near the sitting room, notices and gasps. Ibn Al Xuffrasch turns in her direction.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
Hello again, princess. Out of the doldrums I see.
Nightstar:
Damian.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
How many times must I tell you that that name doesn't apply to me anymore?
Nightstar:
Damian, you've forgotten who you are. You've allowed Talia to twist your mind.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
Stop, talking!
Nightstar:
Not until I get the Damian I know and love back.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
(Readies Soul Taker) This'll shut you up!
Nightstar:
(Readies her Bo Staff) Bring it!
Ibn Al Xuffrasch rushes forward and swings Soul Taker; Nightstar deflects the attack. As she does, she fires a close range starbolt at him, sending him flying across the room, crashing into the bookcase.
Nightstar:
It's time to come home, Damian, surrender! I don't want this to spiral any more than it already has.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch gets up and runs at her again, slashing wildly. She repels each attack with her Bo Staff.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
You can't convince me to rejoin you all. I've made my decision, I'm in too deep, and I won't rest until you, your family, and your friends are no longer in the League or the Court's way!
Nightstar knocks Ibn Al Xuffrasch's helmet off. When she did the two of them just stare at each other. Ibn Al Xuffrasch had a look of hatred and anger on his face, while Nightstar had a look of sorrow and pity.
Nightstar:
Please, Damian, it doesn't have to be like this.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
Thats. Not. My. NAME! (Charges at her)
Nightstar:
If you're truly no longer Damian, then do what you must.
She got down on her knees, preparing to allow him to hurt her.
Elsewhere, the Suicide Crew were atop a hill looking for Wayne Manor.
Silver Banshee:
Smart idea of going to higher ground to get a better view of the city, Blockhead.
Blockbuster:
Don't call me that. Now focus and keep your eyes peeled.
They survey the cityscape until an explosion at a large Manor house gets their attention.
Peacemaker:
I think we've found our target.
KGBeast:
(Readies his gun) Let's go owl hunting!
Silver Banshee:
I can get you there in a flash.
Livewire holds onto her; the rest of the crew touch Banshee as she, and they, disappear in a puff of smoke.
The Suicide Crew end up in the front yard of the Manor. Peacemaker wanders over to several bushes and throws up.
Silver Banshee:
Yeah, that'll happen sometimes.
Vigilante:
What are we waiting around for? I'm here to kick some ass!
Vigilante throws caution to the wind by rushing into the manor, leaving the rest of the Suicide Crew behind.
Peacemaker:
(Stops throwing up) How many times do I have to remind him never to rush into situations like these?
Blockbuster:
No time to lament about our teammate's incompetence. (Cracks his knuckles) Now, we bust some skulls!
Inside, Batman and Talon had taken their fight upstairs, trading blow after blow and neither giving an inch.
Batman:
Why are you here? Why do you care so much about taking the Bat Family out of the picture?
Talon:
With you out of the way, that gives me free range to create a world suitable for me and my Court!
Batman:
And the League and my son are just an asset?
Talon:
Yes. After we get through with you, the Teen Titans, and the Justice League, Talia and her League of Assassins will be next on the list. This world is meant only for us, and no one is going to stand in our way!
Batman:
Your "perfect world" is never going to happen William.
From the ceiling, Catwoman, Batwoman and Flamebird drop down on either side of Talon.
Talon:
(Takes glances at Batwoman and Flamebird; calmly) Well look who decided to come back from the dead.
Catwoman:
You old fool; we were never dead.
Flamebird:
But you'll soon be!
Talon:
Your threats don't scare me. Nothing scares me. In all the years I've been alive, trivial things like fear don't matter to me anymore.
Batwoman:
How would you like to know that your closest ally was never truly an ally?
Talon:
So he lied.
Catwoman:
You don't seem too bothered by that fact. Do you even care? Or have you cast sadness aside too?
Talon:
No matter. With the League on our side, we shall take you down.
Catwoman lashes at Talon with her whip, but he jumps to the side only to get punched in the face by both Batman and Batwoman; Talon shakes it off and resumes his stance. Suddenly, they hear someone's battle cry; they look at the stairs to see Vigilante sprinting up them, sword raised. As he slashes at Talon, Talon nonchalantly grabs the swords, pulls Vigilante towards him, punches him in the gut, then kicks him in the face, causing him to fall down the stairs. As he tumbled down the stairs, the rest of the Suicide Crew show up.
Peacemaker:
And this is why we don't rush in guns blazing.
Talon turns in the Crew's direction.
Talon:
And what have we here? I've heard from my subordinates that attacked Gotham Hospital that they were attacked by some lunatics wielding guns, a muscular man, a screaming woman, and a woman that can use electricity. I take it you're that group?
Livewire:
We're the Suicide Crew, bitch!
Her fingers crackle. Starfire, Raven and Jinx (who are fighting zombie owls nearby) look at her and Silver Banshee.
Jinx, Starfire, Raven, Livewire, and Silver Banshee:
You again?
Jinx:
Couldn't get enough of trashing places?
Silver Banshee:
Make no mistake, we're only here to stop that guy and his team of pecknecked lunatics.
Talon:
Pecknecked lunatics? I've been called worse.
Livewire:
But, a little rematch on the side won't hurt.
Jinx:
We'll take that offer on a later date. But for right now, and I can't believe I'm saying this, we need your help in running these guys out of this Manor.
Blockbuster:
She's right, girls. The Court of Owls are our primary target. Let's focus on them for now.
Livewire:
Oh, fine. But after that it's time for Round Two!
Raven:
Looking forward to it.
Talon charges at the Suicide Crew.
Blockbuster:
This first move is on me!
Blockbuster punches Talon square in the face knocking him down on the floor.
Blockbuster:
Slade sends his regards.
He's about to give Talon another punch when an owl zombie tackles into him. KGBeast shoots the zombie through the head, but thanks to the zombie, Talon managed to get up and kick KGBeast in the groin before slamming him to the ground.
KGBeast:
Yebat!
In the ballroom, several individual fights were occurring as Changeling and Peregrine kept up the pressure on each other. Changeling had turned into a gorilla and hit Peregrine with sturdy punches, but the battlesuit kept Peregrine protected. Superman and Conner have taken out a few owls and rush over to assist.
Peregrine:
Well look who made a full recovery.
Superman and Conner don't waste time with words; Superman blasts Peregrine with heat vision and Conner throws several punches, but their attacks seem to have no effect.
Superman:
Impossible!
Conner Kent:
What is that thing made out of?
Peregrine:
(Cackles wickedly) That Luthor really knows how to make a good battlesuit. (He shoots an evil glare at Superman and Conner) My turn!
Vulture appears as Peregrine begins to charge up the battlesuit to unleash a heavy attack.
Peregrine:
What are you doing here, Vulture? I can handle these two just fine by myself.
The suit charged up, Peregrine throws a very powerful punch at Superman; a small spark flew out of the arm. Slowly but surely, the battlesuit began to malfunction.
Peregrine:
What the-? What's going on?!
The malfunctions become worse as Peregrine is brought to his knees and he looks over at Vulture.
Peregrine:
Vulture, help me!
Vulture:
Sorry; but you can't trust me. And for the record, my name's not Vulture. (He removes his mask to reveal his face) Call me Nightwing!
Peregrine gets a look of horror on his face when he realizes that he's been betrayed. That look of horror turns into a look of absolute rage as, to the best of his abilities, he gets up to try and fight Nightwing.
Peregrine:
You...you...YOU! (Charges at him) I'm going to rip you apart you son of a-
KABOOM!
The battlesuit explodes with Peregrine still inside of it. When the smoke clears, nothing remains of him or the suit. Amidst the smoke, the Jade Canary bounces along the floor, completely intact. Nightwing walks over to the statue and picks it up.
Changeling:
(Turns back into a human) So the Jade Canary is what's been powering that battlesuit this whole time?
Nightwing:
Looks like it. And it also looks like the Court is going to be fighting tooth and nail to get it back when they find out what happened to Peregrine.
The other owls in the ballroom stopped fighting when they saw what happened to Peregrine.
Conner Kent:
We've got company.
Changeling turns into a bear.
Superman:
Get that Jade Canary as far away as possible, Nightwing. We'll hold these Owls off as long as we can.
Nightwing takes up the artefact and runs.
Owl:
Brothers! Get that owl back from the traitor at all costs!
The owls charge, but Changeling swipes at a few with his bear claws before turning into a tiger and mauling a few more. Conner and Superman, meanwhile, engaged the remaining ones in hand-to-hand combat. As Nightwing runs into the entrance hall, he is ambushed by an Owl. He throws the Canary, then Arsenal shoots it with an arrow, and is caught by Cheshire.
Cheshire:
What's this?
She sees a crowd of Owls, both human and zombie, charging at her. She throws the Jade Canary up into the air before taking the owls on.
Flash:
Jinx, give me a lift!
Jinx puts her hands together as her husband jumps off of her and catches the Canary.
Flash:
Catch me if you can, suckers!
He runs off and the owls have trouble keeping up with him, but as he ran, he suddenly stood on an explosive; it beeped.
Flash:
What the…
He was then electrocuted and collapsed on the floor.
Jinx:
Wally!
She began to run towards her unconscious husband until she was knocked down by Nyssa.
Nyssa:
Going somewhere?
Jinx glared at her and threw a barrage of hex-blasts in her direction; Nyssa evades every single one and attacks Jinx. She manages to get into her space and break her arm.
Jinx:
Ah!
Nyssa then strolls over to the Jade Canary and picks it up; Catwoman's whip takes it out of her hands.
Catwoman:
Too slow.
Nyssa:
Selina?
Catwoman:
You want it; come get it.
Nyssa charges up the stairs towards Catwoman, who front-flips perfectly off the banister and lands on her feet, still holding the artefact.
Nyssa:
Nephew, kill the wench who claims to be your mother! (No response) I'll do it myself.
She takes out her sword and runs at Catwoman, who flipped and evaded all her attacks while holding the canary. Talon, who was fighting Peacemaker and Livewire, saw Catwoman holding the canary.
Peacemaker:
Eat this!
He shot Talon in the head but that didn't do anything at all.
Livewire:
Please tell me it's an air compression bullet.
Peacemaker:
No, he would have exploded by now.
Talon cracked his neck before kicking Peacemaker across the hall. Livewire shot lightning at Talon, but missed and hit Silver Banshee instead.
Livewire:
Banshee!
As Livewire ran over to her, Talon leaped towards Catwoman.
Talon:
You're meant to be dead!
Catwoman:
Haven't you learnt you can't trust everyone?
Talon:
What are you talking about?
Catwoman:
Isn't it obvious? (She looks behind him to see Vulture) We've been a step ahead of you.
Talon saw his grandson and instantly put the pieces together. Beneath his mask, his face turns to anger.
Catwoman:
Catch!
She throws the Jade Canary, which Vulture catches without problem. Talon turns around to see him. Vulture begins running.
Talon:
Grayson! You traitor!
In the sitting room, Ibn Al Xuffrasch was holding Soul Taker at Nightstar's throat.
Nightstar:
Ibn Al Xuffrasch, do you have the strength to kill me?
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
I was given strict orders to wipe out anyone who stands in our way. You are no exception.
Nightstar:
That's not what I asked. If you kill me right now, you are throwing away years of friendship and happiness. You'll be under your mother's thumb for the rest of your days, and I know for a fact that you'll regret killing me from now until the day you die. I know somewhere deep down you don't want any of that. So, Ibn Al Xuffrasch, I'm going to ask again. Do you or do you not have the strength to kill me? If you do...go ahead...I dare you.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch remains stoic; however, his shaking hands betray his resolve.
Nightstar:
I know you're still in there somewhere...Damian.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
He isn't!
Nightstar:
He is. I know he is, and I can prove it.
Nightstar then pulls him down and kisses him on the lips, taking him completely by surprise. Kid Flash ran up to the two.
Kid Flash:
Come on Mar'i?! Is this the best time?!
But she continued.
Kid Flash:
There's an arrow coming behind ya
Nightstar disconnected.
Nightstar:
Really?
Kid Flash:
Ha, made you look! But seriously, get that ass of yours back on the battlefield!
She leaves. Not long after disconnecting, Ibn Al Xuffrasch unleashes a loud and angry scream as he raises Soul Taker upward before slamming it into the floor, landing very near Nightstar's head. After that, Ibn Al Xuffrasch falls on his knees and begins to cry as memories begin flooding in. We get a brief montage that starts with how Mar'i and Damian first met, followed by moments of the two of them hanging out with their friends. That's followed by the forming of the New Teen Titans as well as every battle they fought together. Ibn also remembers first donning the Robin suit, meeting Helena, and Selina tucking him into his bed at night; another memory contrasts this by showing Talia training him intensely. More unpleasant memories involving the training Talia put him through follow.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
Make it stop!
As he's remembering all this, the bookcase opens and Talia and Lady Shiva appear with several Assassins. Talia sees Ibn Al Xuffrasch crying on his knees.
Talia:
My son, what is the meaning of this? (Points at Nightstar) The enemy is right in front of you. Now is no time for remorse!
Superboy, Avocet, Huntress, Black Arrow, Batman and Catwoman appear at the entrance to the library.
Batman:
Talia! Damian!
Talia:
My son doesn't answer to that name anymore, Brucie. And I assure you that once he's done with his little episode, he's going to tear you all limb from limb.
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
I don't see that happening, mother.
In shock, Talia turns to face her son as he stand on his feet.
Talia:
What did you just say to me, boy?!
Ibn Al Xuffrasch:
You heard me.
Nightstar:
Damian?
Batman:
Son?
Damian's look of remorse and sorrow then turns into a look of utter rage.
Damian:
Mother, you and the Court of Owl's reign of terror ends here and now! You will leave this manor at once, or suffer the consequences!
Talia:
Treachery!
Lady Shiva looks at Damian, then at Talia.
Lady Shiva:
So your son switches sides yet again. (Draws her sword) Would you like me to take care of this?
Talia:
No, Shiva! He's my child. Let me punish him!
Damian:
Ibn Al Xuffrasch is dead!
Nightstar smiles as happy tears fall down her face. Superboy smirks.
Damian:
So, guys, what do you say? You want to help me kick these lunatics out of my house?
Batman:
Our house, son. And yes.
Nightstar:
(Readies her bo staff) Let's put an end to this!
In the gardens, Red Robin, Grant and Adeline were being pursued by a horde of Owls.
Grant:
Eat lead, freaks!
When they get enough distance between them and the Owls, Grant and Adeline unload a rain of bullet fire on the Owls, taking out most of them; they empty their weapon caches and get new ones out of their pockets.
Red Robin:
Cover me!
As Grant and Adeline lay down fire, Red Robin opens the holographic interface on his wrists and presses a few buttons. Several holes open in the ground, and the training drones appear. The owls seem confused, but then he changes the difficulty of the drones from 'Easy' to 'Very Hard'. The drones eyes glow red and they charge at the owls. The owls began getting blasted by the drones; they attack them, but the drones keep darting out of the way. Eventually, the entire crowd of owls have been defeated. Grant, thinking he's a badass, blows out the smoke coming from the barrel of his gun. Seeing that made Adeline roll her eyes and Red Robin chuckle to himself. As the three catch their breath, Nightwing runs out into the gardens (holding the Jade Canary), being attacked by Talon.
Red Robin:
Nightwing?! You're back?
Talon:
Get back here with my statue, great-grandson! Nobody double crosses the Court of Owls and lives to tell the tale!
Grant:
So this is the big bad? The leader of the whole Court of Owls?
Adeline:
And did he just call Nightwing his 'great-grandson?'
Nightwing:
Yeah, 'll tell you all about it later. Right now, I need you to hold Talon off while I get this Jade Canary out of here.
Red Robin:
Consider it done, big bro.
Grant and Adeline reload their guns and prepare to take Talon on.
Talon:
You two would be great assassins; too bad you chose the wrong side.
Adeline:
As if we'd ever align ourselves with scum like you!
Talon:
I'm going to make you regret using those words, foolish youth!
Talon throws daggers at Grant and Adeline. Red Robin arms his staff and Nightwing takes out two knives. Grant and Adeline duck out of the way of the daggers before shooting their guns at Talon. Talon slices the bullets and clashes with the two Robins.
Gotham City: 12:03am. As the battle rages at Wayne Manor, a portal appears beside a stone wall; Emerald Witch, Crow, Beast Girl, Green Canary, Kid Flash, Hornet, Cyborg and Bumblebee appear.
Crow:
What are we doing here? I want to get back to slaying some zombies! All joking aside, I think all that zombie fighting is giving me ideas for Devil's Advocate's new album cover.
Emerald Witch:
We're in the middle of one of the biggest battles of our lives so far and all you can think about is your band?
Crow:
It's legitimate business.
Cyborg:
Quiet! These are the coordinates Dick sent us.
Crow:
Which brings me back to my question, what are you we doing here, Uncle Victor?
Cyborg:
Watch.
He walks over to the wall and presses one of the bricks; the wall opens up revealing an elevator.
Beast Girl:
Ooooooh!
Cyborg:
Hop aboard, everyone.
Everyone gets on the elevator and after Cyborg presses a button it descends.
Bumblebee:
You got the explosives?
Cyborg:
Yep.
Kid Flash:
Explosives? I like the sound of that!
Cyborg:
The court wanted to blow up our bases; we're playing the reverse card.
Kid Flash:
Blowing up their own! Ooooh yeah!
At the Manor, Nightwing and Talon fought for control of the Jade Canary.
Talon:
I should've known my great-grandson would eventually betray me and rejoin his motley crew of misfits!
Nightwing:
You're just jealous because you don't have any real friend!
Talon:
Friends? Who needs friends when you have unlimited power?!
Nightwing blocked an attack from Talon's fist and grappled up to the roof.
Talon:
You can't escape me that easily, boy!
Talon jumps up to the roof and he and Nightwing continue their duel.
Nightwing:
(Somewhat impressed) Damn...
Talon:
Power like this can still be yours, great-grandson, and I'm very much willing to make all of this water under the bridge. All you have to do is pledge your allegiance solely to me, hand over the Jade Canary, and eliminate all who oppose us at this moment in time.
Nightwing:
The offer's tempting, but I'm declining.
Talon:
Well, that's a shame. Because you know, for all that's it's worth, I really liked you great-grandson. Maybe in another life we would get along swimmingly. All I know is, in this life...(Draws his sword)...only one of us can walk off this roof alive.
Nightwing (Drawing his owl sword):
That person will be me.
Talon lets out a battle cry as he and Nightwing clash blades.
In the Manor, Talia and Damian clashed, as the others dealt with the Assassins. Lady Shiva had split off, though Talia didn't seem bothered by her absence.
Talia:
That sword doesn't belong to you, boy!
Damian:
It doesn't belong to you either.
Talia and Damian continue clashing as Nightstar fires starbolts as incoming assassins, and knocks out ones that get to close to her with her staff. Batman threw several batarangs at Talia, who blocked them with her scimitars as Damian launched a drop-kick, knocking her off-balance. Talia glares at her former lover and his son as they stare down at her.
Talia (To Damian):
You take after your father in more ways than one Damian.
Batman:
Better he takes after me than someone like you. It's over, Talia, you've lost.
Talia looks around her as owls and Assassins are knocked down (Miss Bertenelli kicking down an owl before arrowing it in the head; Superboy, Superman and Conner delivering bone-shattering blows to owls and assassins alike; Raven taking Jinx and Flash away from the battle to recover while Changeling transforms into a velociraptor and savages several owls, etc.). Talia hangs her head in shame and defeat, and she begins to realize that they might be right.
Damian:
So, mother, what are you going to do now?
As the fighting continues throughout the first floor of the Manor, Talia throws down her weapons and gets on her knees. Talia then looks up and shoots a very hateful glare towards Damian.
Talia:
You don't deserve to share the name Al Ghul with me.
Damian:
That's alright. The name Wayne suits me much better.
Talia doesn't say anything as several Assassins move in on Damian. Nightstar and Batman get in between them and Damian and proceeds to help him fight them off.
Up on the second floor, Lady Shiva is searching for Batgirl. Batgirl flies down from the ceiling.
Batgirl:
Mother. Thought you were with your master.
Lady Shiva:
I managed to break away from her so that I may find you and show you what happens when you choose not to do as I say and join me!
Batgirl:
I already made up my mind.
Batgirl takes out her sword; Shiva hers.
Lady Shiva:
So, you think you're ready to take me on, daughter?
Batgirl:
I know I am!
Lady Shiva:
Show me, here and now!
The two begin to clash with each other.
Batgirl:
Such a disappointment.
Lady Shiva:
You more so.
In the Batcave, Stephanie is sweating as she contracts. Oracle is at the foot of the bed, towel in-hand, waiting to deliver the baby.
Oracle:
Steph, what was your most painful memory?
Stephanie:
Watching Tim descend down a dark path to avenge Bernard's death. I don't know why you're making me think about painful things. Wouldn't it make more sense to tell me to visualize a calming meadow? Or ask me to think about when I was the most happy?
Oracle:
Okay, what was your happiest memory?
Stephanie:
When Tim and I were on our honeymoon.
Oracle:
Tell me what happened, and spare no detail.
Stephanie:
Oh it was the best time; him in his swimming shorts, that body of his, I loved getting my hands all over it (She licks her lips)
Oracle:
Maybe spare some details. Like, what did you guys do while on your vacation. What did you see?
Stephanie:
We saw dolphins, we saw performers, it was all fun. But the best parts were in our room, under the covers. We pretty much spent every night doing something naughty to each other.
Oracle:
And this is the result of that.
Stephanie:
To be fair we were planning on starting a family. I just didn't think it would happen this soon.
Oracle:
And in the middle of a battle.
Stephanie:
I hope my Tim is doing alright out there.
She lets out a scream as she undergoes another contraction. They hear a loud 'bang' against the door.
Outside, Crush had thrown an Assassin up against the door. Not far from her, Damon ripped another assassin in half with his bare hands after dodging an attack from him; he pushes an Assassin off the platform and they fall onto a lower platform, where Alloroc was engaged in combat with three Assassins.
Damon:
How are you doing, Alloroc?
Alloroc had slashed at one of the assassins with his blades.
Alloroc:
Don't worry about me, friends! Worry about yourselves! I feel like we'll have these guys on the ropes before long.
Alloroc throws rocks at the other two assassins, only for two more to take their place. More assassins approach Damon.
Damon:
For my father!
He proceeds to rip the assassins apart limb from limb.
Alloroc:
Still shocked he's a Titan.
Above them, in the Manor, Talia was still kneeling in defeat, slowly pulling something out of her pocket. Batman was the first to notice what Talia was up to, as a slow beeping sounded.
Batman:
Get back!
Talia:
So long, Brucie.
Batman throws an EMP-Batarang at Talia, badly electrocuting her. She drops whatever she was holding; Batman walks up to get a closer look at whatever it was that Talia was holding; an explosive, having shorted out from the EMP.
Talia:
I can't pull one over on you, can I?
Damian then charges in, slicing at the vulnerable Talia, who quickly picks up her own swords and blocks. They continue to clash blades, nothing but hatred for each other in their eyes.
Damian:
I hate you!
Talia:
The feeling's mutual!
Talia slashes Damian in the leg, causing him to drop to his knees. She tried to bring the sword down on his head but then he blocked it. He then gets back up, fighting through the pain and keeps fighting.
Upstairs, Batgirl and Shiva clashed; Shiva kicked Batgirl through a door leading to her bedroom. Batgirl landed on her bed, but Shiva leapt in the air with the intent on driving her sword through her. Batgirl blocked Shiva's attack with her own sword and managed to push her back, nearly breaking the accolades displayed on her dresser. Shiva looked at all the awards and accolades she won in her ballet performances before looking back at her daughter.
Lady Shiva:
So, this is what you've been up to since you left me. How pitiful.
Batgirl:
I'm not a weapon like you think I am. I've found a better purpose in life, and I've found people who actually love and care about me! But you, you've never loved anyone or anything in your entire life, except for power and control!
Lady Shiva:
Without power, I am nothing. And that's exactly what you are, daughter...you're nothing to me!
Outside the room, Cheshire appears, rubbing her sais together.
Cheshire:
Well, isn't this a heart-warming reunion. Finally realising how terrible of a mother you are, Wu-San?
Lady Shiva:
Jade Ngyuen. I thought you'd be too busy dealing with my employer and her merry band of idiots to even think about picking a fight with me.
Arsenal and Black Arrow show up behind Cheshire, their bows pulled back.
Lady Shiva:
And I see you brought the whole family too.
Arsenal:
Yeah, we like to make ass-kicking a family affair.
Lady Shiva:
If you all are ready to fight as a family, then surely you're ready to die as one as well!
Cheshire:
Better than dying chained from the ceiling in a dingy room.
Lady Shiva:
I see you're still sore about that. (looks over at Black Arrow) My, my, look how much this one has grown.
Black Arrow:
And you've grown old.
Lady Shiva:
Time may have caught up to me physically, but I still fight like I did back then.
Black Arrow fires an Arrow at Shiva, who slices it with her sword, buying time for Cheshire to do a follow-up attack. Cheshire tries to hit Shiva with her twin sai, but she was quick to block it. They two of them continued to clash weapons as Arsenal and Black Arrow got behind Shiva to fire more arrows at dodged that arrow, until Arsenal fired off another one. That arrow lodged itself into Shiva's shoulder; she pulls it out as Batgirl slashes at her. Shiva dodges the attack and throws the arrow at Batgirl, only for her to dodge it as the arrow gets stuck in the wall. Suddenly, the window breaks as Nightwing comes crashing through, doing a back roll before landing upright. Talon follows.
Arsenal:
What the- Nightwing! You're alive! And wearing Garth's old disguise too.
Talon:
He won't be for long! And neither will you!
Talon charges at Arsenal, but Cheshire kicks him in the face and briefly knocks him down. Talon shakes it off and gets back up.
Talon:
Peregrine has every right to be wary of you.
Nightwing:
You mean had?
Talon gasps. He presses his mask.
Talon:
Peregrine, do you copy?
He gets no reply.
Talon:
What have you done?!
Nightwing:
He really should have had better security guarding that precious battlesuit of his.
Talon knew what he meant.
Nightwing:
And thanks for giving me the location of your base. As we speak, my friends are inside it and it'll be reduced to rubble.
Talon:
You're bluffing!
Nightwing:
Really?
He takes out his communicator and turns it on.
Cyborg (Voice):
This is definitely the lair of the Court of Owls.
Impulse (Voice):
In my time, they don't exist; so this is why.
Emerald Witch (Voice):
For a group bent on destruction, the architecture is amazing. Such a shame it's all going to be reduced to rubble.
Bumblebee (Voice):
Talon was such a fool trusting Dick.
The transmission ends.
Talon:
That girl was right. I was a fool for trusting you, great-grandson. Dare I say, it was my greatest mistake. (Gets in fighting stance again) So, allow me the opportunity to correct it!
The two adversaries charge at each other again, as the others fight Shiva simultaneously.
At the Courts' headquarters; Emerald Witch, Crow and Beast Girl enter the ritual hall (where Gil Carson was killed)
Beast Girl:
Wow, would you look at the size of this place?
Emerald Witch:
No doubt this is where those freaks come together to pray or hold sacrificial rituals.
Crow:
You guys think this is a good place to leave the explosives?
As Crow sets up the explosives at the base of the owl face carved into the rock, they sense the presence of Owls.
Crow:
Get ready to fight, sisters.
Emerald Witch:
Way ahead of you (Her hands begin to glow)
Beast Girl's arms turn into octopus tentacles just as the group of Owls enter the room.
Owl #1:
Did you think Talon would leave this place unguarded?
Crow:
Would've been nice, but we figured some of you would be hanging around.
The owls remove their masks, revealing young boys and girls.
Beast Girl:
Look at them, they all look so young.
Emerald Witch:
How old are you kids anyway?
Owl #1:
Most of us are runaways who ran away from home.
Owl #2:
We left our homes for a myriad of reasons, but Master Talon gave us all a home and he made us feel like we belonged somewhere.
Emerald Witch:
You can all find a purpose elsewhere.
Owl #1:
Where? This world doesn't want us. We're all misfits that don't fit in anywhere in society.
Owl #3:
And even if we wanted to leave, we don't know how. Master Talon practically owns us. The only way out of the court is by death.
Beast Girl:
That's awful!
Crow:
You failed your main objective, right? What will Talon do to you?
The young Owls fall silent.
Owl #1:
We don't know. But from the rumours we've heard from the higher-ups after that one group of new recruits failed to take down the Jump City Titans, we often try not to think about what would happen should we displease Master Talon in any way.
Emerald Witch:
And what happened to that group?
The young Owls say nothing. All that happens is one of them steps up, holds his thumb to his neck, and moves it across it as he makes a ripping sound. The Logan siblings were too shocked to say anything.
Crow:
Sounds like this Talon guy is only benevolent to you when you please him. Serving someone like him, that's no way to live.
Emerald Witch:
And they were young too.
Beast Girl looks at the group of young owls.
Beast Girl:
Are you all really happy here?
Owl #2:
We were promised greatness from Talon, to be something special.
Emerald Witch:
And then what?
Owl #2:
Hmm?
Emerald Witch:
After you've achieved said 'greatness', what will you do then? There's more to life than just being 'great' and serving some madman, you know. I guess what I'm asking is, is this really the life you all envisioned for yourselves? A life of servitude? A life of living in fear of your superiors? A life where the consequences of failure result in your termination?
The Owls contemplate this as Crow gets a call from Kid Flash.
Crow:
Hey babe. How are things on your end?
Kid Flash (Voice):
We're ready to blow this joint up when you are, babe. Just say the word.
Crow:
Where are you?
Cut to Kid Flash and Impulse, who are in Talon's quarters, in front of the screens. Impulse phases through a wall via molecular vibration and enters the electrum vault. Impulse is taken aback by what he sees.
Impulse:
No way.
Kid Flash:
What did you find?
Impulse:
I think I found the stuff Old Man Talon uses to keep himself youthful. (He continues looking at the electrum supply) No one should have this kind of power. Least of all him.
He plants the explosives on the tank, and turns it on. Impulse phases back through the way and turns to Kid Flash.
Impulse:
We've got to get out of here now!
Kid Flash:
(Gets back in contact with the Logans) Babe, this place is almost ready to blow. Tell Paine to take one last look at the architecture because it's all getting blown sky high! We'll be waiting at the elevator.
Impulse:
It's very convenient they left this place unguarded. It was almost easy.
Kid Flash:
He really is a bird-brain. (To Crow) Just be at the elevator.
Cut back to the Logans:
Crow:
You got it!
Beast Girl:
(Looks at the young owls) You guys should come with us. We can help you craft better lives for yourselves.
The Owls look at each other, weighing their options.
Emerald Witch:
This really is your best option. Either you stay here and die in the explosion, or you escape with your freedom. And I don't know about you, but I'd feel pretty guilty if we left you kids behind. What do you say?
Owl #1:
Alright. We're coming.
Crow:
You can stay with us at our respective Titans Towers when the fighting is over, if you want.
Owl #2:
Thank you.
At the Manor, Damian and Talia fought through the halls, ignoring the chaos around them. Talia charges yet again and the two of them get into a scuffle that ends with Damian kicking her off of him. Suddenly, Damian saw something blinking red on his arm. It was the Bracelet of Aaliyah that Talia put on him in Dakota City months ago and it was ready to blow at any moment. In the nick of time, Damian ripped it the bracelet off his wrist and threw it into a nearby room before shutting the door, allowing the explosive to detonate in there rather than on him. Before Damian could do anything else, Talia tackled and pinned him to the floor. As that was going on, Nyssa was being chased by Catwoman and Huntress. The trio of women crossed paths with the mother and son, and Damian noticed them.
Damian:
Mother! Help!
Huntress:
Help Damian! I'll handle Nyssa!
Catwoman rushes to help Damian as Huntress prepares to square off with Nyssa.
Nyssa:
You're out of your depth with me, little girl!
Huntress:
Don't judge me!
She kicks her in the thigh with her healed leg.
Nyssa:
(Gets up from the blow to the thigh) Nice move, but let's see how you deal with this!
Nyssa charges at Huntress with her blade and she dodges out of the way to punch her in the ribs.
Huntress:
Why do you waste your time taking orders from your psychotic sister?
Nyssa:
I admit that her goals and motives for us and the League of Assassins are uncanny, but I have absolute faith in my sister.
Huntress:
Mostly because you feel like you have no other choice?
Nyssa seems to pause after hearing Huntress's words.
Huntress:
The plans Talia has come up with, do they really benefit the League of Assassins? Or do they serve to benefit her and only her?
Nyssa looked at Talia fighting Damian and Catwoman as Owls and Assassins continued to fall.
Huntress:
See how far your sister has made your organization fall from grace? All this fighting. All this bloodshed. And for what exactly? Just so your sister can satisfy her overly inflated ego and say that she killed me, my father, my brother, and all of our friends. It's so pointless.
Nyssa's expression turned into a glare.
Nyssa:
You don't know what you're saying!
Huntress:
I do; you're denying it because you know. You're just too afraid of your sister to do or say anything about it.
Nyssa:
She's the head of the League of Assassins; her word is absolute. Should anyone go against her wishes, they'll meet a grizzly end, and I'm no exception.
Huntress:
Even direct family?
Nyssa:
You don't know my sister like I do.
Huntress begins to feel sorry for her adversary.
Huntress:
No one deserves to live a life of total fear. Not even you.
Nyssa:
Why do you care so much?
Huntress looks at her brother.
Huntress:
When I look at the relationship I have with my brother and compare it to the one you have with your sister, I can tell just how unhappy you really are. Sure Damian isn't perfect, but he's a great person with a few flaws here and there.
Nyssa:
Ra's always seemed to favour Talia over me. He'd always make me and my sister fight, and every single time Talia would win.
She continues watching Talia as Damian and Catwoman knock her down.
Huntress:
If your father saw Talia now, what do you think he'd say?
Nyssa:
A disgrace to the family.
Nyssa approaches Talia.
Talia:
Sister! Help me! Kill them!
Nyssa:
No.
Talia:
What did you just say?
Nyssa:
You brought yourself into this mess, you can bring yourself out of it.
Talia's face sours severely.
Talia:
Nyssa!
Nyssa:
I'm taking what Assassins are left; the battle is lost, and you're responsible. Farewell sister.
She sheaths her swords and walks off. The remaining twelve Assassins still fighting suddenly stop and follow Nyssa, shooting hateful glares at Talia.
Talia:
Nyssa! Nyssa! NYSSA!
Nyssa ignores her as she and the Assassins leave the Manor and the battle behind.
Damian:
It's over, mother. You've lost.
Talia:
Don't you dare call me that!
She gets back up, kicks Catwoman in the gut and focuses entirely on Damian. She unleashes a flurry of ferocious slashes at her son, and Damian was beginning to struggle in blocking them. At this point, angry tears were streaming down Talia's face as she screamed in anger.
Upstairs, Nightwing still had possession of the Jade Canary as he and Talon fought.
Talon:
Honestly, great-grandson, why must you be so difficult?!
Nightwing only answered this question with a quick punch to Talon's face and a kick to his chin. As he gets up, they see the League of Assassins have abandoned the fight.
Talon:
Where are do those idiots think they're going?! (He sees Nyssa approaching the front gate and calls down to her) Nyssa! What is the meaning of this?!
Nyssa:
It's over. Talia's hubris has doomed this attack.
Talon:
(Looks at Talia on the ground floor) Then she is of no further use to me.
Nyssa:
Are you and your Owls going to leave with us while your dignity is still intact? Or are you going to be as arrogant as my sister and stay here?
Talon:
I'd rather die than live the rest of my days knowing that the Jade Canary is in the hands of my traitorous great-grandson!
Nightwing:
But your electrum supply is keeping you alive, for a few minutes more.
Talon:
What are you blathering on about?
Nightwing:
Your supply is about to burst.
At the Courts' headquarters, the group meet up at the elevator. Kid Flash looks at the recruits accompanying the Logan siblings
Crow:
Found some runaways looking for a new home. You think you could help us out?
Kid Flash:
As long as they don't try and kill me in my sleep.
Crow:
Don't wanna drop dead gorgeous?
Kid Flash giggles as Cyborg takes out a detonator.
Cyborg:
You all ready to see some fireworks?
Bumblebee:
Let's light this candle, sweetheart!
They enter the elevator and return to the surface. Cyborg takes out the detonator.
Cyborg:
Cover your ears! This is gonna be loud!
Everyone covers their ears as Cyborg presses the button. The ground shakes as the explosives go off. The once beautiful and pristine lair of the Court of Owls is slowly being reduced to rubble, one explosion at a time. The last shot we see of the destruction is Talon's electrum supply.
At the Manor, Nightwing receives a message from Cyborg.
Nightwing:
There Talon; it's done.
Talon:
I refuse to believe your lies, great-grandson. In my absence, I left behind a handful of my strongest accolades. They wouldn't let you fools destroy a square inch of my lair.
Nightwing:
Why don't you go look?
Talon:
Only if you come with me. Because if you're telling the truth, and my lair and electrum supply really are no more, I want my last battle to be with you. And if you're lying to me, you'll be the first person I kill when we finally defeat your friends. Just as long as the end result is your demise.
A portal opens; Cyborg and the infiltration team return.
Nightwing:
Why don't I show you?
Bumblebee:
(To Talon) Come right this way, old timer.
As Nightwing and Talon enter the portal with Bumblebee, Blockbuster overhears them. He goes to round up the rest of the Suicide Crew. He sees Vigilante firing a bullet right through the head of a zombie owl, and KGBeast and Peacemaker not far from him.
Vigilante:
Boom! Right between the eyes!
Blockbuster:
Crew! Come here!
The three men gather around Blockbuster.
KGBeast:
Where are those other two floozies?
Livewire:
Hey, we heard that! (Livewire and Banshee appear from right behind them) What's going on?
Blockbuster:
Follow me.
The group follows Blockbuster to the portal leading to the Court of Owls' now destroyed lair.
Blockbuster:
Our target just went through that portal.
He steps through the portal; the rest of the crew follow.
Peacemaker:
It would be wise to avoid detection from everyone else.
Silver Banshee:
No shit, Sherlock.
Emerald Witch closes the portal and collapses from exhaustion (she's never held a portal open that long before; her mother can do it just fine). Her siblings help her up and take her away from the fight.
Emerald Witch:
I'm sorry, guys.
Crow:
Don't be sorry, you need your rest.
At the Court's destroyed lair, Talon, Nightwing and Bumblebee arrive via the elevator and show him the destruction.
Bumblebee:
Observe!
Beneath his mask, Talon has a look of horror. He falls to his knees in disbelief as he stares at the destruction, not saying a single word. Bumblebee moves closer to him.
Bumblebee:
Everything you've built over the course of a century gone in an instant.
Nightwing:
It's over, Cobb, you've lost.
Talon tears off his mask, before throwing a dagger in Nightwing's direction. The dagger grazes his cheek and he puts his hand over the cut. Talon stands up and charges aggressively at Nightwing, no thought going into his attack, instead retaliating like an angry predator. Before Talon could lay a finger on Nightwing, Bumblebee shoots at the Court's leader with her blasters, knocking him to the ground. The next thing they hear from Talon is a series of angry sobs. At that moment, the elevator door opens and the Suicide Crew appear.
Vigilante:
Aw man, those two goodie-goodies beat us to the punch!
After Vigilante's outburst, Nightwing and Bumblebee turn to face the Suicide Crew.
Blockbuster:
Nightwing, Slade's told me all about you.
Nightwing:
Did he tell you about the numerous times my friends and I foiled his plans?
Blockbuster:
All of them. Your reputation precedes you, even surviving taking a bullet to the head from KG.
Nightwing:
And I see you brought KG along for the ride too? (Turns to KGBeast) You come here to finish the job?
KGBeast:
No! We're here to put and end to the Court of Owls once and for all by killing their leader!
Nightwing:
What did the Court ever do to you?
Blockbuster:
You mean aside from allying themselves with the same people who killed Slade?
Nightwing:
This is about the Stacked Den, isn't it?
Blockbuster:
So what if it is? The Court has been sitting pretty for long enough! It's time to end things right here, right now!
KGBeast shoots at Nightwing; Nightwing dodges the bullets and lands a strike on him before returning to Talon.
Bumblebee:
Uh, maybe instead of attacking us, we call a temporary truce and take out Talon?
Vigilante:
I swear if I hear the word 'truce' one more time...
Talon knocks him down before he can finish.
Talon:
I don't care what it takes. When the dust settles, each and every one of you will be at my feet begging for mercy!
Livewire, Silver Banshee and Peacemaker launch attacks on Talon as Blockbuster peers over the edge of the still-standing platform at the sewage below; a pool of electrum had formed at the bottom. Talon dodges the three villain's attacks, but he falls right in the line of fire of KGBeast's gun.
KGBeast:
(Takes aim) Da svidania, asshole!
KGBeast fires, but his aim is thrown off by Bumblebee.
KGBeast:
Damn it, you stupid insect, you made me miss!
Bumblebee:
Sorry, not sorry.
Bumblebee prepares to fire her blasters at Talon again.
Talon:
You're not going to get me again with that one!
Talon dodges out of the way and throws a dagger at her, but Bumblebee shrinks down to avoid the attack. She moves in close to Talon and punches him upside the head. Before she can hit him again, however, Talon grabs Bumblebee and holds onto her tight; he begins crushing her. As Talon watches the life drain from his tiny foe, he wasn't paying attention to Nightwing, who threw a birdarang at his hand, freeing Bumblebee.
Bumblebee:
Thanks.
Nightwing:
Don't mention it.
Talon attacks wildly, as Nightwing and Blockbuster block his onslaught. When Talon's attacks slow, Blockbuster and Nightwing team up and punch him across the room. Talon, in desperation, throws a smoke grenade. Nightwing, anticipating it, covers his face. Blockbuster, however, gets a face-full. As he goes into a coughing fit, he sees the rest of the Suicide Crew running to his aide.
Blockbuster:
Stop...don't come...close!
Too late; the Suicide Crew all experience a coughing fit.
Peacemaker:
We're not...going to leave you...
KGBeast:
You bought us together...now...we die together...
Blockbuster's eyes begin stinging as he rubs them. As he stumbles, Talon takes the opportunity and pushes him off the platform; he lands in the electrum pool and sinks. Bumblebee gasps.
Nightwing:
No way!
Vigilante:
(Snarls) Bastard!
Despite the smoke hurting his eyes, he still tries to take aim with his gun. Talon throws another dagger at him, slicing his gun.
Talon:
Anyone else feeling brave?
The remaining Crew don't attack, but Nightwing tackles Talon to the ground when he least expects it. Bumblebee follows up with an uppercut.
Talon:
ENOUGH!
He feels something loose in his mouth. He ends up spitting out his electrum tooth, and Nightwing steps on it, breaking it. Talon gets up. Nightwing removes his foot from where he stomped on the tooth, and Talon looks in horror at the remains. Talon already feels himself getting older. He removes his gloves to see that his hands are starting to wrinkle up and turn grey.
Talon:
What...What have you done to me!?
Nightwing:
You've lived long enough.
The smoke clears and the remaining members of the Suicide Crew see Talon start to slowly wither. Wrinkles form on his face, as his skin becomes grey and clammy; his hair turns white and thins; his eyes sink into his skull. As he dies, Talon began to utter his final words and points at Nightwing with a bony finger.
Talon:
Trai...tor!
His skin dissolves into dust, followed by his bones, until all that remains of him are a set of Owl armour and a pile of dust.
Nightwing:
Goodbye, Great-Grandfather.
He picks up his mask and throws it over the platform for it to sink in the electrum pool. Nightwing, Bumblebee, and the Suicide Crew look over the edge of the platform.
Back at the Manor, Talia, Damian and Catwoman took the fight upstairs as the Owl zombies, unaware that their leader was gone, kept up the pressure. Catwoman lashed out with her whip, but Talia does a backflip to avoid it. They pass Lady Shiva, who was still clashing with the Harper's and Batgirl.
Lady Shiva:
I'm going to do what I should've done all those years ago, Jade, and kill you and your family! (Turns to face Black Arrow) Starting with your own daughter!
She charges at Black Arrow and readies her bow and arrow only for Cheshire to block Shiva's attack.
Cheshire:
You will not lay a finger on my daughter! Not while I'm here!
She pushes Cheshire away and coats her katana in a fresh layer of frog toxin. Batgirl immediately knows what Shiva put on her katana and tries to think of a battle plan before she has a chance to poison anybody. Shiva sees Talia kick Catwoman in the gut; she also sees Damian tackle Talia to the ground before she could hurt Catwoman anymore. Suddenly, Shiva has a brief change in objective.
Lady Shiva:
(To the Harpers and Batgirl) You lot stay put!
Shiva charges at Damian, too fast for anyone to catch up with her, and she kicks Damian off of Talia. When Damian looks up, he sees Shiva glowering down at him.
Lady Shiva:
You die first!
She raises her katana, but before she can deal the blow, Talia blocks her attack.
Talia:
No...he's mine!
Lady Shiva:
You can't be leader!
Talia:
Could you kindly repeat that to me?
Lady Shiva:
The League of Assassins is in shambles. Your own son and sister turned against you. You aren't fit to be the leader of anything.
Talia:
What are you trying to say?
Lady Shiva:
I'm saying that I'm in charge now!
Shiva turns her attention on Talia.
Talia:
(Completely aghast) I really can't trust anyone can I? My son, my sister, you! Is there no loyalty in this world?
Lady Shiva:
Not to you.
Talia, her eyes filled with rage, looks at Damian and Shiva as she raises her sword. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Ace comes in barking furiously and he tackles Talia to the ground.
Damian:
Good boy!
Ace snarls at Talia as they stare each other down
Talia:
Filthy mutt.
Ace barks aggressively. Damian gets up and stands by his dog's side. He readies Soul Taker as Talia backs away.
Damian:
Just give up, Talia. Let it go.
Talia:
You're a disgrace to the family; you are not my son.
Damian:
I may be a disgrace to your family, but there's another family that's grateful to have someone like me on their side. My name is Damian Wayne, son of Bruce Wayne, and you're finished here, Talia al Ghul.
Talia says nothing as Batman, Red Hood, Red Robin, Ravager, Grant, Adeline, Batwoman, Flamebird, and the Graysons appear. They all aim their weapons at Talia as her eyes dart from one hero to another.
Red Robin:
You can't win, Talia, you're severely outnumbered! I suggest you surrender!
Ace barks; Talia flinches slightly.
Talia:
No...you can't take me...none of you can take me!
Talia sees a window and runs towards it.
Batman:
Stop her!
Damian runs forward but Shiva knocks him to the ground; Ravager and Red Hood run forward as Talia steps onto the windowsill and looks at the Bat-Family; behind her, the sun begins to rise.
Talia:
Farewell.
She takes one step backwards and begins to fall out of the window. Ravager lunges forward to make a grab for Talia, but it was too late. She and Red Hood watch as she hits the ground, hard. They stare at her lifeless body as blood pours out of Talia's nose and mouth.
Damian:
What happened?
Red Hood and Ravager turn back around to face the group.
Ravager:
She...She's dead.
Everyone is silent, in disbelief with what they heard. Everyone but Shiva.
Lady Shiva:
So, the once proud leader of the League of Assassins does herself in. A perfect end to a miserable life. And now, to erase the last remnant of her life.
Damian:
I'm not afraid of you Shiva! (Gets into a fighting stance)
Lady Shiva:
I'll make you fear me!
Shiva runs up to Damian. He uses Soul Taker to block the attack, but Shiva's knocked the blade right out of his hands. As Shiva attacks Damian, he tries to block her rapid attacks with his gauntlets. While Shiva is busy with Damian, Batman and Catwoman team up in an effort to distract her so their son could get away.
Batman:
Wu-San!
Catwoman wraps her whip around Shiva's wrist, ceasing her attack. Batman runs up to Shiva, ready to punch her in the face, but Shiva kicks him away and uses her sword to free herself from Catwoman's whip.
Lady Shiva:
Brave, but foolish Brucie.
Starfire, Nightstar, and Avocet fire a series of starbolts at Shiva. Shiva slices through them with ease. Ravager, Grant, Adeline, and Red Hood join their onslaught by firing rounds from their guns.
Red Hood:
She can't repel all of our attacks!
While she's distracted, Damian begins to leave followed by Ace and Red Robin.
Red Robin:
They can't hold her off forever! We have to keep moving!
His communicator starts beeping.
Red Robin:
It's Babs. Steph needs me!
Damian:
Go to her, Tim! I'll be fine!
Ace barks in agreement.
Red Robin:
Alright, keep your heads up!
And with that, they go their separate ways. Red Robin evades an Owl being thrown by Conner; he opens the second entrance to the Batcave through the grandfather clock and enters.
The Batcave: When Red Robin arrives, he sees Damon, Crush, and Alloroc standing around while Raven, Crow and Beast Girl were staying with Emerald Witch as she rests and Alfred and Kid Flash were tending to the Flash and Jinx.
Red Robin:
You've seen better days. So things are under control here?
Alloroc:
Down here, yeah. (Points at the infirmary) In there, not so much!
Stephanie:
(From inside; screams) Oh god! This hurts so much!
Barbara:
(From inside) You're nearly there.
Red Robin:
Hang on, Steph, I'm coming! (Turns back to the trio) Everyone could use your help upstairs. Shiva is still in the manor and she's on a warpath.
Damon:
Say less! Come on, you guys!
Damon leads Crush and Alloroc upstairs as Red Robin goes to check up on Stephanie. Before he gets to the door, he hears the sound of a baby crying inside. Red Robin smiles and enters the infirmary. Barbara and Stephanie look over at Red Robin as he enters, and their smiles meet his.
Barbara:
There's the proud father!
Stephanie:
Come and meet your daughter, Tim.
He takes off his cowl and mask and approaches his tired wife, who was holding a blanket where a blonde-haired baby was sleeping and cooing softly.
Red Robin (A happy tear falls from his eye):
Hello. (To Stephanie) She's so beautiful, Steph.
Stephanie:
She gets her looks from you, Tim. (She kisses her husband)
Barbara:
Have you two decided on a name yet?
Red Robin and Stephanie look at the baby.
Red Robin:
Ellie. Ellie Crystal Drake.
Ellie opens her eyes (they're blue) and sees her two parents smiling down at her. Stephanie kisses her forehead.
Red Robin (To Barbara):
Date of birth?
Barbara looks at her phone.
Barbara:
August 24th, 5:25am.
Red Robin:
Wow, we've been fighting all night.
Stephanie:
Is it over out there?
Red Robin:
Not yet.
Above them, Lady Shiva was still fighting. She steps over Batman and slices his shoulder. It's at this moment when Alloroc, Damon, and Crush come from the Batcave to join the fight.
Alloroc:
Weren't as many as I thought.
Lady Shiva:
So three more have come to face me and die.
Crush:
Ever since we scared those ninjas away, I've been looking for a good challenge.
Lady Shiva:
That wouldn't be me.
Damon:
What's the matter, lady? You scared?
Lady Shiva:
You should be.
She jumps onto Damon and touches the base of his neck as Crush lashes out with Obelus. Shiva dodges out of the way so Obelus hits Damon in the face, knocking him out. But Shiva lands right near Alloroc, who swings his hydro-blades at her. Shiva is quick to block Alloroc's attack, and he prepares to fling some rocks at her in retaliation.
Crush:
You keep rocks in your pocket?
Alloroc:
Just in case of emergencies like this one!
He throws the rocks and it distracts Shiva long enough for him to kick her to the ground.
In the sitting room, Damian and Ace make it to the elevator. Damian kneels down to Ace's level and pets him.
Damian:
The Batcave should be safe for now, boy.
Ace barks in agreement, and begins to attack Damian with kisses to his face
Damian:
Okay, I missed you too.
In the main hall, Shiva had kicked Alloroc off as Black Arrow and Arsenal fired a volley of arrows at blocked and cut every last arrow with her blade. Miss Bertenelli saw Shiva heading for Damian and stepped in.
Lady Shiva:
Out of my way!
Miss Bertenelli:
He's a student at my school!
Lady Shiva:
I don't care who he is! He must be eliminated! And if you're going to stand in my way...you'll have to die too!
Miss Bertenelli fires her crossbows. Shiva dodges the first few arrows before cutting the last one with her blade.
Lady Shiva:
Ineffective!
Miss Bertenelli then kicks her in the shin. This causes her to fall on her face. While Shiva is down, Bertenelli prepares to fire a crossbow at the back of Shiva's head. Shiva rolls out of the way and sweeps Miss Bertenelli between the legs.
Lady Shiva:
I expected more of a challenge from someone who was once a member of the proud Justice League.
Miss Bertenelli then kicks her in the knee before getting back up. She picks Shiva up and successfully throws her into a wall, and when she gets up she finds her pointing her crossbow right at her. She fires, only for Shiva to grab the arrow and throw it into Miss Bertenelli's shoulder. Before Miss Bertenelli could do anything about it, Shiva stabs her right in the stomach. She collapses. Huntress runs at Shiva, firing an arrow as Batgirl and Cheshire leap at her, swords out. Shiva removes her sword from Miss Bertenelli to repel the arrow. Then she kicks Huntress away, punches Cheshire in the face before she could even make a move, then she and Batgirl clash blades.
Batgirl:
Leave my home!
Lady Shiva:
Not until I erase all trace of Talia's bloodline! And maybe you with it!
Batgirl disconnects and strikes again as Superman picks up Miss Bertenelli and Arsenal picks up Cheshire and make their way to the grandfather clock, where Crush was dragging Damon down the stairs.
Crush:
We're dropping like goddamn flies over here! And to a one-woman army no less.
The Batcave; after wrapping Jinx's arm in a bandage, Alfred had given Emerald Witch some herbal tea. He then sees Superman, Superboy, Arsenal, and Crush arrive with Miss Bertenelli, Cheshire, and Damon respectively, in tow.
Alfred:
I thought the conflict was winding down?
Superman:
This fight is far from over, Alfred.
Superboy:
I've never seen a single assassin take on an entire group of us before.
Cheshire, who became unconscious from that punch, regained consciousness in time to hear Superboy say that.
Cheshire:
Shiva isn't like any other assassin.
Superboy (Looking at Miss Bertenelli):
I can see that.
Cheshire:
She was trained to deal with any foe, superpowered or otherwise.
Red Robin comes out of the infirmary holding Ellie.
Beast Girl:
(Gasps) Oh, is that the new baby!?
Red Robin:
(Nods with a smile on his face) Meet our daughter, Ellie.
Beast Girl, Raven and Changeling approach them.
Raven:
She's so small.
Changeling:
Hey there, little one. (Makes some funny faces causing Ellie to laugh)
Tim notices that Alfred is smiling.
Tim:
I don't see you smile that often, Alfred. Not to be rude, but it's kind of weird.
Alfred:
My apologies, Master Tim. It's just that seeing you with your daughter reminds me of the day Julia was born.
Red Robin:
Speaking of which, how is she?
Alfred:
Hard at work; no time for rest in the SSR. I haven't seen her in a few years. I really do hope she's keeping well.
Red Robin:
Maybe when this all blows over, Bruce will give you some time off so you can come to her instead of having her come to you.
Alfred:
That would be lovely.
Kid Flash:
It's a shame you don't have accelerated healing Mom.
Jinx:
Don't worry, sweetie, I'll be fine.
In the sitting room, Damian and Ace were waiting for the elevator. Finally the bookcase opens.
Damian:
Come on boy!
They're just about to enter when a sword flies out of nowhere and slices the cables holding up the elevator; it falls to the depths. They turn around and see Shiva stomping towards them.
Lady Shiva:
You thought you could get away from me that easily, didn't you?
Damian raises his fists as Shiva takes out her own sword (the other sword was one of Cheshire's).
Damian:
I'm not afraid of you, Shiva! Even though Ibn Al Xuffrasch is dead, the training that Talia put me through is still there, and I'm going to use everything that I've learned to put you down.
Lady Shiva:
Big words for a little boy!
Damian:
Shut up.
Shiva charges forward, her blade at the ready. Damian raises his fists as Shiva lunges forward; Damian evades this attack and attempts to touch Shiva's pressure points. Shiva, however, is prepared and slaps him away before he can touch her. Before Damian could try that trick again, Shiva picks Damian up by his throat tightly, and he begins to choke. The Bat-Family appear at the entrance; Batman takes out a batarang and throws it with his good arm; Shiva effortlessly parries it. With the Bat-Family comes Nightstar, who fires a star bolt at Shiva, but she puts Damian in its path and the starbolt hits him instead.
Nightstar:
Sorry!
Lady Shiva:
At least Talia's son can be used as a human shield!
Hearing this tugs on Nightstar's heartstrings; without thinking, she flies forward, her bo-staff out, her eyes glowing green with the intent on breaking Shiva to release Damian. She swings her bo-staff numerous times, but Shiva dodges every potential strike. Black Arrow appears, running at Shiva firing arrows before taking out her knife. With her free hand, Shiva uses her sword to repel he arrows and block Black Arrow's knife. Ace then bites her hand.
Lady Shiva:
Filthy little beast!
She flings Ace off of her hand before grabbing her sword, coating it with fresh toxin.
Lady Shiva:
Be gone!
And she stabs Ace before the dog could even get up. Ace yelps. Everyone stares in horror as Ace lies on the floor, taking short, laboured breaths. Shiva returns her attention to Damian.
Damian:
What are you standing around for?!
Lady Shiva:
They're afraid to hurt you.
She tightens her grip around Damian; Damian looks at Ace, and then kicks Shiva in the stomach. This causes Shiva to release Damian from her grip and before she can retaliate, Damian uppercuts Shiva, knocking her on the floor. Shiva gets up as Damian picks up a sword from a fallen Owl and attacks Shiva viciously. Shiva blocks the attack with her own sword.
Lady Shiva:
What's wrong, boy? Upset that I hurt your doggy?
Damian yells and strikes harder. Shiva originally blocked by holding her blade with one hand, but now that Damian's striking harder, she's now using both hands to hold onto her blade. Eventually after several parries, she is overpowered. She falls into her knees as Damian severs her sword-hand. Damian then holds the pointed end of his sword at her throat. Surprisingly, Shiva still looks at him smugly.
Lady Shiva:
You think the loss of my hand stops me?
Damian:
Why are you happy? You lost.
Lady Shiva:
You think so, don't you!
She kicks the sword out of Damian's hand and she catches it with her good hand.
Lady Shiva:
I was trained to fight under any circumstance. The loss of one of my hands being one of them!
She charges at Damian again. Damian manages to avoid Shiva's attack by backflipping out of the slashes, Damian parries. In a moment of rage, Damian impales Shiva through the midsection; she collapses as Damian brings his sword down to her neck. Before he can behead her, he stops.
Lady Shiva:
Go on. What are you waiting for? Kill me!
Damian looks at his family.
Damian:
No. I won't kill a disarmed opponent; it's against the code.
Batgirl steps forward; Shiva looks up at her and Damian.
Damian:
Cassandra.
Batgirl:
Let her go, Damian, I'll take care of her
Damian throws down his sword and runs over to Ace; he bends down as Ace weakly lays his head on his leg and looks into his eyes.
Damian:
(On the verge of tears; begins to pet him) It's okay, boy, I'm here.
Nightstar runs over to Damian and Ace to see if there's anything she can do. Ace looks at the two and draws his final breath. Damian holds his dead dog in his arm and sobs as Nightstar holds him.
Batgirl:
Now, mother.
Lady Shiva:
You should've accepted my offer.
Batgirl:
And you should've been a better mom.
Shiva coughs up blood.
Lady Shiva:
We could've worked well together you and I. Running the League of Assassins side-by-side. We would've been unstoppable.
Batgirl:
My place is here; my family is here. And I'll continue to live my life the way I want while you, your name, and everything you stand for will fade out of existence.
Shiva takes out the vial of frog toxin and drinks it.
Lady Shiva:
You're no daughter of mine.
Batgirl:
And what's so wrong with that?
All Shiva does is shoot a hateful glare at Batgirl before she foams at the mouth; green veins appear on her body and her eyes become cloudy.
Batgirl:
Goodbye, mother.
Shiva finally collapses and after a final twitch, falls completely still.
Avocet:
So that's it? It's finally over?
Starfire looks around as the zombie Owls finally go down as the morning sun floods through the windows.
Starfire:
It is over.
Damian:
Good.
Everyone looks over to see him still cradling Ace's dead body in his arms. Nightstar puts his arm around Damian and hugs him.
Nightstar:
He was a good dog.
Damian:
The best dog. The best friend a bat or robin could have.
Batman:
We'll be sure to give him a proper burial.
The front door opens; Nightwing and Bumblebee appear.
Starfire:
(Gasps) Dick! (She runs up to her husband and hugs him)
Bumblebee:
The Court of Owls is no more.
Nightwing:
Is everything over over here?
Red Hood:
Not without losing one of our family.
It was then that they saw Damian and Nightstar mourning the loss of Ace.
Catwoman:
Ace fought for his owners like the good dog he always was.
Nightwing approaches them; the other League and Titans who were not part of the Bat-Family kept their distance. Nightwing kneels next to his daughter and brother.
Nightstar:
Shiva got him, dad. He died trying to save Damian from her.
Nightwing:
You should be proud of him.
Damian:
I am.
As Damian continues to hold Ace's dead body, everyone bows their heads in memory of their fallen canine friend.
Wayne Manor Gardens; later that day. Alloroc creates a grave and Damian takes Ace's body and lays him in the trench. Alloroc buries Ace and Damian takes a rose out of his pocket and throws it on top of the mound of dirt.
Damian:
Rest in peace, boy. Thanks.
Bruce, out of his Batman uniform, joins him. He puts a hand on his shoulder and looks at the grave with him.
Damian:
Hey dad, (Bruce looks at him and Damian gives him a hug) I just want to say that I'm sorry for running away and doing all of those things. You know, allying myself with Talia and hurting Jon. If I hadn't done that, then maybe Ace would still be here.
Bruce:
No Damian, this was entirely my fault. I should've told you sooner about where you came from and who your mother was. If I had, maybe you wouldn't have left and let yourself be manipulated.
Damian:
I guess we're both pretty sorry for what happened, huh?
Bruce:
I guess so.
Selina comes up to them.
Selina:
The important thing here is that you're home now, Damian, and the Court of Owls and especially the League of Assassins can't hurt us anymore.
Damian looks back at Ace's grave.
Damian:
And we may have lost one member of this family, but in the process we gained a new one. (He then walks over to Tim and holds out his hand) Congratulations are in order, Tim. I know you and Stephanie will do a great job raising Ellie.
Tim:
Thanks, brother (He shakes Damian's hand) That means a lot.
Gotham Museum: 9:30am. Batwoman and Flamebird are returning the Jade Canary to its exhibit; Commissioner Gordon and Detectives Montoya, Bullock and Chimp are present to receive it.
Commissioner Gordon:
Good to see you two are alive and well.
Batwoman:
It's been hard being dead to the world. Those death certificates can be thrown out now.
Flamebird:
Though I will admit, taking a short break was nice while it lasted.
Renee examines the Jade Canary.
Renee:
Still intact.
Detective Chimp:
So the Court of Owls used it to power a battlesuit.
Batwoman:
Lucky for us Dick was smart enough to sabotage the battlesuit, and he was fast and crafty enough to keep the Jade Canary from falling back in the Court's hands.
Renee doesn't say anything.
Batwoman:
What's wrong?
Renee places the Jade Canary on its pedestal, before placing the glass casing back over it.
Renee:
I haven't seen you in so long I believed you were going to move on to someone else; this whole ordeal has been difficult on all of us.
Batwoman:
Aw, don't you know I'd never really leave you high and dry?
Renee:
I know.
Batwoman:
Say, are you available tonight for a beer?
Renee (Smiles):
I thought you'd never ask.
They kiss as Flamebird averts her eyes.
Flamebird:
Get a room, will ya?
They separate.
Batwoman:
Sorry.
At the Watchtower, while Katana's sword was placed in the Memoral Hall, Batman and Superman were in the infirmary, checking up on the Gotham Academy defence team. Batman opens up the tube where Plastic Man had been rebuilding his molecules. A red blob jumps out before materialising into a man.
Plastic Man:
Happy birthday!
Batman:
You haven't changed, Patrick.
Plastic Man:
It's great to be back! Did you kick some Owl tailfeather for me?
Batman:
Relax. They're not a problem anymore.
Plastic Man:
How's the rest of the Security Team? They were in a pretty bad way last I checked.
Lagoon Boy begins stirring in the healing tank, and Static begins buzzing with electricity.
Superman:
I think they're going to be just fine.
At Wayne Manor, the rest of the family were occupied with cleaning up after the battle: Cassandra was cleaning her room; Alfred was washing blood stains off various surfaces; Cyborg was helping repair the elevator to the Batcave; Jason, Ravager, Grant and Adeline were throwing dead Owls onto a pyre they'd set up in the garden.
Grant:
(Plugs his nose) God that smells so bad.
Jason:
Your sister does not seem to mind.
Adeline:
To me it smells like bacon.
Grant:
Thanks for ruining my appetite.
As all this was going on, Mar'i was looking for Damian, and she found him laying on his bed in his room. She knocks on his door; Damian looks up.
Mar'i:
May I come in?
Damian:
(Smiles for the first time in hours) Sure.
Damian sits up on his bed and Mar'i sits next to him.
Mar'i:
I missed you, and Robin. Speaking of, where's your outfit?
Damian:
Oh that. It was destroyed in Nanda Parbat.
Mar'i:
Maybe Lucius Fox can make you another one?
Damian:
Father contacted him; he's started right away.
Mar'i:
That's good. Can't wait to see it.
They sit in silence.
Damian:
Mar'i, I'm sorry... for everything I did; hurting Jon, breaking Lian's bow, breaking your heart, attacking the tower, I was a completely different person.
Mar'i:
Hey (she takes her hands in his) that's all in the past now. What matters is that you're back with us. Back with me. And nothing is going to take you away from us ever again.
Damian smiles.
Damian:
I'm not going anywhere, Mar'i.
Mar'i also smiles. Then, they lean forwards, close their eyes and their lips connect. The kiss lasted for a little more than ten seconds before their lips disconnected. Afterwards, the two of them just stared into each other's eyes.
Damian:
I love you.
Mar'i:
I love you.
The two of them kiss again. The bathroom door opens; Dick appears wearing a towel (having had his third shower that day); he sees his daughter and brother kissing. He decides not to interrupt them, as he takes his clothes and goes back into the bathroom.
Inside the bathroom, Dick is thinking to himself.
Dick:
Mar'i and Damian...They grow up so fast.
Jump City Titans Tower; a week later. The Titans were all assembled in the common room, watching the news while waiting for Damian.
Lois (On the TV):
In the past few months, the Court of Owls had done considerable damage to society, terrorising hospitals, hospitality venues and education facilities. However, in the past week, the acts stopped. People believe that the Court of Owls has been relegated to just a myth.
Paine:
Goodbye and good riddance. (Turns off the T.V)
Jon:
We didn't stop Nyssa; the League of Assassins are still out there.
Helena:
But considering Talia's actions, Dad believes they're no longer a threat.
Lian:
It wouldn't hurt to monitor them every now and again just to make sure.
Kacey:
We can't be too careful.
Mar'i appears.
Mar'i:
Attention everyone. I have a few announcements to make; first, we can welcome Huntress back to active service.
Everyone applauds as Helena smiles and waves.
Mar'i:
I'd also like to welcome back our one and only Robin!
Everyone is silent as Damian enters, wearing his new Robin outfit; it was black and grey with the red 'R' insignia blending into it; red gloves covering his hand and a red collar held up a close fitting cape which had yellow inner lining; his mask was now black, not green; a stylised 'D' belt buckle wrapped around his waist; metallic grey leggings ended at a pair of steel-capped black shoes. Everyone applauds, except for Crush and Damon.
Kacey:
Lighten up, you guys. Come on, join the celebration.
Damon:
I just can't believe we're letting this traitor back in after everything.
Jon:
Damon, he wasn't himself. Cut him some slack.
Crush:
Fine, we'll back off. But the moment he does something boneheaded like that again, his face is meeting Obelus.
Mar'i:
We'd also like to welcome Crush to our team.
Damon:
Really? You're sticking around? We got Robin back, you may as well leave.
Crush looks at everyone.
Crush:
On second though, I'm staying.
Everyone cheers as they go up and hug her.
Crush:
Alright, back off before I change I mind!
Everyone stops hugging and backs away. Mar'i gives her a communicator.
Mar'i:
Welcome to the Teen Titans, Xiomara.
Crush:
Uh, just Crush is fine.
Mar'i:
You can use your real name when not on duty.
Crush:
Fair enough.
Mar'i returns to the front of the room.
Mar'i:
And the final item which I purposely saved for the end; Damian and I are now an item.
Kacey and Paine are especially happy for Mar'i.
Kacey:
Alright, Mar'i!
Paine:
I knew it would happen someday.
Kacey:
Now you can go on double dates with Murdoc and I!
Jon:
Make that triple. (Puts an arm around Lian)
Mar'i:
When did you two become an item?
Jon:
Since Lian helped me after our battle with Damian.
Lian:
After the whole fiasco at Wayne Manor, Jon asked me out to a movie and some pizza afterwards, and we just talked and before we knew it we were boyfriend and girlfriend.
Mar'i:
Alright, that is all the announcements.
Bart:
I'll get dinner. Pizza again, or something different?
Crush:
Get pizza.
Alloroc:
Nothing with fish on it.
Bart:
Done.
He sprints off.
Damian:
So what do you guys want to do while we wait?
Mar'i:
I don't know; be with you.
She wraps her arms around Damian as he does the same.
Damian:
I love being in your arms.
Mar'i:
Not as much as I love being in yours.
Alloroc:
Uh, public display. Take it somewhere private.
Mar'i:
He's right. Let's take it outside.
Damian:
Good idea.
Mar'i and Damian go outside. She picks Damian up and she flies them up to the roof of the Titans Tower. Martin Jr turns the TV back on; the news was still going.
At the ruins of the Court of Owls' former lair, a large light-grey hand emerges from the rubble. Out from the rubble comes an unrecognisable Blockbuster. He climbs out and examines his reflection in the water; his head and muscles had swollen, and his clothes were ripped as they no longer fit him.
Blockbuster:
What happened to me?!
He punches a broken wall and lets out a monstrous yell.
Blockbuster:
Nightwing! I'm coming for you!
End of 'Scion: Part II' and Season 3
Cast
Kari Wahlgren: Nightstar/Mar'i Grayson
Taylor Grey: Avocet/Koro Grayson
Stuart Allan: Robin/Ibn Al Xuffrasch/Damian Wayne
Alyson Stoner: Huntress/Helena Wayne, Flamebird/Bette Kane
Cameron Monaghan: Superboy/Jon Kent
Ashley Eckstein: Emerald Witch/Paine Logan
Jesse McCartney: Crow/Murdoc Logan
Debi Derryberry: Beast Girl/Lilith Logan
Lacey Chabert: Black Arrow/Lian Harper
Jessie Flower: Kid Flash/Kacey West
Damon Wayans Jr: Hornet/Jaden Stone
Zack Tyler: Alloroc Markov
Jason Marsden: Impulse/Bart Allen
James Arnold Taylor: Damon Jones
Janet Varney: Crush
Greg Cipes: Changeling/Garfield Logan
Scott Menville: Nightwing/Vulture/Dick Grayson
Khary Payton: Cyborg/Victor Stone
Tara Strong: Raven/Rachel Logan, Oracle/Barbara Gordon
Hynden Walch: Starfire/Kory Grayson
Raven-Symone: Bumblebee/Karen Stone
Jason Spisak: The Flash/Wally West
Lauren Tom: Jinx/Jenny West
Mike Erwin: Arsenal/Roy Harper
Kelly Hu: Cheshire/Jade Nguyen-Harper
Nolan North: Conner Kent, KGBeast, Peregrine
Kevin Conroy: Batman/Bruce Wayne
Grey Griffin: Catwoman/Selina Kyle-Wayne
Will Friedle: Red Robin/Tim Drake
Yuri Lowenthal: Red Hood/Jason Todd
Mae Whitman: Stephanie Drake
Melissa Disney: Batgirl/Cassandras Cain
Stephanie Beatriz: Batwoman/Kate Kane
Alastair Duncan: Alfred Pennyworth
Pamela Adlon: Ravager/Rose Wilson
Dante Basco: Grant Todd
Cricket Leigh: Adeline Todd
George Newbern: Superman/Clark Kent
Rebecca Romijn: Lois Lane Kent
Jim Parsons: Plastic Man
Amy Acker: Miss Bertenelli
Ray Wise: Commissioner Gordon
Vanessa Marshall: Renee Montoya
Kevin Michael Richardson: Detective Chimp
Morena Baccarin: Talia Al Ghul
Jennifer Hale: Nyssa Al Ghul
Ming-Na Wen: Lady Shiva
Troy Baker: Talon/William Cobb
Dee Bradley Baker: Blockbuster, Ace
Lori Petty: Livewire
Julie Nathanson: Silver Banshee
John Cena: Peacemaker
Freddie Stroma: Vigilante