EXT. METROPOLIS
ESTABLISHING SHOT
We open in Metropolis. It's a shiny city with healthy streets and buildings.
EXT. METROPOLIS BANK
A burst of flame melts the top of a police car. The cops duck out of the way.
Volcana stands in front of the bank. A ball of fire appears in her hand.
COP 1 Call for back up!
She hurls the fireball at another cop car, causing it to explode.
COP 2 No offense, but I don't think that's going to be much help.
Volcana smiles at the destruction she's causing. There are more cars on fire as we get a better view of what's going on.
The villainess stands in front of a bank. Bags of money are at her feet. The doors behind her were clearly melted off earlier.
Some cops are trying to get civilians out of the way, while others are taking cover from Volcana's attacks.
Once again, fire appears on her fingers. She sends it' at the cops, but-
Superman lands in the way of the blast. The fire melts around him, doing no damage.
SUPERMAN Miss, I'm going to have to ask you to stop.
Volcana looks happy about the challenge.
VOLCANA Not a chance.
She holds her hands out and shoots a continuous stream of
Created using Celtx 2. burning hot energy.
Superman walks over to her, the fire deflecting off of his chest. He doesn't look phased.
He grabs her by the wrists and the fire stops. She winces in pain.
A black riot car pulls up and Maxwell Lord steps out. He's a federal agent in a black suit and tie. He smiles confidently.
LORD Nicely done, Superman. I can take it from here.
Lord puts strange looking handcuffs on Volcana's hands.
VOLCANA Ow! Gentle.
Guards start leading her into the bullet proof truck.
SUPERMAN Who are you?
LORD Special Agent Maxwell Lord. I work with Argus.
SUPERMAN Argus?
LORD We monitor meta-human activity and...deal with it...if necessary.
SUPERMAN I guess you have me to thank for that...
Lord laughs, but doesn't answer his question.
SUPERMAN And you're sure you can hold her?
LORD We've been after this one for awhile, trust me.
Lord gestures to van behind him.
Created using Celtx 3.
LORD We specially designed this thing to hold her. At the first sign that things are heating up, it douses her in water. Don't worry, we'll take good care of her. But thank you for your help.
Lord shakes Superman's hand and steps in the passenger seat. He waves to the driver and they start off.
Superman watches for a moment, and flies off.
EXT. GOTHAM
ESTABLISHING SHOT:
Gotham is not a pretty city. Instead of shiny new buildings, the streets are grimy and dirty. Litter flows in the wind.
INT. WAREHOUSE
Inside the warehouse lies a body, lying on it's back and not moving. Victor Zsasz cuts a tally mark in his arm with a knife. It's one of many.
ZSASZ And yet another.
A scared girl sits in the corner. Her hand is handcuffed to the radiator and tears stream down her face.
GIRL Please. Please don't kill me.
ZSASZ I'm sorry. But I have to.
He doesn't seem sorry as he walks toward her.
There's a loud noise that makes both of them jump. Zsasz, concerned, goes out into the hall to investigate.
He sees what caused the noise: a batarang stuck to the side of the wall. Zsasz's face is filled with fear.
There's movement behind him. He turns and holds his knife up in a defensive position.
Created using Celtx 4.
BATMAN (offscreen) Victor Zsasz.
His voice is distorted and scary. It doesn't sound human.
ZSASZ It's you, isn't it? The Batman?
BATMAN You've killed twenty-seven people in cold blood.
Zsasz looks over the dead body. He smiles.
ZSASZ Twenty-eight.
Batman hangs from the corner, filled with rage by that remark. He falls from the ceiling, knocking Zsasz to the ground.
As he beats Zsasz, the killer reaches for his knife. When he tries to stab him, Batman catches and breaks his arm. Zsasz rolls over as he screams in pain.
Batman looks over at the girl. He starts walking over. He pulls out a batarang.
GIRL No! No, please!
He uses the batarang to cut the handcuffs. The girl runs over to the body, crying at her loss.
Batman turns back to Zsasz. He menacingly makes his way to the serial killer.
ZSASZ Wait...wait! I'll turn myself in, I'll confess, just-
BATMAN Not yet.
Batman grabs Zsasz's working arm and breaks that one too. His screams echo into the night.
EXT. WHAREHOUSE
Zsasz is loaded onto an ambulance. Tears stream down his
Created using Celtx 5. face. Both his arms are broken, probably beyond repair.
Detectives Montoya and Bullock walk away from the distraught witness.
MONTOYA I can't say he doesn't deserve it but jeez. How does the commissioner put up with that guy?
BULLOCK I've given up trying to argue with him. But to be fair, he has officially separted himself from "Batman".
MONTOYA You don't think he's working with him in secret, do you?
BULLOCK Doubt it. Especially with the "messes" he's been leaving lately.
MONTOYA I hate playing "clean-up crew".
BULLOCK Yeah, but what are we gonna do about it?
We zoom out and cut to:
INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT
Keys jingle in the lock and Clark Kent, carrying bags of groceries, enters his apartment.
CLARK Lois?
LOIS In the kitchen!
Lois eats dinner while Clark takes the bags into the kitchen and heads off into the living room where the TV is on.
LOIS Hey, when I agreed to let you be my roommate I thought that meant you at least help keep this place clean.
Created using Celtx 6.
CLARK You know I'm almost never here, right?
LOIS You're faster than a speeding bullet, I'm sure you can make time.
Clark's not listening anymore, he's turned his attention to the TV which shows blurry pictures taken of Batman as Vicki Vale talks about him.
VICKI After months of seclusion, it would appear that Batman, Gotham's very own defender, has returned and is very different from how we remember him.
Lois walks in to join him.
LOIS Clark? Are you listening?
CLARK Yeah, I'm...Yeah...
Lois looks at the TV, seeing the shakey footage of Batman.
LOIS You didn't think there were others like you, huh?
CLARK I still don't.
LOIS I guess there isn't, but I meant like that: a hero.
CLARK He doesn't seem like a hero. Do you hear what they say? He breaks people.
LOIS Well, I mean he used to be a hero.
CLARK This world allows people like that. People who hurt others and don't see anything wrong with that.
Created using Celtx 7.
LOIS You can stop that, you know.
CLARK Sure, I have the power to do it, but I can't just grab anyone I deem guilty and drop them off at the nearest prison, telling them to trust me. That's not how the system works.
LOIS That's not the only way to stop people. Show them they're wrong. Don't just save the world, show people how they can save it too.
CLARK I don't know how to do that.
Clark walks over to the window. Lois turns the TV off.
CLARK Luthor got away with everything. Everything he did to me. To Metropolis. And I can't do anything about it. Not legally.
LOIS Clark, you can't.
CLARK And I won't. I never will. But he's still out there. What am I supposed to do?
Lois walks over to him.
LOIS The same thing you've always been doing. But do it more open. Give yourself more attention. Let people see you and how good you are.
Clark turns to her and smiles.
CLARK What would I do without you, Lois?
Lois smiles and walks away.
Created using Celtx 8.
LOIS Live in a pigsty, is what you'd do.
INT. BATCAVE
An elevator goes down through dark caves. The door opens and out of the elevator comes Batman who walks through the Batcave's underground corridors.
He passes by Alfred, who is currently doing electrical repairs on a bat-helmet and its microphone.
BATMAN Still working late, Alfred?
ALFRED You give me no choice, sir. Especially, with everything you break on a regular basis.
As Bruce smiles and takes off his cape and cowl, Alfred grabs the in-helmet microphone of the bat-helmet he's working on.
ALFRED (Distorted) Testing. Testing. (Mocking Batman) I am vengeance! I am the night! (Normally, to Bruce) I've fixed the voice distorter.
Alfred steps away from the mask as Bruce activates the Bat- Computer. He brings him a tray of food and drink.
BRUCE Thank you.
ALFRED Tonight was a productive one, then?
BRUCE In a way. I couldn't get Prometheus's name, but I was able to get conformation on his second in command.
The computer brings images of what Bruce is talking about appears on screen.
BRUCE Mercy Graves. (reading)
Created using Celtx 9.
She used to be a street thug, the head of a small gang in Metropolis. Then she just disappeared for months, only to show up connected to Prometheus.
The computer starts showing the latest "sightings" of Anatoli.
BRUCE I better find her fast. If Prometheus is as smart as I'm afraid he is, he'll know that I'm on to him.
Alfred picks up todays newspaper and hands it to Bruce.
ALFRED You've made the papers, by the way.
BRUCE Which "me" are you refering to?
ALFRED The one who keeps breaking people's arms.
Bruce sighs as he realizes he's in for "the talk" again.
BRUCE Hardly innocent people, Alfred.
ALFRED You can't keep doing things like this. Your actions-
BRUCE My "actions" are completely justified.
ALFRED Your actions will have consequences.
BRUCE It's the same thing I've always been doing.
ALFRED No, it's not. Hurting them is one thing. It's neccessary. But this? This is torture, Master Bruce!
Bruce pushes away from his computer. He realizes this won't be a quick chat.
Created using Celtx 10.
BRUCE What do you want me to do? They need to be scared of me. It's the whole reason for...this!
He gestures to the Batcave, years and years of Batman's legacy.
ALFRED But if you keep operating like this, Gordan may reinstate the Anti-Batman task force.
BRUCE We're vigilantes, Alfred. We've always been vigilantes. Nothing's changed about that.
ALFRED Oh, yes it has, sir. I think you know it has.
He presses a few buttons on the keyboard and footage of The Joker starts playing.
ALFRED Crime has changed. We no longer fight gangs and mob bosses. We have to fight monsters and psychopaths.
We see other information on wanted fugitives: Scarecrow, Killer Croc, Mad Hatter, Ventriloquist, Et Cetera.
ALFRED Nowadays, everyone has they're own little gimmick.
Bruce looks at the muted Joker. He laughs wildly as he guns down a crowd full of people.
ALFRED And I understand, Sir. Adapt to your surroundings. But this is going too far. And I'm afraid you're going to end up doing something you'll regret.
Alfred goes back to the electronics.
ALFRED Don't let this happen, Master Bruce. Alright?
Created using Celtx 11.
Bruce doesn't answer. Instead, he makes the monitors go back to finding Anatoli. He goes back to finding Prometheus, much to Alfred's silent disappointment.
INT. PRISON
On a TV, Lex Luthor is on a talk show.
INTERVIEWER Now Mr. Luthor, you've been brought onto a joint project with S.T.A.R. Labs to work on a new robotics project.
We pull back to reveal a guard watching it, stuffing his face. Another guard waves to him as he walks by.
LUTHOR That is correct. We are working on something with Dr. Henshaw and Jonathan Irons to possibly replace-
The guard carries a tray through the block.
Volcana sits in her cell reading "The Villain's Journey" by David Graves. She laughs to herself.
We hear the warning bell of the prison door opening. She looks up to see the guard bringing in a tray of food.
VOLCANA Dinner's a bit early today, huh?
GUARD Shut up and eat, Shelton.
The guard turns to leave as Volcana stands in anger.
VOLCANA My name is Volcana!
Two high-tech guns hanging from the ceiling point at her. She stops when she sees them and sits back down in defeat.
She takes the tray and starts picking at the food.
Volcana notices a note in the meal: Cover your ears
She looks confused but then realizes what it means, frantically dropping the tray and covering her ears.
Created using Celtx 12.
The wall next to her explodes and crumbles.
Firefly enters the cell and puts his hand out.
FIREFLY Hi there. Want to escape?
VOLCANA Who the hell are you?
FIREFLY You can call me Firefly.
Two guards run to her door, desperately trying to get it open.
VOLCANA Firefly? Really?
FIREFLY More time to make fun of my name later.
The guards get the door open and point their guns at the criminals. Firefly lifts his flamethrower and sets the two on fire. They scream in pain.
Volcana grabs his hand and is lifted out of the cell.
EXT. PRISON
The two get in the back of a truck and they all speed away from the prison.
Volcana looks over at the driver.
VOLCANA It's just the two of you?
FIREFLY Yup.
VOLCANA And who do I have the pleasure of thanking for this little get away?
FIREFLY Prometheus.
VOLCANA Who?
Created using Celtx 13.
FIREFLY So you don't know him either? Not surprised. Nathan over there hasn't heard of him, too.
Police cars drive after them. Firefly goes to open the door and shoot them, but Volcana stops him.
VOLCANA Allow me. I need to blow off some steam anyway.
She walks to the back of the truck and shoots flame out of her hands at the oncoming police cars.
In an attempt to avoid the fire, the cars swerve out of the way and crash into buildings and other cars.
Volcana sits back down, like she just released a lot of stress. Firefly stares at her, impressed.
FIREFLY Woah.
INT. LUXURIOUS OFFICE
Maxwell Lord walks into the office. Lex Luthor stands at first with his back to to the him.
His body guard, Mercy, stands alert at the edge of the room.
LUTHOR Congressman Barrows. So glad you could meet with me.
LORD My pleasure, Mister Luthor. In my opinion, I need to talk to billionaires more often.
Luthor turns around to face him. He has one of those "all business, no nonsense" looks to him.
LUTHOR It's been...difficult to get in contact with you people at the government.
LORD You wanted to talk about shipping a radioactive material into Metropolis
Created using Celtx 14.
for...research?
LUTHOR Of course.
LORD And what does you have to do with...what is this exactly?
Mercy hands Lord a tablet showing an image of a green crystal.
LUTHOR A fragment of a xenomineral named Kryptonite. It was recently discovered at the site of a destroyed Kryptonian ship.
The images change to show the jungle, a Kryptonian warship crashed into it.
LUTHOR The local government thought it belonged to one of Zod's forces but I convinced them it might have originated from Earth. They offered to send it to me to find out it's origin.
LORD You need the NRC to let it through.
LUTHOR It would be quicker if you helped.
LORD And why would I?
LUTHOR Because I'm Lex Luthor. Do you have idea how many connections I have? So let's make a deal: You do me a favor, and maybe I'll do you a favor.
Lord hesitates for a second as he thinks about it.
LORD Okay. I can make that happen.
Luthor smiles and puts his hand out to shake. Lord doesn't.
Created using Celtx 15.
LORD But I want to be involved.
LUTHOR In what?
LORD In whatever you're doing.
Luthor doesn't like that, but doesn't make that obvious.
LORD Do we have a deal?
LUTHOR We do.
Lord and Luthor shake.
INT. DAILY PLANET
Perry sits at his desk, signing some documents. A teen assisstant walks into his office.
JIMMY Mr. White? He's here.
PERRY Thank you, Jimmy.
Perry stands and leaves his office. He walks over to Bruce Wayne. He's not the intimidating dark knight we saw earlier. Now he's the smiling playboy billionaire.
PERRY Mr. Wayne! So glad you could make it.
Bruce turns from the cute receptionist he was talking to and shakes Perry's hands.
BRUCE I always make a habit of visiting the places I buy. Let's hope it's money well spent.
PERRY Oh, it is, Mr. Wayne. The Daily Planet is one of the top news distributors in the country since 1938.
We see that Bruce isn't really listening, but is watching
Created using Celtx 16.
Lois Lane from the other side of the room. He turns back to Perry.
BRUCE Not recently. Newspapers aren't as popular now as they used to be. I'm going to have the planet slowly transition to more digital forms of reporting.
PERRY Right, well, I'm sure you plan on compensa...
Bruce walks away as Perry tries to talk to him. Perry stops when he realizes he's not really listening.
He walks over to Lois.
JIMMY What's he doing?
PERRY (sighs) He's been here less than two minutes and he's already hitting on the girls.
Lois turns to see Bruce and jumps. She smiles, flustered.
LOIS Mr. Wayne, you startled me.
BRUCE I'm sorry. I'm just trying to get a feel of what the office is like.
LOIS Oh, it's always like this. Hectic.
BRUCE Well, a lot happens in this city. Scientific advancements. Superheroes. It'd have to hectic.
LOIS The world has changed a lot recently.
BRUCE Have you seen him?
Created using Celtx 17.
LOIS Who? Oh, Superman? Yeah. He actually saved my life.
Perry heads into another room, calling out to everyone in office.
PERRY Staff meeting! Ten minutes!
LOIS Sorry, I guess we have to cut this short.
BRUCE We still have ten minutes.
Lois smiles and we cut to:
INT. LIMOSINE
Bruce steps in his limousine, which Alfred is driving. Bruce smiles to himself.
BRUCE The penthouse.
The car starts driving. Bruce looks out the window at the Daily Planet as it pulls out of view.
ALFRED Am I to take it you bought an entire newspaper just to find this Prometheus?
BRUCE That...
Bruce sees what seems to be a red and blue blur fly through the sky.
BRUCE ...among other things...
INT. DAILY PLANET
We cut to a staff meeting in progress. Perry White drinks coffee as Lois talks.
LOIS It's like a one man reign of terror.
Created using Celtx 18.
This bat vigilante has been consistently targeting the port, the adjacent projects, and the local tenements. As far as I can tell, the police are actually helping him.
PERRY Is this the same Batman from that Joker story?
LOIS I believe so, yes.
PERRY Good. Run it. "Mysterious Batman takes on Gotham's crimewave"
LOIS Takes on crimewave? But he's torturing these people.
PERRY Criminals, Lane. May I remind you that Gotham has one of, if not, the highest crime rate in America? And, from what you've told me, it's fallen recently because of him, right?
LOIS Yes, but his methods are still morally wrong.
PERRY That may be, but Batman makes Gothamites feel safe. They don't really have anyone else to turn to.
Lois is frustrated by this, but Perry moves onto the next person. Lois looks out the window as Perry drones on.
INT. PENTHOUSE
Bruce opens his suitcase full of Batman gadgets and equipment.
BRUCE Mercy was reported to have entered the city two weeks ago. She hasn't been seen since, but I'm almost sure that she's here.
Created using Celtx 19.
ALFRED And how are you so sure?
BRUCE Unfortunately for her, she doesn't use aliases. She was mentioned by name in an interrogation a few days ago. The police couldn't find her, but the man they were interrogating is connected to someone we know.
Bruce hands his phone to Alfred. On it is a picture of Firefly.
ALFRED Garfield Lynns.
BRUCE Also known as Firefly. Pyromaniac turned arsonist, took up the gimmick around the same time everyone else did.
ALFRED What was he doing in Metropolis?
BRUCE He broke out a Meta-Human. Claire Shelton. Tabloids call her Volcana.
ALFRED Why?
BRUCE Because she can shoot fire from her hands.
ALFRED Not the most unbelievable thing I've ever heard. Any leads?
BRUCE Their get away driver isn't very good at hiding. I found him within the hour. He's meeting Anatoli at the Roulette Club tonight.
ALFRED I see. You aren't worried about any...competition?
Created using Celtx 20.
BRUCE Superman doesn't stop mercenaries. He fights aliens and giant monsters. He'll keep his distance.
ALFRED And what if he doesn't?
Bruce doesn't have an answer.
INT. BELLE REVE
Superman lightly lands at the hole in the wall. One of the cops tries to shoo him away.
COP Hey, you can't be here.
LORD And what do you think you're going to do about that?
Lord walks over to the two of them. He smiles at the man of steel.
LORD Take a walk.
The cop hesitates, but relunctantly leaves.
LORD I'm sorry.
SUPERMAN It's alright. He's just doing his job.
LORD Not about that. About the break out. I thought she was secure.
SUPERMAN Can you tell me what happened?
LORD She had some outside help. No records show her being affiliated with any other criminals. She's always worked solo.
Superman walks over to the monitor. It plays the image of Firefly buring the guards and escaping with Volcana.
Created using Celtx 21.
SUPERMAN Who's that?
LORD He's a character from Gotham by the name of Firefly. We lost them about ten miles that way.
Superman turns and shakes his hand.
SUPERMAN Thank you for your help. I'll do what I can.
LORD You sure you-
Superman flies away before he can finish.
LORD ...Right.
INT. ROULETTE CLUB
Mercy Graves watches an illegal looking boxing match happens between two big guys.
Bruce is also there, but he's not watching the match. He's watching Mercy. He wears a fake mustache and has a match in his mouth.
Mercy leaves the fight to head to the bar. Bruce follows her. She motions the bartender for "One".
Bruce steps up and delivers a paper to the bartender, who gives him an dirty look before leaving.
BRUCE He acts like no one's ever beaten the house before.
Bruce speaks with different voice, disguising himself completely.
MERCY Maybe he just doesn't like you.
BRUCE That's impossible. I'm so lovable.
Created using Celtx 22.
MERCY Don't be so cocky. It could get you killed.
BRUCE Hasn't killed me yet.
Bruce holds his hand out to Mercy.
BRUCE Matches Malone.
MERCY Mercy Graves.
BRUCE Could I buy you a drink, Ms. Graves?
MERCY Unfortunately, I'm on duty.
BRUCE Are you a cop?
MERCY No, but I do need to keep a clear head.
BRUCE Well, it was worth a shot, wasn't it? Have a good night.
Bruce pats her on the shoulder. The bartender hands Mercy her drink.
MERCY Thank you. Good evening.
Bruce smiles to her as she leaves.
Mercy walks over to a table and sits accross from Drury.
MERCY I assume it went well?
DRURY You think I'd be here if it didn't?
MERCY And have you put them in safe location?
Created using Celtx 23.
DRURY Yeah yeah, when do I get my money?
We zoom on Mercy's shoulder, which has a small black device on it that flashes red.
MERCY You get money when Prometheus is sure you've proven the two are safe.
Bruce watches from the bar, hearing the conversation through an earpiece.
DRURY They're in that abandoned apartment on 4th and King's street. You know the place?
Alfred's voice comes through the earpiece.
ALFRED Did it finish copying the data?
Bruce starts making his way to the exit.
BRUCE Yes. I'm sending you every call made from Mercy's phone. The driver gave the location of Lynns and Shelton easily. I'm headed there now.
Alfred sits in the penthouse on a makeshift Bat-Computer.
ALFRED Careful. Lynns may not be Bane, but he's still dangerous. And Shelton burned an entire building to the ground by herself.
BRUCE Have a little more confidence in me, Alfred.
ALFRED You're right. Silly me to question one man against two psychopaths, one of which can burn people to death with her bare hands. I apologize.
Bruce leaves the club. Mercy turns and watches him go. She picks up his phone and calls "Prometheus".
Created using Celtx 24.
MERCY He took the bait.
INT. ABANDONED APARTMENT
Firefly tinkers with his flamethrower. His mask is off and now we see part of his face has burn scars. Volcana paces back and forth impatiently.
VOLCANA How much longer do we have to wait?
FIREFLY Until Drury returns. He's an idiot, but Prometheus doesn't want to talk to us.
VOLCANA That's the other thing. Who's Prometheus? And what does he want with me?
FIREFLY Well, I'm just spit-balling here, but it might have something to do with the fact that you shoot fire out of your hands.
VOLCANA You always this coy or is it just around me?
Firefly sets his weapon down and turns to Volcana.
FIREFLY Can I ask you something?
VOLCANA Shoot.
FIREFLY How do you do that?
VOLCANA Do what?
FIREFLY The fire? How do you do it?
VOLCANA Government experiment.
Created using Celtx 25.
FIREFLY You escaped?
VOLCANA They wanted me to do something I didn't want to do. So, I tried to leave. They didn't like that.
Volcana sits on the edge of the table next to Firefly's gun.
VOLCANA How about you? You got a backstory?
FIREFLY Nope. I just like burning things.
He goes back to his gun.
VOLCANA Really? That's it? No tragic origin? Nothing?
FIREFLY Okay, maybe I used to be pyrotechnician. Maybe I thought that would be a good outlet for my unhealthy obsession with fire. Maybe it didn't work. So, maybe I burned a movie set to the ground.
VOLCANA Maybe.
We see car lights move past the window.
VOLCANA Is that Drury?
Firefly walks over to the boarded up window and looks out.
FIREFLY No.
He turns back and starts to head for his gun.
Batman bursts through glass and wood, landing on top of Firefly.
BATMAN Claire Shelton. I have some questions for you.
Created using Celtx 26.
Volcana's hands set aflame.
VOLCANA My name is Volcana!
Batman dodges the burst of fire and throws a few batarangs. Volcana melts them mid-air.
Firefly gets back up and grabs his gun. He and Volcana start dousing the bat in flames.
Once they stop, Batman pulls back his cape (which he had used to block the fire) and lunges at Volcana. One hook punch to the head knocks her out.
Firefly prepares to fire again, but Batman grabs the barrel and aims it upward. The wood ceiling catches fire.
EXT. METROPOLIS
Superman floats above the city, listening.
He hears the sound of the struggle and flies downward.
INT. ABANDONED APARTMENT
Batman grabs Firefly by the throat and shoves him against the wall.
BATMAN Prison break, Lynns? This isn't your usual M.O. How much is Prometheus paying you?
FIREFLY You don't scare me, Batman.
Batman lifts him higher. His feet barely touch the floor. He leans in uncomfortabley close to Firefly.
BATMAN I should.
SUPERMAN That's enough.
Superman is suddenly behind Batman, who is only surprised for a second.
BATMAN Stay out of this. This is my case.
Created using Celtx 27.
SUPERMAN Not anymore it isn't.
Batman drops Firefly and throws batarangs at Superman, all of which bounce off.
Superman starts walking towards him, but Batman tosses a bomb at him. It sticks to Superman's chest and explodes.
He looks completely unphased.
SUPERMAN Are you done?
Batman drops a grenade on the ground and smoke starts filling the room.
Superman squints and we see (from his perspective) the smoke become translucent. He walks towards Batman and picks him up by the collar.
SUPERMAN Stop. Now.
Firefly and Volcana get up and run out of the room.
Superman tries to use his X-Ray vision on Batman, but can't see who it is.
SUPERMAN Lead?
Batman uses a batarang to cut the part of his cape that Superman's holding off.
He drops to the ground and rolls out of the way, breaking into a sprint.
SUPERMAN Where are you going? You can't outrun me.
We hear sirens and Superman turns to see police cars pull up to the warehouse.
When he looks back at Batman, he's gone. He looks around, but only sees Firefly and Volcana escaping.
He flies through the wall and stands in front of them.
Volcana raises her hands and tries to burn Superman. He
Created using Celtx 28. flinches, but doesn't seem affected.
Firefly looks around, thinking.
Volcana increases the heat and Superman starts to struggle against it.
Firefly looks down at Superman's feet. He points his flamethrower at the ground and burns the wood.
It gives way and the man of steel crashes through the floor.
Firefly grabs Volcana's hand and pulls her in the opposite direction.
FIREFLY Come on!
VOLCANA Let go of me, I can run without your help!
Batman lands in front of them. Before they can react, Batman knocks Firefly to the ground and grabs Volcana by the collar.
BATMAN Don't struggle. Trust me.
Firefly crawls over to a cord attatched to the wall and pulls it hard. Batman notices and follows the rope in time to dodge out of the way of a shotgun firing at him, pulling Volcana to the ground with him.
Volcana grabs Batman's cape and sets it on fire, It quickly spreads underneath him. He jumps back in pain.
The two villains take this opportunity to run away.
Batman rips the cape off of him and tries to recover. He hears police sirens and cars pulling up to the building.
He kicks a window, shattering it and climbing outside.
EXT. ABANDONED APARTMENT
Batman struggles and limps outside on the patio of the apartment.
He reaches for his utility belt and pulls out a grappling gun. He aims at a nearby building, fires the hook, and Superman catches the end.
Created using Celtx 29.
SUPERMAN I can't let you get away.
BATMAN But you'll let the actual criminals get away?
Superman lands in front of him.
SUPERMAN I'll get to them. But you're a criminal, too. Vigilantes are illegal.
BATMAN And what do you think you are?
Superman rips the railing of the porch and bends it around Batman.
SUPERMAN I'll be right back.
He flies off. Batman pulls a device out of his utility belt that look like a long lighter. He holds down a button on it and blue flame shoots out of it.
EXT. ABANDONED APARTMENT
Firefly and Volcana run out in front of all the police cars. The cops point their guns at them.
COP FREEZE!
VOLCANA Why did we run towards the cops again?
FIREFLY Better than the indestructable gods.
Superman lands behind them.
SUPERMAN Claire...
She turns around, angrily.
VOLCANA I hate it when people call me that!
Firefly stops here.
Created using Celtx 30.
FIREFLY Burn the cars.
VOLCANA What? Why?
FIREFLY Trust me.
SUPERMAN Don't-
Before he can finish, Volcana sets the cars aflame. It explodes and Superman moves to save the officers.
Firefly grabs Volacana and pulls her towards a back up van.
VOLCANA Again, with the hand grabbing!
EXT. BALCONY
The metal railing falls to the ground, almost melted at the ends. He puts away the hand-held flamethrower.
Two cops walk by the window and immediately see Batman.
COP 1 Oh my god, Batman!?
COP 2 FREEZE!
Batman jumps off the side of the building (third floor). He uses the cape to glide and slow his fall, but it's still hard on his legs.
The cops run over to the ledge and start shooting at him as he runs for the shadows, his cape flowing behind him.
EXT. ABANDONED APARTMENT
Superman freezes the fire with his breath. He hears the police radio with his enhanced hearing.
RADIO Batman spotted and fleeing the scene.
He turns and sees the Batmobile speed off.
Created using Celtx 31.
SUPERMAN Set up a perimiter. Get Firefly and Volcana.
COP What about you?
SUPERMAN I'm going after Batman.
COP But what about-
Superman flies after him, leaving the cop with the destroyed police care.
Mercy watches Superman flies away as she pockets a small pair of bolt cutters.
INT. VAN
Firefly and Volcana quickly jump into the car, Volcana in the driver's seat.
FIREFLY Go!
The van lurches forward as Volcana floors it.
The last remaining cop car speeds after it.
EXT. ROADS OF METROPOLIS
The Batmobile flies past the other cars. He expertly maneuvers around the pedestrians.
Superman soars above them, catching up to the high-speed vehicle.
Inside the Batmobile, Batman looks confused. He looks at the speedometer. It rises faster and faster. Something's wrong.
As the Batmobile picks up speed, Batman desperately tries to figure out what's wrong.
Superman looks down at the out of the car, wondering "what is he doing?"
Batman hits the brake and pulls the gearshift, but nothing happens. He swerevs out of the way of various cars.
Created using Celtx 32.
The civilian cars swerve out of the way, some crashing into others or buildings.
Superman realizes something's wrong and flies down closer to the Batmobile, attempting to grab onto it.
Inside, Batman tries the ejector button, but it doesn't work. He looks up to see where the car is headed.
Directly in front of them is a river. Superman notices it too.
The Batmobile easily crashes through the safety railing and into the water.
EXT. METROPOLIS RIVER
It sinks straight to the bottom, weighed down by all the expensive metal.
Superman watches it go down and, without hesitation, dives into the water after him.
The inside starts filling up and Batman pulls the emergency exit lever, which doesn't work. But he already knew it wouldn't. He looks around for anything that could help.
The water gets close to Batman's head. He doesn't have much time.
Superman lands on top of the car. He sees the situation, reassuring Batman.
He pulls back his fist and rams it on the glass. Nothing. He tries again. Pulls back and hits the car as hard as he can. There's only a small crack in it.
Superman gestures for him to hold on and swims back up to the surface.
The water has almost completely filled the driver's seat. Batman takes a deep breath as the last of his air runs out.
The man of steel shoots back down at the Batmobile, his fist cutting into the glass. He grounds himself and, denting the hood of the car, manages to rip the windshield right off.
He grabs Batman and flies back up through the water.
Created using Celtx 33.
EXT. DOCKS
Superman lifts out of the river and lands on the shore, setting Batman down next to him.
Batman coughs and spits out water, Superman looking back over the edge.
SUPERMAN I'm sorry about your car.
Batman presses a button his belt and there's a orange glow underwater. A rush of currents is sent to the surface as the glow disappears.
SUPERMAN I see you plan for everything. Except, well, this.
BATMAN I would've found a way out.
SUPERMAN Luckily, you didn't have to.
BATMAN What do you want? A thank you?
SUPERMAN I want to know what you have to do with Firefly and Volcana.
BATMAN I'm looking for their boss, Prometheus.
SUPERMAN Why? And what are you going to do if you find him?
BATMAN When I find him, I'll bring him to justice. Isn't that what you do?
SUPERMAN I take it you don't want my help.
Batman starts walking away.
BATMAN I've been doing this long enough to
Created using Celtx 34.
know that I can handle this on my own.
SUPERMAN And what about all the people in hospitals?
He stops.
SUPERMAN Were those situations you "handled"?
Batman turns to face him.
BATMAN What do you want me to do? Give them a slap on the wrist?
SUPERMAN There are better ways to do this.
BATMAN You've been at this for what? A year? I've been Batman for five and, in that time, I've learned that crime only responds to pain.
SUPERMAN Everyone deserves a second chance.
BATMAN Most of the thugs I've put away have been given a second chance. And a third, and a fourth, and it never ends. Fear is what keeps crime down in my city, not "hope".
SUPERMAN You never know their story. Some people have no choice.
BATMAN As you said "There are better ways to do that".
Batman turns and walks away.
BATMAN Firefly is mine. He's a psychotic murderer and I will deal with him my way. If you have a problem with that, talk to anyone who knows me and see if
Created using Celtx 35.
I ever give up easy.
Superman watches as he leaves.
EXT. ABANDONED APARTMENT
Superman stands among the destruction. Firefighters spray water at the burning building. Lord talks with the man of steel.
LORD Batman? In Metropolis?
SUPERMAN Yes, what do you know about him?
LORD He's a hard one to track down, but we haven't really tried that hard to be completely honest. We tend to focus more on criminal meta-humans.
SUPERMAN He wasn't a meta-human.
LORD What?
SUPERMAN He's just a guy. A guy with expensive toys.
LORD Well, he's certainly made a name for himself for "just a guy". Wait, you're not thinking about taking him down, are you?
SUPERMAN He's a vigilante.
LORD And you're not?
Superman thinks about this as Lord walks away.
INT. BATCAVE
Bruce types on the computer while Alfred bandages him.
Created using Celtx 36.
ALFRED It would go faster if you stopped working.
BRUCE He's stronger than I thought. I've been up against strong before, but not like this. Nothing like this. And I think he was holding back, too.
ALFRED Ten million dollars gone in one night. Shall I have a new one ordered?
Alfred finishes. Bruce tries to stand, but winces.
BRUCE They're probably leaving the city right now. I have to know why Prometheus hired him and what he wants with Volcana.
ALFRED Not in this shape, you're not. And maybe if you took the time to slow down you'd realize you wouldn't need those two.
BRUCE The phone. You've decrypted it?
Alfred and Bruce walk over to the computer.
ALFRED It was guarded by many safeguards but the computer managed to get around them. (Reading) Several mentions of business sent to Lexcorp.
BRUCE Lexcorp... Lex Luthor...?
ALFRED What, you think he's Prometheus?
BRUCE I'm not sure. I'll have to break into his personal computer. I'll need the suit.
Created using Celtx 37.
ALFRED If you recall, sir, it was Bruce Wayne that got the information last time. Not Batman. So, perhaps a change in pace?
BRUCE Technically, it was Matches. And how is Matches supposed to break into Lexcorp.
ALFRED That's not entirely what I meant.
Alfred hands Bruce an invitation for a charity party at Lexcorp.
ALFRED If you took the time to check your mail...
Bruce walks over behind a folding screen.
ALFRED And where do you think you're going? You've overworked yourself before and that didn't pan out so well last time. Batman is no good dead. Now, I want you to go get some sleep. You do remember sleep, do you?
BRUCE I'm not going on patrol.
ALFRED Then what are you...?
Bruce steps out in a suit and tie.
BRUCE I've got a date.
INT. FANCY RESTRAUNT
Bruce and Lois sit across from each other.
LOIS So what are you doing in Metropolis?
BRUCE Are you asking because you're curious
Created using Celtx 38.
or because you're a reporter?
LOIS (Nervous laugh) Sorry, I can't seem to turn it off. What do you want to talk about?
BRUCE How about you? How did you come to Metropolis?
LOIS Well, my father was in the army so we moved around a lot. I decided I was tired of living on army bases and left to be on my own. It honestly feels weird to be in one spot for so long.
BRUCE I can imagine.
LOIS You know, the papers don't really do you justice.
BRUCE What do you mean?
LOIS They say you're a playboy. A thrill seeker who doesn't care about anyone but yourself. I thought that too.
BRUCE Now what do you think?
LOIS You seem...kinder? But also distracted. Almost like you mean well but don't know how to do it.
BRUCE I do know how. Wayne Industries gives twice as much to charities as any other company.
LOIS Some would say that's just good PR.
BRUCE Maybe I just want to help.
Created using Celtx 39.
LOIS We live in a world where no one does anything to help others unless it helps themselves.
BRUCE And I thought that was just Gotham.
LOIS What, you thought Metropolis was a shining, perfect city? Just like any other it has greed and corruption.
BRUCE Metropolis has lower crime rates, better benefits-
LOIS Sure, when compared to Gotham, but the crime is still there. Just because there's a little less of it doesn't mean people don't suffer.
BRUCE Gotham is a horrible place. That's why I give to charity. Because the people that choose to live there for god knows what reason need someone to look to.
LOIS And Batman doesn't do that. He's good when it comes to punching people. But they need more. Not just a stick, but also a carrot.
BRUCE I wish most people shared you're view. Some people think you need one or the other.
Bruce turns and looks out at the city.
LOIS Yeah. Exactly.
Lois looks at him, curious.
INT. DAILY PLANET
Lois researches Bruce Wayne on her computer. Various
Created using Celtx 40. headlines appear on screen.
"Waynes Murdered in Crime Alley" "Bruce Wayne Only Survivor of Parent's Murder"
She clicks on some other stories: "Bruce Wayne Leaves Gotham" "Billionaire Playboy Vacations For Years" "Bruce Wayne Returns From Travels"
Lois sits back, thinking hard. She pulls up stories about Batman's first appearances in Gotham, taking down the Falcone family and stopping the Chemical Syndicate Plot.
She clicks on more recent articles. "Joker Threatens City" "Batgirl and Robin Disappeared"
She scrolls past these, becoming more and more concerned.
"Batman Becomes More Brutal" "Is This The Same Batman?"
INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT
Lois and Clark talk in their apartment, Lois trying to show him the news articles.
LOIS I think Bruce Wayne is Batman.
CLARK What!?
LOIS After he graduated from Gotham University, he went on vacation for several years, traveling the world.
CLARK They said he was trying to get over the death of his parents.
LOIS But what if he was training?
CLARK Training?
LOIS To be Batman. He would have traveled the world, mastering anything and everything he could. And I'm not the only one who's thought this.
Created using Celtx 41.
CLARK Bruce Wayne's a celebrity, of course people connect them. They probably thought a lot of people were Batman.
LOIS You know he had a ward? Jason Todd? Maybe he was Robin!
CLARK Robin?
LOIS His...Well, his sidekick. He went missing about a year ago...around the same time Jason was murdered...
CLARK Lois, you're seeing connections where there aren't any.
LOIS You're telling me that you don't see it?
CLARK No, I see it, but it doesn't make sense. How would he build all that gear without anyone knowing?
LOIS I don't know, but I'm sure he would've found a way. And what about Robin?
She hands him one of the papers.
CLARK What happened to him?
LOIS No one's sure, but it sounds like there was a fight with The Joker and Robin didn't make it. (Beat) Something broke in him. Batman. It was like... Robin was his anchor or something.
Clark looks up at Lois, like she's suddenly making sense.
Created using Celtx 42.
CLARK What's you're assignment tomorrow?
LOIS Lexcorp's party. Why?
CLARK Will Wayne be there?
LOIS Probably. Yeah, I think so. What are you going to do?
CLARK I want to talk to him.
INT. LEXCORP
Clark Kent is listening to the speaker talking about charities. He hears reporters chatter behind him. He turns to see Bruce Wayne enter the building.
SPEAKER Thank god the richest man in the world is also the kindest. Please welcome Lex Luthor!
Applasue as the path is cleared for Luthor.
As he takes the microphone and shakes hands with the speaker, Bruce makes his way through the crowd.
LUTHOR Thank you all for being here and supporting the children's foundation. I have always thought that the next generation will inherit the Earth, so we should take care of them...
Bruce isn't listening. He talks into an earpiece.
BRUCE Alright, where am I going, Alfred?
In the Batcave, Alfred looks at a digital schematic of the building.
ALFRED Approach the stairs to your left.
Back at the party: Clark notices the conversation with his
Created using Celtx 43. enhanced hearing. He turns around to see Bruce who doesn't notice him in the crowd.
LUTHOR The word philanthropist comes from the Greek Titan Prometheus-
Bruce turns around upon hearing that word.
LUTHOR -Who tried to help mankind by stealing fire from the Gods.
Bruce's shock quickly goes away as he continues walking.
BRUCE He's taunting me, Alfred. He knows I'm here.
ALFRED You don't know that for sure.
BRUCE In my experiance, coincidences don't happen often. But you're right, I still need proof.
He heads up the stairs, making sure no one's following him.
INT. LUXURIOUS OFFICE
Once inside, Bruce heads over to Luthor's computer uploads his "leech" into the USB port.
BRUCE Have you deactivated the security cams?
ALFRED Of course, sir. The loop has been set up.
BRUCE There's a lot of information on here, it's going to take a few hours.
ALFRED That's alright, we have all night, sir.
Created using Celtx 44.
MERCY What are you doing in here?
Bruce turns around to see Mercy standing in the doorway.
BRUCE You must Mercy Graves, Luthor's bodyguard.
MERCY And head of security, so I'll ask again: What are you doing in here?
BRUCE I'm sorry, I got here a little late. I was looking for Mr. Luthor, but he must already be at the party.
She walks towards him. Bruce casually hides the USB from her.
MERCY Yes, he's downstairs. Do you need an escort, Mr. Wayne?
BRUCE (Flirting) Yes, please.
They walk out of the office and we hold on the leech.
INT. LEXCORP
Luthor ends his speech as Mercy leads Bruce down the stairs.
LUTHOR So, once again, thank you for your contributions and, please, have fun.
The people applaud Luthor and he leaves the stage. The party continues and they talk among themselves.
Bruce winks at Mercy as Clark approaches him.
CLARK Mr. Wayne. Clark Kent, Daily Planet.
Bruce has a split second where it looks as if he knows exactly who Clark Kent is, but it's quickly gone. Bruce switches his persona into playboy billionaire.
Created using Celtx 45.
BRUCE Oh, my PR department has already issued a statement in support of the...
He acts like he has no idea what he's here for.
BRUCE ...stuff...
CLARK I'm sorry?
BRUCE You are a reporter, aren't you?
CLARK Yes, but I was wondering about your position on the Bat vigilante in Gotham.
BRUCE Daily Planet... I don't think I've heard of it. Oh wait, I bought it last week. Slipped my mind.
Clark ignores his snarky response and continues to press.
CLARK From what I've heard, Batman is brutal and merciless in his one man war on crime, putting innocents at risk. (Almost mocking) Your comment?
BRUCE I think you should do your research before you come at me with these questions.
CLARK He thinks he's above the law.
Bruce drops the charade and immediately becomes serious.
BRUCE So does, as I recall, your superhero.
Clark is startled by the remark.
Created using Celtx 46.
CLARK Superman inspires people. Gives them hope.
BRUCE Hope isn't what keeps people safe. Not anymore.
CLARK Batman doesn't seem so concerned about protecting innocents so much as punishing the guilty.
BRUCE The best defense is a good offense.
CLARK This isn't a game, Mr. Wayne, these are people's lives.
Bruce is starting to get frustrated but keeps his cool.
BRUCE You think I don't know that? I see it every day. I've seen that since my parents bled out in an alley twenty years ago. You want me to stop, Is that it? That's not going to happen. I will never stop. Not until I die. Or until my city is safe from the monsters that terroize it.
Bruce backs off a bit as he notices Luthor making his way over to them.
BRUCE But how would I expect a god to understand?
LUTHOR Well well, Bruce Wayne!
Bruce returns to his playboy persona.
BRUCE Mr. Luthor.
LUTHOR So, after all these years we've finally gotten you out to Metropolis.
Created using Celtx 47.
BRUCE I mean, you did offer free drinks.
LUTHOR I wish you'd come down more often. It's not everyday one of the richest men in the world visits.
BRUCE I would, but Gotham has better food.
LUTHOR And who is this you're speaking with?
CLARK Clark Kent.
BRUCE Daily Planet.
Bruce smiles at Clark sarcastically. Clark uneasily smiles back. Luthor shakes his hand.
Luthor and Clark share a look of loaded history.
LUTHOR Pleasure to meet you. You know, you wouldn't think the media and the wealthy would get along.
Bruce keeps his eyes on Clark.
BRUCE No. You wouldn't.
ALFRED (Over intercom) The transfer's complete, sir.
Clark again hears the hidden conversation as he and Bruce exchange uncomfortable glances.
LUTHOR Well, I think it's time I attended to my other guests. Please, enjoy yourselves.
Luthor leaves to talk with other millionaires.
BRUCE Well it's been fun, Mr. Kent, but I
Created using Celtx 48.
think I need another drink.
Bruce leaves as Clark tries to talk to him again.
He walks up the stairs again, checking to make sure no one's watching.
INT. LUXURIOUS OFFICE
Bruce hurridly gets to the computer. He reaches for the leech. It's gone.
He looks back the way he came, not surprised as much as angry.
INT. LEXCORP
Bruce walks down the stairs. He sees Clark in the crowd, who waves at him. The flashdrive's in his hand. He puts it in his pocket as Bruce approaches him.
BRUCE I need that.
CLARK What for?
BRUCE You don't understand what's going on here. Luthor is dangerous.
CLARK I do understand and I know exactly how dangerous he is. I'll deal with him. You go home. Hang up your cape.
Bruce steps up to him.
BRUCE What is it with you? Do you have any idea how annoying you are?
CLARK I've been told once or twice. You're not needed here. I can handle it.
Bruce nods and steps back.
BRUCE Fine.
Created using Celtx 49.
He turns and leaves. Clark checks his pocket. His look says it all. The flashdrive's gone.
INT. LIMOSINE
Bruce steps into his car. He pulls out the flashdrive as the limo pulls into motion.
INT. VAN
Volcana and Firefly have managed to lose the cops.
VOLCANA Where are we going?
FIREFLY I've got a friend in Central City. we'll be out of this city in no time.
VOLCANA What are you going to do?
FIREFLY I'll lie low for a little while. You probably should, too. After a couple week or so you can go back to "fighting the man!"
VOLCANA I don't talk like that!
FIREFLY I was paraphrasing. (Pause) I guess this is goodbye.
VOLCANA I guess so. Well, it was fun while it lasted.
Firefly's phone buzzes. He answers it. On the other end is a distorted voice.
PROMETHEUS Firefly. I hope you got away safely.
FIREFLY Your distraction worked like a charm.
Created using Celtx 50.
INT. LUXURIOUS OFFICE
Luthor sits at his desk. On his computer is the call to Firefly, the voice distorter program running.
LUTHOR Good to hear. I have a job for you.
FIREFLY What is it?
LUTHOR I need you to steal from Lexcorp. I'll deal with the cameras and security, I just need you to go in and grab something.
INT. VAN
Firefly listens to the phone as Volcana glances over at him, curious.
FIREFLY Seems easy enough. Tomorrow it is then.
He hangs up.
FIREFLY How would you like one more night in this city?
Volcana smiles as we cut to:
INT. LUXURIOUS OFFICE
Luthor turns off the computer.
LUTHOR You look confused, Mercy.
MERCY I'm sorry, I was just wondering why you would want to steal your own tech.
LUTHOR I don't. I just need them to get Batman's attention again.
Created using Celtx 51.
INT. BATCAVE
Alfred walks over to Bruce, who is at the computer staring intently.
ALFRED You've finished decrypting those files, then?
Bruce shows him the picture of kryptonite along with footage of green cells decomposing human-looking tissue.
BRUCE Luthor is in possession of a rare mineral capable of weakening Kryptonian cells.
ALFRED What do you think Luthor wants with it?
BRUCE He seems to have some problems with the man of steel... I need to steal it from him.
ALFRED To keep it out of Luthor's hands, of course.
BRUCE (Hestitantly) This can weaken Superman.
ALFRED Sir, you can't be serious.
BRUCE He's not going to stop. He's more stubborn than I am.
ALFRED That's really saying something.
BRUCE Don't worry, he's not going to kill me.
ALFRED It's not him I'm worried about.
Created using Celtx 52.
BRUCE What, Superman can take a few punches.
ALFRED I'm not talking about him either. What are you going to do when you get to Luthor? He's killed people to get what he wants. You've never been one to go easy on them but... it's getting worse, sir!
Bruce doesn't respond. He ignores Alfred and continues to look at the information.
BRUCE Luthor's shipment arrives tonight. I'm going to intercept it and bring it here.
ALFRED Are you even listening to me?
BRUCE Do you remember what happened last time I let a dangerous man live? I can't let that happen again.
Alfred looks at him, shocked.
ALFRED Is that what this is about? You know that wasn't your fault. None of it was.
Bruce suddenly loses it. Pent up rage from months of holding it in.
BRUCE I went easy on these maniacs for years! And no matter how hard I try, no matter what I do, they always come back! I'm tired, Alfred. Tired of playing games and solving riddles.
ALFRED There is a reason you've never killed before. Once you cross that line-
BRUCE I know! I've given myself that same speech every night! But years of this
Created using Celtx 53.
and what have we accomplished? Gotham's only gotten worse!
Bruce turns back to the monitor.
BRUCE He won't suspect that he has a weakness, I can take him by surprise in that regard.
Alfred stares at him, disappointed.
ALFRED I'm sorry, master Bruce. I can't watch you do this.
He turns to leave.
BRUCE After all these years, after all I've done, this is where you draw the line?
ALFRED I've raised you since you were eight years old. I let you become...this. Even though I thought it was wrong. I knew it was your way of coping, But now? I'm sorry, master Bruce, but I will not watch you become a killer.
Alfred walks away. Bruce focuses, but this obviously has effected him.
INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT
Lois comes home to find the back door open.
LOIS Clark?
Superman floats outside their balcony. He looks out at the city, thinking.
Lois walks outside, holding herself against the cold.
SUPERMAN I talked to Batman.
LOIS The Batman? What happened?
Created using Celtx 54.
SUPERMAN Am I doing this wrong?
LOIS What do you mean?
SUPERMAN Batman doesn't care if his methods are wrong, he just does what he wants. But don't I do the same thing? Don't I just save the day no matter who tells me not to?
LOIS No. Batman's been broken for a while. He sees the world in his cynical view, but you don't. That's the difference. He's sees the worst in everyone, but you see the very best. You see people's potential for good.
Superman smiles at her.
LOIS Listen, it's kind of cold out tonight and I don't have invulnerable skin, so I'm going back inside.
SUPERMAN (Laughs) Okay.
She starts to go inside, but notices he's not following her.
LOIS What are you going to do?
Superman looks back out at the city.
SUPERMAN Prove him wrong.
Superman flies out into the sky, leaving Lois watching him go.
EXT. NIGHT SKY
A transport plane flies out over the night sky.
Created using Celtx 55.
INT. TRANSPORT PLANE
A thug and his men take a crate with a green glow inside it out of a ship. The crate is loaded onto a truck.
After the thugs close the back door and walk toward their stations, continuing their posts.
One of the thugs walks past a window and stops as he notices something. He looks out. His eyes widen.
The Batwing flies behind them, menacing in appearance.
THUG BOSS!
As the thug runs to grab his boss, the Batwing hovers behind the ship.
INT. BATWING
Batman flicks a switch and pulls the trigger of the joystick. A harpoon fires at the plane, connecting them.
INTERCUT:
INT. TRANSPORT PLANE
The loading dock opens up. The wind swirls around the crates. Standing on the back is a goon with a gattling gun.
He fires at the Batwing, confident in his solution. The bullets bounce off of the plane, a couple ricohceting back into the plane, breaking equipment.
Batman flicks another switch and fires the trigger. Bullets fly back at the thugs, hitting them. Some are spared and duck for cover.
The leader of the group picks up a rockit launcher and points is at the Batwing.
The rockit hits the Batwing, enveloping it in an explosion. The smoke clears and the Batwing is still there, albeit a little banged up.
The windshield is cracked and Batman has to move his head to see around it.
THUG AGAIN!
Created using Celtx 56.
They begin loading another rockit into the gun. They fire it and Batman swerves out of the way, letting it go out behind him.
The cable tugs, keeping the Batwing from moving to far away from the transport ship.
The missle turns around and comes back at the Batwing.
He deploys flares to ward off the homing missile, which explodes harmlessly.
Batman stears the Batwing back up in front of the transport. We see the thugs try again to load the Rockit launcher.
Batman pulls the trigger and more bullets fire at the goons, knocking them back and dropping the gun. It slides off the plane and into the air.
Flipping some switches, Batman recoils the cables and pulls the Batwing closer to the ship.
Something lands on the front of the Batwing. Batman looks up and sees Superman standing on his hood.
SUPERMAN Land the plane. Now.
Batman jerks the joystick, flipping the plane around. Superman is thrown off and into the night.
The Batwing is pulled closer to the plane. The hood pulls back and Batman stands up, the wind pushing against him.
He aims a grapple gun and fires it onto the plane. It pulls him forward and he lands in the loading area.
He walks over to the crate with the green glow around it. He digs a crowbar into it and lifts the lid off. We see it inside: Kryptonite.
SUPERMAN Get away from that.
Superman stands behind him. Batman turns around and they're both bathed in green light. Superman winces.
He starts to look sick and falls down on his knees. Batman watches Superman and then looks at the Kryptonite, surprised at how effective it was.
Created using Celtx 57.
BATMAN Too much.
He rushes past Superman and to his Batwing. He places the crystal in a container behind the driver's seat.
Batman gives one last look at Superman, before climbing into the Batwing. The hood slides back over the cockpit, the cable detatches from the plane, and it takes off into the night.
Superman staggers and struggles to stand. He looks around at the thugs, all injured.
SUPERMAN Is everyone alright?
There is a collective groan from them.
INT. LOADING DOCK
Luthor picks up one of the bullets lying on the ground.
LUTHOR Rubber bullets. All this metal and he won't even use it to kill.
Mercy walks over to him, reading off the inventory.
MERCY He didn't take anything else, just the kryptonite.
LUTHOR You say that like the whole point of this wasn't just to retrieve that rock.
MERCY But all this tech-
LUTHOR Is useless against someone who can crush metal with one hand. We need to get it back. Now.
He tosses the bullet to Mercy and walks away.
INT. ARGUS HEADQUARTERS
Lord sits at his desk, working. His phone buzzes and he picks it up.
Created using Celtx 58.
LORD Hello?
CLARK Mr. Lord?
Lord lowers his voice so other agents won't hear.
LORD Superman?
INT. CLARK'S APARTMENT
Clark stands in his living room, on the phone with Lord.
CLARK You gave me this number if I had any information on the Volcana case.
INTERCUT:
LORD You know where she is?
CLARK No, but I'm starting to I know who hired Firefly.
LORD You do?
CLARK Lex Luthor. Batman was investigating him and I think he's onto something.
We see on Lord's screen that he's already investigating Luthor.
LORD What makes him think that?
SUPERMAN I'm not sure, but even though I don't agree with his way of doing things...I hate to admit he's not been wrong so far.
LORD If Batman has his leads, then just let him work. Sure, his methods are questionable-
Created using Celtx 59.
SUPERMAN His methods are exactly what I'm worried about. I'm afraid he'll hurt someone.
LORD Are you saying you want to bring him in?
SUPERMAN That's exactly what I'm saying.
Lord isn't really listening as he has hacked into Lexcorp security cams.
SUPERMAN Batman is a dangerous vigilante and he needs to be brought in.
LORD ...You know who he is?
SUPERMAN Bruce Wayne.
Lord makes a face that says "I was afraid he'd say that"
SUPERMAN He shouldn't be too much trouble, but I will prepare for him to put up a fight.
Lord tries to see what's in the other crates but can't find anything.
LORD Batman is dangerous and usually underestimated. He's gone up against the odds before.
SUPERMAN He has never faced anyone like me before.
Lord pulls away from the computer.
LORD The Batman is considered a hero. He's saved Gotham who knows how many times. Are you sure you want to do this?
Created using Celtx 60.
Superman hesitates for a moment.
SUPERMAN Yes. Yes I am.
EXT. GRAVEYARD
Bruce stands in front of his parent's joint grave.
BRUCE You haven't left yet?
ALFRED I leave tonight.
There's a silence between them.
ALFRED Why are you doing this? What do you have to prove?
BRUCE I don't know what you want me to say.
ALFRED Master Bruce, I just want to know why! Why can't you let this go? Why can't you let Superman do this? He said he could handle this.
BRUCE Of course he did. He thinks he can do anything.
ALFRED Remind you of anyone?
Bruce looks at Alfred. He's right, but Bruce doesn't want to listen.
BRUCE I always believed that if it weren't for me, the scum of Gotham would have destroyed this city a long time ago.
ALFRED What? You think you aren't relevant anymore?
BRUCE No. No, I just don't know if I can
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keep up. But I have to keep trying. I have to.
ALFRED Or no one else will? (Pause) Gotham always had more than it's fair share of villains. The fact that you've endured so much has already proven you have done more than enough for this city.
BRUCE The war never ends. I want it to, but it won't. It goes on.
ALFRED So that's it then? There's nothing I can do to stop you?
Bruce looks at him, eyes filled with sadness.
BRUCE Goodbye, Alfred.
Alfred watches Bruce as he walks away.
ALFRED Goodbye, Master Bruce.
INT. LEXCORP
Firefly and Volcana walk through the lab, past all the high- tech devices.
Volcana looks around curiously, while Firefly keeps his eyes set on the target: a giant vault.
VOLCANA Is it too late ask what we're stealing?
FIREFLY Yes. Open that door.
Volcana holds her hands out at the thick door and starts shooting a stream of fire.
EXT. LEXCORP
A new Batmobile comes to a stop in front of Lexcorp. Superman
Created using Celtx 62. stands in front of the gate.
An armored Batman steps out of the Batmobile.
BATMAN I was hoping you wouldn't be here.
Thunder cracks (Because it's dramatic a cool)
SUPERMAN I doesn't have to be this way. Come quietly and I won't hurt you.
BATMAN You're confident, I'll give you that.
Superman starts walking towards Batman.
SUPERMAN I don't want to do this.
BATMAN I don't either. But we don't do the things we do because we want to. We do them because we have to.
Batman brings his guantlet up and pushes a button.
SUPERMAN You're obviously not an idiot. So why are you acting like one?
Two canons extend out of the Batmobile and direct a high frequency noise at him. Superman winces in pain.
Batman looks at his gloves. A small monitor says "Charging. Finish Time: 30 minutes" on them.
Superman struggles to walk. He stops trying and falls to his knees.
Batman watches for a few seconds, then turns and starts heading for Lexcorp.
Superman digs his hands into the ground and brings up chunks of pavement.
He throws it at the canon, smashing it. Batman turns around. Superman stands to recover.
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SUPERMAN I gave you chance to end this peacefully.
Superman walks towards Batman, who tries to push another button on his wrist.
Superman punches Batman, making him fly back into the gate. Batman groans as Superman starts making his way over. He pushes the button.
Big flamethrowers rise from the Batmobile and burn Superman with a blue flame.
Superman, unharmed, uses his heat vision to destroy them. he then turns his heat vision on the rest of the car, blowing it up.
Batman is now upright and sees Superman walking away from the flames of the destroyed Batmobile.
BATMAN That's two of my cars you've destroyed now.
SUPERMAN You can afford it.
Batman begins to rise with great pain. Superman walks Batman's way.
SUPERMAN Stay down. You can't beat me by yourself.
BATMAN I know.
Batman rips part of the metal off his glove, revealing the green Kryptonite crystal encased around his knuckles.
Superman looks light headed and falls to his knees, becoming sick and uneasy. Batman stares down his weakened opponent.
BATMAN I warned you. Why didn't you listen?
Superman tries punching Batman, who manages to block the punch with ease. Superman looks shocked and confused.
Again, Superman punches but is countered. Batman headbutts
Created using Celtx 64. him, causing Superman's nose to bleed.
Superman dabs the blood with his finger and looks at it with a confused look on his face.
BATMAN You've never bled before... have you?
They both exchange some punches and kicks, before he hits Superman in the throat. Superman struggles and gasps.
Batman turns around and starts walking away.
Superman grabs him by the shoulder. He stops and looks at his hand. He picks it off easily.
Superman tries to grab him again, when Batman turns around he hits him in the face. He grabs the man of steel and hits him in the gut, hard. Superman drops to the ground. He realizes a solution.
Batman goes to kick him, but his leg is caught by Superman. He throws Batman through a nearby wall.
Superman stands, his full strength regained. Batman sits up and brushes the dust off. He realizes what happened. He stands.
Both heroes run towards one another, with Batman grappling his opponent and pushing him up against the wall.
Superman tries to push him off, but Batman keeps him pinned, holding the Kryptonite close to him.
Superman pushes Batman as hard as he can in his weakened state. Both of them break through the wall.
INT. LEXCORP
Superman throws Batman through some walls and prepares to hit him again, but he grabs his hand and pushes him back.
Batman retrieves a batarang and throws it at Superman, who catches it. Then he winces in pain, as his invulnerability is weaker and his hand hurts.
The dark knight reaches for him and hits him in the face as hard as he can.
Superman grabs Batman and throws him through the ceiling and into the upper rooms.
Created using Celtx 65.
INT. UPPER ROOM
Batman grabs a table and helps himself up. Superman slowly rises through the hole in the ground.
SUPERMAN Had enough?
Batman glares at him. He cracks his knuckles. Superman sighs and rams him, sending him back to the ground.
Blood trickles out of Batman's nose. Superman stands over him. Batman looks up at the case he's leaning against.
He knocks the tech over. Superman quickly catches it and puts it back in it's place.
Batman hits him and once again gains the upper hand. He knocks Superman to the ground. He hits him over and over, until Superman is too weak to stand.
Batman grabs him and throws him through the hole he made. He jumps down after him.
INT. MAIN ROOM
Batman lands on the man of steel. He steps off him and walks over to where he can see his face.
BATMAN Don't get up.
SUPERMAN You know...I have to...
BATMAN (Dissapointed) Yeah...I just thought I'd ask.
Superman coughs and Batman breaths heavily.
SUPERMAN Give me a minute...
Batman walks over to the wall and leans against it. He slumps down into a sitting position.
INT. VAULT
The vault door is now liquid as it melts away. Volcana stops as soon as it's big enough to walk through.
Created using Celtx 66.
VOLCANA You might want to watch your step.
FIREFLY (Gestures to his suit) I'm fireproof.
They walk in and start looking for something.
VOLCANA Are you sure we shouldn't worry about the comotion outside?
FIREFLY Do I sound worried?
VOLCANA You never do.
They walk over to a device in the center of the room: A pair of metal wings with a rockit attchted to it. A jet pack.
VOLCANA That's what we're after?
FIREFLY Yep.
INT. LEXCORP
Batman and Superman stay where they are, trying to regain their strength.
BATMAN Why didn't you just go after him?
SUPERMAN What?
BATMAN You could have stopped Luthor before I got here. But you didn't.
SUPERMAN Didn't have evidence. You have it.
BATMAN Military encrypted hardware. I doubt you can afford to break that on a reporter's paycheck.
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SUPERMAN ...You're right.
Batman looks over at the man of steel.
BATMAN I'm sorry.
SUPERMAN For what?
He gestures to the destroyed room.
BATMAN All of this.
SUPERMAN We managed to avoid the priceless stuff.
BATMAN I'll pay for the rest. This is my fault anyway.
There's a pause between them.
SUPERMAN Are we going to fight again?
BATMAN I think we've broken enough things, including each other.
SUPERMAN I can't let you kill them.
This catches Batman offguard.
BATMAN I...I wouldn't...
He looks down at the shards of glass, reflecting his face behind the destroyed mask.
BATMAN I can't...I've seen to much death in my family.
Superman looks at him, seeing him in a completely new light.
Created using Celtx 68.
SUPERMAN We could go in there together.
Batman looks at him.
BATMAN I've had three partners in my career. One's in a wheelchair, the other one hates me, and the third is dead.
SUPERMAN I'm sorry to hear that. But we've spent the entire time fighting each other. Maybe it'd be nice to work together.
Batman looks over at the lab next door, where he hears movement.
BATMAN Alright. But just this once.
SUPERMAN Wouldn't have it any other way.
INT. VAULT
Batman and Superman walk up to the vault. They are met on the other side by Firefly and Volcana.
VOLCANA Wait, don't tell me. "Come quietly". "This has gone on long enough".
SUPERMAN There's still a chance for you to surrender.
BATMAN They're not going to do that and you know it.
SUPERMAN It was worth a shot.
Both Volcana and Firefly hold up their weapons and fire at the heroes. Superman blocks it with his hands while Batman dodges out of the way.
Firefly presses a button and the wings on the jetpack extend. He presses another one which causes the whole thing to lift
Created using Celtx 69. him into the air.
Batman throws a grapple hook around his leg, pulling him after the villain and into the air.
Superman starts to stand, struggling, so Volcana adds to the heat, pushing him back down.
Firefly notices the extra weight and looks down to see Batman climbing up the rope. He aims his flamethrower down and fires.
It melts the grapple line, causing Batman to drop and crash into the equipment.
Superman takes a breath and blows back at the flame, the icy wind pushing against it.
Firefly swings back around, setting the equipment on fire as Batman ducks for cover.
He grapples above and leaps into the air. He lands on the back of Firefly's jetpack.
He maneuvers and flips around, but Batman holds on tight. He grips onto one of the wings and bends it with all his strength.
They veer to the side and Batman jumps away just before they crash into the wall.
Papers and devices shake and move as Superman pushes against Volcana with his freeze breath. Volcana strains herself and becomes completely covered in an inferno.
Firefly unclips himself from the damaged jetpack. He notices Volcana and stares in awe. Batman shields his eyes.
Superman slides back as the force of heat makes him wince. His feet dig into the ground, cracking the ground.
Firefly grabs a rod next to him on a table and holds it out to Volcana.
FIREFLY You mind?
She reaches out with one hand and ignites the rod, turning it into a flaming sword.
Created using Celtx 70.
FIREFLY Thanks.
He turns to Batman and starts swing it at him with as hard as he can, shattering everything in his path.
Batman manages to stay out of his way, but the expensive gadgets are being destroyed.
A fire is lit in what's left of one of the devices.
Firefly and Batman fight as Volcana and Superman clash in the background.
Batman catches Firefly's arms as the flaming sword is pointed towards his chest. It's pushed closer. Batman struggles.
He shoves him to the side, causing Firefly to crash into one of the tables.
The Batman spins around and throws a batarang. It slashes into a metal pipe next to Volcana, sending a stream of cold air at her face.
She instinctively covers her face with her hands, allowing Superman's freeze breath to send her backwards. The fire around her dies down, her clothes black and singed.
He then turns towards Firefly and flies at him, knocking him into a large glass case.
Batman stands in the doorway of the open air-tight experiment cage. Volcana sees Batman and immediately goes to burn him.
He jumps out of the way of the fire, which goes past him and into the room. The flame hits Firefly, setting his arm on fire.
VOLCANA Oh no.
She runs into the room and uses her power to absorb the fire from Firefly and into herself.
Batman pushes a button and the door seals them in. Volcana turns to see the two heroes standing on the other side of the glass.
VOLCANA You think this can hold me? I can burn out of here in seconds.
Created using Celtx 71.
BATMAN Go ahead then.
Volcana takes the fire she absorbed and sends it at the glass.
FIREFLY No! Wait!
Volcana doesn't seem to hear as she doubles down on the fire.
She and Firefly become lightheaded and start to collapse and cough.
VOLCANA What's...happening to us!?
BATMAN You're in a vacuum. Fire can't exist in a vacuum.
Firefly and Volcana pass out.
INT. BATCAVE
Superman sits on the medical bed, Batman using the x-ray. Superman rubs his arm.
SUPERMAN It's going to take awhile before that stops hurting.
BATMAN I say that about every week.
Superman laughs. There's a pause between them.
SUPERMAN You obviously have a different way of doing things. I'll try to stay out of your way in the future.
Batman thinks for a moment.
BATMAN No. There are threats more dangerous than I can handle alone, although I hate to admit it. So if you ever need me...
Superman is taken aback by this. But before he can say
Created using Celtx 72. anything:
BATMAN But you'll need my experience in the coming years. You're still just starting out and frankly you're inexperience is a weakness.
SUPERMAN What are you saying?
BATMAN I'm saying... you're going to need more than a pair of glasses to protect your identity.
INT. DAILY PLANET
Clark walks through the hall, making his way to Perry's office. He walks in, knocking on the open door to get his attention.
CLARK Excuse me?
His voice is different. He's less sure of himself, more awkward and shy.
PERRY Yes?
CLARK My name is Clark. Clark Kent?
PERRY You're one of my field reporters. I wasn't aware you were in the office as much as the others.
CLARK Well, that's the thing, I usually drop off my stories but I thought I should start giving them to you directly. I wanted to make myself more at home here.
As he talks, one of his gestures "accidentally" knocks over one of his stacks of papers. He tries to catch but ends up making it worse, knocking over more stuff. Perry stares at him.
Created using Celtx 73.
PERRY Can you do it without destroying the place?
CLARK Yes, sir.
Perry gestures for him to leave, which Clark does. On the way out, he smiles to himself.
INT. DAILY PLANET DESKS
Clark sits at the desk across from Lois. He reaches out to shake.
CLARK Clark Kent. I'll be working here.
Lois smiles and shakes.
LOIS Pleasure to meet you.
CLARK So... how did it go with Bruce Wayne?
LOIS He had to go back to Gotham and long distance relationships never work, so I broke it off.
CLARK I'm sorry. Bruce is a nice man.
Lois watches him set up his desk, obviously into him.
LOIS Yeah, he is.
INT. POLICE TRUCK
A police prison truck drives through the highway. Inside, Firefly and Volcana sit across from each other, handcuffs keeping them from going anywhere.
VOLCANA My head still hurts.
FIREFLY How do you think I feel?
Created using Celtx 74.
VOLCANA Sorry.
FIREFLY What do you have to be sorry about?
VOLCANA I'm the one who got us caught.
FIREFLY No, you didn't. Besides, I've got a friend in Central City. I'll be out soon. (Pause) If you want, I can get you out, too.
VOLCANA I'd like that.
FIREFLY It's a date then.
They smile and sit in silence for awhile.
VOLCANA There any banks in Cantral City?
FIREFLY I like the way you think.
INT. LEXCORP
Construction crews work on repairing the lab, trying to salvage what they can.
Mercy leads a group of laborers down the hall, past the equipment. They carry large crates.
They talk it to another vault, this one far stronger than the one before. They set the crates down inside the room.
One of them grabs a crowbar and digs it into the crate, lifting the cover off of it.
Mercy walks over to edge and looks inside. Among the shipping straw is various robotic body parts, shaped like a human skeleton.
She turns from the box and calls Luthor.
Created using Celtx 75.
MERCY Package secure without any problems.
INT. LUXURIOUS OFFICE
Luthor sits at his desk watching everything in the lab on security cams.
LUTHOR Good work, Mercy. Get back to my office as soon as you can.
MERCY Yes, sir.
Luthor looks over the contents of the crate. Suddenly the power goes out, covering the room in darkness.
LUTHOR What the-
The lights come back up and Batman stands in front of Luthor, who stares in shock.
BATMAN Lex Luthor.
LUTHOR SECURITY!
BATMAN They can't hear you.
Luthor becomes worried, but quickly tries to hide it with anger.
LUTHOR What do you want?
BATMAN I know you're Prometheus. You hired Firefly to break out Volcana. You knew it would distract me from what you were really up to: stealing robotics from STAR Labs.
Luthor doesn't flinch. He doesn't give any indication he's right or wrong.
BATMAN You didn't account for Superman, but
Created using Celtx 76.
it worked to your advantage. Or maybe you did and it was a calculated risk.
As Batman talks, Luthor sits rigid and unmoving.
BATMAN I don't know what you're planning, but I will be watching you.
LUTHOR This is quite an accusation, "dark knight". Do you have any proof of this?
BATMAN No. You're good at covering your tracks. But you made one mistake.
LUTHOR Oh? And what's that?
Batman leans in.
BATMAN You got my attention.
The lights go out. And once they come back on, Batman's gone. Luthor sits back in his chair, unsettled.
INT. HOTEL
Alfred sits on the side of a bed, watching the news. Vicki talks about the damage at Lexcorp being rebuilt.
He feels a small breeze and turns to see Batman standing in the window.
BATMAN Alfred.
ALFRED Master Bruce?
Batman takes off his mask as he steps into the room.
BRUCE Before you say anything, let me just tell you something. I lost hope. I lost everything and I didn't think it'd get better. Jason died. I didn't... I couldn't lose anyone else.
Created using Celtx 77.
Especially not you. So I pushed everyone away. But that means I still lose you anyway, doesn't it? I almost... God, I...
Alfred stands and walks over to him.
BRUCE Alfred, please forgive me.
ALFRED It's not me that needs to forgive you. It's yourself, sir.
BRUCE Will you come back?
ALFRED Sir, you couldn't keep me away.
We pan out of the apartment and look over the city. We fade to black.
AFTER CREDIT:
INT. ALIEN PLANET
Green Lantern Abin Sur lands on a destroyed planet's city. It's completely in ruins. Corpse's lie all over the place.
He walks over to an Omega symbol burned into the ground. He talks into his ring.
ABIN SUR Alert the Corp. I think Darkseid is heading to Earth next.
Cut to black.
Created using Celtx