BATTLE FOR THE COWL Pt. 1
PAGE 1
FULL PAGE
Over head look at Gotham City in flames with
Wayne Towers prominently featured in the shot. A pair of cold eyes
float above the visual, god-like as they dream about this potential
fate for Gotham.
CAPTION
That is the vision I have for Gotham City.
PAGE 2
1 – Medium on a figure dressed in the garb of
BLACK MASK, a giant window behind him overlooking a Gotham far from
the vision of page 1. Of course, the bat symbol beams across the
sky, catching the clouds as they gather for a coming storm.
BLACK MASK
I want to see Gotham burn to the ground with
the lot of you dancing on her ashes. I want to see this city torn to
pieces while its champions flit about like the ineffectual nothings
they are…
2 – Longer shot of the entire room. Black
Mask stands at the end of a table, very boardroom-esque, with an
assembly of Gotham’s gangland underworld listening on. The only
“super-villain” type in attendance is The Penguin, the rest are
your Gotham crime families that have survived thru the years.
BLACK MASK
(Pointing to the bat symbol)
…because that symbol is dead! The man who
wore that on his chest is deader than dead, and this city is ripe for
the picking!
3 – Tight on GUISEPPE FALCONE, the latest in
a line of Falcones,
GUISEPPE
No offense Mask, but we’ve heard the same
thing about you before. How the hell do you know the Bat is dead?
4 –Black Mask standing behind Giuseppe, hand
on his shoulder, a smile on Mask’s face, a look of doubt on
Giuseppe’s
BLACK MASK
Because I was there Falcone. Because I saw the
burnt out corpse with my own beady eyes and spit in his face! The Bat
is dead people, and his little army is without a general.
5 – Black Mask returns to the head of the
table, takes a seat, and kicks his feet up.
BLACK MASK
The only question that remains is how we are
going to take advantage of this situation? Any suggestions from the
peanut gallery?
PAGE 3
1 – Shot of Penguin, his hands prayer-like in
front of his face, his eyes full of mistrust
PENGUIN
I suggest you treat your guests, specifically
myself, with a great deal more respect Mask. You’ve been gone from
Gotham for quite some time and have no credibility as far as this
bird is concerned.
2 – Black Mask, amused, stands to his feet
and looks out the window.
BLACK MASK
Understandable that you would feel that way
Oswald, so please allow me to earn my…cred…back with these good
citizens of Gotham. Now pay attention to the scene before you…
3 – Tight shot on Mask’s hand, concealed in
a black glove, as he presses a button on the table.
4 – A massive explosion rips through the
city…
5 - Penguin and the others look on thru the
window. Black Mask is only visible via his reflection which shows a
smile at his handiwork.
BLACK MASK
That was one of many WayneCorp buildings
scattered throughout our fine city gentlemen. Destroy the financial
pillars of Gotham, and the rest of the town will come a-tumblin’
down.
6 – Black Mask now standing atop the
conference table as his congregation gathers in front of the window.
BLACK MASK
Chaos will rule for a time, and it will be you
people who establish the new order in Gotham City. You will make the
rules, you will set the precedents, and you will control Gotham from
the word “go”. All that I ask is for Bruce Wayne to be brought
before me so he can…kiss the ring so to speak.
7 – Tight on Black Mask’s cracked lip
smile.
BLACK MASK
Now who’s with me?
Now who’s with me?
PAGE 4
1 – NIGHTWING swings into action as flames
burst upwards from the WayneCorp Oil Refinery that Black Mask just
blew up. Fire trucks swarm into position on the ground below him.
NIGHTWING
(Caption)
As if this week could get any worse.
2 – Nightwing lands on his feet on the
opposite side of the blaze from the rescue teams and fire trucks.
He’s only been here for a few seconds and already sweat is dripping
off his brow.
NIGHTWING
Oracle you got me?
ORACLE
(Over headset)
Yes sir. Satellite picking you up just outside
of the fire, and I’m reading maybe a dozen people still trapped
inside the refinery.
3 – Nightwing straps a breathing mask around
his face…
NIGHTWING
Alive or dead?
ORACLE
Honestly, I can’t tell. Obviously it’s a
little too hot down there to get thermals off a body. As it is I’m
only picking up the faintest of readings to even…
4 – Nightwing attempts to run into the
building but he’s sent reeling back as another explosion tears the
building apart.
PAGE 5
1 – Cut to ORACLE inside the Bat Cave,
sitting in her wheelchair before the computers that keep her in
contact with Nightwing, as well as the rest of the Bat Team in the
field.
ORACLE
DICK! DICK! Answer me damn it!
NIGHTWING
(Headset)
Here…Babs. I’m still here.
2 – Cut back to the scene of the refinery
where Dick, his gear tattered and torn, sits with his head hung in
failure, sweat pouring off his face.
NIGHTWING
Blast threw me away, Nomex and Kevlar saved me.
But I…I doubt anyone’s left alive in there, Babs.
ORACLE
(Headset)
There was nothing you could’ve done Dick.
You’re lucky you made it out.
NIGHTWING
That doesn’t help, but thanks for trying…
ORACLE
(Headset)
That’s why I’m here. Hold on, Tim’s
buzzing in
3 – Back to the cave, Oracle looking out over
monitors with video feed from the various members of the Bat team as
well as street cameras and satellite feed.
ORACLE
Talk to me Tim. What’s the story in your neck
of the woods?
4 – Cut to ROBIN, fighting alongside
HUNTRESS, in the midst of a brawl with the Demonz gang as they
attempt to take advantage of the distraction the explosion has caused
for the police.
ROBIN
Caught up with the Demonz. Sad how they just
can’t wait to take advantage…
5 – Robin gets caught with a punch to the
face
6 – Robin retaliates with a shot to the
kidneys…
7 - …followed by a vicious elbow across the
gang member’s jaw
PAGE 6
1 – Robin and Huntress stand back to back, a
half dozen gang members circle them
ROBIN
As I was saying. It never ceases to amaze me
how the gangs take advantage of every little thing that happens in
Gotham.
HUNTRESS
You talking to me or the voices in your head
kid?
ROBIN
Oracle…
HUNTRESS
Tell her I said the hot tubs better be ready
when we’re done with these jokers.
2 – Robin swings his staff, taking out two of
the remaining 6 guys
ROBIN
Demonz. Jokerz are a different crew.
3 – Huntress delivers a kick to the knee of
one Demon and she elbows another in the eye.
HUNTRESS
I was being…never mind.
4 – Robin disarms the 5th demon as
he comes at him with a knife
5 – Robin drops him with one punch to the jaw
ROBIN
Not the time for laughs Huntress.
6 – Huntress and Robin stand in front of the
sole remaining Demon.
ROBIN
Your choice man. You going to make this hard
or just be smart and give up?
HUNTRESS
Personally I’m voting for hard.
PAGE 7
1 – The gang member drops his gun and turns
to run.
2 – Huntress quickly flings a dagger in his
general direction…
HUNTRESS
Told you so.
3 – Close on the knife as it jams right into
the back of the man’s knee and he crumbles to the ground.
4 – Robin turns at Huntress, his face angry
ROBIN
Was that necessary?
HUNTRESS
You’re going to argue this with me now?
Really kid?
ROBIN
Some things never change.
HUNTRESS
Right back at ya Robin.
5 – Cut back to Batcave where Oracle is
shaking her head at this exchange.
ORACLE
Bicker later. Right now get your butts to the
Crime Alley area. Reports of a shoot-out between the police and an
unknown gang. Most of the force is dealing with the explosion so
they are a bit outnumbered.
ROBIN
(Headset)
We’re on it.
We’re on it.
6 – Wider shot from behind Oracle so we see a
map of Gotham City and littered with red dots. Contrasting those
dots are a handful of Bat-symbols and one solitary question mark.
Oracle puts her head down in her hands in frustration…
ORACLE
How the hell did you do it Bruce?
How the hell did you do it Bruce?
PAGE 8
1 – Interior of an apartment, no lights save
what filters in through the curtains from outside. An adult male
named MATTHEW sits alone, cold steel in his eyes, as the minimal
light reflects off the gun held to his temple. The gun is held by a
living shadow whose eyes glow red…
MATTHEW
What’s this about?
SHADOW
Information Matthew, about this meeting
tonight, and how it relates to your Falcone bosses.
2 – Matthew lights a cigarette while the
Shadow presses the gun harder into his temple.
MATTHEW
What meeting? Mr. Falcone told me he was
meeting a lady friend for drinks.
SHADOW
It’s not in your best interests to lie to me
right now Matthew. The power isn’t exactly in your hands right
now.
3 – Matthew looks in the direction of the red
eyes, the gun now positioned on his forehead.
MATTHEW
Look man, there ain’t nothing you can
threaten me with that…
4 – A shot fires off, catching Matthew across
his left ear…
MATTHEW
Damn it! Mother #$%*@#!
SHADOW
There’s no threat here Matthew, it’s a
guarantee that you will die here tonight. The only thing that will
be saved by you spilling your guts is the only family member you have
left.
5 – Matthew scrambles to his feet to attack
but is greeted with another bullet, this one creasing his right ear.
MATTHEW
%#@$!!!
SHADOW
Give me what I need and I promise it will save
your brother Joshua, the one you dragged into Falcone’s employ. You
are entirely too close to Giuseppe to not know what’s going on
tonight. So do the smart thing Matty, and give me the information I
need.
6 – Matthew collapses on his couch, lights
one more cigarette, and gives in.
MATTHEW
Black Mask. It’s Black Mask trying to rally
the troops, that’s all I got for you mystery man.
SHADOW
No mystery Matthew…
7 – Close on the Shadow’s face as he leans
into the light to reveal JASON TODD in the mask of the 3rd Batman.
JASON TODD
I am Batman!
8 – Exterior of the apartment window as a
shot rings out…
PAGE 9
1 – Oracle sits in her chair, back to the Bat
Computer, immersed in conversation with Alfred.
ORACLE
It never ends Alfred. For every one of those
red dots we put out, three more pop up. I haven’t seen Gotham this
bad…ever.
ALFRED
Quite right Ms. Gordon. Even at its worst,
Master Bruce never faced a Gotham so intent on self-destruction. I
find myself thinking that the presence of Batman…
2 – Nightwing walks into the conversation;
his costume still tattered from the explosion, and places his hands
on Oracle’s shoulders…
NIGHTWING
…was enough to keep a lid on this? You’re
probably right Alfred, and since the cowardly, superstitious lot
haven’t seen a Batman in weeks, they figure its open season in
Gotham City.
ORACLE
So do something about it Dick!
3 – Closer on Nightwing’s face, dirty and
bruised, his domino mask now removed.
NIGHTWING
I’m not Bruce, and I’m damn sure not
Batman, Babs. I told you…both of you, what his last message to me
was. Don’t take up after me Dick; don’t pick up the cape and
cowl Dick, be your own man Dick.
4 – Robin joins the party as he dismounts his
motorcycle in the background.
ROBIN
No offense big brother, but uh…Nightwing
isn’t getting the job done right now.
5 – Nightwing, perturbed at Robin’s
bluntness, bites his lower lip as Oracle reaches up and takes his
hand.
ORACLE
Tim’s blunt, but he’s right Mr. Grayson.
To hell with what Bruce said, this city needs a Batman and I don’t
see anyone else here…
6 – An alarm goes off on the Bat-Computer…
ORACLE
Oh hell. Can’t we even get five minutes?
ROBIN
I’d be happy with five seconds at this rate…
PAGE 10
1 – Oracle and crew circle the computer as a
police scanner broadcast breaks out at the same time as the question
mark on the screen starts flashing.
SCANNER VOICE
Body found at Dixon Apartment on O’Neil Dr.
One bullet to the head, looks like the ears were shot off too. Send
over the SCU, we got another Bat vic; this one Falcone
connected…looks like the perp painted the Bat signal on the wall in
this guy’s blood…over…
2 – Oracle looks up at Dick who has already
placed his mask back over his eyes while Robin has donned his
motorcycle helmet.
ALFRED
My word…
NIGHTWING
Jason…
3 – Nightwing pulls off his tattered shirt
while Oracle crunches some buttons on the computer, and Robin looks
over her shoulder.
ROBIN
No coincidence that question mark flashed when
the call came in is it?
4 – Robin and Oracle watching the question
mark symbol flash on screen.
ORACLE
Unfortunately no. There was another call
earlier today, right before the explosion. Bat symbol splattered on
the wall in blood, victim connected to The Penguin. I set the
computer to log any police references to “bat”.
5 - Nightwing returns to the frame with a new
top on as well as a fresh batch of batarangs in hand.
NIGHTWING
At least we know where he got off to after his
little visit to the Cave.
ROBIN
And here I was hoping I had beaten some sense
into him.
ORACLE
Let’s not assume its Jason already. There are
plenty of other bat-obsessed people in this city.
6 – Nightwing and Robin, grim-faced, looking
at each other behind Barb’s back.
NIGHTWING/ROBIN
(Simultaneously)
It’s Jason.
PAGE 11
1 – Shot of Jason Todd swinging over the
streets of Gotham in his full Batman garb…
JASON TODD
(Caption)
My Gotham. This is my Gotham, but not the
Gotham I want.
2 – Jason lands on a rooftop, the red lenses
in his eyes reflecting the neon signs from the billboards nearby, and
the entrance to a stairwell visible in the background.
JASON TODD
(Caption)
Not yet, but it will be. This city will fear
my name once again. Batman will be the boogeyman once again.
3 – Jason standing at the top of the barely
lit stairwell…
JASON TODD
(Caption)
And it will begin with a bullet to the head of
Black Mask. I swear on your grave Bruce… (out loud now) I will
turn Gotham into the city you always wanted it to be.
PAGE 12
1 – A junkie sits at the bottom of the
stairwell, needle in one hand, a band around the bicep of the other
arm…
2 – Same except for Jason Todd standing
behind him, a gun in each hand…
JUNKIE
What the…
3 – Jason grabs the junkie by the scruff of
his shirt.
4 – Jason slams the junkie against the wall,
stands nose to nose with him, the red glow from Jason’s eyes
casting across the junkie’s face
JASON TODD
Take the band off your arm, drop the needle
from your hand, and point me in the direction of Rivera’s
apartment. Do that and I will let you walk out of here intact so you
can go kill yourself slowly somewhere else. Defy me, lie to me, and
I will kill you slowly.
5 – The junkie, pissing himself, points down
the hallway.
JUNKIE
612! He’s in 612!
JASON TODD
Only smart decision you’ve ever made.
6 - Jason drops him on his arse…
7 – Long shot of Jason walking down the
hallway, the junkie visible in the background picking up his works.
JUNKIE
You the bat?
JASON TODD
I’m certainly the one Gotham needs.
PAGE 13
1 – RIVERA, your stereotypical drug dealer,
sits inside his apartment, getting ready to sample his own wares.
2 – The door to his apartment is abruptly
smashed open courtesy of Jason Todd.
JASON TODD
I need information…
3 – Back to Rivera who is on his feet, gun in
hand, and opens fire at Jason.
RIVERA
$%(@ you man! I $%^& you! Stay the $%#@
away from me!
4 – Jason eats one of the shots straight into
his Kevlar protected chest while the rest hit wildly around the door
frame.
JASON TODD
Idiot…
5 – Jason leaps from his spot in the frame…
6 – Jason slams down on Rivera, one boot on
his face, the other pinning his gun hand to the floor at the wrist.
JASON TODD
Not the answer I was looking for.
7 – Jason puts a bullet into the forearm of
Rivera
8 – Jason crouches down on Rivera, a gun held
to his temple, a knee across his throat
JASON TODD
You were a False Facer once upon a time Rivera.
Point me in Black Mask’s direction…
PAGE 14
1 – Rivera, tears in his eyes, looks into the
red eyes of Jason
RIVERA
I…I haven’t heard $%^% man. I don’t got
nothing.
JASON TODD
Why do your type always make this hard?
2 – Close on Jason digging the barrel of his
gun into the bullet wound on Rivera’s forearm.
3 – Jason pulling Rivera closer to his face…
JASON TODD
(Off panel)
Wanna think about that answer again?
4 – A reflection in the apartment window of
two gun-toting men coming from the hallway men catches Jason’s eye.
5 – Jason swiftly pivots, facing the hallway,
with Rivera placed between he and the men attempting to sneak up.
JASON TODD
I would choose your next actions very carefully
fellas. One wrong move and POP goes the weasel, and just so we’re
clear, by weasel I do mean Rivera’s head.
RIVERA
NO! Back off you #$%^s! Please…just…back
off.
6 – The two men, guns still trained on Jason,
back a few feet away from the situation.
7 – Jason, left arm still around the neck of
Rivera, puts the gun in his right hand against the drug dealer’s
knee cap.
JASON TODD
Hired help with a brain. Heh, people could
learn from you, it’s unfortunate they won’t ever have that chance
if you don’t play this right. One more time, Black Mask…
8 – An impatient Jason fires a shot into
Rivera’s kneecap.
PAGE 15
1 – The two men burst in but before they can
get off a single shot…
2 – Jason lets two bullets fly…
3 – Striking each man right between the eyes
and slamming their bodies against the wall
4 - Rivera’s body sags in Jason’s arms, his
will broken as he bleeds out from his knee and arm.
JASON TODD
Now that we’re alone…
RIVERA
Nothing…I got nothing man, I promise you.
Black Mask don’t want any of his old gang back, no false facers,
nobody.
5- Jason lets Rivera fall to the floor as he
stands up.
RIVERA
Just the top guys…ah $#@%...the real…players
in town. Penguin, Fal…cone, the…the families.
PAGE 16
1 – Jason’s back is turned to Rivera as the
man uses his one good arm to pull himself up onto his couch.
JASON TODD
If you go for the gun again I will slice your
throat.
RIVERA
No…gun, just a shot…ta…numb me up.
2 – Close on Rivera jamming the needle into
his arm
3 – Rivera sinking into the couch, Jason now
standing behind him with gun still in hand.
JASON TODD
What does he want with them Rivera?
RIVERA
Tear it all down man. Tear it all down. Rumors
though, rumors.
4 – Close on Jason’s mask.
JASON TODD
Thank you Rivera. You have been…not remotely
helpful.
5 – Rivera’s grins a drug induced grin as
Jason places a gun vertically on his head, barrel to the top of
Rivera’s skull. Rivera is blissfully unaware of everything but his
high…
RIVERA
No problem Bats. Anything for you man. Just be
a pal and call 911 for me will ya?
JASON TODD
Of course…
6 – Close on Jason’s masked face as a shot
fires and the flash reflects off his mask.
JASON TODD
…anything for you man.
PAGE 17
1 – Nightwing and Robin speed down a Gotham
street on their motorcycles heading toward the location of Jason
Todd’s earlier victim.
ROBIN
(Via headset)
So how do we handle this psycho Dick?
NIGHTWING
(Headset)
Jason isn’t psycho Tim. Just attention
starved, his whole life is one big cry for Daddy’s attention.
2 – Close on Robin’s face as they round a
corner…
ROBIN
(headset)
Pretty much what I said when he cave-crashed.
You didn’t see him that night Dick, you didn’t see
his…desperation.
3 – The pair come to a screeching halt in the
middle of the street…
NIGHTWING
(Headset)
Oh hell…
4 – Perspective shot from behind Nightwing &
Robin as they watch KILLER CROC tear a helpless pedestrian in half
with his teeth.
ROBIN
Seriously?
NIGHTWING
Looks like we caught his eye.
5 – Close on Croc as he licks his lizard
lips clean of blood…
KILLER CROC
Where is he? WHERE IS BATMAN?!?!
6 – Nightwing stares ahead as Robin looks at
him like “told you so”
NIGHTWING
Save it.
PAGE 18
FULL PAGE
A montage of action shots as Nightwing and
Robin beat Croc into submission…
PAGE 19
1 – Nightwing wraps restraints around both
Crocs’ hands and mouth as Robin finishes up a call to the police.
ROBIN
(Headset)
All wrapped up on Avenue G, Commissioner
Gordon. I’m sure there will be more where this one came from.
NIGHTWING
(To himself)
This is the night that never ends, that never
ends….
2 – Nightwing leans against his motorcycle to
catch a breath as his costume radio flares to life.
ORACLE
(Headset)
Nightwing do you read me? Nightwing do you
read?
NIGHTWING
I read. Just putting the finishing touches on
good old Waylon Jones over here. Thought this one was under
lock-and-key?
ORACLE
(Headset)
I’ll look into it. I’m calling because a
shots fired bulletin went out just a few blocks away from your
location which is just a few blocks away from the last “bat”
murder.
3 – Close on Nightwing rubbing his eyes
NIGHTWING
Don’t…call it a “bat” murder.
ORACLE
(Headset)
Sorry, just using the label the police have
given it.
NIGHTWING
Well knock it off…please.
4 – Cut to Oracle inside the Bat Cave, Alfred
handing her a cup of tea and laying out a tray of sandwiches.
ORACLE
Between the explosion and the other two
shooting, it’s going to be some time before GCPD gets to the scene
of this new report. I suggest you get there first, maybe you’ll
get lucky and catch the perp before he leaves the scene.
NIGHTWING
(On the computer monitor)
Just give me the add…what the hell?
5 – Cut back to Nightwing and Robin where
Killer Croc has just awoke and snapped through the restraints around
his mouth.
CROC
(To Robin)
I’m going to eat you alive kid! Then I’ll
find Batman and make him watch while I eat the other one!
6 – Close on a pair of darts slamming into
the eyes of Croc.
PAGE 20
1 – Robin and Nightwing look off towards a
nearby fire escape while Croc’s head slumps back into
unconsciousness.
ROBIN
Great, like this day couldn’t get any worse.
2 – Shot of DAMIAN sitting, almost giddy, on
the edge of the fire escape with a dart gun in his hand.
DAMIAN
If it wasn’t for my timely arrival Drake,
your remains would be filtering out as Croc’s waste later tonight.
3- Damian hops down from his perch, garbed in
his Robin-esque wardrobe, and extends his hand to Nightwing.
DAMIAN
A pleasure to work with you again Grayson.
4 – Nightwing returns the handshake, a
dumbfounded look upon his face. Tim, on the other hand, looks as if
he would rather have been eaten by Croc.
NIGHTWING
What are you doing here Damian? Where’s your
mother?
DAMIAN
I convinced her my place was here in Gotham, fighting on MY father’s behalf.
I convinced her my place was here in Gotham, fighting on MY father’s behalf.
5 – Close on Tim’s face looking quite
annoyed.
6 – Damian hops onto Nightwing’s
motorcycle.
DAMIAN
So an Ubu escorted me to Gotham and I’ve
simply been doing my part to stem this chaos until I happened upon
either you or…Drake.
ROBIN
So happy to see you too...(under his breath),
freakin’ test tube baby.
DAMIAN
Well Grayson, let us be off then. From what I
can see you two have let Gotham go to hell in the weeks since my
father’s death and that will not stand.
7 – Nightwing climbs onto the motorcycle in
front of Damian while Robin speeds off on his own.
NIGHTWING
I’ll drive…
DAMIAN
As it should be. And if the two of you can’t
get it together, then perhaps Batman’s only REAL son should take up
his cape and cowl and carry on.
8 – Close on Nightwing’s face.
NIGHTWING
(under his breath)
He’s just a kid, he’s just a kid….
PAGE 21
1 – Jason Todd, still inside Rivera’s
apartment building, putting the finishing touches on a blood smear
bat logo on the walls.
JASON TODD
More useful in death than you ever were in life
Rivera.
2 – Jason’s head snaps to the side as a
headlight flashes through the window.
3 – Jason drops to a crouching position as
unintelligible voices can be heard from outside.
4 – Outside on the street Nightwing, Robin, &
Damian have arrived at the apartment complex. The front door of the
building is littered with strung-out junkies totally oblivious to
what happened only 6 floors above their head less than ten minutes
earlier.
NIGHTWING
Do you ever stop talking Damian?
DAMIAN
Amusing coming from the Robin who set the bar
for incessant banter in the middle of a firefight.
ROBIN
Come on, just let me throw him in the river.
He’s small, I’m sure I can get some real distance if I put my
back into it.
5 – Back up to the interior of Rivera’s
apartment where Jason, still crouched, is checking the clips in his
guns.
JASON TODD
Not their time yet. Not their time.
PAGE 22
1 – Cut to the bottom of the stairwell where
Nightwing & Damian stand. Robin walks into the frame.
ROBIN
Elevators are out, no surprise there. I’d be
surprised if the electricity even works in this dump.
NIGHTWING
Stairs it is. Stay on guard. Robin take this
floor, Damian and I will take the second.
DAMIAN
I will take the third floor…
2 – Nightwing grabs Damian by the shoulder as
he attempts to head off alone.
NIGHTWING
I don’t think so, you’re with me D. Robin
let me know when you clear this floor.
DAMIAN
(to himself)
D?
D?
ROBIN
Got it. Two minutes max, if you don’t hear
from me something’s wrong.
3 – Robin heads off down the hallway sliding
his night vision lenses on.
4 – Nightwing & Damian ascend the stairs
also sliding their night vision on.
5 – Robin checking a room
6 – Nightwing giving Damian a thumbs-up as he
clears a room
7 – Robin stepping over the doped up bodies
of a pair of junkies
8 – A pair of glowing red eyes in the
darkness of the second floor hallway as Damian & Nightwing take
the stairs to the 3rd floor.
PAGE 23
1 – Robin taking to the stairs towards the
second floor.
ROBIN
First floor clear.
NIGHTWING
(Headset)
Second floor clear. We’ll head to four, you
take three, just watch your back.
2 – Cut to Nightwing & Damian as they hit
the fourth floor. Damian attempts to head off on his own
3 - Nightwing grabs his cape…
NIGHTWING
Are we gonna play this game all night long?
DAMIAN
I can handle myself, and I’m certainly more
efficient than you or Drake.
4 – Cut to Robin as he makes his way down the
hallway of the 3rd floor
ROBIN
Let him run off Dick. See how long he lasts
flying solo.
5 – Nightwing smiles, Damian notices and
looks perturbed.
DAMIAN
Whatever Drake just said to you, please remind
him that I thoroughly beat him the first time we met.
NIGHTWING
You’re breaking radio silence D.
6 – Damian dashes up a flight of stairs
quicker than Nightwing can react.
NIGHTWING
Damn it!
ROBIN
(Headset)
What’d the brat do now?
NIGHTWING
Ran off to the fifth or sixth floor.
ROBIN
(Headset)
Told you he’s trouble.
7 – Nightwing begins to make his way up the
stairs.
NIGHTWING
You’re not helping. Clear the third and
fourth floors then meet me on six. Back to silent mode.
PAGE 24
1 – Damian wanders down the hallways of the
sixth floor partially lost in anger, and partially scanning the floor
for any sign of danger.
2 – Close on Damian’s face as he looks
curiously at the one open door on the entire floor.
3 – A red glow comes from the interior of the
room emanating out into the hallway.
JASON TODD
(Off panel)
Damian? Is that you?
4 – Close again on Damian’s face, a hopeful
look in his eyes reacting to a voice that is rings familiar…
DAMIAN
Father?
Father?
5 – Damian steps into the room, the red glow
reflecting on his face.
DAMIAN
Father is that you?
6 – A look into the apartment over Damian’s
shoulder sees Jason Todd standing in the center of the room. His guns
holstered at his side, one hand extended to his “brother”.
JASON TODD
No Damian, I am certainly not Bruce. But in
many ways I am his son…just like you. Now please, listen, because
we don’t have much time.
PAGE 25
1 – A door creaks open into an apartment on
the fourth floor.
2 – Robin steps into the seemingly empty
apartment…
3 – Same only a lamp is smashed across the
back of Robin’s head.
ROBIN
Ugh!
Ugh!
4 – Robin rolls to his back to see a woman
standing there, two small two girls at her side. She’s obviously
homeless and squatting in the apartment.
WOMAN
Who the hell are you? What do you want?
5 – Robin pulls himself to his feet, rubbing
the back of his head.
ROBIN
Looking for a murderer if you must know. I
strongly recommend you take your kids and get out of here lady. Just
in case things get ugly
WOMAN
I got nowhere ta go. No one ta go to.
ROBIN
Go to the Wayne Foundation’s shelter and ask
for Leslie Thompkins. She’ll take care of you at least for the
night.
6 – Close on a gun against the back of
Robin’s head.
7 – Wider shot of a disheveled looking man
holding a pistol to the skull of Robin.
MAN
She ain’t going nowhere. That’s my meal
ticket man, and ain’t no way you or Batman takin’ it away from
me. You got any idea how much she earns on the corner? Enough to keep
me on for a week!
ROBIN
You don’t want to do this. Take the gun off
my head and let the lady go. You can always find another… meal
ticket.
PAGE 26
1 – The man, sweating, looking like he’s on
the verge of withdrawal symptoms kicking in, cocks the hammer.
MAN
Bad mistake coming in here man. Bad mistake,
shoulda minded your own business man. Now I gotta do this, I gotta do
this or you’ll turn me in man.
WOMAN
Don’t do it! Don’t shoot him Willis!
ROBIN
Listen to the lady Willis and do the smart
thing. I don’t want to have to hurt you.
2 – Cut to Nightwing as he ascends the stairs
to the sixth floor.
NIGHTWING
What’s your status Robin?
ROBIN
(Headset)
Kinda caught up in a domestic dispute on four.
Nothing I can’t…BANG!!!
3 – Without hesitation Nightwing jumps over
the railing down to the fifth floor stairs.
NIGHTWING
TIM? Answer me Tim!
4 – Nightwing hops over the next railing to
the fourth floor stairs.
NIGHTWING
Damn it Tim, talk to me!
5 – Nightwing dashes into the hallway just as
Robin walks out of the door with an unconscious Willis dragging in
tow behind him.
ROBIN
Told you it wasn’t anything I couldn’t
handle. Ears are ringing but I’m otherwise fine.
PAGE 27
1 – The Woman timidly walks out of the
doorway behind Robin with the two kids in tow.
ROBIN
What’s your name ma’am?
WOMAN
Eve. This is Natalie and Alicia.
2 – Robin kneels down to the kids, taking
Natalie by the hand.
ROBIN
Can you girls do me a favor? Make sure your mom
gets to the shelter I told her about.
NATALIE/ALICIA
(Together)
Yes sir.
ROBIN
Good girls.
3 – Nightwing picks up Willis and ties him to
the post of the staircase.
NIGHTWING
Sit here and detox in peace guy. The EMT’s
are on their way.
4 – Robin puts his arm around the woman and
walks her towards the stairs.
ROBIN
Go get Damian. I’ll walk her out front and
meet then you back upstairs. What about that winner?
NIGHTWING
I called emergency. Looks like he’s about to
hit some serious withdrawals.
WOMAN
Thank you. Both of you, just please make sure
he gets the help he needs. He was a good man once…
5 – Close on Robin’s face, a bit shocked at
her comments
ROBIN
Hopefully he will be again. Come on, I’ll
send word to the Shelter where he ends up.
NIGHTWING
Meet me on six if I’m not downstairs before
you’re done.
PAGE 28
1 – Cut back to the sixth floor apartment
where Jason and Damian have their meeting of the minds. Jason
stands, his body blocking the bloody bat marking on the wall, his
cape concealing Rivera’s dead body.
DAMIAN
Brother? Like Grayson and Drake I assume?
JASON TODD
In the sense that we are children of Bruce
Wayne yes I suppose. But I meant more spiritually speaking Damian.
2 – Closer on Damian’s face as he looks
curiously at Jason.
DAMIAN
Please explain Todd, because what I know of you
is everything my mother told me she did for you when I was still
a…kid. None of that leads me to believe what you’re saying.
3 – You can almost see the smile under
Jason’s mask as he looks down upon Jason.
JASON
Talia left you in Bruce’s care so he could
train you as only a father can. I know this because my benefactor
knows this.
DAMIAN
Benefactor?
JASON
Another time perhaps. What Bruce really tried
to do was castrate your instincts. He tried to take everything that
makes you who you are and mold it into the son he thought you should
be. He told you what was right and wrong based on his perspective,
not based on the realities of the world.
4 – Jason steps back, still blocking the
blood stain on the wall, but unveiling Rivera’s corpse on the
ground.
JASON
When you severed a man’s head, Bruce told you it was wrong regardless of the crimes that man had committed. He made you believe that the laws of the land could possibly deliver the proper justice to the scum poisoning Gotham City’s soul.
When you severed a man’s head, Bruce told you it was wrong regardless of the crimes that man had committed. He made you believe that the laws of the land could possibly deliver the proper justice to the scum poisoning Gotham City’s soul.
DAMIAN
But…
JASON
Bruce wasn’t wrong, not at the beginning at
least. When he started on this road, the world was different and the
foe less bloodthirsty. The courts could keep a man imprisoned because
they weren’t bursting at the seams with everything from minor drug
possessions to mass murderers.
PAGE 29
1 – Jason kneels down over the body of
Rivera, revealing the blood smear on the wall to Damian. Not
surprisingly Damian is unfazed, at least on the surface.
JASON
This man has been drugging not only himself but
anyone with the money or merchandise to buy, as well as any woman
willing to do him a…favor. Left to the courts he would likely be
set free due to overcrowding and continue to dump his dope onto
Gotham’s street as well as into his own veins.
DAMIAN
He’s scum…
2 – Close on Jason’s face as the red haze
in his lenses fades slightly and you can see a look of pride in them
as he looks at Damian.
JASON
Exactly. And once returned to the streets, he
would only spread word to the rest of society’s dregs that Batman
was weak. That Batman left him to the cops and they did nothing. A
broken bone heals, a black eye fades, and getting away with it only
bolster the…
NIGHTWING
(off panel)
DAMIAN? Where are you at D?
3 – Cut to the hallway as Nightwing spots the
only open door on the floor.
NIGHTWING
Gotcha.
4 – Nightwing turns the corner into the room,
batarang in his right hand in preparation for…
5 – Nothing. An empty apartment save for the
dead body in the center of the room and the lights from outside
illuminating the bloody-bat on the wall.
NIGHTWING
Holy…
ROBIN
(Off panel)
Nightwing? You in here?
6 – Nightwing sticks his head out into the
hallway as Robin makes his way towards the apartment.
NIGHTWING
You’re not going to want to see this Tim, but
you really have to.
PAGE 30
1 – Robin walks into the room, his face a
look of shock and horror.
ROBIN
Jason did this?
2 – Robin and Nightwing stand in the room,
the blood-bat on the wall behind them, both looking dumbfounded and
disgusted.
NIGHTWING
Hearing it is one thing. Seeing it…
ROBIN
Something else, yeah. He didn’t seem this far
gone when he came to the cave Dick, I swear. It’s only been a few
weeks and…
3 – Close on Robin’s face as he hangs his
head.
ROBIN
He’s gone Dick. He’s totally gone…
4 – Nightwing, now standing in front of the
blood-bat, runs his hand across it…
5 – Close on his hand as the blood smears.
6 – Medium shot of Nightwing looking at his
hand.
NIGHTWING
It’s still fresh Tim. He’s still here
with…
7 – Two shot of Robin and Nightwing getting
their act together after the shock of entering the room…
NIGHTWING/ROBIN
(Together)
Damian.
PAGE 31
1 – Jason and Damian, now on the roof, still
engaged in conversation. Well, rather Jason talking and Damian
listening.
JASON
They feed on the knowledge that Batman will
never truly stop them. They know that deep down there is no longer
anything to fear from the Bat because, no matter what, he will not
kill.
DAMIAN
My father said killing was wrong.
JASON
You know better than that Damian. You knew the
right way to take care of things before Bruce tried to change
everything that was fundamentally you. And it may surprise you, but
I have it on trusted authority that towards the end, even Bruce was
coming to see the error of his ways.
2 – Medium on Jason as he looks out over
Gotham City.
JASON
Bruce knew that his path, his methods, were
becoming stagnant, and he bequeathed to my benefactor the means by
which to carry on his war on crime. This armored suit, the contents
of the cave I have co-opted, those are the tools for a 21st
century war Damian.
3 – Jason turns around to find Damian, tears
in his eyes, with an escrima stick in hand, extended and pointed at
Jason.
DAMIAN
My father was not that man.
JASON
No, he wasn’t. But he could see the future
Damian, and he knew that our way was the future. He first saw it in
Valley, then me, and finally in you, his true flesh and blood. It’s
time, not to follow in our father’s footsteps, but to forge our own
path where his ended.
4 – Close on Damian’s face, confused,
unsure of his next action.
5 – Cut to the interior of the complex as
Nightwing and Robin carefully make their way up the steps from the
6th floor to the roof.
NIGHTWING
This is the only place we haven’t look Tim.
Be prepared, Jason is more than likely up here with Damian.
ROBIN
I’m hoping he is.
PAGE 32
1 – Jason turns his head towards the door to
the stairwell as Damian looks at the ground, lost in his thoughts.
JASON
Time runs short Damian. Your other brothers
are approaching and you know they will not see eye to eye with me.
You know neither Tim or Dick will appreciate the methods we know must
be employed to bring safety to Gotham City.
2 – Close on Damian as Jason puts his hand on
Damian’s shoulder and kneels down so they are face to face.
JASON
These are two men who fear you, they mistrust
you, and resent what you represent. You are the one true son of
Wayne and that is one thing neither of them can take away from you.
DAMIAN
I don’t know.
3 – Jason, slightly more desperate as he
senses Nightwing & Robin approaching, actually pulls off his mask
so Damian can see his face.
JASON
Look into my eyes Damian. I swear to you that
I will not lead you astray. I will not abandon you like your mother,
like our father, and I will not treat you like a child the way Dick
and Tim do. I have seen what you are capable of Damian, and you are
twice the soldier, twice the warrior that either of them are now or
have ever been. Together we can rid this town of the rot at its
core, and when the time is right…
4 – Jason stands up tall, pulling the mask
back over his face & head as the stairwell door behind him cracks
open.
JASON
...you will assume this mantle as the one and
only rightful heir of Bruce Wayne! You will be Batman as you are
destined to be, and I will help you get there.
5 – Robin and Nightwing burst through the
door onto the roof, ready for combat.
ROBIN
Damian?
6 – Close on Robin’s face as a rounded
batarang smashes into his nose with a sick thud…
7 – Close on Nightwing’s sad, horrified
face
NIGHTWING
Damian...no...
PAGE 33
FULL PAGE
Damian standing at the side of Jason Todd with
his hand extended from throwing the batarang at Robin. Jason stands
with his guns pointed in the general direction of Nightwing and
Robin, satisfaction oozing from his posture.
DAMIAN
My name…is Robin.
…TO BE CONTINUED…
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