The story revolves around the beginning of a new mob era with new bosses. They all worry about the Batman until a mysterious man n a Black Mask comes to offer to take out the Batman. At the same time the police is dealing with the rise of a new serial killer that uses riddles as clues to it's next victim. And through all this a masked figure watches from above waiting to strike.
In a dark warehouse in Gotham three mob bosses talk about business. They all look menacingly serious with a sense of disgust towards one another. Behind them stand their body guards. The recognizable Carmine Falcone, who recently was released from Arkham, has a line of large Italian men behind him. Behind Rupert Thorne stands a lean Italian looking man with sun glasses, and next to him stands a large black man with a skin disease that makes his skin look scaly. Behind the other man known as Oswald Cobblepot to the public but as Penguin to the mob, stand a group of armed gun men.
“I bet you think you’re big shit Penguin. Coming here with your lackeys trying to scare me into joining whatever bull shit deal you have to offer. But let me tell you Penguin, age and weight don’t give you a damn thing in this business.”
“Yeah you would know Thorne. You’re really getting up there in years. Your wrinkles and growing gut say it all,” replies Cobblepot with a smile.
“Are you girls ever gonna stop fighting. We got important stuff to talk about. Someone is taking away business from my turf. My product isn’t moving nearly as well as it used to,” says Falcone.
“Yeah I can imagine. A medically diagnosed psychopath doesn’t exactly scream reliable,” says Thorne motioning towards Falcone’s.
“Hey guys I enjoy a fight as much as the next guy but I think it’s time we get to business,” says Penguin, “Why’d you bring us here Thorne?”
Thorne laughs looking at Penguin. He flicks the ash off his cigarette and puts it back in his mouth, “that’s funny Penguin. I thought you brought us here.”
Penguin and Thorne look to Falcone, “You better get your eyes off me cause I was invited here like you guys.”
“I think I can answer your questions gentlemen,” says a voice coming from a dark corner. Everyone’s henchmen turn aiming their guns at the dark corner, “killing me doesn’t seem like a smart idea considering my proposal.”
“What proposal is that,” asks Thorne talking to the darkness.
“Well it is rather simple. You give me 50% take in all your business,” says the voice.
“That sounds like the most ridicules proposal I ever heard,” says Penguin.
“Of course it does considering I haven’t told you what you get in return,” says the voice.
“Yeah and what is that,” asks Falcone.
“Well boys I have seen how hard it is to do business now, especially with the Batman on your tails. But the way I see it the only person committing crimes is the Batman. He came to our city one day and just decided to mess with business…to up root the established order. Crime has been a thing of this city ever since its start. People have become accustomed to it; it’s a way of life. Is it right for one man to try to change the lives of thousands? NO I think not. So my proposal is…you give me 40% and I take care of the Batman.”
“Yeah like I haven’t heard that before,” admits Falcone.
“Oh I’m sure you have Mr. Falcone. But unlike the Joker I don’t mess around. No I get right to business. While one thing is being taken care of here I take care of another over there. I don’t stop to leave a joke or a cryptic message…no I leave that to others. And hey if he isn’t taken care of by…let’s say 3 days…you all get your money back…with interest of course I mean we are business men.”
“Alright so how do we start,” asks Thorne?
“Well you see there is only one problem with this set-up. We have the three of you and Sterling Silversmith who couldn’t make it here tonight. Now I don’t like cooking with too many people in the kitchen. So I need two of you to stop your business. I don’t care which ones but I need two of you to stop for good. I just feel that four people are too many to bank on.”
The three business men look at each other and turn back to the darkness, “how can we trust you if we can’t even see you,” asks Falcone.
“Oh I’m sorry,” a man dressed in a white suit walks out of the darkness. On his head he wears a black skull mask with holes in the eye sockets, “now do we have a deal?”
“I’m in,” says Penguin.
Thorne stares at Penguin, “I’m in too.”
“Yeah I’ll do it,” says Falcone.
“Perfect,” replies the man, “As we speak my men are engaging in a shoot out with Gotham’s finest. That gives you an hour to do whatever business you have to do. If you need me,” the man begins leaving, “just call for Black Mask.” He exits and the men all stare at each other with a look of seriousness and untrustworthiness.
On the street of Gotham the ten police men fire from behind cars at a line of black masked men in black suits hiding behind black cars. They wield machine guns which the police find hard to counter with their pistols. One of the masked men takes out a grenade launcher and begins shooting at the police. Their cars explode in a violent fire sending police officers in every direction. Within these fallen cops is Commissioner Gordon who lies on the floor in pain. He looks up to see a masked man above him with a pistol. As the man brings his finger to the trigger he is suddenly grabbed and thrown into a newspaper stand. Gordon looks up to See Batman. Batman quickly runs over to the five masked men and begins fighting them off. He finds them to be as skilled hand to hand as they are with guns. With every punch Batman throws he finds them blocked. He punches one but misses and another kick him in the side. He doubles over and another masked man kicks him in the chin sending him back. As he falls back he takes out three batarangs and hurls them at the enemies. Then he jumps up knocking one in the head. As he falls he kicks another in the knee and then sends him to the floor. Then he grabs another and throws him into the last one. Batman lets out a deep breath looking at the sub done enemies. As he walks back to the pod he passes a police car playing a radio transmission about three other standoffs. Batman lets out a breath of disappointment and runs to his pod blasting off the scene.
From the roof of a building a man in a wrestling mask speaks into a walky-talky, “the bats in route. He should be there soon. He just took out five men at once so be ready.” He puts away the walky-talky and begins a monolog, “the dark knight…a moniker given to the hero of these streets. This city gave him a chance and he spat back in its face. I’m here to show him the consequences of his actions. And as someone once said…the lessons learned in blood are the only ones to stick.” The man takes out a small vile of pills and pours five capsules into his mouth. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
The next morning Alfred carries a tray of food to Bruce’s room and finds that he’s not there. He shakes his head and exits the room.
He goes down the elevator into the Batcave and spots Bruce at his computer. “Maybe I should just stop preparing breakfast for you Master Wayne. Save me the work.” Bruce remains silent as he continues typing on the computer. Alfred gets closer to find multiple cuts and bruises on his skin, “Did you even sleep last night Master Bruce,” asks Alfred worried.
“Five mob and police stand offs last night. Men in black masks, never seen them before. They were strong and well trained. Too good to be from Penguin…Thorne’s men never wear masks….Falcone hasn’t had men on the streets since his release, and Falcone has never had henchmen like that. I have no suspects.”
“What was it for?”
“That’s the problem…I can’t figure any reason for it. Nothing was stolen no one important was killed. It’s a lot harder to figure it out now that I can’t work with the police. I have to do all the detective work myself,” says Bruce disappointed. He turns away from the computer and begins taking off his suit.
“I know sir, but you made the choice to take the fall for Harvey Dent’s crimes. If you wouldn’t have things would be the same as they were.”
“I know Alfred I still wonder whether that was the right decision. I did it so people would keep hope, so people would have a reason to stay optimistic, but things are worse than ever.”
“Don’t say that sir. People will have hope, they just need more reason. Gotham needs you, they’ll see. But they won’t get to unless you get a little sleep.”
“Thanks Alfred, but if I ever want to stop anyone I have to be ready whenever, sleep comes second to the job.”
“Then where does Bruce Wayne fall? Hm…behind your principals, behind your loved ones. Remember Bruce you can be strongest man in the world, but if you lose yourself…then you let them win. You have an interview with Gotham Gazette today; I hope you find time for that.”
Bruce nods in understanding and Alfred begins leaving the cave.
Multiple cop cars speed to a large building. Out of the first car exits Commissioner Gordon and Detective Stephens. Following them is a team of SWAT officers. They enter the building and walk to an apartment as cops yell to the other tenants to remain in their rooms. Gordon and Stephens get to a door and Gordon knocks, “Coleman Reese this is GCPD open up,” demands Gordon. They pause for a moment and Gordon signals for the SWAT team to come forward. They knock down the door and enter. The apartment is dark and messy. The SWAT team yells clear as they enter different rooms and Gordon stands in the kitchen. He looks down and finds a drop of blood. He looks forward at a large cabinet. He aims his gun at the door and slowly opens it. We see Gordon’s face as he opens it and finds something gruesome.
“HE’S HERE,” yells Gordon. The SWAT team runs to him and everyone freezes as they see what’s inside. Stephens brushes back his hair in disappointment. The camera turns to a decapitated head with a paper inside the mouth resting on a shelf. The head takes up the whole screen not showing what’s beneath it. Gordon pulls out the paper that reads ‘Riddle me this: Would you rather be an insane villain or a dead hero? To us it’s all the same.’ Gordon puts the tip in a plastic bag. “Let’s get this to the MCU and figure out what we got on our hands;” says Gordon, “let’s question the other tenants first. Figure out if they know anything.”
Stephens walks outside and looks at two teenage boys on their bikes. He walks to the group and takes out a notepad, “good morning fellas. I’m with the GCDP I just wanted to ask you some questions about what happened here.”
The boys look at him with a condescending smile and begin laughing, “why does it matter you ain’t gonna catch’em,” laughs the first boy.
“Yeah everyone knows the Bat is the only
real cop out there.”
Stephens looks infuriated and drags the boy to the ground putting his gun to the kids head. “AM I A REAL COP NOW,” yells Stephens staring at the boy infuriated? The boy doesn’t answer whimpering on the floor for mercy and Stephens cocks back the gun, “WHAT ABOUT NOW.”
Gordon runs over and rips Stephens away from the boy, “That’s enough Gerard. Get out of here kids.” The boys get on their bikes and ride away. Gordon stares at Stephens who walks away.
Thorne sits at a desk watching the news report of the masked men standoff. “You think this Mask guy is the real deal,” asks Throne still watching the report.
“I don’t know sir…could be. Or maybe he’s just full of shit,” replies the large black man from the warehouse.
“He could be Waylon, but if he’s for real you better be watching my back cause the other guys are probably already planning how they’re gonna kill each other…Penguin especially.”
“I know sir I got your back. Zucco too,” says Waylon assuring his boss.
“Zucco can’t protect me,” laughs Throne, “he’s more of a business man than a killer. But he’s my nephew so I have to watch over him.”
“I know sir…now what about the other guys,” asks Waylon, “you want me to take care of them?”
Thorne laughs smacking his hand on his knee, “that’s why I love you Jones…always ready to work. If you think you can take them out on your own by all means do it.” Waylon agrees showing a sharp toothy smile and then walks out. Thorne returns to watching the new report.
At a store labeled Brenan’s Family Bodega a man wearing a suit and sun glasses pulls a coke out of a fridge and chugs it down before throwing the can across the market. He walks to the counter where a middle-aged man stands watching him. “You like this store don’t you,” asks the man.
“Please Mr. Zucco…” pleads the man afraid.
“No I asked you a question. Do you like this store? You got a great location; great decor, and even a great staff….So do you like your store,” asks Zucco with a smile.
“Um…yea…yes of course.”
“Alright well if you want to keep your beautiful store, and give it a little protection from robbers, and crooks and such. Then I want,” Zucco stops to think, “20…no 45% take of all gross. How does that sound?” Zucco tilts his head waiting for an answer.
“Um…Mr. Zucco I can’t do that. What about 25%,” says the man watching Zucco leave the store, “I’m sorry…it’s all I can give right now.”
Zucco walks back in with a baseball bat and smashes the glass counter and then winds up and smashes a fridge and dozens of bottles of liquor. “WHAT ABOUT NOW? COME ON BRENAN MORE PEOPLE WILL COME AND DO THIS UNLESS YOU GET ON MY SIDE.” Says Zucco panting and looking at Brenan with a twitching eye.
“OKAY…YES FINE 45%,” says the man hiding behind the counter.
“Thank you,” says Zucco brushing back his hair and wiping his shirt. He puts the bat on his shoulder and begins walking out, “oh and get that fixed.” Zucco walks out to his red convertible and drives away with an accomplished smile on his face.
Gordon sits in an office with Stephens who chugs down a cup of water. “You wanna tell me what that was with those kids at the crime scene,” asks Gordon.
“Just a little stressed is all,” says Stephens.
As Gordon gets ready to say something two officers walk in. One a large man wearing a fedora and chomping on a donut, and the other a much cleaner younger man. “You wanted to see us Commissioner,” asks the younger man.
“Yes Nashton. Recently the Mayor gave a grant to the MCU, and I used it to hire yourself and Harvey Bullock,” says Gordon turning to the other man still eating, “among other cops. But you two are the most experienced and highest ranked in your previous departments so I’m pairing you two to head the riddle murder case.”
Bullock looks to Nashton licking his fingers, “so I got to work with eddy over here?”
“The names Edward and I don’t think this is gonna work commissioner. Bullocks not as…well informed as I am.”
“Bite me,” responds Bullock.
“See? I’m more of a thinker and he’s more of a shooter,” finishes Nashton.
“Exactly…you guys complement each other perfectly,” smiles Gordon. They look at each other again and Bullock smiles sucking on his last finger.
Gordon sits in the MCU with Stephens, Bullock, and Nashton. A white board shows the newest riddle. “Maybe it just means he doesn’t like cripples. You know they do make parking a bitch,” says Bullock. “Why don’t you leave the thinking to us Bullock? I think the donuts are here why don’t you go eat some,” says Nashton, “we know it’s a person cause he’s targeting people. The clue for Colman Reese’s murder was
‘Riddle me this: What do you use every single day, but never pay for? What is truly yours but came from somewhere else? What is very personal but shared with everyone? That is one of the only mysteries for now.’
Delivered to us in the mail. ‘Mystery…mysteries’ mysteries,” Nashton walks to the board and begins writing something. Gordon and Stephens look at him in interest. He writes Mysteries and Mr. Reese on the board. “Mysteries…Colman Reese…Mr. Reese…mysteries”. “We said the victim’s name a million times without even knowing it.”
“Oh my god,” says Gordon walking to the board, “the last clue…what you use every day but never pay for, what is truly yours but came from someone else, its personal but shared with everyone…it’s a name…we need to figure out this clue. I don’t want anyone leaving here until we know. Last time the…Riddler…sent the clue a day before he killed Reese. So we need to think fast.”
Cobblepot sits in the back of his club with Rupert Thorne. Thorne looks at Cobblepot with eyes of disapproval, “So what are you proposing exactly,” asks Thorne with a raised eyebrow?
“You know what I’m asking. Falcone is probably already ordering a hit on us, if we want to stay apart of Black Mask’s plan then we have to stay alive. So I propose we team up and take out the others,” replies Penguin
Thorne lets out a chuckle looking at Penguin, “Penguin you think I don’t know you? Or do you take me for a fool. You just want me on your team so I’ll order my men to kill one of them and then you turn around and kill me…a very good plan I’ll give you that, but Penguin to tell you the truth, you’re not smart enough to pull it off,” Thorne stands up taking a sip from his scotch glass.
“You know I could’ve just killed you when you walked in, the fact that I didn’t should give you some assurance.”
“No Oswald that just confirms my theory that you’re a coward. You can’t kill, you need your men to do it for you,” says Thorne walking to the door, “you’re a joke Penguin…admit it to yourself.”Thorne walks out and Penguin stares at the door angry as one of his goons walks up behind him, “what’s the plan boss?”
“He thinks I’m a joke eh? I’ll show him I’m no joke.”
That night is Hamilton Hill’s announcement of his candidacy for mayor. All his supporters and everyone in the city crowds around a stage waiting for him to talk.
In the Batcave Bruce watches a news report of the event while looking at pictures of the area. Lucius Fox comes down the elevator and walks to Bruce, “Um Bruce there is a woman upstairs waiting for you. You got a date tonight?”
“No…a reporter wants to interview me. I think Alfred scheduled it at night so I wouldn’t go out,” says Bruce still looking at his computer, “you going to this tonight?”
“I don’t think so why?”
“I need you checking this computer for any signs of a possible assassination attempt. Hill recently received an assassination warning note. He reported it to a corrupt cop who didn’t relay the message to Gordon. I placed cameras all around the area at possible sniper points. If you see anything weird call me or Gordon. Understand?”
“Yes sir, but why not just alert the police right now,” asks Lucius?
“Most cops on his force are corrupt. I don’t want him telling anyone who gives the message to his boss. We need this guy to expose himself. You understand?”
“Yes sir,” replies Fox. Bruce walks to the elevator exiting the cave. Lucius sits down, “this guy can never do anything by himself he always needs my help.”
Hill stands in his office leaning against a wall with his campaign crew. They warn him not to go on stage but he remains silent. An older man tells the rest of the crew to leave while he talks to Hill.
“Hamilton I assure you, you have nothing to worry about. I have guys all around the area looking for anything strange. You’re safe,” says the man.
“I don’t know Silversmith…a lot of people out there. I can’t trust it.”
“I know sir, but it’s an important night,” Silversmith straightens the man’s jacket and tie, “so just go out there and don’t worry about it. Now I have to go are you going to be alright?” Hamilton nods and Silversmith exits.
Bruce walks into his living room to find a beautiful blond woman sitting on his couch. He sits next to her and introduces himself, she tells him her name is Vicki Vale. She tells him her boss wants her to do a piece on the rich people of Gotham. Bruce nods looking at his watch and smiles at her to get started. She asks him about simple business matters and about his night life. He acts to have little knowledge of the business and tells her interesting stories of him at different bars and clubs. She jots everything down with interest and a smile on her face from the flirtatious Bruce.
Across town Rupert Thorne is having dinner with his son. They sit in the VIP area of a prestigious restaurant eating the finest food Gotham has to offer, “So son…you just graduated college. What are you gonna do next,” asks Thorne with a smile.
“Um…I don’t know dad, probably go to grad school,” replies his son.
“Grad school,” scuffs Thorne before taking another bite of his food, “why do you want to do that for?”
“I don’t know dad. I really want to be a lawyer, my old professors think I can do it.”
“A lawyer eh…that’s good, we need one of those for the family. You never know when Gordon and his group are gonna start getting productive,” chuckles Thorne taking another bite.
“Dad,” says his son dropping his fork and knife on his plate, “what you do is great. And I appreciate everything you’ve been able to do for me because of it…but that’s just not the life I want to live. I see what you do, the stress you live with. I don’t want to live the rest of my life looking over my shoulder wondering when someone’s gonna try to kill me.”
“So what are you saying,” asks Thorne with a look of disapproval.
At the town square everyone cheers waiting for Hill. On the street behind the square a black van speeds into an alley way. Men with uzis and pistols get out first and then Waylon gets out. He looks around the scene and orders his men to station at different locations. Waylon pulls a silver suitcase out of the van and walks towards a building.
“Dad one of my teachers told me about a work placement in Italy…I signed up for it. I leave in four days.”
“AND NOW IS WHEN YOU TELL ME,” yells Thorne alerting the rest of the restaurant to their conversation.
“Dad lower your voice,” says his son scared.
“DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO. Damn it son I gave you everything in this world. Cars, money, women in hopes that you would join the family business. And now you’re telling me you want to be some bureaucrat.”
“Dad I…”
“Get out of here. You betrayed your family with this. You’re not my son anymore,” says Thorne staring at the table. With tear filled eyes his son gets up and leaves while Thorne stares at the table in anger.
Lucius watches the news reports as Hill takes the stage. From the corner of his eye he notices one of the cameras displaying some movement in the window of a building. He begins pressing buttons zooming and clarifying the image.
Bruce sits with Vicki smiling and now drinking wine. This is the first time in a while Bruce is feeling something other than nervousness and trouble. He finally feels a real smile on his face. As they near the end of the interview Vicki clears her throat, “so Bruce I have one last question and I’ll go.”
“Oh really, you can’t stay,” smiles Bruce putting his hand on her knee.
“Um…well,” the girl fans herself with her notepad flustered, “my question is…um a little personal.” Bruce nods and she continues, “a couple of months ago was the Joker incident.”
Back in the cave Lucius gets a clear visual on the window and finds a sniper rifle. He quickly presses a button on the computer command center alerting Bruce.
“My question is about Rachel Dawes.”
Bruce becomes serious and clears his throat. Then he feels his phone vibrate. He looks at it to find a bat in the corner signifying something important, “I’m sorry Ms. Vale but I have something important to do. If you want to finish this interview later we can.” Bruce walks out of the room fast towards the cave. Vicki watches him leave and feels bad thinking he left because of the question.
Batman runs to the batpod as he tells Lucius to send the picture to Gordon. He blazes out of the cave on the bat pod towards the scene. Lucius relays what he saw in the camera and Batman hurries to the scene.
Thorne’s son gets outside and lights a cigarette. He wipes his eyes and begins walking to his car. He takes out his keys and as he does a black van speeds past him shooting at him from the window. He takes seven bullets to the chest and collapses.
Waylon Jones aims his rifle from the building watching Hill’s speech. Next to Hill stand his family and political team including Sterling Silversmith. Waylon puts his sight on Hill.
Batman gets to the scene and runs to the building. He gets inside where he is met by three of Waylon’s men. They run at him with crow bars and knives. Batman knocks away one with a punch and then spin kicks another in the head. He grabs the body of one and throws it at the final one. He continues running down the building until he gets to the staircase. He shoots up his grapple and repels up to the correct floor.
Waylon watches the speech as he receives a call over his blue tooth that Batman is coming. Waylon quickly moves his sight from Hill to Silversmith and kills him. People begin screaming in fright and Waylon pulls his gun back inside the room.
Batman hears the blast and runs into the room finding Waylon, “The Batman…what a pleasant surprise.” Waylon takes off his jacket and gets ready to strike Batman. He runs at Batman doing a quick kick that Batman barely doges. He swings fists at Batman who blocks them and throws Waylon to a wall. Batman runs at him sending him through the wall. Waylon jumps up hitting Batman in the face. Then he Jumps forward with a punch hitting Batman in the head. Batman stumbles back to a wall and moves as Waylon comes with another punch. Batman spins around him and pushes him out a window holding him by his leg, “WHO DO YOU WORK FOR,” demands Batman holding Waylon from falling.
Waylon laughs hanging out the window, “You won’t kill me Batman. I got no reason to tell you nothing.”
Batman thinks for a moment, “I WONT KILL YOU. BUT YOU WILL TALK.” Batman pulls Waylon back in and knocks him unconscious.
Bane watches from a close building, “Hercules, Adonis, Achilles. Each a god with their days of glory. Days where man would look to them as a savior or a leader. But soon after they found their destruction…they felt their sins and suffered for them…they fell to the vengeance of their enemies….Hercules, Adonis, Achilles…and now you Batman. Get ready for your nightfall.
The next day Gordon and Stephens stand in Gordon’s office thinking in silence. “You hear about last night? Sterling Silversmith was killed. Heard the guy was corrupt. Finally something good happens for this city,” says Stephens.
Gordon shakes his head staring into nothing, “Death isn’t the right way to deal with things. Death isn’t justice, death isn’t a solution.”
“Damn it Gordon can’t you just be happy with what you get, at least for a little while.”
Bullock barges into the office in a pant. “Carmine Falcone was found dead this morning,” says Bullock. Gordon and Stephens look to each other and begin walking out.
A camera flashes as Gordon, Stephens, and Bullock walk into the apartment of Carmine Falcone. “What do we got,” asks Bullock to an officer. “Falcone’s wife called it in. She found him this morning. She was vacationing in Spain with her son.” They walk into his bedroom and find him hanging from the ceiling. “Suicide,” asks Stephens?
“Not exactly,” says Nashton walking over to them, “the way the furniture is sprawled around the room means there was a struggle. The blood on his shirt is his own from a cut to the left side. Due to the lack of fluid and normal appearance of face muscles we can rule out affixation and assume that the Riddler murdered him and then hung him to make it look like a suicide.”
“‘Would you rather be an insane villain or a dead hero.’ In the last riddle he was referring to Carmine. After being attacked by Scarecrow last year he went insane. He was an insane villain,” says Gordon.
Bullock nods looking at the hanging body, “cut him down and get him to the morgue…collect the evidence and let’s go.”
“What’s the new riddle,” asks Nashton. “The birds that fly above you will give birth to insanity,” says Bullock after pulling the clue out from Falcone’s mouth.
Thorne and Zucco sit together in an office. They sit in silence watching the news report of Falcone’s murder. “It’s bad out there boss, real bad,” says Zucco.
“You think I don’t know that,” asks Thorne angry, “I just had to identify my son’s dead body. And there’s no doubt Penguin was the one that ordered the hit on him. He’s making big moves, but we gotta think bigger,” says Thorne.
“Well what do ya wanna do?”
“You got to remember Zucco. The brain is sometimes stronger than the gun. You see he attacked me personally. He killed my son. He broke one of the mobs only sacred laws. Time we show him how it feels.” Thorne pulls out a picture of a teenage girl.
“Who’s dis,” asks Zucco?
“Penguin’s daughter goes to Gotham High. Few people know she exists, we’re gonna give her a little publicity.”
“Boss this came to the front door,” says Zucco handing Throne a black folder.
Thorne opens the folder revealing a message, “congratulations Thorne. You kept up your end of the bargain…now it’s my turn to keep mine.”
Later that day Bruce stands in his kitchen drinking a cup of coffee when Alfred walks in, “I heard about last night sir.”
“Yeah it was pretty bad, but at least Hill wasn’t killed.”
“But someone else was sir,” replies Alfred
“I rather a mob boss than a potential mayor. Plus when it gets out that Hill was connected to a mob boss he’ll lose the campaign,” says Bruce. He puts down his cup and signals for Alfred to follow him.
They go down to the cave and Bruce leads them down a dark corridor, “did you get the number of Ms. Vale Alfred?”
“Um no sir but I bet I can find it.”
They get to a large medal door and Bruce punches in a code, “Please do,” Bruce opens the door and walks inside. Inside is dark and gloomy with small lights lining the walls, “she was a nice girl and I would like to see her again. She helped take my mind off the job.” They turn a corner and find a number of jail cells. They walk to the back and find Waylon Jones lying unconscious, “by the way I think it would be safer if you don’t come down to the cave for a while. For…obvious reasons.”
“Is he…,” asks Alfred stunned at the sight?
“Dead? No just sedated,” Bruce checks his watch, “probably another hour till he wakes up.”
“Well you’re surprisingly calm,” says Alfred.
“Just looking at the bright side of things Alfred.” They laugh and Alfred pats him on the back.
Gordon, Bullock and Stephens sit in the MCU, he orders a group led by Nashton to go to time square to analyze the crime scene while the rest of the team try to decipher the new clue. “So we know another hit is happening today, and the new clue is less of a riddle and more of a cryptic statement,” says Bullock
“The birds that fly above us will give birth to insanity,” says Stephens reciting the riddle, “this clue stuff is
insane,” says Stephens mocking the clue and falling into a chair, “this guy belongs in Arkham with all the rest of these loons.”
Gordon looks up at the board. He gets up and quickly walks to the board. “‘The birds that fly above us…’” quotes Gordon, “insanity…Arkham is the tallest building in the area correct?”
“Yeah after they added the new wing…why,” asks Stephens.
“The birds that fly above us…’us’ is referring to Arkham…the birds are the inmates…the next target is an Arkham inmate,” says Gordon.
“Great that narrows it down to a hundred,” says Bullock.
Gordon grabs his keys and puts on his jacket. “Let’s go, I think I know who the next target is,” says Gordon as Bullock and Stephens follow him.
Gordon speeds towards Arkham while calling in another team of police. “You wanna tell us what you know commish,” asks Bullock sitting in the back.
“The birds…that’s an inmate…but it’s not any inmate…bird…a type of bird.”
“Crane…The Riddler’s targeting Jonathon Crane,” interrupts Stephens.
“Back before the fear toxin scare it was rumored that he was using a fear toxin to get his defendants into Arkham. He gave birth to insanity,” finishes Gordon, “get Nashton on the line and tell him to meet us there. Then call Arkham and tell Strange to get Jonathon Crane to safety,” says Gordon, “today we catch this son of a bitch.” They speed down the road and Arkham Asylum is seen in the distance.
Bruce sits in the batcave looking for more information on the Riddler when the call between Bullock and Nashton is played on the screen. “Nashton, get to Arkham Asylum as fast as possible the Riddler’s about to kill Jonathan Crane,” says Bullock in a hurry. Batman quickly runs to the metal closet as the conversation keeps playing.
“Really…I’m at the Square, but I’ll be there in a bit,” says Nashton. Bruce finishes putting on his suit and runs to the batpod.
In Arkham the camera moves as if it were the Riddler’s eyes. It stops at a door labeled Jonathan Crane and looks into the window to find Jonathan crane huddled on a bed in the corner of the room. The door swings open and the darkness covers Riddler’s body. “Who…who are you,” whispers Crane. The Riddler walks closer to him and he yells. “WHO ARE YOU,” as the man’s shadow covers him.
Batman arrives at Arkham and runs to Jonathan Crane’s room to find him gone. As he turns a ringing noise is heard as the rest of the cells open and the inmates begin stepping out.
Gordon, Stephens, and Bullock arrive and run into the building with a SWAT team behind them. They run in and find the inmates going crazy within the building. “Stephens and I will take the ground floor Bullock take the fifth. I want SWAT teams getting the inmates back in their cells and checking the remaining floors,” yells Gordon to his team.
Batman punches and kicks through the crazed inmates trying to attack him and escape. He drops pellets of smoke and tries running through them. A large man grabs him by his cape and drags him to the ground. Then two inmates jump on top of him and begin punching him. Suddenly they are shot in the arm and fall off Batman. He looks up and sees Gordon aiming his gun. They look at each other in silence and Gordon speaks up, “The Riddler’s here, we gotta stop him before he kills Crane.”
“I’m on it,” says Batman.
Bullock pants as he runs down the different corridors of the building. He turns into a cafeteria and leans over a table to rest. He looks up again and spots the Riddler. The man is too far to be recognizable but he wears a dark green trench coat and green fedora. He aims his gun but the Riddler lets off a shot grazing his arm. Bullock chases after him but due to his size he finds it hard to keep up. They run through a meeting hall and the Riddler jumps out the window onto a lower roof of the building. Bullock lets out a large breath and jumps out with him. They fall ten feet and the Riddler keeps running. Bullock slowly gets up and follows him. He shoots frantically missing wide with every shot. The Riddler jumps off another part of the building and shoots at Bullock as he falls. Bullock jumps to avoid the shots and falls off the building and holds onto the edge for dear life. He looks down and finds a garbage pile beneath him and jumps down. He hurts his leg on impact and fights to get up. As he does he receives a pistol whip to the face. And then two kicks to the stomach. He struggles to get up but gets kicked again in the stomach. He receives four more punches to the face and then a kick to his chin. Bullock hears a gun cock next to his head and he closes his eyes. Then he gets hit in the head with the gun and falls to the pavement bleeding. The feet of the Riddler are shown as he walks to an old green Buick and drives off.
Batman continues fighting through inmates as he walks through the building. He gets to the treatment room and finds multiple electric shock therapy tables. It’s dark and the only light is from the X-ray machine. He opens a door and finds smoke coming from a body out of focus. Batman lets out a sigh and walks to the body yanking a burnt piece of paper from the mouth, ‘Riddle me this: Your kind love us, our kind despise us, we hunt outside yet we’ll live decades without ever seeing a rainbow…what am I?’ “Hello Batman,” says a voice coming from the speakers in the room.
“Riddler,” says Batman.
“How very decisive of you. No wonder they call you a great detective.”
“What do you want,” asks Batman looking around the room.
The mouth of a man talking into a phone is seen driving away, “I want you Batman. I want to bring you down harder than anyone has ever tried. Not by attacking your human, but your mind.”
“Then come and get me. Stop killing the innocent and come for me.”
“No Batman this is much more fun for me. Just know Batman…I know everything about you. Know that I’ve been watching this whole city from your birth and I will until you and the rest of this city falls. Keep in touch Batman.”
Gordon stands outside with a bleeding Bullock in an ambulance and he receives a call from Batman. “Jonathan Crane is in the treatment room on the fourth floor. There’s a new riddle. Meet me on the roof tonight.” Batman hangs up and Gordon punches the ambulance door.
“The Riddler got him didn’t he,” asks Bullock? Gordon nods and brushes his hair back.
Stephens approach them, “all the inmates are back in their cells. Four were wounded but none escaped,” says Stephens. Gordon ignores him and goes to his car.
Batman arrives to the cave and quickly walks to Waylon’s cell to find him huddled in a corner, “Batman…should’ve known it was you.”
Batman unlocks the cave and storms in throwing Waylon against a wall. “WHO DO YOU WORK FOR,” demands Batman, “THORNE PENGUIN THE RIDDLER…WHO?”
Waylon laughs and gets up. He stands in front of Batman and looks him in the eyes, “If I tell you that…I die. And I know you won’t do anything to me. So why don’t you just cut the tough guy act and let me go.”
“You killed Silversmith…did you send Hill the death note,” asks Batman.
“No…not my style. I rather surprise someone than allow them to get ready for it.”
“Then who sent the note? Your boss,” asks Batman?
“Doubt it; he wouldn’t want to get his hands dirty. I love the guy but he ain’t exactly the most hands on if you know what I’m sayin,” says Waylon.
“Do you have any idea who would’ve sent the note?”
“Damn Batman I don’t know,” Waylon begins pacing around the cell, “Probably one of the competitors.”
“What do you mean competitors?”
Waylon freezes and then turns to Batman, “you know…another mob boss.”
“No…if that’s what you meant you would’ve said one of his not one of the. The mob is competing for something? What?”
“If I tell you will you let me go,” asks Waylon?
“Yes,” replies Batman.
Waylon lets out a breath and sits down against the back wall, “this guy…he uh…he told the mob about some deal where if we gave him 40% take of what we make he would take care of you. The strange thing is he never said kill… he said take care of…like distract or something. But he said four people were too much to deal with so we had to take out two of the mob bosses.”
“What’s his name?”
“If I tell you will you let me go,” asks Waylon without a response “calls himself Black Mask. Wears nice suits and you know a black mask. Skull mask to be exact. Anyways that’s all I know. Now can I leave.”Batman begins walking out the cell shutting it behind him and leaving the cell block, “YOU SAID YOU’D LET ME GO.”
Batman freezes before opening the door, “I said I’d let you go…didn’t say when.” Batman opens the door and slams it behind him. Waylon begins yelling that he’ll kill Batman.
Gordon stands in the hospital looking through a window into Bullocks room as different doctors examine him.
“Shit Gordon. This stuffs out of control,” says Stephens, “a cop…this guy’s trying to start something.” “We got to get back to base. The riddles, the assassination. Too much to do,” says Gordon falling into a chair. Stephens continues staring into the room and looks down ashamed. “I can’t take this Jim. It’s too much. I joined the force hoping to do good things for Gotham…hoping to save it, but over the years I found…Gotham is incapable of being saved. It’s too much Jim.”
Gordon stands up and walks over to him. “What are you saying Gerard,” asks Gordon taken back.
“Jim I’ve been meaning to tell you this. I applied for a transfer, and it was accepted,” says Stephens, “I can’t take this shit anymore.”
“When do you transfer?”
“Whenever I want. I was gonna do it after the Riddler was taken care of, but I gotta go Gordon. I have to.”
Gordon nods and looks around. “You can leave tomorrow,” says Gordon.
“Jim I can’t…”
“No, you’re right. This city is too much for some. We got enough cops. Bullock should be okay soon…we’ll continue without you,” says Gordon. They both remain silent and Gordon looks back into the room.
“You should go pack up your stuff I gotta see how Bullock’s doing.” Stephens nods and thanks Gordon for understanding.
As he leaves a woman police officer walks in and walks to Gordon.
“Hey commissioner. Is Detective Nashton around I have some evidence and pictures of the assassination scene that he’d want to see,” says the woman. Gordon keeps staring at Bullock as she continues. “Since he couldn’t make it to the scene I thought he would want to see pictures of the scene.”
“Wait…Nashton was at the scene Montoya,” says Gordon.
“No…he called me to lead the investigation and report back to him,” says Montoya.
Gordon nods and looks to her in confusion. “Um…yeah he should be at the station,” says Gordon. Montoya thanks him and walks out leaving Gordon confused.
Bruce sits in his living room waiting for Vicki. Alfred leads her in and Bruce gets up embracing her.
“I didn’t think you’d want to see me again. Sorry as a reporter I don’t really know what my boundaries are,” says Vicki.
“No problem. I actually did have things to take care of so don’t think I was just shying away from the question.”
“I know being a big business owner takes a lot of time.”
“Yes it does, but anyways I would like to answer your question whatever it was.”
“Are you sure? I mean I don’t want to meddle?”
“Isn’t that what reporters are supposed to do,” smiles Bruce, “anyways I’ve gone too long without talking about it maybe I should.”
“Um…ok then. The question is pretty simple…did you love her? People often talk about your play boyish lifestyle but there was always this girl in your life. Is she part of the reason you can’t just maintain a relationship?”
“Um…wow ok,” smiles Bruce, “Rachel was…an amazing person, and an amazing friend ever since I can remember. But…uh…over the years…you know it was my fault I never gave her the love and respect she showed me…I mean I was always in my own world that I wouldn’t let anyone in…as we got older we grew apart. And then we grew back together…and it just got taken away from me by a psychopath in white make-up…Rachel meant the world to me. For me everyone else was just another girl, but she was THEE girl. She told me she would wait for me until…until I got my life together, but by then it was too late.” Bruce stops talking to see Vicki starting to tear up, “so your answer is yes…I did love her. I loved her more than anything in the world.”
“Wow that’s…um…I’m sorry Bruce.”
“I am too,” replies Bruce staring into space, “now I’m sorry but I have to go. I have something important to go to and I can’t miss it.” Bruce gets up and she does too, “I hope one day we can have a real…date.” She nods and Bruce hugs her tightly. He kisses her on the cheek and leads her to the door. She stops for a moment and looks at him. She gently rubs the back of his nack and goes in for a kiss. They hold eachtoerh passionately kissing and she drops her bag. Bruce shuts the door and leads her upstairs.
On the roof of the MCU Gordon looks around nervous. He checks his watch and as he looks up Batman is shown in front of him. “Batman, it’s great you’re here, they’d have my badge if they knew I was talking to you,” says Gordon.
“Then let’s keep this quick…what do you want me to do,” asks Batman.
“Take your pick, the Riddler, the mob.”
“The assassination was done by a man named Waylon Jones AKA Killer Croc. He was sent by his boss I don’t know who yet, but I know he did it for a man named Black Mask. Mask gathered a group the mob and told them he’d take care of me if they gave him 40% take. The only problem was there were too many people involved so Mask told them to take down two mobs. Silversmith was assassinated by Jones, while the Riddler killed Falcone. That leaves Thorne and Penguin as the only remaining mobs. Gordon looks at him astounded by the information he collected. “What about the Riddler…do you think he’s connected to Black Mask,” asks Gordon.
Batman moves to the edge of the building and looks out at the city. “I don’t know yet. All his attacks are perfectly formulated. Every attack is the day after the next. It takes the police some time to finish analyzing one murder and to move onto a new one. Riddler knows that the police don’t have enough men to focus on just him. He picked a time when terrible things were going on in Gotham. The mob war for power and my exile. He also has easy access and knowledge of different buildings. He knew two apartment buildings and Arkham Asylum well enough to know how to move around without being noticed. He has to know extensive information of each building to know exactly when was the best time to strike while still keeping himself on the top of the most wanted list.”
“What are you saying Batman,” asks Gordon starting to catch on.
“He knows a lot, a lot of things that most citizens wouldn’t know. My theory is that the Riddler, is a police officer,” Batman finishes and Gordon looks at him with a mixed feelings of terror and anger.
“How can that be,” asks Gordon.
“The city recently hired new officers, over twenty. Around this time was when the first murderer occurred. I need a list of every officer on your new task force.”
“Yeah I’ll get that to you immediately, but…a cop. One of my own,” says Gordon.
“It’s a harsh reality Gordon, but we have to accept the facts. This guy isn’t just gunning for the city. He’s gunning for me” Batman looks off the building and tilts his head to Gordon, “I’ll be back to get the list, keep your phone handy.”
Gordon nods, “It’s great to have you back on our side Batman.” Batman nods and jumps off the building.
The man in the wrestling mask from earlier stands on an adjacent building looking at Batman and Gordon. “Batman and Commissioner Gordon the condemned and the man that condemned him. The irony of their partnership is interesting. Gotham’s finest seeking help from the person he betrayed. I’ll help them see the error of their ways. Tomorrow will be the day the tables turn. Tomorrow is a new day and a new era for Gotham.” The screen fades.
Penguin walks into his club and sits at his desk. When he sits down he notices a folder on his desk. He opens it to a find a picture of his daughter with a red X on her face. He throws the papers to his desk and calls in some of his men.
Thorne sits in his office with around ten men standing around him. Next to him stands Tony Zucco. “Tomorrow we strike; you all know your places in the plan. Penguin made the wrong move sending his hounds to attack me,” says Thorne, “he will soon learn that you CANNOT MESS WITH RUPERT THORNE. We’re in the middle of war games gentlemen, and Penguin made his first war crime, and as such he must be punished for it. TOMORROW WE STRIKE. Now I don’t know where the hell Croc is but I have someone else leading our team to the school. Zucco I have other business for you to take care of.”
“But boss you said…” starts Zucco before getting cut off.
“Zucco you know your better for business than fighting. I need you to do something else tomorrow.”
As he calms down a clap is heard from the back of the room. The men move aside to show Black Mask “Mr. Thorne that sounds like a great plan, and kudos on the speech it was very moving. And believe it or not I am very sorry about what happened to your son. I heard he wanted to be a lawyer. Is that correct,” says Mask sitting in a chair in front of Thorne.
“What are you doing here,” asks Thorne.
“Just checking on the health of my investments. Wouldn’t want them getting hurt.”
Thorne lets out a deep breath and leans back in his chair, “Penguin went too far. He broke a sacred rule.”
“Hey Rupert I’m all for rules…well the right ones at least,” chuckles Mask, “I actually came here with a proposition for you. What Penguin did was…undoubtedly a coward’s move. And I don’t want to risk my investments on that guy’s head. And as you said he must feel the repercussions of his actions.”
“What are you proposing Mask?”
“I am here to give you all my men,” says Mask lifting his hands to the men around him, “for no cost what so ever. I just want Penguin gone for…personal reasons.”
Thorne strokes his chin and looks at his and Mask’s men. “And after it’s done,” asks Thorne.
“Oh no worries Mr. Thorne we can deal with that later,” he extends his hand in front of Thorne as the men look to him, “deal?” Thorne looks at the hand thinking for a moment before taking his hand. “Deal.”
The next day at Gotham High a boy is speaking to a classmate outside before class. They laugh about class and one of their teachers as a girl approaches them. “How’s it going Dick,” asks the girl?
“Great Lisa how are you doing,” asks Dick.
“I’m having a party tonight and,” she stops as she receives a phone call. She looks at her phone that reads dad and puts it back in her pocket.
“You wanna answer that,” asks Dick.
“No…just my dad trying to meddle in my life. I swear ever since my mom left him he’s really started being a pain. I stopped answering him months ago,” says Lisa, “so as I was saying I’m having a party tonight. You and your friend are invited if you want to come,” says the Lisa staring at Dick with a cute and alluring stare.
“Lisa I would love to but…I got work tonight.”
“Come on Dick the circus can go one day without you,” says Lisa.
Four vans drive down the street headed towards the school.
Bruce stands in the Batcave going over the most recent clue. He looks serious as Lucius comes down into the cave. “You find anything Mr. Wayne,” asks Lucius.
“I think so…but…it can’t be true,” says Bruce.
“What do you mean Bruce? Let me help you out,” says Lucius. “No.” “But Bruce, I want to help you.” “No Lucius. Look at the clue, it’s simple. ‘You’re kind love us, our kind despises us’. Most animals feel a sense of territorial protection and hate each other. This is most common with animals that hunt. ‘I hunt outside but will live decades without ever seeing a rainbow.’ It’s a dog Lucius. Dogs live for decades in human years, and they can’t see the different colors of a rainbow.”
“Alright it’s a dog…so what does that mean,” asks Lucius growing worried.
“Not just any dog…a hunting dog…a hound. You like kid’s movies Lucius?”
“Um…I’ve seen a few…why?”
“Well then maybe you’ve heard of the
FOX and the Hound. Lucius Fox. You’re the next target Lucius.” Lucius looks at Bruce in fear as Bruce stares seriously at him.
The black vans get closer to the school and drive up on the lawn. Men quickly exit wearing black ski masks. They begin shooting at the crowd of children who run for cover. Dick leads himself and Lisa into the school with his friend behind them. Black Mask exits the car holding a pistol, “I WANNA SEE LISA COBBLEPOT.”
Dick leads the girl into a broom closet where other classmates are taking cover. The girl cries on the floor in a panic and Dick tells her he won’t let anything happen to her. As they sit in the closet a voice is heard over the speaker. “Good morning Gotham High Gators and Gatoretts. This is your new principle Mr. Black Mask and because I love learning so much I want everyone to remain in their class for a bit as my gang goes through the school looking for a girl by the name of Lisa Cobblepot, the daughter of Oswald Cobblepot. Bring her to me and no one gets hurt. Get in our way…and your dead. Thank you and have a nice day.”
Black Mask’s men charge into the area as they do Penguins men arrive and begin shooting at them furiously. They engage in a heated fight in front of the school as more black masked men charge into the building. They yell for everyone to stop and get down or they’ll shoot. The students that don’t listen get mown down.
Back in the closet the kids scream and yell for Lisa to turn herself over. Dick yells to them that he won’t let that happen. He grabs a medal pole and tells everyone to remain there and lock the door until he gets back. Lisa kisses him and he exits the closet. He charges down the hall and knocks a masked man in the back of the head. Then he flips forward hitting another. As Dick runs down the hall he notices a girl with red hair running to a bathroom. He tells her to quickly call her father to bring all the officers he can. She nods and quickly begins calling.
Bruce goes up the elevator with Lucius. “I need you to stay here. Go into the cave if you have to,” says Bruce locking the doors. “I can’t,” says Lucius, “I have a meeting with the Wayne Foundation and they expect me to be there.”
“I understand your need to take care of business but I need you to stay here. It’s for your own good. The Riddler is targeting me. This must be his first shot towards me,” says Bruce.
“The foundation was your father’s greatest commitment. I can’t bale on it now. I can take care of myself Bruce.”
“Master Wayne, look at the TV,” says Alfred storming into the room. They turn to see a news reporter broadcasting the shooting as police arrive. They report many campus officers dead with multiple students killed and wounded as well. The leader of the charge is reported to be Black Mask.
“They need you Bruce,” say Lucius. Bruce turns to him in fear.
“I’ll take care of myself Bruce. I’ll be careful I promise,” says Lucius. Bruce nods and tells him to be careful as he runs back to the elevator.
He gets on the Batpod and blasts into the city swerving and speeding down the street towards the school
Outside more cars full of mobsters arrive along with news vans that begin relaying the story to the public.
In the principal’s office the head master is seen tied to a chair as Black Mask goes through the computer. “Lisa Cobblepot, Cobblepot, Cobblepot…here she is.” He picks up a walky-talky and speaks, “She has first period Biology, east end,” says Black Mask.
“Boss Penguin’s men and the feds are here. We got a standoff brewing,” says a henchman.
“Take care of them and kill the girl,” yells Black Mask into the device.
Dick walks down the hallway and watches as a man opens the door to a classroom and shoots furiously at the people inside. Dick quickly runs to the man smacking him in the back of the legs and then the back. He grabs the man by his hair and aims the medal pole at his face, “Call in to your boss to call off the attack.”
“Let go of me, or I’ll kill you,” says the man.
Dick grabs his wacky-talki and brings it to the man’s face, “CALL IT OFF.”
The man looks at the wacky-talki and nods, “Sir…we got a kid here trying to be a hero. Tell your men to kill everyone.” The man begins laughing and Dick smacks the guy across the face.
Gordon stands with a gang of SWAT and police officers with a map of the school. “We need a team in every entrance. No less than six. You see a mobster kill him. Stephens and I will lead the charge into the east end where the girl should be.” One of the officers asks how he knows she’s in there and he tells them his daughter is in the same class. “GO NOW.”
From a vent over a hallway Batman enters. He jumps down taking out a masked man. He turns throwing batarangs at the men that run to him. He sees a gang of kids running from a man and Batman quickly jumps at him taking him out. He turns and sees Dick taking out another man with a furious kick to his head, “GET OUT OF HERE KID IT’S NOT SAFE,” says Batman trying to hurry the kid away.
“I’M NOT GOING ANYWHERE. I KNOW WHERE THE GIRL IS AND I HAVE TO KEEP THIS AREA CLEAR.”
“YOU KNOW WHERE SHE IS? TAKE ME TO HER!”
Dick looks at him exhausted and out of breath, “How do I know I can trust you?”
“There’s no one else you can trust,” says Batman. Dick nods and begins running down the hall. Suddenly an explosion rips through a line of lockers causing the roof to collapse and separate Batman and Dick.
From the floor above jumps the man with the wrestling mask, “Batman…finally we meet,” smiles the man.
“Who are you,” grunts Batman.
“In my country…they called me Bane. Here I will be known as the man that killed the Batman.”
Batman gets in a battle stance staring at Bane, “This is not the time to get in my way.”
“Don’t worry Batman…this should be quick.” Batman charges at Bane and Bane does the same.
On the other side of the rubble Dick begins running down the hall. He enters the Library which has another entrance that would lead him back to Batman. As he enters he sees a red dot on him and he jumps over a desk dodging a haze of bullets. He looks up to see a large man with a machine gun.
“Come on kid…your just delaying death,” says the man. He lets out half a clip on the desk. He walks over to it and finds no one there. From behind him Dick strikes him in the back. Then he flips backward dodging the man’s elbow and smacks him on the back of the leg. The man pulls out two pistols and shoots them. He aims his guns at Dick who dives behind a couch as he’s shot at. He jumps over the couch knocking the man in the head with the pole. He doubles over in pain and Dick hits him in the chest. He goes up to hit him in the head but the man grabs the pole and swings him into a wall. The man grabs Dick’s head and smashes it into the wall. Dick elbows back hitting him in the chest. Then he crouches and kicks out the man’s feet and then hits him in the head with the pole. The man gets back up snatching the pole from Dick’s hand. He gets ready to strike when he’s suddenly shot in the back.
He falls and Dick sees a SWAT team enter. They tell him to leave but Dick tells them he knows where Lisa is and begins leading them there.
Batman swings a punch at Bane who grabs it throwing him into a wall. Then he kicks Batman in the back. He grabs Batman by his head and throws him at the ceiling hitting a sprinkler system that turns on. Batman squints through the water and jump kicks at Bane who grabs his foot and throws him into a locker, “Come on Batman…you’re weaker than I thought you’d be.”
“You don’t know anything about me,” barks Batman getting up in pain.
“Oh yes I do Batman. All this time I’ve been hiding behind the scenes watching your every move. See…I know more about you than you think. I know you’re rich cause of all the gadgets. I know you must have had a tragic childhood because of your need to prove your worth to the world. I know you’re alone in the world…and the only feeling of worth you get is when you’re beating someone to a pulp,” says Bane.
“You’re wrong.”
“No I’m not. I know because…I’ve been there. My mother was killed when I was a kid. Daddy killed her and then killed himself. The only difference is you had money and turned to good. I had poverty and turned to crime. I guess that’s just the way the dice role.”
“If you know so much…than I shouldn’t have to remove my mask,” says Batman.
“Maybe…or I just want you to prove it for me.”
Batman continues staring at him angry, “Then say it Bane…WHO AM I?” Bane chuckles shaking his head, “you’ll tell me soon enough Batman…just a matter of time.” Batman looks at him with nothing to say when suddenly another explosion rips through the building, but this time it’s made by a SWAT team. Batman looks past the smoke to find Bane has disappeared. The SWAT team notices Batman and begins shooting but Batman quickly grapples out through the hole in the ceiling.
People hear the explosion from outside and Gordon gets scared. He leads a charge with Stephens behind them. They leap behind barriers to shoot at the mobsters and continue towards the building. As they run Gordon and Stephens hide behind a barrier together. They get pined with multiple mobsters shooting at them. “Shit we’re pinned,” says Gordon.
“They’re gonna kill us Gordon,” says Stephens.
“No…no they won’t Gerard…just…just give me a minute.”
“No. I’ll draw their fire and you shoot them.”
“NO GERARD.”
“GORDON YOU HAVE FAMILY AND A POLICE FORCE TO TAKE CARE OF. I have nothing.” Gerard pulls out another gun and cocks them both.
“It was great Gordon,” says Stephens. He gets up and runs to a tree shooting frantically. He hits two men and as he runs he gets shot twice in the chest. He continues stumbling forward and receives four more bullets. Gordon stands up shooting the mobsters. He looks to the body in sadness and charges towards the school.
Dick follows behind the SWAT team headed towards the closet. They break open the door but find Lisa is gone but the rest of the students are still inside. Dick asks where she is and they say she ran to the cafeteria.
In the dark cafeteria the girl walks quietly trying to remain unnoticed. Suddenly she hears a sinister laugh and turns around in fear. She hears the laugh again and turns again to find Black Mask. “Hello my dear.” The girl jumps back scared, “Don’t be frightened. I’m just here to settle a score.”
“Is this because of my father,” cries the girl backing away in fear, “he can pay you off I swear.”
“Oh I’m not here for the money. You can thank your father for this.” He brings the gun up to the girl’s chest.
Dick runs towards the cafeteria with the police behind him. As they get closer more of Black Mask’s men intercept them. Dick dives behind a staircase as the SWAT officers receive the blows. As the masked men are distracted Dick runs into the cafeteria to see Black Mask over Lisa’s dying body. Dick runs to her and Black Mask watches him before walking away, “COME BACK YOU COWARD. FACE ME,” yells Dick holding Lisa with tears in his eyes. Mask continues walking, “DO YOU FEEL BIG KILLING A TEENAGE GIRL? DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF?”
Mask stops putting his hand on the door knob, “It’s not the target, but what the target stands for that matters.” Mask opens the door walking out.
Dick holds the body as Batman walks in through another door. He finds Dick and Lisa and walks to them, “She’s still alive…we can save her,” says Dick.
Batman looks at the girl fighting for every breath and quickly losing color in her face, “She’s gone…you tried.”
“NO WE NEED TO SAVE HER.”
“We tried kid…I’m sorry.” Batman puts his hand on Dick’s shoulder as the door barges open with more masked men. Batman picks up the girl’s body and calls for Dick to follow him to the entrance.
As the masked men run behind them Black Mask calls in that she’s dead and they stop running.
Batman breaks open the front door holding the girl in his arms. Everyone turns to see him with a look of udder terror. Gordon orders his men to stand down and Batman walks the body to him. He looks at it and puts her in Gordon’s arms. “I’m sorry Gordon,” says Batman. He turns looking at Dick who stands full of anger. He walks back into the school and disappears. More and more kids begin running out but Gordon remains staring at the door where Batman disappeared.
Lucius walks into the Wayne Foundation meeting hall to find no one. He checks his watch and walks to his chair and spins it around to find a green question mark and a piece of paper on the seat. He picks it up and reads it showing, ‘You Knew This Was Coming’. He heads for the door and finds it locked he looks around as the vents begin to blow and a green gas seeps into the room. Lucius falls and begins seizing on the floor.
It is now sun set and Oswald gets to the crime scene and his inaudible yell is shown at the sight of his daughter. He mouths that he will kill who did this. Flash to a scene with Gordon huggins his daughter as he stares at Stephens’s dead body. Flash to Dick cleaning his wound and getting dressed for the circus. He exits his dressing room and finds his parents fighting with Tony Zucco. The sound comes back as Zucco exits angry. “What was that about dad,” asks Dick worried. “Just some ass hole trying to steal from the working class,” says his father angry. Dick looks at him worried. His father notices Dick’s look and laughs and pats him on the shoulder, “don’t worry about it son…are you sure you want to perform tonight. I know today was a…” “I’m fine dad…really,” says Dick. His father smiles and they hug.
Black Mask stands on the roof of the school looking down at the cops and the rest of the crowd. He takes out a phone and calls someone, “It’s your turn…don’t disappoint me.” He closes the phone and he begins a cynical chuckle that turns into a psychopathic laughs. He raises his arms and leans off the edge of the building, “this city is mine.”
Dick and his parents stand on the beginning of the trapeze act waving at the crowd. Dick’s parents jump out first and begin swinging back and forth. As Dick’s parents continue flying Dick reaches out for another trapeze. He waves to the crowd as his parents continue swinging. A close-up of the top of the trapeze is shown and one side of the mechanism is missing a bolt. Close-up on Zucco to show the bolt in his hand. As his parents come back one side of the trapeze comes out and his parents fly off the trapeze. Dick watches them fall yelling, “NO!” Zucco smiles and gets up from his chair. He plays with the bolt as he walks out of the tent. A short close-up is shown at the Grayson’s’ corpses.
Batman gets to the batcave and removes his cowl and takes off his cape and throws it to the ground. He moves to a sink and washes his face. He takes off his belt throwing it to the ground and moving to the elevator still dressed in his bat suit.
Batman goes up the elevator to the darkness of the mansion. He calls for Alfred with no response. He moves into the living room and switches on a light to find Lucius Fox strung up from the ceiling with a green question mark across his chest.
Bruce drops to his knees in shock and yells in pain. “You like the art Bruce,” says the voice of Bane from behind him. Bruce charges Bane with a yell and a raised fist. Bane grabs his fist and throws him into a grandfather clock.
Batman gets up and looks to Bane, “why…what did he do to you,” cries Bruce.
“You think I did this,” scoffs Bane, “it takes a coward to kill a man and flee a scene. I’m not the Riddler Bruce. I’ve been monitoring the clues as well. I knew where Lucius would be and I brought him here and hung him up.” Batman gets up and faces Bane still in pain. Bruce charges him with punches and kicks but Bane doges them effortlessly. He grabs Bruce by his fist and kicks out his legs. He picks up one of Bruce’s legs and raises him above his head and throws him into a shelf that crashes down on top of him. He charges Bruce punching him in the chest. Then he picks him and throws him into a piano. Bane picks up a tray and smacks Bruce across the face with it. Bruce tries to fight back, but after the campus fight and this he doesn’t have the strength. “Come on Bruce. I thought this would be harder. Everyone told me the Caped Crusader would be a challenge, but sadly I see none. ” He grabs Bruce and starts to throw him but Bruce flips around hitting Bane in the face. He punches him twice in the chest and then again in the chin. Bane chuckles taking the blows, “you’re weak Bruce,” Bane throws him to the ground and pulls up his arm breaking it, “but I’m not.” He pulls Bruce up by his hair and kicks him into a wall. Bruce falls to the ground in pain. He quickly gets back up pushing Bane into a wall. He grabs a fire poker and smacks Bane over the head. Bane folds over in pain and Bruce quickly runs limping to the elevator. He presses a button and flies down to the batcave.
As he arrives the top of the elevator shakes as Bane jumps down on it. Bruce runs out into the cave and quickly puts on his cowl and belt. He takes out three batarangs throwing them at an entering Bane. They explode in front of Bane blocking his sight. Batman swiftly runs to Bane jump kicking him in the head. Then he spins hitting him in the chest and sending him into the closet. As Batman runs to him Bane punches him in the stomach and then picks him up and throws him into the computer causing it to malfunction and shock Bruce. He tries to get up but can’t. “I’ll go down in history Bruce,” Bane grabs Bruce by the back of his neck and the waist of his pants. He raises him over his head and Bruce lets out sighs of defeat, “as the man that broke the bat.” He brings Bruce down and knees him in the back. A harsh crunch is heard on impact and Bruce lets out a deadly cry.
Bane kicks him away and Bruce yells in pain. Bane looks at him squirming on the ground with a smile. He walks over and presses his foot down on Bruce’s back. “This city is mine,” says Bane through his teeth. He grabs Bruce by his face and carries him out of the cave.
Dick Grayson looks at his parents kneeling next to them in tears as a monolog by Bane begins, “the night is darkest just before the dawn…” Gordon stands in the MCU with his fellow police officers, “But I have come to find that the nights in Gotham are more resilient than in any other city…” Bullock covered in bandages puts his hand on Gordon’s shoulder. Nashton enters in a rush and Gordon turns to see him. Nashton mouths an apology to Gordon but Gordon doesn’t react to it, “they withstand the cries and the pain that stretch through the city. The terror and sadness that flood the streets…” Penguin is shown in the morgue next to the dead body of his daughter crying in pain. Thorne sits in his office as Zucco enters with a nod, “But no night lasts forever…after every night…there is a new dawn….” Batman is shown being carried up the side of a building, “A new day with a new chance for a better life. Batman was the night…” Bane is shown looking over the city from the top of a tall building, “I am the dawn.”
Bane stands on a building in the time square of the city. People notice him and look up to see what’s in his arms, “HEAR ME GOTHAM,” he raises Batman over his head and the city looks up at him in nervous fear and surprise, “BATMAN IS NO MORE. I HAVE DESTROYED HIM. I RULE THESE STREETS. I RULE GOTHAM. GOTHAM…YOU HAVE CRIED OUT FOR A HERO. WELL HERE IS YOUR PROTECTOR. TAKE HIM AND BURRY HIM.” Everyone watches as the body of their cities guardian angel falls down to them. He crashes down on top of a car and the camera zooms in on his body as people begin to crowd around.
The camera fades and “To be continued…” is shown across a black screen
I really hope you enjoyed the story. I'm sorry it was so long but I needed to include everything to make it so epic. Please tell me what you think below and coming soon will be pt. 2.