Episode 13: Heartbreak
West Residence. Kacey is seen in her bedroom, laying down on her bed as she throws a small ball up in the air before catching it. As she does this, she has a depressed look on her face.
Kacey:
Murdoc...
Bart opens the door.
Bart:
Kacey, I made you a sandwich in case you felt like eating something.
Kacey:
Thanks.
Bart:
So what's going on? Do you want to talk about anything?
Kacey:
There's nothing to talk about.
Bart:
Really?
Kacey:
What's there to say? Murdoc broke up with me to 'protect me' and now we can't be together all because of his stupid uncles!
Bart:
Exactly! The whole reason why he broke up with you was to protect you from his uncles, and we're all working tirelessly to put those idiots down. Once that happens, you and Murdoc can go back to Smooch City; where first, second, and third bases are always loaded.
Kacey:
And home base?
Bart:
That depends. Do you think you and Murdoc are ready?
Kacey:
Well, before we broke up, we've talked about it a couple of times, and I even started imagining how it would play out in my head in the days leading up to our breakup.
Bart:
I see.
Kacey:
And now it looks like we might not get the chance.
Bart:
Mark my words, Kacey. You and Murdoc are meant to be, and you two will be together again real soon. I know it.
Kacey sighs sadly as Bart leaves. Before Kacey could lay back down, she sees the sandwich that he left for her, grabs it and takes a bite. She swallows and lies back down. As she lays on her bed she gets a text from Mar'i. She picks up her phone and it reads, 'Going to the mall later with Paine, Lian, and Olivia if you want to come'. Kacey just texts back 'Sure' before putting her shoes on and grabbing her jacket.
Jump City Mall; later. Kacey enters the mall and she sees Mar'i, Lian, Olivia, and Paine standing by the fountain waiting for her.
Mar'i:
Hey Kacey!
Kacey:
(Walks up to her friends) Hey guys.
Olivia:
Mar'i figured we'd invite you here so you can get your mind off of things.
Kacey:
Okay.
Mar'i:
Let's go grab a bite to eat before we do anything else.
At the good court, the girls are eating loaded fries.
Olivia:
So how are things going between you and Jon, Lian?
Lian:
He's been working a lot; I visit him some days and we go off to a closet to bond.
Kacey sighs sadly.
Lian:
Oh, sorry, Kacey, I didn't mean to-
Kacey:
No, it's fine, Lian. Just missing Murdoc is all.
Mar'i:
We fully understand what you're going through.
Olivia:
I'm sure you can relate too.
Mar'i:
Yes. I remember feeling just as sad as you when Damian betrayed us.
Paine:
But he eventually came back to you. And I'm sure Murdoc will come back to you too, Kacey. Not sure when, but he will.
Kacey:
(Angrily) I'll tell you when. When we wipe his uncles off the face of the earth that's when!
Olivia:
And Kacey has moved on to the Anger stage of the five stages of grief.
Lian:
Unfortunately.
Kacey:
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you girls with my outburst. It's just that this whole situation is just bullshit!
Mar'i:
We're here for you, Kacey.
Kacey manages a small smile.
Kacey:
(Hugs Mar'i) Thank you, Mar'i.
Mar'i:
That's what friends are for. C'mon. Let's go shopping.
The girls get up from the table.
Olivia:
Winter is coming. I'd like to see if they have any nice coats.
Paine:
Your wardrobe not full enough? Or you want something so you and Martin can cuddle?
Olivia:
Yes.
Mar'i:
I hope they have a pair of bear paw slippers. Just something to wear around the house.
Lian gives her a look.
Lian:
Bear Paw Slippers? Get real!
Mar'i just shrugs her shoulders as the five girls make their way out of the food court and to the clothing store.
A montage begins...
In the clothing store, while Olivia, Lian, Paine, and Mar'i are looking through all of the clothes, Kacey is in a nearby changing room looking at pictures of her and Murdoc on her phone. She sighs.
Next, at the arcade, the girls are playing games and having fun taking pictures in the photobooth, and Kacey actually looks like she's having fun...until she sees a couple walking by holding hands, depressing Kacey once more. Paine is the only one to notice this.
From there, the girls decide to watch a movie at the mall's cinema. While the girls are laughing, Kacey sees a couple making out in the row behind them. Paine takes a minute to notice Kacey staring at the couple with longing, knowing that she's still thinking about Murdoc.
Kacey:
I need to use the bathroom.
She stands up and walks out of the row. Paine gets up and follows her out.
Olivia:
You too? You're going to miss the best part of the movie.
Lian:
When you have to go, you can't hold back.
In the girls bathroom:
Paine:
Kacey?
She hears Kacey quietly sobbing in one of the stalls, so she goes up to it and gently knocks on the door.
Paine:
Kacey?
Kacey:
I'm sorry if I'm ruining everyone's good time.
Paine:
You're not, I just wanted to come check on you.
Kacey:
Paine, I don't think I can do this. I didn't think break ups would hurt this much. I thought all those sad songs about them were just hyperbole.
Paine:
I'm afraid they're not hyperbole.
Kacey comes out of the stall and hugs Paine, who rubs her back to comfort her.
Paine:
There, there.
Kacey:
I don't think I'll ever be over him, you know? They always say that the pain from break ups won't last...but I just don't think so.
Paine:
They'll pass with time. Like the pain my dad felt with Terra.
The amount of time the healing process takes varies from person to person, however. But trust me, your pain will pass soon too.
Kacey:
Really?
Paine:
Tell you what, if you're still not feeling better two weeks from now, I'll buy you a whole pizza with whatever you want on it.
Kacey:
A whole pizza? Promise?
Paine:
Cross my heart.
Kacey:
Alright. Thanks, Paine.
Paine:
Now c'mon, we're missing the movie.
Kacey and Paine walk out of the bathroom and back to their theatre. As they walk, they pass by a strange figure clad in red and wearing a gold mask. Paine senses the mysterious man's aura.
Kacey:
Hey, Paine, what's wrong?
Paine:
There's just something off about that man.
Kacey:
He does look pretty strange.
Man:
Strange? That's not very nice.
Paine:
She's just going through a difficult time.
Man:
I know. I can sense the pain, sorrow, and anger that dwells within your friend's heart.
Paine:
How do you know?
Man:
I just happen to be a psychologist.
Kacey:
Thanks, doc, but I'm not looking for any professional help right now.
The man shows her a card.
Man:
Take it if you need an appointment.
Paine:
We'll keep that in mind, thanks.
The strange man turns and walks away.
Kacey:
What was that all about?
Paine:
It's nothing.
Kacey:
(Looks at the card) Still, if I don't feel any different about this whole situation, this guy might be worth looking into.
Paine:
Don't forget we have a much more reliable psychologist in the form of Miss Martian.
Kacey:
I know.
Paine:
Besides. There's just something about that guy that I just don't like.
Kacey stares at her.
Paine:
We're missing the movie.
Paine and Kacey run into their theatre as the man clad in red just stares at them from a distance before walking elsewhere.
Olivia:
What took you so long?
Paine:
On the way back here we met some weird guy who gave Kacey his business card.
Kacey:
He called himself a psychologist.
She shows the other three girls the card the man gave her.
Mar'i:
Dr. Roger Hayden.
Lian:
Must've just come to town. I've never heard of him before.
Olivia:
This is the first I'm hearing of him.
Kacey:
His sudden appearance isn't the only weird thing. He had a gold mask on. Who the hell wears a mask in public?
Moviegoer:
Shhhhhh.
Mar'i:
Sorry. We'll talk more about this after the movie.
The girls agree and focus on the movie.
Coast City Titans Tower; meanwhile. Murdoc is trying to catch up on some much-needed he meditates, his thoughts keep shifting back to Kacey.
Murdoc:
No, don't think about her. Don't think at all. That's how...they'll come.
He closes his eyes; he sees a structure in a desert.
Murdoc:
Hmm. What is that? A portal, perhaps? No that's ridiculous, there's no way a giant structure like that can be hidden away. I've got to get a closer look.
He focused on that structure; a large stone oval with ancient symbols etched around it.
Murdoc:
Those symbols? They look and feel...familiar somehow.
They glow red. When they do, Murdoc suddenly feels a jolt of pain course through his body.
Murdoc:
Ahhhh!
From downstairs, the other Coast City Titans hear Murdoc scream in pain as they rush into his room to see what was happening.
Marcus:
Murdoc?!
Martin Jr:
Someone snap him out of it!
Helena runs forward and shakes him.
Helena:
Murdoc, come on! Wake up! Can't you hear me?!
Murdoc:
Huh?
Jaden:
Thank goodness. What happened to you, bud?
Martin Jr:
Yeah, did your uncles get to you again?
Murdoc:
No, but something else did. Somewhere in the desert, there was this stone structure with these ancient symbols etched into them.
Martin Jr:
That doesn't sound familiar.
Murdoc:
I don't know what it is...but I feel like I have to go find it.
Jaden:
Hold your horses there, Murdoc. Do you know how many deserts there are in the world? You'll be looking for this stone structure for ages.
Helena:
There is one that's big enough to hide something like this.
Marcus:
You're not suggesting we venture into the Sahara Desert, do you?
Helena:
No; in fact, I'm discouraging it.
Marcus:
But maybe this stone structure could provide us a clue with how to defeat the Sons of Trigon once and for all.
Helena:
Yeah, or, the more likely option, it could be a trap.
Marcus:
(Looks to Jaden) Well, what do you suggest?
Murdoc:
I think this is something I have to do alone.
Helena:
That's an even dumber idea than if we were to go together.
Murdoc:
After what happened to Kacey, I can't risk your lives.
Jaden:
But it's also not a smart idea to go on suicide missions for curiosity's sake.
Murdoc:
You're probably right. But we should probably tell my mom and the Justice League dark about what I just saw.
Helena:
Now we're thinking smart.
Murdoc calls his mother and tells her about the structure in the desert.
Raven:
(Voice) If this is where they want to resurrect Trigon, it's not very discreet. In any case, much less discreet than the old library. Listen to my advice, Murdoc. Don't look for this structure, it's clearly a trap. Me and Constantine, we'll find it and destroy it. And with a little luck, my brothers will leave you alone for good.
Murdoc:
But Mom, I could-
Raven:
(Voice) No, Murdoc, you've done enough stupid things. Now, I'm in charge. End of discussion.
She hangs up.
Martin Jr:
I guess we can cancel that excursion to Africa.
At the Jump City Mall, the movie was over. The five girls are seen sitting on a bench outside the theatre, taking a better look at the strange business card that Kacey received from the man in red. Right away Mar'i is looking up information on Roger Hayden on her phone.
Paine:
Anything?
Mar'i:
Nothing. No qualifications, nothing of the sort. Kacey, can you trust this guy? He looks like a quack.
Kacey:
He was pretty weird. He said that he could sense the sorrow and anger in my heart. How could he know that if he has no qualifications?
Olivia:
Lucky guess?
Kacey:
Regardless of your opinion, I'm going to try him.
Lian:
At least let one of us come with you in case something bad happens.
Kacey:
Alright. Paine, do you want to go with me?
Paine:
Sure.
Mar'i:
Keep comms open if you need us.
Paine:
You got it.
Kacey:
There's an address for his office right here on his card; 34 Macfare Lane.
Paine:
If anything happens, you three know where to find us.
Mar'i, Lian, and Olivia:
Okay!
Paine and Kacey leave for the address on the card.
Jump City; later. Kacey and Paine are walking down a street looking for the address; Macfare Lane is in a rather seedy part of the city.
Kacey:
Mar'i was right to advise we keep comms open. This part of the city gives me the creeps.
Paine:
We have powers; we'll be fine.
Kacey takes out the card, looking at the part that reads '34 Macfare Lane' before seeing looking up to see a sign on a building with that same address.
Kacey:
This is it.
Kacey and Paine go inside. When they enter the building, they come across a clean and organized reception area. They go up to a window where they see a receptionist typing on a computer.
Paine:
Hello? (The receptionist looks up) We're here to see Dr Hayden.
Receptionist:
Let me page him. Please have a seat and I'll tell you when you may see him.
Kacey and Paine sit on the couch; Kacey decides to distract herself by reading a magazine; Starfire and Donna Troy were on the front cover.
Paine:
You know, it's not too late to leave if you're having second thoughts about this.
Kacey:
I just want to see what he's like. Maybe he can help me.
Receptionist:
He's ready to see you now, Miss West.
Kacey:
Thank you.
Paine:
I'm coming in with you.
Kacey:
I think it might be best if I do this alone.
Paine:
(Hesitant) Alright. But holler if something happens.
Kacey:
You got it.
Kacey goes through another door before walking down a short hallway to where Dr. Hayden's office is. She reaches a door with a plaque reading 'Dr. Roger Hayden: PSYCHOLOGIST'.
Dr Hayden:
Enter.
Kacey opens the door to find a rather respectable psychologist office, with shelves containing a wide variety of books, a warm fire burning in the fire place, and two comfy chairs for the psychologist and his patient to sit in. Already Kacey is put at ease, but she quickly gets her guard back up before entering the office.
Dr Hayden:
Have a seat right here.
Kacey sits on the chair across from his.
Dr Hayden:
I see you followed my card.
Kacey:
Well, I'm in need of a shoulder to cry on and I want to see if you're legitimate. So, call this killing two birds with one stone.
Dr Hayden:
Let's get started. Open up to me and you shall be healed. Tell me all of your problems.
Kacey:
Well, the problems I have also concern my boy...ex-boyfriend, Murdoc Logan.
Dr Hayden:
Oh, the musician? I heard about him. Please continue.
Kacey:
Well, it all started with his uncles trying to use him as a vessel to revive someone named Trigon. They came after me, and it terrified us so much that Murdoc concluded that us no longer being together was best. I just can't stop thinking about him. I try and move on, but I feel like the more I try the more I miss him.
Dr. Hayden:
Sounds like you still love him.
Kacey:
Of course I do.
Dr Hayden:
Ah, teenagers.
Kacey:
I still love him, but I hate this pain that I feel deep inside. I just feel as though this feeling will never go away. I guess what I'm asking is, what do you recommend I do to stop the pain?
Dr Hayden:
Stop thinking about him; forget him.
Kacey:
I can't forget him. That's why I'm here.
Dr Hayden:
This needs further evaluation.
He stands up and walks over to a filing cabinet.
Kacey:
(Somewhat annoyed) Alright, what meds are you trying to get me hooked on, doc?
Dr Hayden:
Not drugs, Miss West.
He pulls a gold mask out of the top drawer and puts it on.
Kacey:
That's the mask I saw you wearing at the theatre!
Dr. Hayden:
Yes.
Kacey:
What's the point of that mask anyway?
Dr. Hayden:
Just sit back and I'll show you.
As Kacey lies back in her chair, she slips her hand into her pocket and touches her comm.
Jump City Titans Tower. Mar'i's communicator starts going off. She looks at it.
Mar'i:
Kacey needs us.
Robin:
Where is she?
Mar'i:
She left the mall with Paine to see some psychologist that she met.
Robin:
Yeah, this has suspicious written all over it.
Mar'i:
Let's go.
At Dr Hayden's office, he was getting close to Kacey with the mask on.
Dr Hayden:
Just relax, Miss West. It will all be over soon.
Kacey:
(Jumps out of her chair and walks over to the door) You know what, I just remembered I had to go to the grocery store and fetch something for tonight's dinner. This session has been a real eye opener for me. I'll be sure to positively rate you when I get home and I'll see you...never!
Kacey runs back towards the waiting room.
Dr. Hayden:
Come back! I'm only trying to help! (Runs after her)
In the waiting room, Paine is reading the same magazine from earlier when she sees Kacey sprinting towards her.
Kacey:
Paine, we've gotta go!
Paine:
What happened?
Kacey:
I'll tell you on the run! But there's something off about Dr. Hayden! Save your 'I told you so's' for later. Come on!
Kacey and Paine run out of the office as Dr. Hayden emerges from the hallway to see the two girls running out of the building.
Dr. Hayden:
I love it when they run!
Receptionist:
If you're going to be out, can I go on my lunch break?
Dr. Hayden:
By all means.
Dr. Hayden leaves as the receptionist grabs her lunchbox and phone, ready to enjoy her break.
In Jump City, Kacey and Paine are seen running down the street, taking refuge in an alleyway.
Kacey:
I turned on my comm, so Mar'i, Damian, and the rest of our team should be here any minute.
Dr Hayden magically appears in front of them. He was no longer wearing his suit; aside from the golden mask, he was wearing a cloak with a high collar, red-and-black checkerboard pattern with two masks sewn on the front; one smiling, one crying.
Kacey:
I see you changed your outfit, doc.
Dr. Hayden:
The man you were dealing with before was the one you call Dr. Hayden. But in this getup, I am Psycho-Pirate!
Kacey and Paine look unamused.
Paine:
Your outfit isn't very pirate like.
Kacey:
Honestly I was more intimidated by you when you were wearing the clothes you were before. In this getup you look like you got lost on your way to the Renaissance Fair.
Psycho-Pirate:
You know, you shouldn't insult your doctor and run out of their office without paying.
Kacey:
What, you mean that wasn't a free trial?
Psycho-Pirate:
As you grow up, you'll find that there are no free rides in life.
Kacey:
Alright, we'll pay.
He stares intensely at Kacey; his eyes glow and so do hers.
Paine:
Kacey, are you feeling alright?
Psycho-Pirate:
She can't hear you. She's under my mask's spell, meaning she can only listen to me!
Kacey then looks at Paine, and grins.
Psycho-Pirate:
I told you I could sense the sorrow and anger in her heart. With the Medusa Mask, I can take that sorrow and anger and twist it to however I see fit! Like right now, in your place, she's seeing the very person who has caused her the most discord.
True to what Psycho-Pirate was saying, in Kacey's point of view, Murdoc is standing where Paine currently is; she's seeing him rather than her.
Kacey lights her hands pink.
Kacey:
You!
Paine:
Kacey, listen to me. You need to calm down. He's feeding off your anger!
Kacey shoots pink lightning bolts.
Kacey:
Shut up! I don't want to hear you anymore, you ex-boyfriend!
Paine blocks them with a forcefield.
Paine:
That's bad for secret identities.
Kacey:
You broke my heart, you bastard!
Kacey ends up punching Paine in the face with her fast speeds, sending her into a wall.
Psycho-Pirate:
Yes, Kacey, let all of that anger and sadness out!
Kacey:
I did nothing to you, yet you threw me away like garbage!
Paine stands up.
Paine:
I don't want to fight you, Kacey.
Before Kacey could hit Paine again, she rolls out of the way causing Kacey to punch the wall. The possessed speedster holds her fist in pain as the rest of the Jump City Titans arrive on the scene. Kacey looks at them.
Kacey:
You offered me no solace!
Kacey fires blasts from her hands as the Jump City Titans jump out of the way of the attack.
Nightstar:
Hey, Kacey! Calm down!
Paine:
She won't listen to you. We need to stop the guy in the gold mask.
A big smile appears on Crush's face.
Crush:
That's all I wanted to know.
Damon:
Alright, who's the villain of the week this time?
Paine:
He calls himself Psycho-Pirate.
Robin:
So this is Dr Hayden.
Psycho-Pirate:
And you must be Kacey's dear friends. Well, former friends. Now that she's under my control, all she can feel is an untethered rage towards you all! A rage that only exists because she feels as though you all didn't do enough to help her in her time of need!
Nightstar:
We've been doing that all morning!
Psycho-Pirate:
Maybe you have, but bird boy, human crocodile, and that other girl likely haven't.
Damon:
Cut us some slack, we've got a lot on our plates!
Crush:
Yeah, and beating up mooks like you fill up our plates the most!
Psycho-Pirate:
Kacey? Kindly show your former friends the benefits of my therapy.
Kacey nods and glares at them.
Robin:
So I guess we're fighting Kacey now?
Nightstar:
No. Avoid Kacey's attack the best you can. Our main target is Psycho-Pirate and that mask of his!
Paine:
Just be wary; he'll manipulate your emotions.
Crush:
I'm not worried!
Psycho-Pirate:
You should be. Do I sense anger and sorrow within you as well? Are things not going well with the folks?
Crush:
Shut up!
Psycho-Pirate:
You're closeted! Too afraid to face your father and tell him the truth about yourself!
Damon:
Who Crush is is none of your business. And for your information, we like her just the way she is.
Psycho-Pirate:
Shame the public doesn't feel the same way about you.
Damon:
Excuse me?
Psycho-Pirate:
Isn't that why you're always so angry? People always shun you for looking different from everybody else. Being the son of the late Killer Croc certainly must not help your case either. You're angry about where you come from as well as the way people treat you.
Damon:
Hey! I've found my niche, my people!
Psycho-Pirate:
True, but even your friends can't protect you from the sadness you felt when your father died. Even though you hated everything about him, he was still your father, and to see him die in front of you must have left you devastated.
Damon:
Shut up!
Psycho-Pirate:
Of course, that's nothing compared to the sorrow birdboy must feel (He looks at Robin). Betraying your friends after finding your birth mother. I can't even imagine the amount of regret you must feel.
Robin:
She's gone, and my real family was with me the whole time.
He puts an arm around Nightstar.
Nightstar:
You can try and manipulate us all you want, but as long as we stick together nothing shall bring us down!
Psycho-Pirate:
Just as they stuck with you when Slade milked you for his creations?
Nightstar:
But they saved me! And they were there for me when the memories of working under him haunted my nightmares! They saved me from him, just like we're going to save Kacey from you!
Kacey:
I don't need saving, especially from you!
She fires more energy blasts at Nightstar, but Robin gets in front of her so they hit him instead. He falls backwards, but she catches him.
Psycho-Pirate:
It's been fun psychoanalyzing you all, but my new client and me must be going.
He grabs Kacey and they disappear.
Robin:
Damn it!
Damon:
I know, who does that guy think he is? He thinks he knows everything about us!
Paine:
With that mask, he pretty much does.
Jump City Titans Tower; later. The group are seen looking at the monitors to see where Psycho-Pirate and Kacey went.
Robin:
They're nowhere in the city.
Lian and Olivia arrive via the Zeta Tube.
Lian:
Did the counselling work? Is Dr Hayden the real deal?
Paine:
No, he turned Kacey against us and kidnapped her. She really should have gone to M'gann.
Lian:
Seriously, how many of us have been under an evildoers' influence?
Robin:
A surprising lot of us now that you mention it.
Olivia counts on her fingers.
Olivia:
Damon's father was a criminal. Crush's father is too. Nightstar worked for Slade like his father before him. Damian worked for his mother and his aunt. Murdoc broke Klarion out. Lian was under the influence of Venom.
Lian:
Why did I ask?
Olivia:
And Jon worked with Ursa for a bit.
Lian:
That's enough. I didn't want the details!
Olivia:
Come on, you two weren't a thing at the time.
Lian:
I know but I didn't want you to remind me.
At the Coast City Titans Tower, Murdoc is in the training room, letting off steam and trying to distract himself from going to the Sahara by lifting weights. But every once in a while, a flash of that stone structure and its symbols appear in Murdoc's mind. Murdoc turns into a gorilla and throws the dumbbells against the wall.
Murdoc:
Leave me alone!
After that, he moves onto the training dummy. In his mind, Murdoc sees Klarion in place of the dummy.
Murdoc:
You!
In that moment, he takes the dummy's head clean-off.
Murdoc:
That's for making me believe you could help me.
Impulse:
You're still on edge, I see.
Murdoc:
I need a drink.
He leaves for the kitchen. Jaden was in the kitchen, eating a pop tart. Jaden decides to add flavour to the pop tart by putting a small piece of butter on it, which Murdoc sees as he walks into the kitchen.
Murdoc:
You're putting butter on a pop tart?
Jaden:
Yeah. It's so freaking good.
Murdoc:
(Somewhat grossed out) Yeah, I'll take your word for it.
Jaden:
Anyway, how are you feeling?
Murdoc:
I'm trying to forget about that stone structure I saw in my vision, but I can't stop thinking about it.
He takes a bottle of water out of the fridge and begins drinking.
Jaden:
If it bothers you that much, you should ask M'gann to erase it from your memory.
Murdoc:
I'm seriously considering telling my mom about what I saw. Maybe she can tell Constantine or the Justice League about it and they can look into it.
Jaden:
They're already looking into it, so there's no point. All you need to do is stay put.
Murdoc:
You want M'gann to come here?
Jaden:
You should call her.
Murdoc:
Sorry, I don't trust her to probe into my mind. There's stuff in there that no-one should know about.
Jaden:
She's still your aunt.
Murdoc:
I know, but there are certain things in my mind I don't want her to know.
Jaden:
Fine but stop taking your anger out on the training equipment.
Murdoc:
That was just a reflex.
Jaden:
(Finishes his pop tart) I know what'll take your mind off of things. 1 v 1 in Tekken?
Murdoc:
You're on!
They head to the sofa and Jaden turns on the Gamestation.
Jaden:
I'll choose Jack 7.
Murdoc:
That big oaf? Is it because you have robot armour?
Jaden:
Just laugh. But I got the best score with him.
Murdoc:
Fine, I'll go with Hwoarang.
Tunisia, the Sahara Desert; the same time. Raven, John Constantine, Zatanna, Etrigan, Changeling, Starfire, Nightwing, Cyborg, Shazam and Black Canary were searching the area for the stone structure. Changeling turns himself into a camel to adapt to the current landscape.
Raven:
These are the exact coordinates.
Shazam:
So where's this stone structure anyway? I think your son has finally lost it.
Etrigan:
Murdoc sets one of our most dangerous foes loose and yet this is what convinces you that he's finally lost it.
Nightwing:
Guys, don't be insensitive.
Changeling:
That's right. You know what camels are famous for, right?
Shazam:
Other than having a massive hump, what?
Changeling, while still in his camel form, spits in Shazam's face.
Starfire:
I did not understand the joke.
Cyborg:
It's the same kind as when he threw the oil balloon in your face.
Starfire:
Okay, he is still a Klorbag.
Changeling:
You have no sense of humour.
Raven has her eyes closed, paying her husband and friends' little discussion no mind.
Raven:
It's directly beneath us.
John Constantine:
Well, I don't really feel like digging. So what are we going to do to get this thing out from the ground.
Raven:
We're not getting it out of the ground; we're keeping it buried. If these supposed markings on the stone structure are what I think they are, we need to keep it down there at all costs.
Shazam:
Then why are we even here?
Raven:
My brothers are probably going to come looking for it, and when they show up, we'll be here waiting for them.
Shazam:
Are you suggesting we make a home here?
John Constantine:
No, what she's suggesting is we hold up here until her brothers show up.
Shazam:
Stay here...in the Sahara Desert...where it's flat and immense and the heat is intense!
Zatanna:
It's barbaric, but hey, it's a job.
Shazam:
Why did I even sign up?
Starfire:
Settle down, everyone. We probably won't be here for very long.
Raven:
And if anybody needs relief, I can open a portal back to the Watchtower and someone else can take your place.
Shazam:
Any of my siblings.
Nightwing:
Anything to get out of work, huh, Billy?
Shazam:
Anything to get out of the heat.
Before Shazam could go anywhere, dark clouds begin to form over the sky.
Shazam:
Thank goodness, it's cooled down a little bit.
Cyborg:
Still, I don't like the look of these clouds. Something nasty is about to happen.
Raven:
It's them.
Shazam:
As long as these clouds stay up to cool this place off, I'm ready to fight!
Everyone's breath becomes visible.
John Constantine:
(Shivers) Should've packed my heavy duty jumper.
Raven:
They're here.
From the clouds, a large tornado comes and touches down on the sandy landscape. The heroes shield their eyes from the winds, but when the tornado disappears Wrath, Lust, Envy, Klarion, and Teekl are standing before them.
Zatanna:
Klarion! The Tower of Fate has become as secure as Arkham!
Changeling:
(Laughs) Good one!
Wrath:
Like we told Klarion when we freed him. That cell in the Tower of Fate may negate his magic, but it doesn't negate ours.
Lust:
You really should learn to 'Everything Proof' your cells, babe.
Zatanna's face turns red and she becomes furious.
Black Canary:
There's ten of us and four of them. How are splitting this up?
Nightwing:
Rae and I will take Klarion.
Shazam:
Then that leaves us with the bastard brothers!
Changeling:
Let me change into something a bit more comfortable.
Changeling goes from his camel form to that of a tyrannosaurus rex.
Nightwing:
Go!
The heroes charge, but Klarion uses his magic to trap them in a sandstorm.
Starfire:
I can't see anything!
Zatanna:
Raelc eht mrots!
The sandstorm disappears...but so did Klarion, Teekl, and the sons of Trigon.
Nightwing:
Keep your guard up, everyone!
Zatanna:
Laever ruo seimene.
Despite uttering her spell, Zatanna can't find the villains anywhere.
Etrigan:
Damn it, they must have set up a counter spell to avoid detection.
Suddenly, Black Canary is sent flying into a sand dune.
Starfire:
Your brothers are nothing but cowards, Raven!
Nightwing closes his eyes and listens. Suddenly, he hears footsteps in the sand coming towards him at a rapid pace. He turns and strikes with his eskrima sticks. He ends up striking Klarion, and by striking him, Envy, Wrath, and Lust end up reveal themselves as well.
Nightwing:
Gotcha. Thank you, true master.
Changeling:
I told you I should have come with you. I would have become a ninja who could spot anyone.
John Constantine:
(Takes out a bottle of holy water) Quick, before they try anything else, attack!
They move quickly, but the three sons and Klarion escape.
Black Canary:
Argh, where did they go this time?
Cyborg:
A better question would be why do they want this stone structure that's buried in the sand so badly?
Envy:
Isn't it obvious, tin man? This structure is instrumental in the resurrection of our beloved father.
John Constantine:
There is nothing 'beloved' about a monster as vicious as Trigon!
Raven:
Enlighten us, brothers! Why do you need this to resurrect our father?
Envy:
Why should we tell you when you won't be around to see it?
Suddenly, ten tentacles made out of sand rise up and surround our heroes. They're about to slam down and squash them all when Zatanna gets in the way.
Zatanna:
Dleihs!
Zatanna protects herself and her allies in a shield that destroys the sand tentacles on contact. When the sand clears, the three demons and Klarion have vacated the area.
Zatanna:
I don't sense their presence anymore.
Changeling:
(Turns back into human) Aw, yeah! We scared 'em off!
Raven:
Don't get cocky; they'll be back.
In Jump City, Psycho-Pirate had let Kacey go on a sadness-induced rampage. She attacks a happy couple by destroying their ice-cream sundae.
Kacey:
(Bitterly) Get a room, lovebirds!
Man:
Bitch!
Psycho-Pirate:
Is that anyway to talk to my client?
Woman:
You should keep that psycho on a leash!
Psycho-Pirate:
Not a bad idea. But if you'll excuse me, my client and I have places to go and moods to dampen.
Psycho-Pirate and Kacey make their way to the Jump City National Bank.
Psycho-Pirate:
I would very much like to move my practice out of that awful neighbourhood. But with the lack of good clients money is hard to come by. Kacey, be a lamb and get me some proper funding. And remember, this is something Murdoc would hate!
Kacey:
Then I'll rob this place blind to spite him!
Kacey swiftly runs into the bank and from inside we hear people clamouring and Kacey throwing her bad luck energy blasts. Before the security guards could stun her, she had already stunned them and emptied the vault. She returns to Psycho-Pirate with bags full of money.
Psycho-Pirate:
I say, you work fast. (Chuckles wickedly) Then again, you're not the spawn of The Flash for nothing.
Kacey:
Don't talk to me about him! He didn't even support me!
They vanish. A moment later, the Jump City Titans arrive.
Robin:
Crap; we're too late.
Nightstar:
So now he's making her a criminal.
Damon:
She's following in her mother's footsteps.
Crush:
Jinx was a criminal?
Emerald Witch:
Yeah before Flash convinced her to have a change of heart.
Nightstar:
Alright; damage control. Make sure nobody is seriously injured and start talking to witnesses.
Emerald Witch begins walking around the bank, healing the civilians' minor injuries.
Emerald Witch:
So a girl with pink hair did this?
Civilian:
Yes. And I looked outside for a brief moment and I saw a strange man clad in red wearing a gold mask.
Emerald Witch:
Damn it, it was them. Sir, I'm so sorry this happened, but don't worry we're going to fix this.
Civilian:
Does this girl happen to be familiar to you?
Emerald Witch:
She's our friend, and she's going through a difficult breakup right now.
Civilian:
This is one hell of a way to work out your problems, I'll tell you what.
Emerald Witch:
Like I said, we're going to fix this, starting with finding the man responsible and saving our friend! And you will get your money back.
Civilian:
Thank you.
In the security room, Nightstar and Robin were checking the cameras.
Nightstar:
They teleported. I hate it when bad guys can teleport.
Robin:
When we get him, we're gonna have to rip that mask off. It's probably the source of his power.
Nightstar:
Question is, where'd they go? And what would we tell her parents?
Robin:
The truth is, she was manipulated by a new supervillain. I think we're finally going to add him to the list.
Nightstar:
Yeah, I'll call Flash.
Robin:
He's gonna believe she found out about his wife's past; Aunt Raven never spoke about her brothers until now. Just saying, our parents tend to keep a lot of stuff under wraps.
Nightstar:
Dad's past in the circus, Mom's past as a Gordanian slave, Uncle Garfield's past living on a Wildebeest reserve in Africa, Uncle Vic's past as a college quarterback; everyone has one.
Robin:
Regardless, once we're done here, we should notify Wally and Jinx and let them know about Kacey.
Nightstar:
I know. I told you I was going to call her dad.
In Coast City, Olivia was trying on the outfits she bought to Martin Jr.
Olivia:
What do you think of these ski pants, babe? Do they make my butt look big or not big enough?
Martin Jr:
(Absolutely in love) You look absolutely perfect.
Olivia then puts on the woollen parka.
Olivia:
And this?
Martin Jr:
I'll say it until I'm blue in the face, Liv. You look beautiful no matter what you wear.
Olivia:
Oh, 'Liv', I like that.
Martin Jr:
You can call me 'Marty' if you want.
Olivia:
(Cutely) Okay, Marty.
Olivia and Martin Jr. are about to kiss when Jaden walks in.
Jaden:
Ugh, how many times do I have to tell you. If you two are going to get all lovey-dovey, please put a sock on the door.
Martin Jr:
It's just a fashion show; nothing more.
Jaden:
(Not buying it) Riiiight...
Martin Jr:
Has Murdoc gotten his mind off of that stone thing in the desert yet?
Jaden:
I think so; he bested me at Tekken, and no-one has beaten me at Tekken.
Olivia:
So at least that's one problem solved.
Martin Jr:
With most of us coupling up, haven't you thought of doing that Jaden? Meeting that special someone?
Jaden:
(Begins to think about Ashlyn) I think I already have...but she's kind of a long distance girl, you know?
Olivia:
(Not convinced) Let me guess, she lives in Canada but we can't meet her because she's a supermodel with an overly busy schedule.
Jaden:
Uh, yeah.
Martin Jr:
(Still not convinced) Or, knowing you, she's an AI.
Jaden:
(Quietly) Damn he's good. (Out loud) Yes, she's AI.
Martin Jr:
Knew it! Pay up, babe!
Olivia:
Aw man! (Hands Martin Jr $20)
Jaden:
You guys actually bet on whether or not I'm in love with AI?!
Olivia:
You're a technology wizz, so yeah.
Martin Jr:
So, how did it happen? Did you build her or what?
Jaden:
Actually, she's a character from that new game 'Outer Reaches 3'.
Martin Jr:
You met her when you got sucked into the game? I didn't think you 'literally' got sucked in.
Jaden:
Yeah it was weird, but I wouldn't change a thing about that day. My dad said he'd try and figure out a way to make her real so we can hangout in the real world.
Martin Jr:
You should be with someone real, just like all of us. There's always someone out there.
Jaden:
But who?
Olivia:
Doesn't Uncle Jaime have a daughter who's into tech stuff like you?
Jaden:
I forgot he and Tracy have a daughter.
Martin Jr:
Well, why don't you look her up?
Jaden:
Maybe I should. Who knows, we might get a new recruit in the process.
Martin Jr:
Isn't Monkey Boy enough?
Marcus:
(From down the hall) I heard that!
Martin Jr:
Sorry!
Olivia:
I wouldn't be against having another girl here. Two's not enough.
Martin Jr:
And if she inherited her father's suit that could be helpful whenever the shit hits the fan. As long as she can think it up, that suit can make it for her, right?
Jaden:
Yup.
Martin Jr:
So kind of like me and my ring powers...but blue.
Olivia:
You think a scarab is just gonna latch itself onto her person willy-nilly?
Martin Jr:
(Shrugs his shoulders) It might. You never know.
Jaden:
So, where can I find her?
Olivia:
She's mostly volunteering at the soup kitchen.
Jaden:
Thanks. I'll be back in a jiffy. (Leaves)
Olivia:
Now then, Marty, where were we? Oh, right!
Olivia goes over to the door and locks it before rejoining Martin Jr. on the couch so they could smooch each other up.
In Jump City, Psycho-Pirate and Kacey had returned to his office. They both had bagfuls of money and jewellery on hand. Psycho-Pirate begins pouring the money and jewellery onto the floor before rolling on it.
Psycho-Pirate:
Kacey, you might just be my favourite client!
Kacey smiles.
Psycho-Pirate:
See how beneficial your heartbreak can be?
Kacey:
To you or to me?
Psycho-Pirate:
To both of us! I get to keep my business going and of course you get to go home with some of these riches yourself.
Kacey:
It's a very generous offer Dr. Hayden, but I don't need this money. What I really need is to get back at Murdoc!
Dr Hayden:
I think you're ready to let him feel your pain.
Kacey:
But, he's part-demon.
Psycho-Pirate:
You know him all too well. You can you that to your advantage.
Kacey:
I know how to disable the security system. Coast City Titans Tower, here we come!
At the Coast City Titans Tower, Murdoc was listening to music in his private room while Helena was in another room with Marcus, studying. Martin Jr and Olivia come out of Olivia's room, their hair and clothing dishevelled as Martin Jr's face is covered in kissing marks.
Martin Jr:
(Panting) Man...I can't wait for the next...fashion show.
Olivia:
(Panting) I need...some water.
As they head to the kitchen, they see Kacey.
Martin Jr:
Kacey, what the...
Kacey snaps her fingers, sending pink sparks throwing the power ring out of whack.
Olivia:
I guess you're the psycho pirate. You're not welcome here!
She uses her sonic scream. Kacey shuts her up.
Psycho-Pirate:
That's no way to treat a psychologist.
Martin Jr tries to use his ring but it glitches.
Martin Jr:
Not fair, Kacey.
Kacey:
I didn't come to see you. It's time I finished Murdoc once and for all.
She runs off to his room.
Murdoc:
Kacey, what are you doing here?
Kacey:
I'm going to end our relationship permanently!
Murdoc:
Are you mad?
Kacey:
Yeah, mad in love!
Murdoc:
Being madly in love doesn't involve ending a relationship permanently. (He notices her eyes) Are you... alright?
Kacey:
I'm about to be.
She fires a hex blast at Murdoc. Murdoc blocks it with his guitar, destroying it on impact.
Kacey:
The next one won't miss!
Murdoc:
Kacey, what is your deal?!
Psycho-Pirate:
(Enters the room) The deal is that she's been rolling with a new crowd since you broke her heart, Murdoc!
Murdoc:
Who the hell are you?!
Psycho-Pirate:
I'm Psycho-Pirate, and make any comments about me looking like a clown and you die right now!
Murdoc:
It's hard not to; you look like you just came from the circus.
Psycho-Pirate:
(Groans) Whatever! Murdoc, you broke Kacey's heart, and now it's time for you to pay the piper!
Murdoc raises his hands.
Kacey:
You heartless bastard! You broke my heart just so you could write a song!
Murdoc:
Kacey, I swear that's not why I broke up with you! Who do you think I am, Taylor Swift?
Kacey:
Yes!
Murdoc:
Kacey, why can't you see that I only did what I did to protect you?!
Kacey:
Enough of your lies!
Murdoc:
(To Psycho-Pirate) You're the one manipulating her!
He breaks his mask with a spell.
Murdoc:
That should do it.
Psycho-Pirate:
No! My power!
Kacey:
(Coming to her senses as his control over her wanes) What happened?
Murdoc:
That guy manipulated you to try to kill me.
Kacey looks at Psycho-Pirate with pink eyes.
Kacey:
Really? Before, I was the one running away from you but now, I advise you to run, and fast!
Psycho-Pirate just stutters nervously before Kacey uppercuts him, knocking him unconscious.
Kacey:
Too slow, ass wipe!
Martin Jr, Olivia, Bart, Marcus and Helena appear.
Martin Jr:
Not so tough without your mask now, huh?
Olivia moves past Psycho-Pirate towards Kacey. Kacey snaps her fingers, giving her back her voice.
Kacey:
Sorry.
Olivia:
That other psycho owes me an apology! I hate being speechless!
Martin Jr:
Can you do something about my ring too?
Kacey snaps her fingers, fixing his ring.
Kacey:
If I really was a supervillain, you guys would be in trouble.
Olivia:
I notified the girls. They should be here any moment.
Bart:
Congratulations, doc, looks like your practice is getting transferred to Belle Reve.
A green portal appears and Nightstar, Robin, Damon, Crush and Emerald Witch come out.
Robin:
(Lifting up Psycho-Pirate) Alright, where's the money?!
He doesn't respond.
Kacey:
Yeah, I got him good with an uppercut. I don't think he's going to talk even if he wanted to. But all of the money we stole is back at his office.
Emerald Witch:
Let's go.
Jump City, later. At Dr Hayden's office, Kacey, Nightstar and Emerald Witch were gathering up the money she unwillingly stole.
Kacey:
Hey, uh, thanks for helping me out you guys. I'm sorry for all of this.
Nightstar:
It's not your fault, Kacey.
Kacey:
I know but, I feel guilty. I'm just glad Psycho-Pirate is behind bars so he can't take advantage of others' emotions like he did to me. If I wasn't manipulated, one would assume I was like mom before she met dad.
Emerald Witch:
Damon made the same point but the difference was that she didn't have any friends to get her out of it in the first place. You, however, have a group of friends who'll stand by you no matter what. We'll help you through whatever tough time you're facing, including this one. And that's a promise.
Kacey:
(Pulls Nightstar and Emerald Witch into a hug) Thank you.
In Coast City, Jaden arrives at the soup kitchen. He sees a girl around his age (brown hair, tan skin) labelling soup into a man's bowl.
Jaden:
(Walks up to her as the man walks away) Uh, excuse me. The girl looks up at him.
Girl:
Yes? Did you want to help? (The girl recognizes him) Hey, you're Cyborg's son!
Jaden:
Yeah, the name's Jaden. Jaden Stone.
Girl:
I'm Camilla; Camilla Reyes.
Jaden:
Nice to meet you and yes, I would like to help.
Camilla:
(Smiles) Apron's are in the back.
Jaden:
Thanks. And, maybe afterwards, if you're not busy, we can hang out at the Arcade?
Camilla:
Sure.
Jaden smiles and heads into the back room; he 'Super Marios' the air before finding an apron and putting it on.
The Watchtower; meanwhile. The JL members that went to the Sahara were engaged in a team meeting.
Raven:
I don't know what my brothers and Klarion want with that stone structure under the sand or what purpose it serves.
John Constantine:
Regardless, if they're after it then we need to be on high alert.
Nightwing:
We'll take shifts.
Zatanna:
That's just what I was thinking, Dick. If that area is under surveillance 24/7, then it'll only make things harder for them.
Shazam:
And we'll see them coming too.
Raven:
Don't get too cocky, Billy. My brothers and Klarion are known tricksters. They're probably coming up with a plan as we speak.
Cyborg:
I set up motion sensors around the area before we left.
Nightwing:
Smart thinking, but it wouldn't surprise me if they found some sort of magical work around to avoid the sensors.
Raven:
They won't rest until Trigon is resurrected. Take nothing for granted.
Shazam:
Aren't there more members of the Justice League Dark that we can turn to for help?
John Constantine:
Swamp Thing's not a fan of the desert.
Etrigan:
John, Zatanna, Doctor Fate and I are all you're going to get from us unfortunately.
Raven:
You're more than enough.
John Constantine:
Who's taking the first watch?
Shazam shuffles uneasily in his seat.
John Constantine:
(Pointing) You just volunteered.
Shazam:
Okay, I'll go with Mary.
Mary Shazam appears out of nowhere.
Mary Shazam:
You called?
Shazam:
Yeah, we have a mission. Keep the world from ending.
Mary Shazam:
Yeah, as usual. Where are we going?
Shazam:
(in a dreaded tone) The Sahara Desert.
Mary Shazam:
Near an oasis?
Shazam:
Far from one.
Mary Shazam:
I'll get some bottles of water.
She heads to the kitchen; she returns a few seconds later with six bottles of water.
Shazam:
We're going to be needing more than that.
Mary Shazam:
At least it's a start.
Shazam:
Bye everyone
They vanish.
John Constantine:
I'll set up a schedule.
Zatanna:
In the meantime I'm going to go find Doctor Fate to see if there's something he can do on his end of things. He backed out of helping before; maybe he's changed his tune.
Changeling:
He'd better. We're reaching the end of our rope here.
She gets up and leaves.
Zatanna:
Tropelet em ot eht Rewot fo Etaf.
Nightwing:
(Stands up) If we're done, I need to get back to work.
John Constantine:
Okay, you'll be in a duet with Zatanna
Nightwing:
What?
John Constantine:
It's important that a magical member be present.
Nightwing:
But she's my ex. I'm not sure Kory will accept that.
Starfire:
I do not mind.
Nightwing:
Really?
Starfire:
It takes a lot to make me jealous.
John Constantine:
And Starfire will team up with Etrigan.
Etrigan:
The girl with the fiery hair will be a good teammate, that's fair.
Raven:
Every other member should know.
John Constantine:
Agreed. Meeting adjourned.
Nightwing:
If everyone agrees.
He takes the Zeta Tube.
Starfire:
I would be happy to collaborate with you, Etrigan.
Changeling:
I guess I'm pairing up with my wife?
Raven:
Were you hoping for another choice?
Changeling:
No.
John Constantine:
Then be happy. You're together.
Central City, West Residence; Meanwhile. Mar'i had told Wally and Jinx what Kacey went through that day, and Jinx wasn't taking the news well.
Jinx:
How dare he turn my daughter into a criminal? I should go kill him!
She rolls her arms up but Wally holds her back.
Wally:
Calm down, honey. He's behind bars and Kacey's been exonerated. Everything's fine.
Jinx:
(Calms down) You're right but if he does it again, I'm gonna...
Wally:
They can handle this on their own. They're not kids anymore.
Jinx:
I know. It scares me how fast Kacey has grown.
Wally:
She's a speedster. It makes sense that she'd go fast.
Jinx:
That was a terrible joke, Wally.
Wally:
Sorry.
In Kacey's room, she had headphones on, and was listening to some 'Devil's Advocates' songs.
Kacey:
I miss you.
She closes her eyes and goes to sleep.
End of 'Heartbreak'
Cast
Kari Wahlgren: Nightstar/Mar'i Grayson
Stuart Allan: Robin/Damian Wayne
Alyson Stoner: Helena Wayne
Ashley Eckstein: Emerald Witch/Paine Logan
Jesse McCartney: Murdoc Logan
Karen Fukuhara: Lian Harper
Jessie Flower: Kacey West
Zeno Robinson: Jaden Stone
Meagan Smith: Olivia Queen
Jason Marsden: Impulse/Bart Allen
James Arnold Taylor: Damon Jones
Seth Green: Martin Jordan Jr
Janet Varney: Crush
Steven Yuen: Marcus Shugel-Shen
Greg Cipes: Changeling/Garfield Logan, Lust
Scott Menville: Nightwing/Dick Grayson, Envy
Khary Payton: Cyborg/Victor Stone
Tara Strong: Raven/Rachel Logan
Hynden Walch: Starfire/Kory Grayson
Jason Spisak: Wally West
Lauren Tom: Jinx/Jenny West
Jennifer Hale: Zatanna, Mary Shazam
Morena Baccarin: Black Canary/Dinah Queen
Jerry O Connell: Shazam/Billy Batson
David Tennant: John Constantine
Billy Zane: Etrigan
Armin Shimerman: Psycho-Pirate/Roger Hayden
Thom Adcox: Klarion
Kevin Michael Richardson: Wrath
Kathreen Khavari: Camilla Reyes
Wendie Malick: Receptionist