Brave and the Bold: On the Bat Wings of Love by Thomas F. Zahler TEASER

EXT. SAHARA DESERT - DAY We PAN from the burning sun down to the sand dunes where AQUAMAN is tied, spread-eagle to four stakes. Black Manta stands above him, wearing what we will learn is a TELEPORTATION ARMBAND with a ATTACHED CONTROL BOX. Aquaman is dehydrating, and clearly DYING. BLACK MANTA I’ll have to thank Professor Ivo for his teleportation device. It finally let me get you out of your element. AQUAMAN Ohhhh... BLACK MANTA Yes, the ocean. You’re not in the ocean anymore, Sea King. We hear a from a second teleporter. BATMAN (O.S.) But the long arm of justice reaches everywhere, Black Manta! Black Manta TURNS AROUND and is SURPRISED to see BATMAN standing there, wearing his own TELEPORTATION BAND. BLACK MANTA Professor Ivo told me I had the only navigation device for his teleporter.

ANGLE ON BLACK MANTA’S ARMBAND We can see Black Manta’s TELEPORTATION CONTROLLER.

NEW ANGLE ON BATMAN’S TELEPORTATION ARMBAND BATMAN Yes, but using his plans, I managed to build this homing device. Anywhere you go, I can follow with the press of a button. 2.

Black Manta DISAPPEARS. Batman LOOKS AROUND, and Black Manta appears behind him. Black Manta KICKS Batman. BLACK MANTA Then try to keep up. Batman and Black Manta both disappear. They start reappearing and disappearing while trading blows, all around Aquaman. AQUAMAN Water... Batman tries to reach for Aquaman, but Black Manta appears in front of him. Then Black Manta GRABS Batman. BLACK MANTA Let’s leave Aquaman alone. Both Batman and Black Manta DISAPPEAR, leaving Aquaman to his fate.

INT. LIBRARY Two boys, JONATHAN and CARTER are in a library. They are talking a little too loud. JONATHAN I can’t believe you did that. CARTER I know, right? A LIBRARIAN leans out from behind a shelf, gives them the SHHH sign and WALKS AWAY. Just then BATMAN and Black Manta appear, still fighting. Batman KNOCKS Black Manta into a shelf, toppling it with a CRASH. Black Manta DISAPPEARS with a POOF and Batman TELEPORTS after him. The Librarian reappears and looks at the boys and the mess with a scowl.

MULTIPLE BACKGROUNDS - EFFECT Black Manta and BATMAN enter from camera left, locked in combat. They parry and fight each other as different backgrounds (restaurant, zoo, shopping mall, etc.) APPEAR and DISAPPEAR behind them. They MOVE RIGHT, finally DRIFTING OFF CAMERA RIGHT. 3.

BATMAN (effort) BLACK MANTA (effort)

EXT. BACKYARD - DAY A little girl sits in the backyard of her quiet suburban HOUSE in her INFLATABLE WADING POOL, playing with an AQUAMAN action figure. There’s a SWINGSET in the yard as well as other TOYS (ball, baseball bat). First Black Manta APPEARS, looking around. Then BATMAN APPEARS in mid-kick, whacking him in the helmet. BLACK MANTA (effort) BATMAN You can’t outrun the swiftness of justice, Black Manta! Black Manta PICKS UP THE SWINGSET by the corner and THROWS it at Batman. Batman DODGES the swings and ROLLS to safety. When he comes up, Black Manta IS GONE. Batman looks at the little girl, who is STUNNED by all this commotion. We CLOSE IN on Batman.

EXT. SAHARA DESERT - DAY Black Manta is again standing over AQUAMAN, gloating. BLACK MANTA It looks like I gave the Caped Crusader the slip, old foe. Now there’s no one to-- We hear the POOF teleporting sound, and a bit of the WHISTLE OF A FALLING OBJECT. Black Manta looks up and sees BATMAN, FALLING FROM THE SKY, being trailed by the little girl’s INFLATABLE POOL FILLED WITH WATER. Batman PLOWS into Black Manta, RIPPING OFF Manta’s teleporter armband. The pool FALLS ON AQUAMAN, dousing him in water. He begins to recover his strength immediately, BREAKING HIS BONDS. 4.

AQUAMAN Ah, yes! Batman is prone on the ground from his leap in. Black Manta LUNGES for Batman.

BRAVE AND THE BOLD SPLASH PANEL Batman KICKS Black Manta with both feet.

NEW ANGLE Black Manta careens backward. He twists around and sees Aquaman, STANDING and HEALTHY. Aquaman smiles.

BRAVE AND THE BOLD SPLASH PANEL Aquaman LAYS Black Manta flat with a mighty punch.

NEW ANGLE Batman and Aquaman stand over Black Manta’s unconscious form. AQUAMAN Thanks for the save, old chum. BATMAN Anytime, Aquaman. AQUAMAN I guess we’d better get this slippery eel back to his cage. BATMAN Actually, I promised we’d make one stop first.

BACKYARD - DAY The LITTLE GIRL is sitting on her back porch, bored. Her swingset is tipped over and her pool is obviously gone. She sits, dejected, with her AQUAMAN DOLL. Just then, BATMAN and AQUAMAN appear. Batman has the unconscious Black Manta over his shoulder. Aquaman holds her POOL. The Sea King drops the pool and walks towards the girl, CASUALLY KICKING THE SWINGSET UPRIGHT. 5.

AQUAMAN I hear you lent Batman your pool to help me. I’m very grateful. The girl’s face LIGHTS UP and she RUNS to Aquaman. LITTLE GIRL Aquaman! You’re my favorite hero!

ANGLE ON BATMAN BATMAN Outrageous. FADE TO BLACK. END OF TEASER 6.

ACT ONE

EXT. MAXIE ZEUS MANSION - NIGHT MAXIE ZEUS’S MANSION is a faux Roman/Greek structure with an amphitheater and hedge maze and garden in the back. It stands atop the highest hill outside of Gotham City, looking down at the city like old Mount Olympus. Clouds have formed above the structure. booms and there are brief LIGHTNING STRIKES. MAXIE ZEUS (O.S.) At last! I have done it!

EXT. MAXIE ZEUS GARDEN MAXIE ZEUS is in the center of his garden. Surrounding him are twelve empty pedestals. He’s wearing a HIP QUIVER OF THUNDERBOLTS and holding the STAFF OF MEDUSA, an ornate pole with Roman letters carved around the outside and the carved head of a snake-haired woman at the top. MAXIE ZEUS After years of searching, I have found the Staff of Medusa! And with it I can finally claim the power that should have been mine, the power of the gods! Maxie SLAMS the Staff into the garden’s courtyard and it sticks into the cement. There is more LIGHTNING and and the staff begins to GLOW. An ENERGY BEAM shoots from the staff skyward. The clouds begin to SWIRL around the beam. More ENERGY spirals from the staff and strikes the pedestals. On the first pedestal the Roman god JUPITER begins to appear. He struggles briefly, but quickly TURNS TO STONE, and his NAME APPEARS ON THE PEDESTAL. On the next pedestal JUNO (Hera) appears and also turns to stone. As we pan around, we see that all the gods, NEPTUNE, PLUTO, APOLLO, DIANA, MARS, VENUS, MERCURY, MINERVA, VULCAN, and most importantly to this story, CUPID. MAXIE ZEUS (CONT’D) No more pretending to be a member of the Pantheon. I will be Pantheon! BATMAN (O.S.) No, you will be stopped, you rapacious Roman raspcallion! 7.

Maxie LOOKS SKYWARD and can’t see anything. But he hears the . Then the sky ripples and we see Wonder Woman’s INVISIBLE JET. Through its glass surface, we can see WONDER WOMAN and BATMAN. WONDER WOMAN You were right, Batman, it was Maxie Zeus who stole the Staff of Medusa. BATMAN His pathological obsession with the Roman gods made him the likeliest candidate. Batman LEAPS out of the jet, his cape TRANSFORMING into his JET BATWINGS and he flies towards the ground. Wonder Woman touches her hand to her tiara to command her jet. TELEPATHIC WAVES RADIATE from it. WONDER WOMAN Circle, my Invisible Jet. Wonder Woman JUMPS out of the jet herself, using her LASSO as a rapelling rope. Maxie Zeus is in the center courtyard, still surrounded by the statues. GLOWING CRACKS are forming underneath each pedestal and slowly reaching towards Maxie. Batman lands outside the ring of frozen gods. MAXIE ZEUS You’re too late, Batman! You and Wonder Woman can watch as I ascend to godhood. BATMAN Watch? I think this garden party should be a little more participatory. Batman THROWS a BATARANG at Maxie’s feet. It EXPLODES, knocking Maxie out of the center of the garden and away from the staff. He BUMPS against the statue of Venus, which WOBBLES and begins to FALL. Wonder Woman THROWS HER LASSO and catches it, easing it back onto the pedestal. WONDER WOMAN Be careful, Batman. As statues, the gods are vulnerable. 8.

Maxie hides behind the statue of Mercury. He TOSSES a thunderbolt at Batman and Wonder Woman, and they scatter. Maxie is targeting Batman as he runs across the garden. THUNDERBOLTS at Batman’s feet. Wonder Woman tries to sneak up on Maxie. He sees her and throws a bolt at the foot of the statue of Vulcan. The statue rocks off its base, and Wonder Woman STRUGGLES TO CATCH IT. WONDER WOMAN (CONT’D) (grunts) The blacksmith of the gods could stand to go on a diet. Maxie rears back to throw another bolt, but not before a BATROPE wraps around his hand. Maxie struggles to free himself. Batman starts to pull the rope toward him and Maxie gives up and drops the bolt on the courtyard. BATMAN Your reign of holy terror is over, Zeus! MAXIE ZEUS Is it? Maxie snaps his fingers and the bolt explodes, knocking Maxie back and knocking CUPID off of his pedestal. Batman releases Maxie and snaps his Batrope back to him. He then hurls it below the falling Cupid statue, trying to cushion it’s fall. It lands softly, but rolls and CUPID’S ARM SNAPS OFF. BATMAN Zeus, what have you done? MAXIE ZEUS If I cannot wield the power of the gods, then neither shall they. WONDER WOMAN You want the power of the gods? Wonder Woman leaps from off-screen, punching Maxie.

BRAVE AND THE BOLD SPLASH PANEL Maxie reels from Wonder Woman’s punch. Maxie flies through the air, to be caught by Batman. Well, Batman’s fists. 9.

BRAVE AND THE BOLD SPLASH PANEL Maxie gets whacked by Batman.

ANGLE ON CENTER OF COURTYARD Maxie lies unconscious at Batman’s feet. The cracks have reached the center of the courtyard, causing the face on the Staff to come to life. It and SHUDDERS. WONDER WOMAN Batman, the pantheon’s powers have reached the staff. With no one to receive them, they’ll return to the gods and-- BATMAN --bring them back to life. A second set of CRACKS begin to form, reaching from the Staff of Medusa and heading towards the gods on their pedestals. Batman leaps over to the broken Cupid statue, with Wonder Woman quickly behind him. Batman is reaching for something in his utility belt. BATMAN (CONT’D) If they’re breakable like regular stone, they should be repairable, too. Batman has found a TUBE OF BAT-LOGOED CEMENT GLUE. He races to join Cupid’s arm together before the glowing cracks return to the pedestals. WONDER WOMAN Hurry, Batman! BATMAN This glue is the fastest setting adhesive known to man. (beat) I invented it myself. The arm is back in one piece, but the CRACK is still visible. BATMAN (CONT’D) Now, Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman grabs the statue of Cupid and, with effort, returns it to the pedestal. WONDER WOMAN (Effort) 10.

The statue is returned just as the cracks have returned to the bases. LIGHTNING and erupt and the statues begin to GLOW. The gods begin BECOMING FLESH AGAIN. Batman and Wonder Woman apprehensively look at Cupid becoming human. We can’t see how he reforms when we CUT TO:

EXT. MOUNT OLYMPUS - DAY Batman and Wonder Woman stand with the GODS (except MARS) at the base of the main temple on Olympus. JUPITER Thank you, Batman and Diana, Princess of the Amazons, for saving us. We trust that the foul pretender has been disposed of. BATMAN He’s back at Arkham Asylum, Lord Jupiter. Jupiter looks CONFUSED. Wonder Woman steps in. WONDER WOMAN It’s like Tartarus on Earth. JUPITER I see. CUPID steps forward. His previously broken arm is now in a SLING. CUPID Thank you in particular, Batman. Your quick thinking made sure that I’ll be able to pull back the bowstring of love...as soon as this heals up. Cupid FLEXES his broken arm. BATMAN I’m only sorry that I couldn’t patch it better. Cupid ushers Batman and Wonder Woman away from the gathering of Gods. CUPID Then, I have a favor to ask of you. 11.

The remaining gods leave, giving privacy to Cupid, Batman and Wonder Woman. CUPID (CONT’D) My arm will heal up in a day or so. We gods mend quickly. But, until then, I’m on the Olympian Disabled List. Cupid indicates his broken arm. CUPID (CONT’D) I’m going to need someone to fill in for me. Wonder Woman smiles and steps forward. Cupid cuts her off. CUPID (CONT’D) Batman, will you take my place? BATMAN With all due respect, Cupid, I’m a fighter, not a lover. WONDER WOMAN Cupid, perhaps I-- Cupid ignores Wonder Woman entirely. CUPID You’re also a tireless defender of the hopeless. Perhaps it’s time that you bring hope to the lovelorn, and not just the forlorn. (beat) Plus, you’re a great marksman and excellent at skulking around. Batman ponders this for a moment. BATMAN I’m a creature of battle, Cupid. But it’s been said that love is a battlefield as well. I’ll accept the honor, sir. Wonder Woman looks CRESTFALLEN.

INT. CUPID’S DEN - DAY Batman and Wonder Woman follow Cupid into his DEN. Wonder Woman is still visibly upset wasn’t was chosen to replace Cupid. 12.

Cupid’s Den a cheesy, lounge lizard kind of place. Cupid has PORTRAITS OF HIMSELF on black velvet. There are LAVA LAMPS and LEATHER COUCHES, the works. CUPID Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. Batman notices one of the portraits, featuring a well-muscled Cupid. BATMAN I wouldn’t say humble. CUPID It’s hard to be humble when you’re responsible for so many of the great couples in history, Batman. Sampson and Delilah... John and Abigail... Lois and Clark. Cupid reaches behind the couch and pulls out a TINY BOW and a QUIVER of arrows with tips in the shape of hearts as well as a SHINY ROMAN HELMET. CUPID (CONT’D) Now, Batman, if you’re going to do the job, you’ll need the tools of the trade. (holding up bow) The Bow and Arrows of love. You’ll need to shoot these at your target couple, hitting both of them with the same arrow. You do not want to miss, trust me. I’m never going to live down that John and Yoko mistake. Batman takes the bow and arrows. A leather-bound book flies in from off-camera and hovers around Batman’s shoulders. BATMAN This is the Book of Love, I presume? CUPID Very good, Caped Crusader. Not many people in the modern era know of it. BATMAN While no one knows who the author is, it’s the book that tells you which couples to get together. (MORE) 13. BATMAN (CONT'D) (beat) I’ve read the original myths. CUPID Even still-- BATMAN From the original Greek scrolls, of course. CUPID Well, that would do it. The Book of Love DISAPPEARS. CUPID (CONT’D) While you’re filling in for me, the book will appear when you call for it. And it will teleport you to the next couple. Not every couple gets this kind of special attention. It’s only the special ones, the ones that people write stories about. Cupid eyes Batman up and down. CUPID (CONT’D) Of course, you’re dreadfully overdressed for this task. BATMAN I am not wearing a diaper. Cupid points at Batman’s blue briefs. CUPID Really? You’re so close already. (sighs) Okay, no diaper, but you still need to look the part. Cupid snaps his fingers and Batman’s costume BEGINS TO CHANGE. The cape shortens and becomes a pair of wings. The general colors change, from blue and gray to a lighter blue and lavender. And the yellow oval behind his bat changes into a heart. Cupid hands Batman the bow and arrow. Then he takes the helmet and RESHAPES IT so it fits as a second pointy-eared mask over Batman’s cowl and gives that to him as well. 14.

CUPID (CONT’D) The Helm of Perseus, Batman. It will keep you and all who work towards the goal of love invisible for as long as you wear it. Cupid must work secretly. Cupid turns to Wonder Woman, who is trying not to sulk. CUPID (CONT’D) Isn’t he great, Diana? Batman, the God of Love! Batman places his fists on his hips, trying to strike as manly a pose as possible, and failing. Wonder Woman leans in towards Cupid. WONDER WOMAN Cupid, I and the Amazons have served the Gods of Olympus for centuries. Why-- CUPID --why weren’t you chosen to fill my winged yet stylish sandals? I have my reasons, Princess Diana, not the least of which is that Batman will need protection. (beat) Cupid moves Wonder Woman next to Batman CUPID (CONT’D) Wonder Woman will serve as your second, and a guide to being the god of love. And she will be your protector. BATMAN Protector? CUPID Oh, yes, Batman. Being the God of Love is a far more dangerous business than either of you can imagine. FADE TO BLACK. END OF ACT ONE 15.

ACT TWO

INT. GOTHAM CENTRAL STATION GOTHAM CENTRAL STATION is, for all intents and purposes, Grand Central Station. It’s a two deck affair, with TRAINS coming in on the lower level from both sides, and an upper deck that rings the structure, allowing people to look down at the oncoming passengers. We see SEVERAL PEOPLE milling below, waiting for trains to arrive. There are also large windows on the second floor that allow us to see outside to Gotham. It’s BRIGHT AND SUNNY. BATMAN and WONDER WOMAN teleport onto the second deck, unseen by the THREE N/D GOTHAMITES who are walking by. Batman walks up to one of them and waves his hand in front of their face. They don’t react. BATMAN Maybe I can convince Cupid to let me keep this helmet of invisibility. It’d be an invaluable crime-fighting aid. WONDER WOMAN Why not? He seems to like you. Another N/D GOTHAMITE passes by Wonder Woman and clearly does not see her. BATMAN As my assistant, you’re invisible too. WONDER WOMAN The proper term is “second.” Batman looks down over the railing at the area below. BATMAN Curious that Cupid chose me to replace him and not you. Wonder Woman is clearly irritated by Cupid’s choice. WONDER WOMAN The gods work in mysterious ways. Batman closes his eyes and puts out his hand. The BOOK OF LOVE appears hovering above it. Batman grabs it from the air. 16.

BATMAN Let’s see who our first couple is. Batman opens the book. Each page looks like a yearbook with two photos of a potential couple, their names written large below it followed by more information below that. BATMAN (CONT’D) Jack Drake and Janet Cooper. It says here that he’s an archeology student and she’s an aspiring model. Their paths cross here every day when their trains get in. (beat) Seems simple enough. From here, it should be an easy shot. I’m no Green Arrow, thankfully, but-- WONDER WOMAN You’re just going to fire an arrow and that’s it? BATMAN That’s what Cupid does. WONDER WOMAN No, it’s not. The couples Cupid gets together, they’re the special ones. The pairs that deserve the attention of the gods. He does more than just shoot them with an arrow, he sets the stage. He makes their meeting memorable. BATMAN So he’s...romantic? WONDER WOMAN Yes, exactly. BATMAN Maybe he should have chosen you for this. WONDER WOMAN The Amazons have served the Pantheon for thousands of years. (beat) Maybe he should have. 17.

INT. GOTHAM CITY TRAIN STATION - FIRST FLOOR Two TRAINS pull into the station from opposite directions and OPEN THEIR DOORS. PEOPLE start to file out. WONDER WOMAN The trains have arrived. Look.

ANGLE ON JACK DRAKE JACK DRAKE exits his train. He’s a mess. Thick glasses, a hat that’s years out of date, and a sportscoat with elbow patches, and none of it fits right. Worse yet, he’s carrying an UMBRELLA. WONDER WOMAN (CONT’D) He’s carrying an umbrella? There’s not a cloud in the sky. BATMAN I respect his preparedness.

ANGLE ON BATMAN AND WONDER WOMAN WONDER WOMAN Says the man with a utility belt. BATMAN Unless, of course, he’s working for the Penguin. WONDER WOMAN The Penguin is far more stylish. (sighs) You’re going to need those arrows. Wonder Woman slumps her shoulders, dejected. WONDER WOMAN (CONT’D) Go ahead, get it over with. Give these two lovebirds a completely average first meeting. BATMAN I can be romantic. WONDER WOMAN Really? BATMAN I swoon over justice. 18.

WONDER WOMAN Not the same thing at all.

ANGLE ON JANET COOPER JANET COOPER is exiting the train. She’s gorgeous and classy, everything Jack isn’t. In short, she’s way out of his league. WONDER WOMAN (CONT’D) There she is. You don’t have much time.

ANGLE ON BATMAN Batman’s eye slits narrow as he contemplates what to do. We TRACK IN on his eyes until... Instead of reaching for an arrow, he reaches for his utility belt. He grabs a BATARANG, which has been transformed into a HEART-SHAPED BOOMERANG. BATMAN Lovely.

ANGLE ON FIRST FLOOR Jack and Janet are getting closer. Neither is looking at the other. A couple of passers-by pass between them.

ANGLE ON BATMAN Batman throws the heart/Batarang at the ceiling. It SPINS around until it hits the spigot of the building’s FIRE/SPRINKLER SYSTEM. It breaks the chemical switch and unleashes an indoor rain shower.

ANGLE ON FIRST FLOOR One of the commuters has a newspaper over his head. Another is running away. Janet is getting wet and is very upset. Jack sees her and OPENS HIS UMBRELLA, offering it to her.

ANGLE ON BATMAN Batman now draws back his bow and launches an arrow at the couple. 19.

ANGLE ON JACK AND JANET The arrow strikes Jack. It explodes against his back with a flash of confetti, but Jack does not move from any impact. (It’s a virtual arrow, so to speak, so it doesn’t hit with any force.) Jack’s expression changes to a BIG DOPEY GRIN. Janet is looking at Jack, a little confused. The arrow completes it’s path and strikes her. There’s the same confetti effect and she gets the same smile. JANET Thank you-- JACK Jack. Jack Drake. JANET Thank you, Jack. JACK My pleasure. Can I walk you out?

BACK ON BATMAN AND WONDER WOMAN Batman is replacing the bow on his shoulder. WONDER WOMAN I have to admit, I didn’t know you had it in you. BATMAN Neither did I. There’s the faint sound of . WONDER WOMAN I didn’t realize they allowed animals in here. BATMAN They don’t. She gets into a battle stance, pushing Batman behind her. WONDER WOMAN Get behind me. A GIANT BLACK TWO HEADED DOG, EIGHT FEET TALL comes out of nowhere and jumps Wonder Woman. She BLOCKS it with her bracelets. 20.

BATMAN A Cerebus? WONDER WOMAN Just the first. Get out the Book of Love. We need to move on. NOW! Batman calls for the Book of Love as he did before. As it appears, A SECOND CEREBUS appears and leaps for the Book. Batman grabs the Book out of the dog’s path. BATMAN Two Cerebuses? MARS (O.S.) Give me the book, Amazon, and I will spare your lives. WONDER WOMAN Mars! BATMAN What does the God of War want with the Book of Love? WONDER WOMAN Figure it out later, Batman. Get us out of here. Batman opens the book and sees the next couple. He’s shocked. BATMAN What? They’re next? We see the page and it has pictures of GREEN ARROW and BLACK CANARY. Wonder Woman continues to wrestle with the two dogs. THICK BLACK SMOKE starts to creep across the floor. Mars, God of War, is about to appear. WONDER WOMAN Batman, NOW! Batman plunges his hand onto the page and LIGHT POURS FROM IT. The light fills the room and Batman and Wonder Woman DISAPPEAR.

EXT. CITY ROOFTOP- DAY Wonder Woman and Batman APPEAR on the roof of a tall building in Star City. 21.

BATMAN I don’t like running from a fight. WONDER WOMAN You weren’t. You were running from a slaughter. Fighting the god of war is a little out of your league. BATMAN I’m surprisingly resourceful. WONDER WOMAN So is Mars. He’s using Cupid’s injury as an opportunity to steal the Book of Love. BATMAN That seems out of character for a war god. WONDER WOMAN There is some family history between love and war in the Pantheon. BATMAN That’s right. Cupid is the son of Mars and Venus the goddess of love. WONDER WOMAN Mars and Venus ended their relationship centuries ago. Maybe he’s upset that Cupid followed in his mother’s footsteps instead of his. BATMAN Possibly. But I think he may be up to something even more insidious. WONDER WOMAN Either way... Wonder Woman touches her hand to her tiara and sends out a telepathic message. TELEPATHIC WAVES radiate again. WONDER WOMAN (TELEPATHIC) (CONT’D) To me, my invisible jet. (resuming speaking aloud) If we’re going to be fighting Lord Mars, I’m going to need the right outfit. 22.

Batman looks on as Wonder Woman’s invisible jet zooms alongside the rooftop. She LEAPS off the roof, into the open cockpit of the jet. She reaches behind her seat and pulls her ARMOR from an invisible storage container.

ANGLE ON WONDER WOMAN Wonder Woman leaps back to the rooftop, now wearing a battle armor version of her uniform. The pieces all fit over her normal uniform, so she appears to have added gear rather than just undressed in front of Batman. She’s now sporting a shield, headgear, and a sword. WONDER WOMAN This is what you wear to fight a god. BATMAN I see. WONDER WOMAN He’ll find us again soon, so we’d better do what we came here to do. Wonder Woman WAVES to her jet which takes off, climbing above the clouds. Batman puts out his hand and the BOOK OF LOVE APPEARS, FLOATING OVER IT. He starts to read it. Wonder Woman stands over his shoulder, reading as well. BATMAN We’re supposed to make a love connection between Black Canary and Green Arrow. Batman GRIMACES. BATMAN (CONT’D) I still don’t believe it. She could do so much better. Maybe Green Lantern? WONDER WOMAN It also says that Black Canary used to have a little crush on you. Batman actually starts to BLUSH. BATMAN That hardly seems relevant. 23.

WONDER WOMAN No, but it is interesting. Batman closes the book, letting it fade away. He walks to the edge of the roof and looks at the street below. BATMAN If the Book brought us here, the two of them must be around here somewhere.

EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT An OLD JALOPY careens down the street followed in sharp pursuit by GREEN ARROW, in the Arrowcar, and BLACK CANARY on her motorcycle.

ANGLE ON JALOPY SOLOMON GRUNDY is leaning out of the passenger side of the car, SHOOTING at both Green Arrow and Black Canary. The car is being driven by WEASEL, Grundy’s assistant. SOLOMON GRUNDY (grunts and mumbles) WEASEL I’m trying, Boss, I’m trying.

ANGLE ON GREEN ARROW AND BLACK CANARY Green Arrow and Black Canary shout at each other as they dodge bullets. GREEN ARROW This is a wild first date, isn’t it? BLACK CANARY This isn’t a date! You asked me for help taking down Grundy! GREEN ARROW You didn’t seem like a dinner and flowers kind of girl. Grundy’s car is rushing down the street. A truck carrying 55- gallon drums of chemicals is in front of them. SOLOMON GRUNDY (grunts and mumbles) 24.

WEASEL Got it, Boss! Weasel yanks the car to the left. Grundy leans out the window with a TOMMY GUN and shoots up the supports holding the drums in place. They start falling out of the truck, onto the street.

ANGLE ON GREEN ARROW AND BLACK CANARY The DRUMS ARE COMING RIGHT FOR THEM. FADE TO BLACK. END OF ACT TWO 25.

ACT THREE

EXT. CITY STREET GREEN ARROW and BLACK CANARY are careening towards the barrel avalanche. They swerve, and Black Canary’s bike hits the ground, skidding sideways. BATMAN and WONDER WOMAN jump off the rooftop. Wonder Woman LASSOS THE BARRELS in a great clump and yanks them back against a LAMPPOST. Batman SHOOTS TWO BATLINES around Canary and Arrow, bringing both of them to a stop.

ANGLE ON GREEN ARROW AND BLACK CANARY Green Arrow jumps out of the Arrowcar to check on Black Canary, who’s already getting up. They look at the barrels, in a pile in front of them. Then they look behind their vehicles. They can’t see what stopped them or the barrels. BLACK CANARY Did we just get really lucky here? GREEN ARROW Maybe we’re just better than we think. BLACK CANARY Really? With your ego, that’s saying something.

ANGLE ON ALL Now we see Batman and Wonder Woman, even though the other heroes can’t see them. Batman is looking down the street. He sees Grundy’s jalopy pull into a warehouse and shut the garage door behind them. The warehouse has a sign on it that reads ACE WAREHOUSE. GREEN ARROW Now, where did Grundy get off to? Batman sighs and starts to remove his helmet of invisibility. WONDER WOMAN Batman, no. If you remove your helmet, Mars will find us for sure. We’re here for love, not for crime. 26.

BATMAN But I love to fight crime. Can’t we do both? Wonder Woman shakes her head. Batman slumps his shoulders and reaches for his utility belt. He grabs a another HEART-SHAPED BATARANG and launches it down to the warehouse. It hits the sign, knocking it loose with a KLANG! Green Arrow and Black Canary look down the street at the . GREEN ARROW Maybe he went into that warehouse. BATMAN Of course he did. Ace Warehouse is one of Grundy’s front companies. Don’t you read the crimefighting newsletter I e-mail every week? BLACK CANARY Ace Warehouse? I think that’s one of Grundy’s front companies. It was in Batman’s e-mail newsletter. GREEN ARROW Oh, is that what’s in those? I never read them. BATMAN I knew it! Green Arrow and Black Canary run off towards the warehouse. Wonder Woman watches them. WONDER WOMAN He’s really going to need our help with her, isn’t he? BATMAN Trust me, he’s beyond help.

EXT. ACE WAREHOUSE ROOF Batman and Wonder Woman watch Green Arrow and Black Canary peer in through the skylight of the warehouse. Batman eyes his quiver of arrows. BATMAN I’d rather not get them together while they need to focus Grundy. (MORE) 27. BATMAN (CONT'D) But every minute brings Mars closer. WONDER WOMAN I could try contacting Olympus, but Cupid is still out of commission and summoning another god might cause this to escalate into a war. BATMAN And we want love, here, not a war.

NEW ANGLE ON GREEN ARROW AND BLACK CANARY GREEN ARROW See, I was right. He is in here. BLACK CANARY You got lucky. GREEN ARROW I can only hope. Are you ready, milady? Green Arrow lifts the skylight and Black Canary jumps through. Green Arrow follows. WONDER WOMAN (mock formally) What about you, good sir? BATMAN (annoyed) Let’s go.

INT. ACE WAREHOUSE Grundy and Weasel are at one end of the warehouse, nestled amongst some of the smaller stacks of crates. They are counting their ill-gotten loot. Green Arrow and Black Canary have leapt through the skylight and are bounding down the higher mountains of crates and boxes. They land on the floor and hide behind an unopened crate, getting ready to pounce. Batman and Wonder Woman land on the ground in the center of the warehouse, not bothering to hide. They are between Grundy and Green Arrow and Black Canary. WONDER WOMAN So, any ideas on this one? 28.

BATMAN Well, I-- At the other end of the warehouse, smoke begins to billow. Only Wonder Woman and Batman can see it. MARS (O.S.) You could just surrender to me and give me my son’s accursed Book of Love. Mars steps out of the smoke, eyes glowing. We can hear the of his dogs. BATMAN All right, I’ve just had an idea. Just then, Green Arrow and Black Canary stand up from their hiding perch. GREEN ARROW All right, Grundy, give it up!

LONG SHOT We see the length of the warehouse. Grundy is on one side, Mars on the other. Batman and Wonder Woman are looking past Green Arrow and Black Canary at Mars, and vice-versa. GREEN ARROW AND BATMAN (TOGETHER) GO!

ANGLE ON FOUR HEROES All the heroes break into a run. Batman and Wonder Woman run right past Green Arrow and Black Canary, so close they could touch each other. Batman and Wonder Woman charge towards Mars. Wonder Woman has her sword and shield at the ready. The first Cerebus charges her, and she swats it away. Batman reaches into his utility belt and grabs his grapple gun. He shoots a canister from it, which EXPANDS INTO A NET and covers the canine. WONDER WOMAN You shall not take the book today, Lord Mars. 29.

MARS Really, Princess? You’re going against a god. WONDER WOMAN And you’re going against an Amazon. The second Cerebus charges at Wonder Woman, but she leaps over it, revealing Batman, swinging the net containing the first cerebus. He THROWS it at the second dog, HITTING it. The two dogs are stunned. Batman draws back his bows. He has one of GREEN ARROW’S ARROWS.

ANGLE ON GREEN ARROW Green Arrow and Black Canary have begun to fight Grundy and Weasel. Canary is dodging Grundy’s blows, and Weasel is running towards Arrow. Green Arrow reaches in his quiver. GREEN ARROW Hey, where’s my glue arrow?

ANGLE ON BATMAN Batman releases the glue arrow, with covers the two dogs in a sticky epoxy, rooting them both to the spot. Wonder Woman has started fighting Mars. He’s twice her size, and swinging both a sword and a mace. Wonder Woman’s not giving an inch, though, blocking blows with her shield. MARS You fight fiercely, Princess. Perhaps the Amazons should have given their allegiance to me instead of Minerva and Venus. WONDER WOMAN Wisdom and Love are better virtues than mindless war. Mars reaches back with his mace. But Batman SNAGS IT WITH A BATROPE and yanks it out of his hand. MARS Ah, it’s the Dark Knight of Love. I haven’t forgotten about you. Mars WAVES HIS ARMS and the smoke starts getting thicker, roiling around Batman and Wonder Woman’s feet. 30.

Meanwhile, Green Arrow and Black Canary are continuing to fight Grundy and Weasel. Black Canary is using her , PUSHING Grundy back. SOLOMON GRUNDY (mumbles)

ANGLE ON BATMAN AND WONDER WOMAN The smoke is snaking around Batman and Wonder Woman. It’s becoming solid, grabbing them like phantom chains. They struggle, but can’t free themselves. MARS That’s better. Batman and Wonder Woman continue to struggle. Their arms are wrapped up, but free enough that they could reach their heads if they need to. (In a minute, they will.) MARS (CONT’D) Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll take that Book of Love. Mars grabs the air near Batman and PULLS OUT THE BOOK. WONDER WOMAN No! He’ll destroy it. MARS Destroy it? Why, Princess, why would I want to do that. It’s far too useful a tool to me. WONDER WOMAN Tool? But it’s the Book of Love. MARS And all the best wars are fought for love. Menelaus’ love for Helen of Troy launched a thousand ships...a thousand warships. People love their country so much they’re willing to go to war for it. BATMAN You’re going to twist the Book of Love into the ultimate weapon. MARS I knew you’d appreciate this Batman. (MORE) 31. MARS (CONT'D) After all, wasn’t your war of crime inspired by your love for your parents? BATMAN My cause is just, Mars. Yours is just wrong. MARS I’m the god of war, Batman. What else would you expect? Mars turns to examine the book. BATMAN (to Wonder Woman, quietly) Wonder Woman, you need to summon Venus. Now! WONDER WOMAN We’ll start a war. BATMAN No, we’ll prevent one. Trust me. Wonder Woman places her hands to her temples and entreats the Goddess of Love to appear. WONDER WOMAN (summoning/praying) Lady Venus, the Princess of the Amazons bids your help and presence. WHITE SMOKE begins to erupt from the floor. VENUS bursts forth from the white cloud. VENUS Corrupting my Book of Love, Mars? That’s petty, even for you. Mars turns around to face Venus. MARS Venus, my wife, how unpleasant to see you again. The god and goddess face off in battle stances. Their hands glow with their power, ready to strike. Just then, Batman reaches up and pulls off his helmet of invisibility. All of them: Batman, Wonder Woman, Venus and Mars flicker into sight. 32.

Grundy sees this and is distracted, allowing Black Canary to hit him with a flying kick, finally knocking him out. BATMAN NOW, ARROW! Green Arrow, using the fist he’s holding his bow in, smashes Weasel in the face as he spins and draws forth ONE OF CUPID’S ARROWS FROM HIS QUIVER. Green Arrow shoots the shaft and hits BOTH VENUS AND MARS with the arrow of love.

ANGLE ON MARS AND VENUS Mars and Venus step down from their aggressive stances and look at each other, as if for the first time. MARS When you left me, it hurt so much. You showed me love and then took it away. VENUS I thought you’d lost your feelings for me, but if I was the cause of all this, then maybe they were there all the time. The two of them KISS. The black smoke binding Batman and Wonder Woman fades away, releasing them. WONDER WOMAN This was your plan? BATMAN Mars would have seen me trying to shoot him. But he didn’t expect Green Arrow.

FLASHBACK We flashback to the scene of Batman and Wonder Woman running past Green Arrow and Black Canary. In slow motion, we see Batman grab one of Green Arrow’s arrows, replacing it with one of his own with a note wrapped around it. BATMAN (V.O.) When we charged past them, I exchanged one of my arrows for one of Green Arrow’s, along with a note explaining our situation. 33.

ANGLE ON GREEN ARROW AND BLACK CANARY Green Arrow and Black Canary walk towards Batman and Wonder Woman. Grundy is behind them, starting to awaken. GREEN ARROW He let me know to be ready to shoot when he gave the word. BLACK CANARY I was wondering why you weren’t pulling your weight in the fight. Grundy gets to his feet and charges towards Arrow and Canary. They look as if they’ll be caught unaware, but they smoothly turn and each PUNCH HIM IN THE JAW.

EXT. ACE WAREHOUSE Green Arrow and Black Canary are saying goodbye on the street level, while Batman, Wonder Woman, Venus and Mars are looking down. Batman is again wearing the helmet and they are invisible. BLACK CANARY So, for one moment, you were essentially Cupid? GREEN ARROW I told you I was a romantic. Black Canary starts to say something, and then stops. She smiles and says something else entirely. BLACK CANARY It’s a long way back to Star City. Maybe you could use some coffee? GREEN ARROW Coffee would be good. (beat) Company would be better. The two heroes start to walk off together.

CUT TO BATMAN ON ROOF Batman is standing on the roof with an empty bow in his hand. The freshly-plucked bowstring is still vibrating. BATMAN You’re welcome, Green Arrow. 34.

Batman walks back towards Wonder Woman and the two gods. MARS And thank you, Batman. You’ve helped Venus and I rediscover our love. VENUS I just don’t know how we missed it for so long. BATMAN Love, like justice, is blind. Venus and Mars NOD and then disappear in a billow of smoke. When the smoke clears, CUPID is standing there, fully healed. WONDER WOMAN Lord Cupid, you’ve recovered. CUPID Indeed, Princess. I’m back to my normal self. Maybe even a little better thanks to you two. My parents are back together. WONDER WOMAN You have Batman to thank for that. I could have never... BATMAN Princess, you protected me. Knowing you were watching me let me concentrate on the task on hand. This victory is as much yours as mine. CUPID You made a great God of Love, Batman. Ever think about changing careers? BATMAN My first love is justice, Cupid, and I’ll always be faithful to her. Cupid touches Batman’s chest, and all of his Cupid gear disappears. His costume reverts to his classic look. The bow, quiver and helmet appear back on Cupid. BATMAN (CONT’D) (holding hand to his ear) Excuse me. I’m getting a police report. (MORE) 35. BATMAN (CONT’D) Catwoman has just been sighted at the Diamond Exchange. I have to leave. Wonder Woman? Wonder Woman steps forward but Cupid halts her. CUPID I could use the Princess’s help back on Olympus, Batman. I’m sure you can handle this. BATMAN I’m sure I can. Batman fires his GRAPPLE GUN and SWINGS AWAY. Wonder Woman looks at Cupid with annoyance. WONDER WOMAN What is it you needed, Lord Cupid? CUPID I needed Batman to face his next challenge alone. You see, I chose Batman instead of you to replace me to prepare him for his next adventure. Cupid SUMMONS the Book of Love and shows it to Wonder Woman. It’s angled so that she can see it but the viewer can’t. WONDER WOMAN Oh, I see.

INT. GOTHAM DIAMOND EXCHANGE SAFE SHELVES OF DIAMONDS sit in the dark. The SAFE DOOR SWINGS OPEN to reveal CATWOMAN, licking her lips at the thought of stealing the baubles. CATWOMAN Why are you pretties sitting all alone in the dark like that? I have a much better place for you. We track past Catwoman to reveal BATMAN, standing heroically and pointing at her. BATMAN And I have a much better place for you, Catwoman. Blackgate Prison! 36.

We track past Batman’s cape and see CUPID, pointing his arrow at the two of them and SMILING. IRIS OUT IN THE SHAPE OF A HEART. END OF ACT THREE