Episode 7: Two Princes
Wayne Manor: 7:35pm. Bruce, Selina and Cassandra are watching the evening news.
Vicki Vale:
(On-screen) Earlier today, the king of Markovia, Brion Markov, announced that he and his family will be visiting Gotham to attend a private party being held by the Wayne foundation to raise funds to prevent the exploitation of metahumans across the globe.
The image then changes to an interview with Brion Markov himself, explaining what he hopes will come of this party.
Brion:
As me, my sister, and my son, are metahumans, this fundraiser will be beneficial to all of us, as for too long, many have been enslaved, trafficked or even the victim of hate crimes. With the Wayne foundation, we can look to a better future and be treated as equals.
The image cuts back to Vicki Vale as she wraps up her segment on the news.
Vicki Vale:
All of Gotham City's elite residence, along with a few others, will be attending this party.
Helena enters.
Helena:
This party is so we don't get a repeat of what happened to Jon, Dad?
Bruce:
Precisely.
Damian comes in, Titus following him.
Damian:
Father, there are a few things I need to ask you about.
Bruce:
Sure, son, whatever you need.
Damian:
It's sorta private.
Bruce:
Of course, right this way.
Bruce leads Damian to his private study so they could talk.
Bruce:
Problems with Mar'i?
Damian:
No father. This has nothing to do with Mar'i. It's about Monkey King.
Bruce:
The newest addition to the Coast City Titans? What's wrong? Are you and him not getting along?
Robin:
No, we are. Years ago, you and the founding members of the Justice League fought Ultra-Humanite when he opened a portal to the Phantom Zone. Monkey Prince told us about where he came from. I was wondering about Monkey King's current whereabouts.
Bruce sits down and tries to remember the day he faced Ultra-Humanite with the Justice League.
Damian:
You, Clark, Diana, Barry, John, Manhunter and Hawkgirl.
Bruce:
I think I do remember that day. After fighting off Humanite, he disappeared and that's when we found an interesting site; a monkey on the verge of death.
Damian:
He's one of us now. Or rather, a clone of his.
Bruce:
We haven't seen Monkey King since that day.
Damian:
You mean he disappeared?
Bruce:
Possibly.
Damian:
I was hoping you knew where he went so we could hopefully reunite Monkey Prince with his real father...well, the word father is a bit of a stretch, but you get the idea.
Bruce:
I'll let them know. If that's all you have to ask me, there's still a lot of preparations that need to be made for the party next week. Will Mar'i be joining us?
Damian:
Yep, along with everyone else.
Bruce:
Excellent.
Logan Residence: 7:55pm. Paine was in her room, talking to someone on her phone.
Paine:
So you're coming with your father to the big party next week, Balduin?
Balduin:
(Voice) Yep. Will you be there?
Paine:
You'd better believe it. My friends will be there too. You know, Mar'i, Damian, Kacey, and a few new folks, Damon and Crush.
Balduin:
(Voice) What are they like?
Paine:
Damon and Crush? They take some getting used to, but they grow on you after a while. You'll also remember Koro, my younger siblings, Jon, Lian and Jaden.
Balduin:
(Voice) Oh cool, they're going to be there too?
Paine:
Most of the Titans will be yes...hmm.
Balduin:
(Voice) What is it, Paine?
Paine:
I was just wondering if you've ever considered joining the Teen Titans? Someone with your abilities would be an asset to us.
Balduin:
(Voice) Tempting, but my duties to my country come above everything else.
Paine:
Quite the patriot aren't you?
Balduin:
(Voice) It's how I was raised.
Paine:
No I get it. I respect that.
Balduin and Paine smile at each other before Paine talks again.
Paine:
I can't wait to see you next week.
Balduin:
(Voice) Me neither. It's going to be a blast!
Paine:
Alright, bye.
Paine:
Alright, bye.
She hangs up and let's out a blissful sigh.
Paine:
Oh Balduin, if only you knew how much I really loved you.
Voice:
Somebody's in love.
Paine yelps and turns around to see Lilith standing in the doorway.
Paine:
How long were you standing there?
Lilith:
I was here the whole time, Paine.
Paine:
I didn't feel your aura.
Lilith:
I learned to hide it. Now I can spy on you without you knowing it.
Lilith:
It's not even a secret anymore. If you're that much in love with Balduin, why don't you ask him out?
Paine:
Lilith, it's unorthodox for a woman to ask a guy out. I don't want to seem pushy or anything.
Lilith:
There's nothing wrong with dating royalty.
Paine:
I love Balduin for more than just his upbringing. He treats me well and makes me feel special.
Lilith:
It's been years; you sure he hasn't changed in that time?
Paine:
I guess we'll find out at the big party next week. Speaking of which, I'd get my Sunday best ready if I were you. Koro is going to be there, and I know how much you like him.
Lilith's face reddens. Paine just chuckles at the sight of her embarrassed sister.
Lilith:
He's just a nice person. We've known each other since we were kids and we've gotten really close since then.
Paine:
Very close by the sound of it.
Lilith:
(Blushes even harder) Kind of.
Lilith:
I remember when you first met him in Mexico at Dad's party. At first, you saw him as a pompous prat.
Paine:
That was before I really got a chance to know him.
Lilith:
He pushed you off a cliff and the both of you ended up stuck on an island together.
Paine:
And that's where we got to know each other better. We looked out for each other while stuck on that island, and before I knew it, I felt something that I never felt before. It was like a scene from a romance movie. I tried to avoid him, but after hearing that his mother was dead, I felt guilty. I gave him my lucky necklace as a token. He still wears that necklace to this day. I see him wearing it during our calls over FaceTime.
Hearts begin floating around Lilith and she puts her hands on her cheeks and makes the look.
Lilith:
Tell you what, Paine, if you tell Balduin how you feel, I'll tell Koro how I feel.
Paine looks at her.
Paine:
Deal.
The two sisters shake hands.
In Europe, Brion and Balduin sat in the family's private jet. Brion was speaking to his sister.
Brion:
Will you and your family be joining us, Tara?
Terra:
(Voice) It's been too long. Of course we'll be there.
Brion:
Looking forward to it. We should be arriving by tomorrow.
Terra:
(Voice) Excellent. See you then.
He hangs up. He looks over at Balduin, who was staring out the window deep in thought.
Brion:
Son, are you okay?
Balduin:
Huh? Yeah, it's just... this is a lot.
Brion:
This is about Paine.
Balduin:
I haven't seen her in years. We have spoken regularly, but face-to-face it's... a lot to take in.
Brion:
Aer you afraid she won't love you anymore?
Balduin:
I reckon she still does. You know the feeling you get when you see someone you haven't seen in years? It's just like with aunt Tara.
Brion:
I understand son. Just be your usual charming self, compliment Paine on her looks, and overall, just be a gentleman. I can remember my face the day Tara appeared at the palace when all that time I thought she was dead.
Balduin:
I still can't believe she once sided with Slade; the manipulative bastard.
Brion:
She didn't assume her powers at first. She just wanted to be a normal girl. That's why she exiled herself from Markovia, hoping to solve her "problem" abroad.
Balduin:
And fear led to her making a bad decision.
Brion:
Yeah.
Balduin:
It would be nice to see her and Uncle Garth, and cousin Alloroc.
Brion:
I haven't seen my nephew in a while either. I hope he's keeping well.
The stewardess comes over carrying a tray with a teapot, two cups, a milk jug and a bowl of sugar cubes.
Stewardess:
Your highness?
Brion:
Thanks.
He accepts the contents and pours the tea, giving one cup to his son, who accepts it wholeheartedly.
Brion:
Milk?
Balduin:
Sure.
Brion pours milk into his cup.
Brion:
Sugar?
Balduin:
One cube.
Brion picks up a sugar cube and gently lowers it into Balduin's cup. Balduin stirs his tea.
Balduin:
Thanks, father.
Brion sips on his tea and stares out the window.
Brion:
We'll be there before you know it, son.
Balduin:
I know. And I can't wait.
Staring outside, Brion recalls the day he and Tara were experimented on for the greater good of Markovia, only to be exploited.
Flashback Begins:
Markovia: 2011. Young Brion and Tara are in a lab surrounded by several scientists led by Dr Helga Jace. The siblings are encased in bulletproof glass tubes.
Dr. Jace:
Any updates?
Scientist #1:
The boy is responding well to the effects of the device. But the girl is still showing resistance.
Dr. Jace:
Give her more juice.
Scientist #1:
Yes, ma'am.
Another scientist flips a switch causing the tube that Tara is in to glow.
Dr. Jace:
Bit more.
The scientist turns a dial that increases the power, though he was hesitating.
Scientist #2:
I don't think she will survive this.
Dr. Jace:
Are you a doctor?
Scientist #2:
No ma'am.
Dr. Jace:
Then do your job and shut up.
Scientist #2:
Yes ma'am.
The scientist shuts his eyes and turns the dial up to as high as it could go. The lights flicker as more power is injected into Tara's tube; the scientists watch with concern though Dr. Jace remains stoic.
Helga Jace:
Come on...give me results.
Suddenly, Brion's tube begins glowing and his fingers twitch.
Scientist #1:
Doctor, something's going on in the other tube!
Curious, Dr. Jace looks at Brion's tube to see his glowing tube as his eyes open up wide and angry. Sparks begin to fly from the tops of the tubes. Scientist #2 shuts off the device, and Brion and Tara fall to their knees. Dr. Jace walks up to the tubes, Brion's in particular, and she stares down at him. Her disappointed gaze met Brion's angry, hate filled one. Brion puts his hands against the tube. Dr. Jace opens her pocket and drops a few rocks onto the floor around her. Brion looks down at the rocks, focusing his vision on them, and they start to shake on the floor before they start floating in the air. Dr. Jace's disappointment turns into a smile.
Dr. Jace:
Between you and your sister, you show the most promise, Brion.
Her disappointment returns when she glances at Tara's tube. When Tara came to, she wasn't feeling angry, but scared.
Dr. Jace:
But you, princess...you are just pitiful.
Tara begins banging on the tube and screaming, though Helga and the scientists couldn't hear her. Dr. Jace just turns and walks away from her tube.
Dr. Jace:
I can't stand children like her.
The ground begins to shake beneath their feet and Tara's tube begins to fracture. The scientists gasp in horror as Dr. Jace turns around with a curious look on her face.
Dr. Jace:
Perhaps I was wrong about her.
Tara bangs on the glass one last time causing her tube to completely shatter. The force also causes Brion's tube to shatter. The two siblings stand up on their feet and look at the group of scientists before focusing their attention on Dr. Jace. Brion looks at her, stunned, as the door open and guards, armed with electric prongs, begin filing in.
Dr. Jace (Getting up and straightening her glasses):
Seize them!
The guards activate their prongs and move towards the Markov siblings.
Terra:
Stay away!
She throws her arms to the ground, creating a huge earthquake and she takes the opportunity to escape. The guards stumble and Dr. Jace falls down. All Brion can do is watch his sister run before the guards close in on him.
Flashback ends.
In the present, Brion wipes a tear from his eye.
Balduin:
Father, is everything okay? You were spacing out just now.
Brion:
Oh, uh, yes son. I'm fine. Just thinking.
Balduin:
The past is painful, I know, but you should move on. Like you said, Auntie Tara is part of our lives again and everything is fine.
Brion:
Just wish everything was fine for people like us.
Balduin:
Well that's why we're going to this party isn't it? So that the exploitation of metahumans can hopefully come to an end, right?
Brion:
Hopefully. (He finishes his tea) You should get some rest. I'll wake you up when we get there.
Balduin:
Yes, father.
Balduin reclines back in his seat, closing his eyes as he stares up at the ceiling.
Elsewhere, a group of assassins were in a hotel waiting for someone.
Silver Banshee:
So, I heard we were hired by someone.
Deadshot:
Good. I've been meaning to take my new leg out for a test drive.
Livewire:
Remind me, didn't you die?
Deadshot:
That's what everyone says.
Parasite:
Who hired us anyway?
Deadshot:
Some count.
Livewire:
Dracula?
Deadshot:
Probably Von Count.
Voice:
It's pronounced Vertigo.
A blonde-haired man wearing elegant green robes enters the room. Silver Banshee, Livewire, Deadshot and Parasite stand to attention.
Livewire:
We weren't mocking you or anything, your highness.
Count Vertigo:
It takes a lot to hurt my feelings, Leslie.
Livewire:
How did you know my name?
Count Vertigo:
While choosing my assassins for this mission, I've done my research on all four of you. Floyd Lawton, you're a legendary sniper and a hard one to break; you're missing a leg and you survived getting your throat slit by Bloodsport (He points at a white scar running across the left side of Deadshot's neck)
Deadshot:
(Smirks) You really have been doing your homework, haven't you?
Count Vertigo:
(Looking at Livewire) Leslie Willis; formerly a radio jockey now a livewire. Electrifying, bit of a light-head, in a relationship with the banshee, and previously served under Blockbuster. Tell me, any idea what became of him?
Livewire:
Last we heard he's all pumped up on that Electrum that that peck neck Talon was on.
Silver Banshee:
He's also seeking out Nightwing since he played a part in Talon's demise. Blockbuster really wanted to take Talon out, and Nightwing denied him that right. (Scoffs) Men and their pride.
Count Vertigo:
(To Silver Banshee) I was just getting to you Siobhan McDougall. Your family, hailing from Ireland, were cursed to be banshees. Like Livewire, previously served under Blockbuster, and you're more than a match for the Man of Steel, having fought him on several occasions. In short, being a banshee has made you overpowered.
Silver Banshee:
Glad you know what I'm capable off, your majesty.
Count Vertigo:
(Looks at Parasite) And then there's you; Rudy Jones. You were involved in a freak accident that made you hungry for energy, feeding off it like a leech on blood. Your lust for energy will be very helpful in the mission ahead.
Parasite:
How so?
Count Vertigo pours a glass of scotch and turns on a projector, showing an outline of Wayne Manor.
Count Vertigo:
The Markovs will be attending a charity ball held by Bruce Wayne for the benefit of metahumans. (Livewire, Silver Banshee and Parasite glance at each other) Of course, security will be tight. So we need to cause a distraction. Rudy, it's your job to use your energy sucking ability to kill the lights.
Silver Banshee:
And what will I be doing? Taking the funds?
Count Vertigo:
Yes.
Livewire:
And Floyd and I?
Count Vertigo:
You two will be responsible for taking out the guards, naturally.
Deadshot:
And you?
Count Vertigo takes another sip.
Count Vertigo:
Finishing the job. Do you know who killed Markovia's queen?
Parasite:
We're going to go out on a limb and guess that it was you?
Vertigo nods.
Count Vertigo:
It was passed off as an accident. And on the night of this party, I wish for Brion and his boy to meet a similar fate!
Livewire:
And what do we get out of it?
Count Vertigo:
I hear that the Teen Titans will also be in attendance at this party, and I know that you've had plenty of run-ins with them over the years. I'm giving you all the opportunity to put them in their place once and for all. Take them out of the picture, and I assure you that you'll all be handsomely rewarded. We have all the time to prepare.
Deadshot:
We better.
Jump City Titans Tower: the next morning. Paine is in the kitchen, brewing herbal tea and humming a happy tune. Kacey comes in and sees this.
Kacey:
Someone is in a chipper mood this morning.
Paine tenses up when she hears her voice.
Paine:
What, I'm not allowed to be happy when I want to be?
Kacey:
You're usually moody and serious. (Realises) Your boy toy's coming today.
Paine:
What?! That's not...shut up!
Kacey:
Lighten up, will ya? I think it's great that you've found someone to love.
Paine finally breaks her resolve.
Paine:
Yeah. It does.
Kacey:
So, what are you going to do when you see him at the party?
Paine:
Talk to him.
Kacey runs over to the TV and turns it on. She flips it to the morning news, showing a live broadcast of Brion and Balduin disembarking their private jet at Gotham Airport, surrounded by journalists, reporters and photographers.
Vicki Vale:
(On the TV) I'm here at Gotham City International Airport where Markovian king, Brion Markov, and his son Balduin have just arrived.
Damian and Mar'i arrive; Damian looks at Balduin on the TV (a close-up of him grinning) and his expression changes to a disapproving scowl.
Damian:
Great, he's here.
Mar'i:
What's the matter, Damian?
Damian:
He looks like he's got an ego.
Paine:
He started out like that, but he's evened out quite a bit.
Damian:
And how do you know that?
Paine:
Because I talk to him?
Damian:
Sounds like a façade: all those European royals are alike. Uptight snobs.
Kacey:
Wow. Stereotype much?
Damian:
He's just cocky. He thinks that just because his father is not only the king of Markovia, but also the hero Geo-Force, that he's entitled to everything.
Kacey:
Aren't you entitled to everything, O Prince of Gotham?
Damian:
I'm more down to Earth than him. And I'm grateful for everything I have to boot.
He watches Balduin wave, smile and pose for the cameras as Brion tries to hurry him along.
Damian:
Just look at him. Can this guy be anymore fame hungry?
Kacey:
He's not Booster Gold, you know. And besides, he's quite charming.
Mar'i:
Look, babe, when we see him at the party just try and be cordial. If you do I'll make it worth your while later.
Damian:
What do you have in mind?
Mar'i leans in to whisper in his ear. As Mar'i whispers, Damian's face lights up.
Damian:
Alright babe, I'll try and be nice...but only for you.
Mar'i:
Thanks.
Kacey:
Do we really have to dress up for the event though? I'm not a big fan of dresses to be completely honest with you.
Damian:
This is a charity ball; formal wear is the dress code. And that includes heels.
Kacey:
(Looks down at her feet) This is going to suck.
The news broadcast ends with footage of Brion and Balduin being picked up.
Kacey:
Any idea where they're staying?
Damian:
Father's invited them to stay over with us.
Mar'i:
Try not to get into a spat with Balduin when you get there.
Damian:
(Groans) I'll try.
Kacey:
He will, knowing your boo.
Gotham International Airport; meanwhile. Brion and Balduin eventually reach the pick-up area with their luggage; Alfred and a security escort were waiting to collect them.
Alfred:
(Bows) Your majesties.
Balduin:
You must be Alfred. I've heard a lot about you; seasoned war veteran and theatre actor, now butler for the Wayne Family.
Alfred:
Don't let my age fool you, young man. I still know a few moves from my war days.
Female Voice:
Out of my way! Move!
A blonde woman pushes her way in-between the security guards.
Brion:
What's all this now?
Terra:
Brion!
Brion:
Tara!
He catches his younger sister in a hug as Alloroc and Garth catch up to her.
Garth:
It's been a while, brother-in-law.
Brion:
Garth, Alloroc! How nice of you two to come as well.
Terra:
I'd promised you we'd see you when you arrived.
Balduin:
It's been too long, auntie.
Terra:
You've grown.
Balduin:
So has my cousin.
Alloroc:
Hey, Balduin. (He shakes his cousin's hand)
Balduin:
Great to see you, cousin. How's being a Teen Titan?
Alloroc:
It can be stressful at times, but overall I'd say that it's been an awarding experience. I've met some of the best friends I've ever made by joining the Titans. And I might be in love.
Balduin:
Welcome to the club, pal!
Alfred:
Sorry to interrupt but, though the reconnecting is nice and all, we're getting behind schedule.
Brion:
Of course. (Turns to his sister and her family) We'll be seeing you at the party?
Terra:
Can't wait! (They hug one last time before they leave)
Balduin:
Father; Alloroc's in love.
Brion:
You don't say.
Later, Alfred is driving Brion and Balduin to Wayne Manor, while the security force rode on either side.
Alfred:
We'll get you two settled in as soon as we arrive.
Brion:
That'd be great, Alfred, thank you.
Wayne Manor: the residents are in the entrance hall, waiting to greet the Markovian royals. Damian lets out a sigh.
Damian:
Let's get this over with.
Tim:
Damian, this is not like you.
Ellie, in Stephanie's arms, rolls her eyes at him.
Damian:
I just think Balduin is kind of a snob, that's all.
Helena:
Don't judge someone before you meet them.
Tim:
I'm sure there are plenty who thought the same thing about you when they met you for the first time.
Bruce:
Shhh, they're here.
Damian, Helena and Tim stand to attention as Alfred opens the door and lets Brion and Balduin enter.
Bruce:
Your majesties. Welcome to our home. I hope you two enjoy your stay.
Brion:
It's a pleasure, Master Wayne.
They shake hands.
Brion:
And this is your wife, Selina.
Selina:
Pleasure to make your acquaintance, your highness.
He takes her hand and kisses it.
Bruce:
Helena, Damian, why don't you show Brion and Balduin up to where they'll be staying.
Helena and Damian:
Yes, sir.
Balduin:
Prince Damian and Princess Helena.
Damian:
Just Damian is fine.
Balduin:
Did you sleep on the wrong side of the bed?
Damian:
No, I just don't need fancy titles, that's all.
Balduin:
Gotcha.
Helena pulls on his arm.
Helena:
C'mon we'll show you where you're sleeping.
The Wayne children guide the Markovian king and prince upstairs to their room. As they're walking down the hall to the guest rooms, Titus runs out of Damian's room to greet them.
Damian:
Hey boy, how are you doing?
Helena:
Titus, we'd like you to meet our guests. King Brion and Prince Balduin of Markovia.
Titus yaps.
Balduin:
Your pet doesn't seem to like us all that much.
Helena:
He's just never met you two before, don't take it personally.
Damian picks him up and pets him, calming him down.
Helena:
Your room is right this way.
Balduin:
Okay, thanks.
Damian glares at Balduin as he and Brion enter the room and rest their cases on the mattresses.
Helena:
Could you please stop sulking, brother?
Damian:
Paine was acting all lovestruck this morning. (They watch as Balduin unpacks) Look at that; someone who ranks himself above everyone else and acts on it. (He pulls out an epee, surprising Helena)
Helena:
I didn't know he did fencing for a hobby.
Damian:
I think I might challenge him to a duel later on. Put him in his place.
Balduin keeps unpacking; royal suit, black, orange-tinted goggles, a black shirt with the initials 'SF' printed on, black gloves and brown shorts, and brown boots.
Damian:
Hold the phone. Is that a hero suit?
Helena:
Yeah. He goes by the name of Soil Force. Didn't you know that?
Damian:
How do you know it but I don't?
Helena:
Oh, Paine told me.
Damian:
So you, Paine, and I are the only ones that know of fancy-pants' secret identity?
Helena:
Looks that way.
She sighs, clearly disappointed. She leaves; Damian follows a few seconds later.
Balduin:
Damian!
Damian stops. Balduin comes out of the room.
Balduin:
Can you show me to your base of operations? I want to meet them, especially Paine.
Damian:
Sorry, the tower is not accessible to civilians. You'll see Paine later.
Balduin:
You know, I am royalty. That should give me a free pass.
Damian:
Well, you're wrong. No civilians, whether royalty or not, are allowed to enter the tower. That's a definite no.
Balduin:
You let Mor'gann inside before he joined you though.
Damian sighs.
Damian:
Alright, do you want to see the tower? (Balduin nods) We're going to see the tower but stop with your royalty stuff, it has no place in the superhero life. And you better not distract Paine.
Balduin:
I'll make no such promises.
Damian:
Follow me.
Jump City Titans Tower: a few minutes later. Damian, Helena and Balduin arrive at the tower, where they see Damon and Crush fighting each other.
Damian:
What the hell's going on here?!
Crush:
He cheated in arm-wrestling!
Damon:
(Wiping his jaw) You're being a sore loser!
Mar'i:
Crush, please, he won fair and square. (She notices Balduin, Helena and Damian) Hi Balduin. Sorry this wasn't the welcome you were expecting.
Balduin:
Not to worry. Who are those two? I didn't know this was a petting zoo.
Damon flinched at the insult and growled.
Damon:
You may be a prince, but you're not safe from my jaw, rich boy.
Crush:
You want to see sore?! Take this!
She punches him in the chest, sending him back a few feet before he gets up and rubs his chest.
Damon:
(Chuckles) I thought this was a fist fight not a tickle fight!
Crush growls at him.
Balduin:
This calls for some diplomacy.
He walks up to the feuding Crush and Damon.
Damian:
(Sarcastically) This should be good.
Helena side-glares at him. Crush begins strangling Damon with Obelus.
Crush:
You cheated! Just admit it!
Damon:
I... didn't.
Balduin looks at the scene unfolding before him, then he looks over at a potted plant in the corner of the room. Using his powers, he telepathically takes the soil out of the plant, rolls it into a ball, and hurls it at Crush's hands, knocking Obelus out of them. This act catches both Crush and Damian's attention as Mar'i, Damian, and Helena watch with gobsmacked expressions.
Balduin:
(Calmly) Now, if you two done acting like children, what do you say we handle this matter in a more adult manner. (To Mar'i) Now, how about a tour?
Mar'i:
Sure. Follow me.
Mar'i guides Balduin towards a hallway as Damian, Helena, Crush, and Damon follow.
Damon:
(Whispers to Crush) He got you good, you've gotta admit.
Crush:
Shut up.
She punches him in the jaw.
Mar'i:
So that room was the lounge. And over here, we have the kitchen where…
Kacey was eating what looked to be tacos.
Kacey:
I accidentally ordered fish tacos instead of beef tacos! I'm eating them before fish boy gets here!
In Raven's old room, Paine is meditating.
Paine:
Azarath Metrion Zinthos...Azara-
She hears knocking at the door, snapping out of her concentration.
Mar'i:
Paine, it's us. Can we come in? We have someone with us who is just dying to see you.
Paine gets up and opens the door; her eyes widen to see Balduin standing outside.
Balduin:
Hello Princess. (He shows her the coin) I held onto it all this time.
Paine wastes no time and runs over to Balduin to give him a hug.
Paine:
It's so good to see you.
Balduin:
I'm glad to be here, Paine. And may I say you have a pretty nice set-up with this tower.
Paine:
Thank our parents.
Mar'i:
We doing the tour now?
Balduin:
Of course. My apologies, Mar'i, I haven't seen Paine face-to-face in quite some time.
Mar'i:
You have the whole week to play catch-up, and you'll be seeing plenty of her at the party. Anyway, (they stop outside the training room) here's the training room. Here we practice combat on either each other or on 4D holograms.
Paine:
There's also an outdoor training course, which I personally prefer over the indoor one.
Balduin:
Who has the highest score here?
Damian:
Me.
Mar'i:
It's not a competition. But Crush insists that she will one day break his high score.
Crush:
I haven't given up yet!
Mar'i:
Moving on.
Cut to them outside another door; Mar'i puts in a code on the keypad and the door opens.
Mar'i:
Here's the trophy room, where we keep mementos from all our missions.
Balduin looks at them with curiosity.
Balduin:
(Reading the titles) Cat mask, mutant moth toxin, Falcone's gun, owl mask. (He notices other mementos which were dustier) And I take it these are from your parents' adventures?
Paine, Mar'i, Helena and Damian nod as Balduin goes back to looking at the older mementos. Paine looks at the Teen Titan puppets that possessed the previous team.
Paine:
I never understand why they didn't just get rid of these.
Balduin:
They're quite... unsettling to look at.
Mar'i:
Let's move on.
The next room they visit is the hangar where the T-Ship is parked.
Balduin:
Cool ship.
Mar'i:
Capable of air, space and underwater travel.
Damian:
We recently used it on a mission to a jungle in Belize.
Balduin:
Where you stopped a fellow by the name of Ultra-Humanite? I've heard about it. Where is he now?
Damian:
Belle Reve, still in a stupor, with the only other people to keep him company being other villains that we've successfully put away, (Helena looks at him) mostly by our parents.
Balduin:
One question Mar'i, how does a structure like this fit under the tower?
Mar'i:
My grandfather funded the towers' construction.
Balduin:
That Mr. Wayne. He's always giving.
Damian:
Are we done yet?
Mar'i:
Just one more location to show him.
Cut to the exterior of the tower.
Mar'i:
The outdoor training course. We use drones, and the course is able to be modified to prepare us for anything.
Balduin looks around.
Balduin:
I think Paine might be right. This place is much better than the training course you have inside.
Mar'i:
Would you like to have a go? Seeing that you know how to literally dish dirt, what do you say we see what else you're capable of?
Balduin:
That doesn't sound half bad. Would anyone like to be my sparring partner.
Crush:
I'll volunteer. You made me look bad back there, now it's time for a little payback!
Mar'i:
Actually, we'll see how he performs by himself. It's fairer that way.
Balduin:
If you say so. (He walks out to the middle of the course) So, shall we get started?
Mar'i:
I guess your powers have gotten better since the last time we met.
Balduin:
They have.
Mar'i:
By all means.
She walks over to the control panel and scans her handprint.
Voice:
TRAINING COURSE ACTIVATED. RELEASING DRONES. SETTING: NON-LETHAL.
The hatches open and drones begin flying up into the course. Balduin pulls two large rocks out of the ground.
Mar'i:
Ready? (Balduin nods) Go!
The drones fly towards Balduin and surround him: Balduin turns the big rocks into small rocks and fires them at the drones, exploding them. A few more drones start firing projectiles at Balduin, and he makes a shield out of dirt and rocks to block them before flinging them at the drones, destroying them. Balduin then takes out a large portion of earth and uses it as a platform.
Mar'i:
Okay, we'll see if he has any reflexes.
She sends a star bolt which destroys the platform. At the same time, a huge hole forms below him. Balduin begins falling towards the hole; he stretches out his hands and controls the soil, sealing the hole before landing upright and dusting himself off.
Helena:
Good at fighting and landscaping, he's the whole package.
Mar'i:
You have improved.
She turns off the console and approaches Balduin.
Mar'i:
We could use someone like you on our side.
Damian:
Question; Balduin, how proficient are you in close-quarters combat?
Balduin:
I partake in fencing from time-to-time.
Damian:
Why don't you prove it?
Balduin:
I gotta get something first. Wait for me in the training room.
He runs into the tower.
Mar'i:
(Whispers in Damian's ear) Try and go easy on him, babe. He's honestly charming.
Damian:
Could be a façade to hide ulterior motives.
Wayne Manor: meanwhile. Bruce, Selina and Brion were in the sitting room, drinking wine and eating off a charcuterie board.
Bruce:
So, Brion, from what I hear your son is trying to get into 'superheroing' too.
Brion:
He's wanted to for a long time.
Selina:
So how are things in Markovia?
Brion:
(Putting some cheese and salami on a cracker) To be honest Selina, things have been going steady ever since the Metahuman trafficking ring was shut down. But negotiations with the count of Vlatava could be better.
Bruce:
Should we be expecting anyone from Vlatava at the party?
Brion:
Werner Vertigo. I resorted to using aggressive negotiations to persuade him to release the remaining metahumans.
Selina:
I see.
Brion:
We may want to keep an eye on him when he gets here, just in case he tries to retaliate. (He sips his wine) I don't wish to bog you down in politics, I just want all metahumans to have the same rights as humans.
Bruce:
We understand, Brion.
Brion:
The fact of the matter is that there's always going to be at least a few naysayers in the crowd, with Vertigo being one such person.
Bruce:
You have nothing to worry about, Brion. We assure you that this party will go off without a hitch, and if Vertigo causes trouble we'll be right there to stop it.
Brion:
It's not like we didn't want these powers; our own parents forced it on us for the "betterment" of our country. Me and my sister, our powers were forced on us.
Bruce:
Most of the Justice League and Titans are metahumans without intending to be. This party is for the benefit of them too.
Selina:
Might I ask, where's your wife?
Brion:
My dearest Denise is overseeing matters in Markovia while I'm gone.
Selina:
Someone needs to keep things in check.
Brion changes the subject.
Brion:
(To Bruce) I hope our sons are getting along.
Back at Jump City Titans Tower, Damian and Balduin are clashing blades in a sparring match.
Balduin:
Parry, lunge, riposte.
Damian:
Quit talking to yourself and fight me like a man!
Balduin:
That's what I'm doing.
He lunges at Damian and they cross blades. Paine watches on the side-lines as Kacey appears, eating a bucket of popcorn.
Kacey:
They're both killing it out there, (Glances at Paine) but I think I have a pretty good idea of who you want to win.
Paine:
(Under her breath) Come on, Balduin, kick his butt!
Damian:
I'm done playing.
He strikes more aggressively, knocking Balduin off-balance. To regain his balance, Balduin does a backflip and then gets back into a fighting stance.
Balduin:
Is that the best you can do?
Damian:
No. This is.
He leaps at him and slams down hard, before unleashing a series of strikes. Balduin, however, blocks and parries all of Damian's slashes. He and Damian engage in blade-lock. Balduin eventually kicks Damian onto his rear; Balduin then slices 'SF' into his shirt.
Balduin:
I win.
Damian:
(Looks down at his shirt) Aw man, this was my favourite shirt!
Balduin:
You can always buy another one.
Balduin holds out his hand to help Damian on his feet, but he swats it away before jumping up on his feet by himself. He sheathes his sword and walks out.
Balduin:
Never imagined the great Robin being such a sore loser.
Paine:
Like all other birds, he's got a competitive streak.
Balduin:
Well, regardless, I had a lot of fun. (Turns to Mar'i) And thanks for showing me around.
Mar'i:
No problem. (She stares in the direction Damian went) I'd better go see how Damian is doing. (Leaves)
Crush:
I don't know about you, Damon, but I want a rematch!
Damon:
Oh, you're so on! (The two of them leave)
Kacey realizes that its just her, Paine, and Balduin in the room.
Kacey:
Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I think I'd rather skedaddle and give you two time to catch up. Buh-bye! (Rushes out of there)
Paine and Balduin look at each other then turn away, red appearing on their faces.
Paine:
You, uh, really know how to use a sword, don't you?
Balduin:
(Clears his throat) I've had a lot of practice. Five hours a day. I've got to be ready to defend my country and those I love should the time come. As the next in line to the throne.
Paine:
You know; you are down to Earth.
Balduin:
In more ways that one.
Paine:
And who do you believe these people who threaten your country are?
Balduin:
People who don't follow my father's pro-Metahuman agenda, Count Werner Vertigo being one of them. I heard he is attending the party, partly because of his status. I can't help but get the feeling he has something planned.
Paine:
And if he does then you, me, your father, and all of our friends will be there to stop him. He can't handle all of us.
Balduin:
You don't know Werner. Not only does he have the power to disorient his opponents, making it hard for them to hit their mark, but he has so much wealth and influence that he can hire anyone he pleases to do his bidding.
The Hotel; meanwhile. In their suite, Deadshot was eating a tray of nachos. Livewire and Banshee are watching a movie on TV while Parasite is loudly snoring on the bed. Count Vertigo clears his throat, ready to address his four assassins.
Livewire:
What?
Count Vertigo:
The big night is steadily approaching. I trust you all remember what your jobs are?
Livewire:
Lile we need to be reminded.
Count Vertigo:
So you know exactly what you have to do? (The four assassin's nod) Excellent. Remember; only I can remove the royals.
Deadshot:
I'll respect that.
There's a knock at the door. Vertigo opens it to see the bellhop standing in the hallway.
Bellhop:
We received a complaint from one of the neighbours regarding the power cutting in and out on their TV set.
Livewire:
Oops.
Bellhop:
If it happens again, we would have to ask you to vacate the premises.
Count Vertigo:
We'd like to not be interrupted.
He takes out a fat wad of money and puts it in the bellboy's hand.
Bellboy:
Sorry, your majesty. Carry on.
He closes the door.
Silver Banshee:
Seriously, Livewire? Can't you stay still?
Livewire:
I didn't think it would be noticed.
Deadshot:
She's just excited to go on this mission. As am I.
Count Vertigo:
Stow your excitement for now. Your respective big moments shall come.
Silver Banshee:
Yes, your highness.
Wayne Manor: meanwhile. Damian is in the bathroom, showering off, still sore from being defeated by Balduin. He goes out, dries off, wraps a towel around his waist, and walks to his room to get changed. When he gets back to his room, he finds Mar'i there waiting for him.
Mar'i:
What's going on between you? This isn't like you; you're usually not hostile around guests.
Damian:
I told you, he just seems like an entitled brat. Paine is also one of our closest friends, and I get the feeling that Balduin is going to break her heart.
Mar'i:
Damian, I get you're being cautious, but this is ridiculous. You two are going to have to cooperate at some point.
Damian:
You're not suggesting that we invite him to join our team, do you?
Mar'i:
Honestly, I'm considering it. You've seen his powers and how well he can do in close proximity fights. Someone like Balduin will be a great asset to us. (Damian just looks at her) I'm not saying that you two have to be best friends from day one. Just try not to act like a huge jerk whenever he's around.
Damian:
I'm trying, but it's hard not to be.
Mar'i places a hand on his bare shoulder; his Achilles heel.
Mar'i:
Try for me please.
She kisses his cheek.
Damian:
That really shouldn't work, you know.
Mar'i:
Unfortunately for you, it does.
She leaves his room, running into Cassandra on the way out.
Cassandra:
Are they bonding yet?
Mar'i:
Not quite, but hopefully we'll be making some headway very soon.
Cassandra:
Would hate to see two princes starting a war because one spites the other.
Mar'i:
And I'm doing everything I can to prevent that war.
Cassandra:
That's a little dramatic. They're just two teenage boys with hormonal issues who are trying to establish dominance one over the other.
Mar'i:
Damian was hostile towards Bart when he joined the team.
Cassandra:
He had a good reason to be; here, he doesn't.
At the tower, Alloroc arrives, but stops when he smells the kitchen.
Alloroc:
Has anyone been eating fish?
He goes to the kitchen to find Crush making fish sticks.
Crush:
Want some? Don't worry, I'm not gonna undercook them.
Alloroc:
(Holds in vomit) I'll pass.
Kacey then comes in, sniffing the air.
Kacey:
Ooh, fish sticks. To compliment those fish tacos.
Alloroc:
What is wrong with you people! (Runs to the bathroom to throw up)
Crush shrugs her shoulders and continues cooking; Balduin and Paine come in.
Balduin:
How insensitive can you get? Alloroc's half-Atlantean.
Crush:
So what, I'm supposed to change my diet because of his fishy friends?
Balduin:
Pretty much.
Kacey:
Or at the very least be sneaky about it.
Crush finishes cooking up the fish sticks, before tipping them onto a plate. She approaches the fridge and begins looking for tartare sauce.
Crush:
Ah, here it is! (She pulls out a bottle, opens it and pours the sauce on the fish sticks) Down the hatch.
As Crush eats the fish sticks, Alloroc is heard from the bathroom.
Alloroc:
(From the bathroom) Let me know when she's done.
Balduin:
Hang on. (They watch as Crush devours the fish sticks, finishing with a hearty belch) Alright, she's done.
Alloroc comes out of the bathroom to join the rest of the group.
Alloroc:
(Huffs) Well, I can see you've all met my cousin Balduin.
Paine:
Yes, he's quite the diplomat.
Alloroc:
Maybe he could try telling some of these folks to lay off the fish every once in a while?
Balduin:
Believe me, I told them. I'm just not sure as to whether or not my words stuck with them.
The Crime Alert goes off.
Balduin (Covering his ears):
What's that awful sound?
Paine:
That's the tower's crime alert.
Crush:
Shit's goin' down!
Kacey:
I'm on it.
She runs out of the tower.
Balduin:
Does she always do that?
Paine:
You get used to it. Besides, it's helpful as she's usually the one to get to the scene first and tire out the bad guy.
They get a call from Kid Flash on the screen; they answer it and her face appears. Behind her, what looked to be Giganta lay in the middle of a street, her legs tied and Don and Dawn standing triumphant over her.
Kid Flash:
(On the screen) Don and Dawn beat me to it.
Don:
(On the screen, runs in place in front of Giganta) You're too slow!
Dawn:
(On the screen) Stop showboating!
Kid Flash:
(On the screen) Anyway, I'm coming back.
The screen goes black.
Crush:
Man, and I was really itching to kick some butt today.
Balduin:
I take it that those two are related to Kacey in someway?
Kacey quickly comes in and overhears him.
Kacey:
Yeah, those are my cousins, The Tornado Twins; Dawn and Don Allen.
A blush appears on Alloroc's face at the mention of Dawn.
Alloroc:
Yeah...Dawn...
Balduin:
You like her don't you?
Alloroc:
(Embarrassed, rubbing the back of his head) Well...maybe just a little.
Kacey:
More like a lot.
Alloroc:
Sh-shut up.
Balduin:
So, that's the speedster you were talking about?
Alloroc nods.
Balduin:
What's her code-name?
Alloroc:
She doesn't have one; she and her brother form the 'Tornado Twins'.
Balduin:
Ah. Like Mas and Menos.
Mar'i:
Yeah; like Mas and Menos. (Her face fell)
Balduin:
Oh, right.
Damian places a hand on her shoulder.
Damian:
Mar'i, remember that what happened to them wasn't your fault; Slade had you under his control and used you and Jon to create that bio-son. If anything, Slade's bio-son is responsible.
Mar'i:
I know; sometimes, I wonder where he is now.
Crush:
Wait, was he about yay tall and looked like a cross between you and Jon?
Mar'i:
You've seen him?!
Crush:
Yeah. Before I wound up here, my father and I were responsible for capturing him.
Mar'i:
So, you know where he went?
Crush:
No clue. He escaped mine and my father's grasp and last I remember, he and the Justice League went on a wild goose chase for him. I don't even know if they caught him yet.
Jon:
For all Dad knows, he's probably off the grid.
The group turn to see Jon, Lian, Martin Jr, Jaden, Olivia, Bart and Marcus enter the common room.
Bart:
(To Balduin) Greetings, your highness.
He bows at his feet.
Balduin:
I appreciate the gesture, but bowing isn't necessary.
Bart:
Right, sorry.
He stands up. Jon approaches Balduin and stretches out his hand; they shake.
Balduin:
That's quite a grip.
Jon:
Comes naturally when you're the natural born son of the Last Son of Krypton.
Balduin:
I know. (To Lian) Good to see you again, Lian.
Lian:
(Shakes his hand) I guess it has been a while since we've last seen each other. (Looks over at Paine) Your father's birthday party in Mexico, right?
Paine:
Yep. He made quite a first impression.
Kacey:
On everyone he met or just you?
Paine:
Yes.
Balduin turns to Marcus.
Balduin:
And this is the new guy.
Marcus:
Marcus Shugel-Shen, also known as the Monkey Prince, at your service. Bian.
He transforms into his true form. Monkey Prince does a hand stand and offers Balduin his foot to shake.
Monkey Prince:
Put 'er there.
Balduin cautiously shakes Monkey Prince's foot, the whole situation being a bit taboo for him.
Balduin:
So you're royalty too?
Monkey Prince:
(Stands back up) You could say that. Was, until my world was ravaged centuries ago.
Balduin:
I'm so sorry to hear that.
Monkey Prince:
Yeah, it sucks. But at least my new friends and I paid Ultra-Humanite back in full.
Balduin:
Silver linings then.
Monkey Prince:
Exactly.
Balduin:
I know what it's like to experience loss. I don't know how many of you know, but Count Werner Vertigo killed my grandmother.
Jon:
The media described it as a freak accident.
Lian:
You of all people should know how much the media loves to cover things up.
Balduin:
Like I told Paine, Vertigo is very influential. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if he either paid the media to keep quiet or threatened them.
Lian:
My money's on the latter.
Balduin:
I hear that Vertigo is going to be at the party. We should all keep a close eye on him. I feel that he may be up to something.
Wayne Manor; a week later. Vehicles begin pulling up outside the manor; security guards stood at the door, scanning guests before either letting them enter or turning them away. Alfred was standing at the door, greeting the guests as they entered.
Alfred:
Evening, Miss Vale.
Vicki Vale:
Good evening Alfred.
Alfred:
Commissioner, how are you?
Commissioner Gordon:
Only two weeks away from retirement, Alfred.
Bruce comes to greet Gordon as well.
Bruce:
Good evening, James. Glad you could make it.
Commissioner Gordon:
I wouldn't miss a night like this for the world.
Jason, Ravager, Grant and Adeline walk through the door; Ravager was adjusting the strap of her dress.
Ravager:
God I hate formal affairs.
Adeline:
The dress I can deal with, it's these heels that are killing me.
Inside, Damian, Helena and Balduin were drinking sparkling water, mingling around waiting for their friends to arrive; Lian and Jon had arrived early with their parents. Mar'i, wearing a purple dress, comes over with Koro.
Koro:
Lian, Jon, you guys made it.
Mar'i:
How do I look, Damian? (Does a cute little spin)
Damian:
Very beautiful. (Kisses her before turning back to Balduin, Helena, Jon, and Lian)
They look over at Brion, who was mingling with Dick, Starfire, Garfield, Raven, Victor, Karen and Terra; Garfield was telling Brion a story and he was laughing.
Mar'i:
I wonder what they're talking about.
Koro:
Maybe just getting reacquainted.
Kacey, Bart, Don and Dawn run over; Kacey lifts up her foot and rubs the exposed heel.
Jon:
Doing okay there, Kacey?
Kacey:
No, it's these damn heels. I can't go more than a few feet without these things hurting me.
Paine, Murdoc and Lilith join them; Murdoc had dip coating his lips.
Mar'i:
It's good to see you getting out there again Murdoc.
Murdoc:
It's kind of good to be out again.
Kacey:
I'm just glad that you're well enough to make it to this party.
Murdoc:
Thanks, babe. So, how are things?
Kacey:
Other than having a foot-ache that could kill a gorilla thanks to these heels, I'm doing just fine.
Murdoc:
Balduin, I seem to remember you nearly pushed me off a cliff.
Damian:
What?!
Lian:
Now this is a story I'd love to hear.
Murdoc:
Let's just say he and Paine fell off a cliff, went on a magic stone ride, and me and Mar'i got trapped in a bubble together.
Lian:
I asked for a story, not potential song ideas.
Murdoc:
That wasn't a song idea. Speaking of, I got one when we were imprisoned by Brainiac; it's called 'The Man Who Stole The World'.
Kacey:
You'll have to play it for me one day.
Murdoc:
It's not finished yet.
Outside the manor, Count Vertigo was talking on an earpiece.
Count Vertigo:
You know your objectives?
Cut to Deadshot lying on a hill, aiming his sniper at the manor, peering through the scope.
Deadshot:
Check.
Cut to Livewire and Silver Banshee standing across from the manor's power grid.
Livewire:
Loud and clear.
Cut to Parasite who is at the power grid, ready to drain the energy from it.
Parasite:
Let's rock!
At the entrance, Count Vertigo hangs up and walks in through the door. Like with the other guests, the first people he sees upon entering is Alfred and Bruce.
Alfred:
Werner, this is quite a surprise.
Count Vertigo:
I heard that Brion was here and I wanted to show him that there's no hard feelings over everything that had happened between us.
Bruce:
Somehow I doubt that.
Count Vertigo:
Believe me, Mr. Wayne, I'm only here to have a good time and to make peace with Brion. And if you can't accept that, well, I guess that's your problem.
He walks into the party.
Alfred:
It would be wise to keep a close eye on him.
Bruce stoically nods in agreement.
Bruce:
I have a bad feeling about this.
At the table, Koro was helping himself to some refreshments.
Koro:
You want some, Lilith? There are tofu squares here with your name on them.
Lilith:
Yes!
The two of them continue to feast on the appetizers.
Paine:
Save some room for dinner you two.
Lilith:
If there is dinner
Damian:
Don't spoil their good time, Paine. Eat up, you two.
Koro:
With pleasure!
Lilith and Koro continue eating. Paine sighs Balduin then notices that Count Vertigo has entered the party and is mingling with some of the other guests.
Paine:
Is that him?
Balduin nods; Paine notices he was gripping his glass tightly as though he was going to shatter it.
Balduin:
I don't know what he's doing here, but I don't like it.
Paine:
That's Count Werner Vertigo, right?
Balduin:
Yeah. He's the one who killed my grandmother.
She looks up at her parents, who were closely surveying Count Vertigo from the buffet table.
Paine:
My parents are already keeping a close eye on him.
Damian:
And so is my dad.
They look to find Bruce alternating between talking with guests and glancing at Count Vertigo.
Count Vertigo:
Excuse me, Bruce, but I need to use the facilities.
Bruce:
Would you like me to show them to you?
Count Vertigo:
That won't be necessary. Just point me in the direction of where they are.
Bruce:
Down the hall and to the left.
Count Vertigo:
Thank you.
As soon as Vertigo leaves, Bruce looks over at Jason and Rose.
Bruce:
Jason, Rose. (The two assassins come over to him) Follow Count Vertigo. I have a feeling he's up to no good.
Jason:
You got it, dad.
Jason and Rose follow Count Vertigo down the hall to see where he was heading. The Titans watch as Jason and Rose leave the room.
Mar'i:
You guys think Uncle Jason and Aunt Rose can handle whatever Count Vertigo has to throw at them?
Balduin:
Count Vertigo is a very powerful foe. It'll take more than just two of them to take him down.
Lian:
So, which one of us wants to play hero tonight?
Damian puts his empty glass on a table. Balduin follows him. Damian turns to face Balduin, an eyebrow raised.
Balduin:
This is just as much my fight as it is yours.
Damian:
Just try not to get yourself killed, your majesty.
Balduin:
Back at you.
Damian rolls his eyes as they continue to follow Jason, Rose, and Vertigo.
In the hallway, Vertigo looked behind him to make sure he wasn't being followed. When he looked behind him, he found nobody there. He turns back around and continues walking as Jason and Rose come out of hiding in a nearby closet.
Rose:
Alright, let's go.
Jason and Rose continue walking, not knowing that Balduin and Damian are following close behind.
Balduin:
So, tell me why you look at me unfavourably.
Damian:
If you'll allow me to be blunt, you just seem like a snobby rich boy to me.
Balduin:
Well, not to be rude, but your constant hostility towards me makes you come off as a bit of a snob. Maybe we should reintroduce ourselves. Hi, I'm Kettle, which means you must be Pot.
Damian glares at him.
Damian:
Can we have this argument later when we're not trying to sneak up on the bad guy?
Balduin:
Or your brother and sister-in-law.
Damian and Balduin continue to tail Rose and Jason who are continuing to tail Count Vertigo.
Rose:
Why is your brother following us?
Jason:
Ignore him.
Vertigo stops and turns around. Quickly, Rose pushes Jason against the wall and snogs him. Vertigo continues walking. Vertigo doesn't head to the bathroom like he asked; instead he turns right and steps onto a balcony. Once he was outside, he touched his ear.
Count Vertigo:
Rudy, it's time.
Cut to Parasite at the Power Generator.
Parasite:
Copy that.
Parasite puts his hands on the power grid. Around the manor, the lights begin going out.
At the party, the guests notice the lights going out.
Alfred:
Sir, do you think this has something to do with Vertigo's 'bathroom break'.
Bruce:
I'd have to be an idiot to think otherwise.
Jason (Voice):
Dad, you were right to be suspicious. We're looking at Vertigo right now. He's on the balcony talking through some kind of walkie-talkie. Something's telling me that he bought a couple of 'plus ones' to this party.
Bruce:
Plus ones?
At the balcony:
Count Vertigo:
The power is down. Floyd, Leslie, you're on!
Cut to Deadshot sniping the security guards outside, who have been distracted by the sudden outage. Meanwhile, with Livewire, she sneaks up one of the guards when he has his back turned and knocks them out with a single punch. When his partner notices, she shoots a jolt of electricity at him and knocks him unconscious, before she and Silver Banshee enter through the front door, making themselves present to the party guests. Livewire takes a chip, dips it in hummus, takes a bite of it and dips again.
Starfire:
You again!
Silver Banshee:
Yes, Kori, us again!
Jinx:
You double-dipped?!
Livewire:
Yeah, so? (She eats the chip)
Raven:
I thought you would've done something better with your lives after you lost your boss.
Livewire:
What can we say? We're go-getters. We're not one to give up when the going gets tough.
Silver Banshee:
Brion Markov! Our employer wants you dead!
Brion:
Let me guess. Your employer is Count Werner Vertigo?
Livewire:
How'd you know?
Brion:
Prior history. You know how it is. He killed my mother, and now he wants to finish the job by coming here to kill me. Guess what, it ain't gonna happen.
Silver Banshee:
Too bad.
Livewire:
It's a little crowed in here though. How about we take this little tiff outside!
She blasts a jolt of lighting at Brion, which sends him flying through the window.
Livewire:
Grab the charity money.
Silver Banshee:
Got it.
She prepares to leave the room to find the money, only to be stopped by Starfire shooting a starbolt at her.
Starfire:
Not happening.
Dick/Bruce:
Excuse us.
They leave.
Changeling:
We'd better seek out the rest of Vertigo's 'plus ones' too.
Paine:
Smart thinking, dad.
Raven clicks her fingers, replacing her and her family's formal attire with their hero attire.
Raven:
Let's get going. We should check the power grid to see if whatever caused this blackout is still there.
Changeling:
Good thinking, babe. You're always thinking.
Raven:
One of us has to.
She creates a portal and she and her husband leave.
Terra:
(Stepping in front of Livewire) You hurt my brother, then you gotta go through me.
Brion comes back through the window, anger on his face.
Brion:
Come on, Tara! Let's take this psychopath on together!
Livewire:
Oh I love a family reunion!
On the balcony, Jason and Rose come up behind Vertigo. Before they get close enough to do anything, however, Vertigo turns in their direction and uses his powers to make them dizzy. Damian and Balduin see this and run towards them.
Damian:
Brother!
Balduin:
Are you two alright.
Jason:
Urgh...been better...(vomits as does Rose)
Balduin:
Clean up on aisle six.
Damian:
(Chuckles) Alright, that's a good one. (Focuses his attention back on Vertigo) But let's save the joking for later. I take it you're Count Werner Vertigo?
Vertigo:
In the flesh.
Damian:
And you despise metahumans despite being one yourself.
Balduin:
If there's one thing I hate more than a villain, it's a villain that majors in hypocrisy!
Count Vertigo:
Hmph!
Damian:
Let me guess, you want to wipe out all metahumans so you can be the only metahuman in the world so no one can stop you?
Count Vertigo:
This isn't about that; this is about power.
Balduin:
Removing my bloodline is just a powerplay then?
Count Veritgo:
Correct! Killing your grandmother was just the first step. As we speak, my hired help should be taking care of your father and auntie. Of course, that leave me with you!
Damian and Balduin raise their arms in combat positions.
Damian:
Make our day, your majesty!
Damian leaps at him, punching and kicking. Vertigo, having also trained in melee combat, counters every strike.
Count Vertigo:
How dare you fight me with mere punches and kicks, little bird! I'm almost insulted!
He disorients him, causing Damian to stumble around in a daze.
Balduin:
Damian! How many fingers am I holding up? *Holds up three fingers*
Damian:
Nine? (Passes out)
Balduin glares at Vertigo. Rose and Jason recover and drag Damian back inside.
Jason:
Will you be alright out here by yourself?
Balduin:
Don't worry about me. I can handle it!
Rose:
Suit yourself.
Jason and Rose leave with Damian in tow as Balduin stares down Vertigo.
Count Vertigo:
Aw, that's a shame. I was hoping for an audience to witness your untimely demise!
Balduin:
Not much of an audience; after tonight, your diplomatic immunity could be revoked.
Count Vertigo:
We shall see!
He blasts another 'dizzying' attack at Balduin, only for him to dodge and drop kick him right off of the balcony.
Balduin jumps down, creating earth steps as he descends.
Count Vertigo:
Nice entrance.
Balduin:
Time for you to make your exit!
He moves the ground beneath Vertigo's feet; he sinks into the soil until it reaches his knees. Balduin stops.
Count Vertigo:
What do you think you're doing? I killed your grandmother in cold blood? Aren't you angry? Don't you want to kill me?
Balduin:
I'm nothing like you, Werner! I don't kill for fun, and I don't kill for revenge either!
Count Vertigo:
Some royal you are.
Balduin:
Being royalty and having extraordinary powers doesn't give you free reign to do whatever you want to whoever you want whenever you want!
Count Vertigo:
Shut up!
Brion and Terra appear.
Balduin:
Father, Auntie Tara! You guys are alright!
Brion:
That fight with Livewire was a difficult one, but we managed to pull through.
Count Veritgo:
So, Livewire has been defeated.
Terra:
And with any luck, the rest of your 'plus ones' will follow!
At the power grid, Raven and Changeling confront Parasite, who was still draining the power.
Raven:
I think you've had enough.
Parasite turns around to see Changeling, who has turned himself into a bear. Before Parasite could do anything about it, Changeling knocks Parasite unconscious with one of his claws.
Changeling:
The lights should be back on, and he will have a hangover in the morning.
As if on cue, power is restored to Wayne Manor. Batman and Nightwing reveal themselves to Silver Banshee and Livewire.
Silver Banshee:
Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. We should've known.
Batman:
You are mistaken.
Nightwing:
You're committing two-time trespass on his property.
Livewire:
FYI, the first time we trespassed was so we could fight those damn Owls with you!
Nightwing:
We may have had the same enemy, but we weren't on the same side.
Silver Banshee:
Still, a 'Thanks for Helping Us' would've been nice.
She teleports behind Nightwing, who swipes her in the face with a polymer stick.
Nightwing:
You have to get up pretty early in the morning if you're gonna pull a sneak attack like that off on me.
Silver Banshee wipes the blood from her mouth.
Silver Banshee:
You're a clever one, there's no doubt about that.
While Banshee is momentarily dazed, Nightwing activates the Stun setting on his sticks and jams them into Banshee's midsection.
Livewire:
You want to see a real shocker? Get a load of this!
She prepares to fire a jolt of electricity at Nightwing only to get punched out by Batman.
Batman:
Nightwing, I think she's had enough.
Nightwing turns off the Stun setting and Banshee slumps forwards onto the floor.
Nightwing:
Well, that wasn't so bad.
A portal appears; Raven and Changeling enter carrying the unconscious Parasite.
Changeling:
Wifey and I fixed your electrical problem.
Balduin, Brion and Terra enter with the captured Count Vertigo. Paine walks up to Balduin and hugs him, causing him to blush. Paine backs off so Balduin can speak with Batman.
Balduin:
It might be in your best interest to get some barf dust for your balcony, Mr. Wayne. It goes without saying, but things got a little bit messy.
Batman:
What matters is that Count Vertigo and his hired guns have been stopped and the party can go on as planned.
Brion:
I wasn't expecting the party to go like this.
Alfred:
Only a minor setback. We shouldn't let Werner and his underlings ruin our evening.
Brion:
When we go home, we'll take him back to Vlatava and let the Council decide his fate.
Balduin:
Whether they imprison him or sentence him to death, all I know is we won't be dealing with him for a long time.
As the Markovs dealt with Vertigo, Lilith came up to Koro.
Lilith:
Koro?
Koro:
What is it, Lil?
Lilith:
Now that all this craziness is over...would you like to dance?
Koro:
Sure.
The two go out in the middle of the dance floor and begin to slow dance to the music.
Lilith:
Wow, you're pretty good at this.
Koro:
Well, Mar'i showed me a thing or two in case a moment like this came up.
Lilith:
Listen Koro. There's something I've wanted to tell you. I... never mind.
Koro:
If there's something going on in your life you can tell me.
Lilith:
It's nothing. I just want to enjoy this moment.
Koro:
Me too.
Wayne Manor; the next morning. The party is over, and all the guests have left. Parasite, Livewire and Silver Banshee have already been taken to Stryker's Island; Deadshot is long gone. Brion and Balduin are standing outside their private jet as his bodyguards escort the bound Vertigo inside.
Balduin:
Get comfy Werner, it's gonna be a long ride.
Count Vertigo seethes at Balduin and spits at his feet.
Bodyguard #1:
Keep moving.
As Vertigo is pushed inside, the Titans approach Balduin.
Damian:
Gotta admit, you did a great job taking care of Vertigo.
Balduin:
Thanks.
Damian:
I was wrong about you; you're not what I thought you were. You're a pretty chill guy. I just wanted to apologize for how I treated you.
Balduin:
No apologies are necessary. The important thing is that we're getting along now.
Mar'i, Helena, Cassandra, Tim and Stephanie smile at the turnaround.
Damian:
Here. (He procures a communicator) This is yours.
Balduin:
Does this mean what I think it does?
Damian:
Welcome to the Teen Titans, Soil-Force.
Balduin:
Sweet. Thanks.
Paine walks up to Balduin and kisses him on the cheek.
Paine:
Don't be a stranger, you hear?
Balduin:
I won't. In fact, now that I'm a Titan, I think you'll be seeing a lot more of me. But, I have a duty to my country so I may not be around much, but will make time.
Mar'i:
Just don't be a stranger
Balduin:
We haven't been since that party.
Brion:
Balduin, it's time.
Balduin:
Well, I'll see you guys around.
Damian:
Take it easy, dude.
Mar'i:
Safe travels.
Paine:
Call us as soon as you land!
Balduin:
You got it, Paine!
He boards the jet with his father and the Titans watch as the jet takes off to the skies back to Markovia. Not long after they left, Damian turns his attention to Bruce.
Damian:
Now, about Monkey King?
Bruce:
Follow me inside and I'll tell you.
Damian follows Bruce into his study so they can talk more about the Monkey King.
Bruce:
Back then, the seven of us were alerted to the opening of the Phantom Zone by Ultra-Humanite; we feared he would use the zone to release the prisoners and create an army. When we got into the zone while it was still open, there was no-one in there, no Monkey King.
Damian:
Something must've happened to him before you even got there. But if Monkey King is gone, then that means Marcus is the only living proof that he existed in the first place.
Bruce:
It's like he just disappeared into thin air.
Damian:
Or no air.
Bruce:
What do you mean?
Damian:
There's no air in the Phantom Zone.
Bruce:
So you're saying you think that this Monkey King is somewhere in the Phantom Zone?
Damian:
I'm not saying it was a good answer, but it's an answer.
Bruce:
I'll discuss this with the League at the next meeting.
Damian:
Monkey Prince believes the king is dead. But this gives us a glimmer of hope.
Vlatava: the following day. In the country's capital, Count Vertigo is being brought to trial by the country's Council; he's bound to the floor by chains with an inhibitor collar around his neck to prevent him from using his powers. Queen Perdita and the Markovian Royal Family preside over the trial.
Queen Perdita:
Count Werner Vertigo, you are being brought up on charges that include, but aren't limited do, the assassination of the previous Queen of Markovia and the attempted assassination of King Brion and Prince Balduin!
Count Vertigo:
You have no proof it was me; none!
Perdita holds up a file.
Queen Perdita:
The facts that the previous Queens' death was an accident is a complete lie. This file says different (she opens the file); you used hush money to hide your involvement and keep the press and authorities quiet.
Count Vertigo:
I merely exercised my right to-
Queen Perdita:
Furthermore, you partook in the trafficking of metahumans in collaboration with Lex Luthor. With all these charges against you, the Council has seen it fit to strip you of your diplomatic immunity. You will be escorted to Ducal Maximum Security Prison where you will spend the rest of your days incarcerated and never see the light of another day. (To the guards at the door) Take him away.
Guards grab Count Vertigo by the arms so they could take him away. Before he leaves, however, he turns back to face Brion and Balduin.
Count Vertigo:
Don't think for a second that my incarceration means that the crimes against metahumans will end. There are plenty of people just like me who do things ten times worse. This battle is far from over.
Queen Perdita:
Stop talking; I never want to hear you or see you again.
Brion:
Settle yourself, Perdita. He won't be hurting anyone anytime soon.
Perdita calms down.
Queen Perdita:
Council adjourned.
The members of the Vlatava Council leave, except for Perdita and the Markovian Royals.
Queen Perdita:
Thank you both for helping us put my uncle away once and for all. I apologize for any grief he may have caused you two.
Brion:
At least some good came out of this; not only has he finally been brought to justice, but my son became the latest addition to my sisters' old team, the Teen Titans.
Queen Perdita:
Welll then, I supposed congratulations are in order for you, Balduin.
Balduin:
Thank you, your highness.
Jump City, Logan Residence: meanwhile. Paine was lying on her bed, hugging her phone. Lilith comes in.
Lilith:
Did you meet your end of the deal?
Paine:
He already knows how I feel. You?
Lilith:
I couldn't muster up the courage to tell Koro.
Paine:
It's alright, Paine, there will be other chances.
Lilith:
If I've learnt anything from fairy-tales, it takes a miracle or a dark event.
Paine:
Then I guess we'd better pay for the former instead of the latter.
In Murdoc's room, he is writing drafts for song lyrics.
Demonic Voice:
Your time will come.
Murdoc:
Huh?
Murdoc looks around to see where the voice came from. After a few seconds, he shrugs his shoulders and goes back to work.
End of 'Two Princes'
Cast:
Kari Wahlgren: Nightstar/Mar'i Grayson
Taylor Grey: Avocet/Koro Grayson
Stuart Allan: Robin/Damian Wayne
Cameron Monaghan: Superboy/Jon Kent
Ashley Eckstein: Emerald Witch/Paine Logan
Debi Derryberry: Beast Girl/Lilith Logan
Jessie Flower: Kid Flash/Kacey West
Lacey Chabert: Black Arrow/Lian Harper
Sean Chiplock: Alloroc Markov
James Arnold Taylor: Damon Jones
Jason Marsden: Impulse/Bart Allen
Janet Varney: Crush
Steven Yuen: Monkey Prince/Marcus Shugel-Shen
Max Mittelman: Don Allen
Olivia Hack: Dawn Allen
Josh Keaton: Balduin Markov/Soil-Force
Greg Cipes: Changeling/Garfield Logan
Scott Menville: Nightwing/Dick Grayson
Tara Strong: Raven/Rachel Logan
Hynden Walch: Starfire/Kory Grayson, Queen Perdita
Ashley Johnson: Terra/Tara Markov
Wil Wheaton: Tempest/Garth Markov
Lauren Tom: Jinx/Jenny West
Roger Craig Smith: Batman/Bruce Wayne
Grey Griffin: Selina Kyle-Wayne, Dr Helga Jace
Yuri Lowenthal: Red Hood/Jason Todd
Pamela Adlon: Ravager/Rose Wilson-Todd
Cricket Leigh: Adeline Todd
Will Friedle: Tim Drake
Mae Whitman: Stephanie Brown-Drake
Melissa Disney: Cassandra Cain
Alastair Duncan: Alfred Pennyworth
Ray Wise: Commissioner Gordon
Stana Katic: Vicki Vale
Troy Baker: Brion Markov
Steve Blum: Count Werner Vertigo
Christian Slater: Deadshot
Lori Petty: Livewire
Julie Nathanson: Silver Banshee
Brian George: Parasite