Be-Knighted

Episode 67 of Nightwing & Batgirl.
== Plot ==
At Castle Markov, in Markovia, all the townsfolk gathered outside the castle. It was because King Gregor Markov's announcement was highly anticipated. In a few days, his reign will be celebrated for it has already been five years since he has been a king. He invited all the people of Markovia for a royal banquet at his castle, in three days. Sir Justin the "Shining Knight" and and his horse, Winged Victory, was assigned to keep watch of the people outside the castle. Later, as he was strolling within the woods, he saw some suspicious people. He overheard what they were saying. It was Count Vertigo, Tala, Constantine Drakon, Merlyn, and White Knight. They plan to launch a coup to seize Markovia and take over the throne. Later, Constantine Drakon noticed Shining Knight spying on them. He threw a dagger towards him but he was quick to evade it. 
"Someone's spying on us.", Drakon told the others. 
"As I thought! You are not just a normal group of townsfolk. Thou art villains, who ought to wreak havoc in this kingdom.", Justin said, as he showed up to them. 
"I guess there's no use hiding anymore.", Merlyn said. 
"As far as we're concerned, this is none of your business, Shining Knight.", Count Vertigo told him. 
"We'd appreciate it if you could keep your mouth shut.", Tala told him as well. 
"Not a chance.", Shining Knight replied. 
"I see, you'd like to take things the hard way.", Constantine Drakon replied. 
"Have at thee!", Sir Justin said, as he drew his sword. 
Now, Sir Justin and Winged Victory battled the villains. Later, with the help of his winged horse, he was able to take down Merlyn and Constantine Drakon. However, he and his horse was later struck down by Tala's Magic and Vertigo's powers. When he was down, Merlyn shot an arrow which released a net which pinned him to the ground. He was struck unconscious. 
"Soon, this kingdom shall be ours, and no one will be able to stand in our way!", Count Vertigo said. 
"Indeed.", Tala agreed, as she teleports her allies away, to their fortress. 
In a fortress, Count Vertigo, Constantine Drakon, Merlyn, and White Knight were seen plotting their attack on Markovia. 
"We should've just finished the Shining Knight on the spot.", Tala said. 
"Yes, we could have. But that would've been unnecessary", Merlyn replied. 
"But while he's out there, he might enlist the aid of other heroes to stop our plan.", Tala told them, worried. 
"Regardless, King Markov and his knights wouldn't be much of a threat against us.", Count Vertigo responded. 
"I agree.", said Constantine Drakon. 
"We shall wait for him to finish his speech.", Vertigo told his allies, "Then that's the time we will strike." 
Later, Shining Knight wakes up, still pinned on the ground. He slashed the nets which pin him and got up. Now, he called Nightwing and Batgirl using his communicator and told them the villains' plan. 
"Nightwing, Batgirl, I ask for thy assistance.", Sir Justin told them. 
"For what, Shining Knight?", Nightwing asked. 
"In a few days, a group of villains led by Count Vertigo shalt put Markovia under siege and take the throne.", Justin answered. 
"What do you mean? They'll attack them?", Batgirl asked. 
"Yes, they shall. I tried to tackle them head on but I was outnumbered.", Justin explained. 
"No way!", Nightwing exclaimed. 
"We shalt stop them before they cause a catastrophe at King Gregor's feast.", Sir Justin told them. 
"You're right.", Nightwing agreed. 
"We got it. We'll be coming right away.", Batgirl added. 
Nightwing and Batgirl agreed to help them and they sprung to action immediately. They got to Markovia. 
They stayed on the old Castle Markov. There, Sir Justin is in command of the knights of Markovia. He told King Gregor Markov about the familiar enemy who is out to attack them and take the throne, and eventually, control over Belgium(Markovia occupies a large part of Belgium). He told them to ready their weapons in preparation for the return of a familiar foe. All the knights agreed so, and made the necessary preparations. 
"Aside from this, I think we might also have to enlist the aid of an old ally.", King Markov told Nightwing, Batgirl, and Shining Knight. 
"Who is it?", Nightwing asked. 
"My brother, Brion Markov.", King Gregor answered. 
"Right away. We shall convince him to join us on guard on the day of your royal ceremony.", Batgirl replied. 
"Thank you. Your efforts are very much appreciated.", King Gregor told them. 
Nightwing and Batgirl nodded and now they went to their R-Ship and flew to Monaco, where the Outsiders, Geo-Force/Brion Markov's superhero team was located. They took a few hours to get there. 
"Looks like someone paid a visit.", Black Lightning said, as he and his team looked at the monitor of the security cameras placed outside their headquarters. 
"It's Nightwing and Batgirl.", Metamorpho said. 
"Whatever brought them here.", Geo-Force said. 
Black Lightning now opened the headquarters' gates for them. They gave the two heroes a warm welcome. 
"Greetings, Nightwing and Batgirl. Would you like some tea?", Halo asked them. 
"Oh, it's fine.", Nightwing replied. 
"Have a seat.", Katana told the two. 
Nightwing and Batgirl then took a seat at the Outsiders' table. 
"Nightwing, Batgirl. What brings the two of you here?", Black Lightning asked. 
"Just paying a visit. And...", Nightwing said. 
"And?", Halo asked, as she gave Nightwing and Batgirl a cup of tea. 
"Thank you.", Batgirl said. 
"We have something urgent to tell. And we need you, Brion, to hear us out.", Nightwing continued, as he took a sip of tea. 
"What is it about?", Geo-Force asked. 
"Your brother, Gregor Markov. He needs you right now.", Nightwing now said. 
"Need me? For what? To rub into my face all his riches and his glorious reign over Markovia?", Geo-Force replied. 
"No. It's not that. Please hear us out first.", Batgirl asked Geo-Force. 
"Listen to them first.", Black Lightning told him as well. 
"Sir Justin, Markovia's strongest knight, just encountered a band of villains led by Count Vertigo. They beat him up. They must be up to no good. And the worst scenario is, they might be after the throne! Take it by force! And seize Markovia!", Nightwing explained. 
"I don't see why he needs me. He seems to be perfectly fine on his own.", Brion replied. 
"But Brion, no matter what occurred in the past between the two of you, you're still brothers. You should be there for each other.", Halo told him. 
Brion laughed. "Has he ever been there for me? Where were he when I was forcefully banished out of Markovia? We haven't had a single conversation ever since." 
"While I'm out here with you, saving the world, he was in there, enjoying his wealth and his reign.", he continued. 
"You think you're the only one working his butt off? He's ruling an entire country, and it is no small feat.", Batgirl told him. 
"Oh. So just because of one conflict you which doesn't even have anything to do with me, you could expect us to leave the past behind and work together?", 
"This doesn't have to have anything to do with you. An entire country is in danger. If you can't do it for your brother, do it for the people.", Batgirl asked of him. 
"I appreciate your sentiments, but knowing my brother, he should be able to hold it off on his own. He's not someone who would give up his place as a monarch too easily.", Brion he responded. "Besides, the Outsiders got some responsibilities as well. Simon Stagg is once again on the loose. He's began with his illegal operations once again." 
"He's right.", Katana agreed. 
Nightwing and Batgirl were surprised she agreed. 
"But if we have spare time, we'll make sure Brion gets there at Markovia.", Katana said. 
"End of conversation. We have nothing to talk about anymore. Thank you for coming.", Brion told the two. 
Nightwing's eyes widened. 
"Fine. You're welcome.", Batgirl replied. 
"Wait.", Nightwing said. 
"Brion's right. We got nothing left to talk about.", Batgirl told him. 
"I see.", Nightwing said. 
Now, Nightwing and Batgirl left the Outsiders Headquarters. 
"That was very rude of you, Brion.", Halo told him. 
"You don't understand what I feel. None of you does!", Brion exclaimed. "It's hard for me to decide. This is something personal." 
"It wouldn't be so hard if you just know how to let go of the past.", Black Lightning told him. 
"Easy for you to say!", Brion said, loudly. "All of you were there when it happened, right? How my brother banished me from the kingdom. He declared me as a danger to the kingdom just because of my powers, effectively making me an Outsider, just like the rest of you. He didn't consider my feelings back then, and I doubt he will now. He hasn't even talked to me for five years since he became king. He thinks he could just show up out of nowhere and ask for my help like nothing ever happened between us?", he said, as he let out a deep sigh. 
"You know what you need? A break.", Halo told him. 
"Yeah. All you need is time to think it through.", Metamorpho agreed. 
"We'll give you some time.", Katana added. 
"Thanks. I needed that. But before I think about it, we have to deal with Simon Stagg first.", Brion said. 
"You are right.", Black Lightning said. 
Meanwhile, Nightwing and Batgirl were at the R-Ship, heading back to their headquarters. 
"I can't believe convincing him is harder than I thought.", Nightwing said. 
"We did what we can. If we go beyond it, it would be forcing him already.", Batgirl replied. 
"I guess you're right.", Nightwing agreed. 
Later, King Gregor sent a call to them. Nightwing answered it. 
"So, how did it go? Were you able to convince my brother?", Gregor asked. 
"We tried our hardest, but he just can't seem to wrap around the idea of helping you after everything that happened between you in the past.", Batgirl answered. 
"Yeah. I figured it won't be that easy to come to his help. I regret my decision. I thought for the best for my kingdom, but I forgot to think about his feelings.", Gregor responded. 
"I guess we'll have to deal with the coup on our own.", Nightwing said. 
"I'm afraid we'll have to.", Gregor replied. "I guess we'll just see you in two days." 
"Yeah.", Nightwing replied. 
The call between them ended. 
After a couple of days, the celebration of King Gregor's monarchy now started. Nightwing and Batgirl also came on time. The people of Markovia gathered around Castle Markov. 
"To all the people of Markovia, it is with great pleasure for me to hold the celebration of Markovia's monarchy under I, King Gregor Markov. Since the day I became king, I've always faced challenges, and had to make hard decisions everyday. I also doubted myself in my ability to rule a nation. Yet after five years, here we are. Gathered here in my castle. Our nation just continued to progress. It just kept moving forward. All thanks to my advisers, loyal followers, my steadfast Royal Guards, and most of all, the people of Markovia, for cooperating with the monarchy every step of the way. And so, I held this feast in celebration of my reign as king, and as thanksgiving for everyone's undying loyalty to thy king, Gregor Markov.", Gregor's speech went. 
Nightwing and Batgirl led the applause for King Gregor, and everyone followed and applauded the king's speech. 
"As I end this ceremony, I would like to announce everyone to temporarily leave the castle, for an expected coup has arrived.", Gregor announced. 
The crowd panicked. 
"Everyone, don't panic. We'll get you all to safety.", Nightwing and Batgirl told the crowd. 
Now, Sir Justin, Nightwing, Batgirl, and the Royal Guard led all the people to safety. 
Later, the expected enemies have arrived. Tala, Merlyn, White Knight, Constantine Drakon, and Count Vertigo, along with their army came to the country of Markovia. They were surprised to see Shining Knight, Nightwing, and Batgirl along with the royal army. 
"I knew it. They'd come prepared.", Tala said. 
"That's the least of our worries. We're prepared as well.", Vertigo just told her confidently. 
"I guess it's time I talk to my brother myself.", Gregor said. "Justin, please hold them off. I need you to buy me some time to talk to Brion." 
"We'll do.", Shining Knight replied. 
Meanwhile, the Outsiders are out in Monaco, to thwart Simon Stagg's operations. They reached his location, which is a warehouse where an illegal dealing of mutagen drug is taking place. Geo-Force was surprised to hear his communicator ring. It was his brother, Gregor. 
"No way!", Geo-Force said. 
Later, Stagg and his men, along with his client, heard the beeping sound. The Outsiders' cover was blown. They were seen by Stagg from the warehouse's second floor. 
"Damn it! Our cover's blown.", Katana said. 
"Who is it?", Halo asked. 
"It's my brother.", Geo-Force said. 
"We see. Now go and talk to him. Leave Stagg and his men to us.", Metamorpho said. 
"Thank you.", Geo-Force replied, as he ran away from the warehouse, and flew away using a rock as his hoverboard. 
"It's over for you, Stagg. You're busted.", Metamorpho said. 
"So, one of them chickened out, huh. Makes our job easier, I guess.", Stagg replied. 
"You seem to underestimate us.", Black Lightning said. 
Stagg told his men to take the mutagen. They did so and they transformed into metahumans. 
"Now, they're beyond saving. I could now proceed to slash their throats without remorse.", Katana said, as she went at the metahumans. 
Now, the Outsiders proceeded to battle Simon Stagg and his men. 
"Brother.", Brion uttered. 
"It's been a long time since we last talked.", Gregor said. "We got off on the wrong foot. But I want you to know, I never meant to cut you off." 
"I understand. You only want what's best for your kingdom.", Brion replied. 
"But I forgot about my family. I forgot about you, my brother. I put the kingdom and myself first.", Gregor said. 
"I really do understand that your kingdom is your priority. That's why I'm here. To help you. And to save the kingdom.", Brion said. 
"I'm deeply sorry for everything. For banishing you from the kingdom. You are welcome here once again.", Gregor told him. 
"Everything in the past has been forgiven. From now on, let's forget about it. The safety of the kingdom comes first", Brion replied. 
"Indeed.", Gregor agreed. 
Meanwhile, the battle at Markovia began. Shining Knight's army was able to get the upper hand on the opposing army. The villains were shocked. Now, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Shining Knight and Winged Victory battled the villains. Later, Tala was able knock the three of them down. Shining Knight told his knights to stop the villains from entering the castle, but Tala struck down the ones who tried to stop them, with magic. They got to the main hall of Castle Markov. There, they now faced King Gregor. 
"Now, surrender the throne to us. If you want to live longer.", Merlyn threatened the King. 
"Thee shall not surrender the throne until thy last breath.", King Gregor answered.
"So, a battle to the death, is what you seek?", Tala responded. "Then, it is what we shall give." 
Nightwing and Batgirl later came to the castle's hall, swinging using their Batropes, and Batgirl kicked Tala from behind, knocking her down. Shining Knight and Winged Victory followed, slashing his sword at the villains. He was able to wound Merlyn, White Knight, and Constantine Drakon. However, Count Vertigo knocked him down using his powers. Now, King Gregor picked up his sword and joined the battle. 
"Now, we just need to buy some time until Brion comes to help us.", Gregor told Sir Justin, Nightwing, and Batgirl.
"We'll do.", Sir Justin replied.
"Thou convinced him? That's great news.", Batgirl said.
"I don't know who's going to come save you but I assure you it won't be enough. Your kingdom is already doomed as we speak.", White Knight told the king.
"We shall see about that.", Gregor replied, as he had a swordfight with White Knight. 
He was able to take him down. Later, Tala was able to get up and he struck down Nightwing and Batgirl with her magic. She tried striking down Shining Knight, who was able to deflect the magic with his shield. Winged Victory ran over Merlyn, Constantine Drakon, and Count Vertigo. Now, Shining Knight rode on him. Then, he and King Gregor continued to battle the villains. Shining Knight battled Merlyn and was able to slash his bow down into two. Now, Merlyn had no weapon. He challenged Shining Knight in combat, who immediately agrees, and Shining Knight was able to take him down. Nightwing, Batgirl, Shining Knight and Winged Victory now battled Constantine Drakon and Count Vertigo. However, while the two villains made them busy, Tala now hit King Gregor with her magic, and dragged him to the air, while draining his energy.
"No! My King!", Shining Knight exclaimed. He was knocked down to the ground by Count Vertigo. 
Batgirl got an idea. She had Nightwing cover her, while she swung her Batrope to get Tala, and pulled her down, which interrupted her energy drain on King Gregor. Gregor fell back on the ground. Winged Victory woke Shining Knight up, and got him on his back. Later, Shining Knight regained consciousness. Now, they battled the remaining villains. King Gregor went to battle again, this time, bringing a shield with him. Tala tried hitting him with magic blasts, but this time, he used his shield to protect himself. This time, Tala thought of another thing. She instead struck Nightwing, Batgirl, Shining Knight, and Winged Victory with her magic, and drained their energy with it. Then, she now forced King Gregor to give up the throne, if he wants his strongest knights to live. The king went down on his knees, putting his crown on the ground, and dropping his sword and shield. He felt small tremors from the ground. His brother has arrived. 
The king then bowed down and said, "Alright. If the throne is what you desire, then I'm ought to succumb to your forces", then when he put his head up, he made a crushing gesture with his right palm, and held it out, facing the villains. 
"You think your antics will save you now?", Tala said. 
Boulders started crashing down and hitting the enemy knights from behind. It hit the villains as well. 
"What's happening?", Tala asked, as she protected herself with magic dome, but the falling boulders' impact were too hard, her dome broke and she landed to the ground. "Who did that?", she asked. 
"I apologize brother. Did I kept you waiting for long?", Geo-Force asked. 
"No. You're just in time.", Gregor replied. 
Nightwing, Batgirl, and Shining Knight fell to the ground. Now, the heroes got back to battle. Meanwhile, outside the castle, the knights of Markovia are still on battle against Tala's army. The Markovian knights were soon able to take all of them down. Back inside the castle's hall, the heroes were able to take down the other knights. Geo-Force was able to take down Constantine Drakon by harnessing thermal energy from underground and shooting balls of lava at him. Now, the only ones that remain are Count Vertigo and Tala. 
"Great, another nuisance.", Count Vertigo uttered.
"You might want to take back your words.", Geo-Force said, about to attack.
However, suddenly, Vertigo used his powers of vertigo(inducing extreme dizziness) to take down Nightwing, Batgirl, and Shining Knight. But, King Gregor used his shield and hit Vertigo in the head from behind, knocking him down unconscious. When Tala was about to hit the king with her magic again, Nightwing threw a Birdarang, which strapped Tala's wrist on the ground. When Tala was about to use her magic with her other hand, Batgirl also threw a Batarang which strapped her other wrist on the ground. However, Tala broke free from the straps. Gregor came to the rescue and manipulated the earth to strap Vertigo and Tala's arms and legs to the ground. Now, they tied the other villains with Batrope.
Now, King Gregor commanded Tala to yield.
"You may have won this time, but I assure you, I'll be back! And the next time we meet, this country will be mine once and for all!", Tala said, as she now disappeared using her magic. 
"The next time we meet, we'll make sure you could never lay a finger on us", King Gregor said. Now, he and the heroes went out the castle. The King spoke, "My humble knights, today we've had another victory. We have successfully defended our kingdom once again. I thank you all for your brave acts. You shall all be rewarded".
All the knights cheered, "All hail King Gregor!". 
After that, Gregor ordered his servants to clean up the mess inside and outside the castle. He also told his messengers to spread word that the banquet shall continue the next morning. His servants and messengers did so. Nightwing and Batgirl stayed at the castle, as the king held dinner as thanksgiving for their help in vanquishing Tala's forces. 
The next day, King Gregor, once again did a speech. 
"My people, I am deeply sorry for the conveniences I and my knights have caused. An unexpected enemy force arrived. And we had to protect all of you. Please understand that we only did it for the safety of everyone.", he spoke.
"We understand.", the people replied. 
"Once again, I thank you all, for coming with us today. And today we shall celebrate our recent victory as we vanquished Count Vertigo and his forces. But none of that would've been possible without the aid of my brother, the Outsider, and Honorary Royal Guard Brion Markov!", the king announced.
The crowd was surprised. Brion looked at them with a straight face. He knows that the people of Markovia weren't very fond of him. However, after a few moments, the crowd all cheered for him and greeted him "Welcome back, Prince Brion."
Now, Brion bent down on one knee in front of his brother, as he was given a sword by the King, signifying he is now an honorary member of the Royal Guard.
"Thank you, brother.", Brion said.
Now, Brion spoke. "Citizens of Markovia, I know I left your kingdom on the wrong foot. But I have returned to save my brother, and most of all. This kingdom. I regret what I have done in the past. And my brother regret what he's done to me as well. Let's us forget the past. And look forward to a brighter future, for Markovia!"
Everyone cheered. Now, the ceremony has ended, and the Royal Banquet was prepared.
Brion received a call from the Outsiders.
"So, Brion, how did your mission go?", Halo asked.
"It went well. I came at the right time. And ultimately, we were able to banish the enemy forces.", Brion replied.
"That's great to hear.", Metamorpho said.
"Looks like our sacrifice weren't for nothing.", Black Lightning added.
"I see. You were able to take down Stagg and his forces as well. Great feat.", 
"Not as great as stopping a coup against Markovia.", Katana replied.
"Now, that's too much of a praise.", 
"We heard you're now an Honorary Member of the Royal Guard. Congratulations.", Black Lightning said.
"You're pretty much worthy of our praises, Sir Brion.", Halo added.
"Oh, quit it you. Anyway, thanks for everything.", Brion said.
"You're always welcome.", Metamorpho replied.
"Oh, and send our regards to your brother, King Gregor.", Black Lightning said.
"We'll do.", Brion replied, as he ended the call.
The episode ends with Brion, Nightwing, Batgirl,and Shining Knight sharing a toast with the king, Gregor Markov.
== Characters ==
=== Main Characters: ===
* Nightwing
* Batgirl
* Blue Beetle-a teenager with the ability to transform into a beetle and use a wide arsenal of weapons using a scarab attached to his spine, ancient technology from an alien race called the Reach.
* Sir Justin/Shining Knight and Winged Victory-a knight from medieval era, frozen in time, and brought to life in present era.
=== The Outsiders ===
-a black ops team of superheroes once led by Batman. They strive to protect humanity despite being treated as outcasts.
* Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning-has lightning manipulation abilities.
* Tatsu Yamashiro/Katana-a trained assassin who is an expert in wielding a katana, which traps the souls of those she kill.
* Brion Markov/Geo-Force-a prince of Markovia; banished from the country after his earth manipulation powers have been deemed dangerous.
* Violet Harper/Halo-a heroine with the ability to manipulate light and use it for her attacks.
* Rex Mason/Metamorpho-a superhero who gained shapeshifting powers from an accident gone wrong.
==== Supporting Characters: ====
* King Gregor Markov-king of Markovia, whose kingdom was threatened with a coup by Count Vertigo.
* Royal Guards
* Royal Servants
* Royal Messengers
* Markovians-people of Markovia
=== Villains: ===
* Tala-a sorceress who conspired against King Gregor alongside Count Vertigo
* Merlyn-a skilled bowman; named after the wizard from Arthurian legends.
* White Knight-a literal white knight, with thick armor, sword and shield as his weapon. Was somehow defeated by King Gregor's sheer will.
* Constantine Drakon-an ally of Vertigo; the bruiser of his gang.
* Count Vertigo-the man who led the coup against King Gregor.