This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. 
This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express 
written permission of the author.

					BATMAN REBORN 





				WRITTEN BY CHASE KUERTZ




				  STORY BY CHASE KUERTZ



OPEN ON: 

Drips of water ring down the rocky surface of a dark cold cave which 
echoes every sound that moves through the air. A beat of wings from the 
past returns, telling the audience that something lives on in the cave.

CAMERA PANS:

To reveal the rocky surface suddenly changing over to a dark metal 
structure. Time looks to have passed with it since cobwebs had now 
taken it prisoner with a vast array of mold and dust. We suddenly 
witness the bat suit, hung up nice and neat.
But it too has fallen pray to the past.

FADE IN:

EXT. ALLEY – DARK – NIGHT

The rocky formation of the cave and its surroundings fade away to a 
dark alley. Just walls of brick surrounding a cracked asphalt path, but 
there's someone on the path. A man in a white lab coat and a brown 
briefcase walks frantically to the end of the alley. But before he gets 
there we are introduced to a dark figure looming over him with a knife 
in hand.

					DARK FIGURE
			Dr. Gordon?

The man in the lab coat is, indeed, DR. FRANCIS GORDON. A little short 
with a little beard around his chin, the professor quickly tightens his 
grip around the briefcase.

					GORDON
			Knowles?
The dark figure takes a leap into the light from the moon so GORDON 
could see his face.

					KNOWLES
			Tis I!

GORDON, frustrated with the man's antics, throws the briefcase at him. 
KNOWLES catches it with a clean swipe. From the looks of KNOWLES, he's 
a forty-ish looking man with thick hair, but his clothing is old and 
torn.

					GORDON
			You pull out a knife on me and you'll be sitting in 
prison for the rest of your life.

					KNOWLES
			Now, now, Dr. Gordon, you probably would be too. 
Nobody likes a well known college professor stealing money from 
charities to fund his own research – do they? Never forget why your 
hear with this thing.

					GORDON
			I've worked on it for years. Now, my life's work is 
in the hand of a criminal.

					KNOWLES
			Rich criminal, mind you. After I gladly take this 
chemical from you and turn it in to the mindless scientists, I'll be 
forgetting your trespasses as you have forgiven mine. By the way, 
exactly what were you trying to accomplish with this stuff?
 
GORDON sighs.
	
					GORDON
			It's a new kind of chemical that builds your brain 
up, gives you better results for knowledge. 

					KNOWLES
			Has it been fully tested?

					GORDON
			Well, not exactly.

					KNOWLES
			Well, then, I guess I'll be taking my chances.

KNOWLES fiddles with the bag, trying to pry it open with his hands.

					KNOWLES (cont'd)
			If only you didn't put some kind of lock on this 
thing.
	
					GORDON 
			Must be stuck. Let me help you with that.

GORDON stands beside him, trying to figure out the bag itself by 
examining it.

	
					KNOWLES
			Well, hurry it up now, ain't got all night to sit 
here and contemplate how to open a stupid ass bag.

FROM THE CORNER of the alley, another man, this one wearing a police 
officer uniform, shines a light on both of the gentlemen.
They both freeze in fear.

					OFFICER
			Hey, what are you two doing down there?

TERRIFIED, the two men high-tail it down the alley and break into a 
nearby shoe shop.

CUT TO: 


INT. SHOES GALORE SHOP – DARK 

KNOWLES accidentally falls onto a rack of shoes, watching them as he 
hits the ground drop to the floor like leaves from a tree. GORDON looks 
back, seeing his precious briefcase toppled over on a pile of Dockers.

KNOWLES is out cold, but GORDON finds a better way of handling the 
situation. He takes the bag and quickly goes behind the shoe counter. 
He, then, stuffs it under a drawer, securing it from being seen and 
runs out the front door of the building before a cop can see him.

FADE TO:

INT. BRUCE'S BEDROOM – MORNING

A voice that we've remembered so much enters our ears with a soothing 
relaxed note.

					ALFRED
			Master Bruce. Master Bruce, wake up, sir.
 
It's good ole' ALFRED, welcoming BRUCE WAYNE'S sleepy eyes to the brisk 
morning of a new day.

					BRUCE
			Alfred?

					ALFRED
			Your meeting is at 8:35. You best be going.

					BRUCE
			What time is it?

					ALFRED
			7:29.

BRUCE sits up on the side of the bed, rubbing his head.

					BRUCE 
			Thank you, Alfred.

ALFRED walks out of the room.

					ALFRED
			Welcome, sir.

CUT TO: 

INT. LIMO – DAY

BRUCE WAYNE sits in his limo, looking at the new day which has come to 
him. The trees are nicely green, city not looking to smoggy, and the 
streets are rid of filth from the earlier days of newspapers and trash 
that used to blow around.

ALFRED, driving the limo, looks into the rear mirror noticing a 
troubling look on BRUCE'S face.

					ALFRED
			Something troubling you, Master Bruce?

					BRUCE
			Not this time, Alfred. Why?

					ALFRED
			Because you seem to look lonely, that's not the case 
is it?

					BRUCE
			Of course, not, Alfred. Why would it? I've got 
Jennifer, what more do I need?

					ALFRED
			Any more of those dreams? Have you been seeing them 
again – in your dreams?

					BRUCE
			No, that was – three weeks ago. I've come over that. 
Dick and Barbara are no longer among my dreams.

					ALFRED
			There's a time to mend your feelings.

			 

CUT TO: 



EXT. BRUCE ENTERPRISES – FRONT – DAY

The limo drives up to the front of the BRUCE ENTERPRISES building and 
stops. 

CUT TO: 



INT. LIMO – DAY

ALFRED calmly looks back towards BRUCE.

					ALFRED
			Here you are, Master Bruce.

					BRUCE 
			Thank you, Alfred.

BRUCE opens the door of the limo.

CUT TO:



EXT. GOTHAM CITY – DAY

As BRUCE WAYNE closes the door of the limo, we get a full scale look at 
the new GOTHAM city that deserves to not have the name. It's more 
bright than it was dark. PEOPLE are walking the sidewalks, minding 
their own business. No HUSTLERS. No ROBBERS. Nothing looks to be marked 
with EVIL.

CUT TO:



INT. SHOES GALORE SHOP - DAY

KYLE LEESON, the manager of SHOE'S GALORE SHOP, pounds his fist on top 
of the counter and points at the salesman, TOD HOWLING, who's really 
frightened by the man's constant yelling. TOD looks to be in his early 
30's.

					LEESON
			I told you last night to lock up. What do you do, you 
go straight home. Now look at this mess.
	
			(Points to the shoes on the ground)

			What is that? Look at the mess, Tod. Look at it. 

					TOD
			I did lock up, Mr. Leeson. I know I did. Someone must 
of broken in.

					LEESON
			The door is not broken. This was your last chance, 
Tod, and you blew it. The other day you lost money from the cash 
register and now this incident. You're gone, your last day is tomorrow. 
After that, 'lock up' and take your things with you.

					TOD
			Wait a minute, sir, you can't just fire me, you have 
nobody else. 

					LEESON
			I will get somebody else. I'm Leeson, I can do that 
shit. You are gone tomorrow at 7:00 P.M., you hear me?


TOD shakes his head.

					LEESON (cont'd)
			Do you hear me?

					TOD
			You are going to regret this, sir.

					LEESON
			Regret what?

TOD walks away towards the bathroom in the building. 

CUT TO:


 
INT. BATHROOM – DAY

TOD is crying from the looks of it and he's not trying to hold anything 
back. He walks over to the sink and turns the faucet on, letting the 
water rush over his red face. He's NERVOUS and HECTIC, but he doesn't 
let it completely take over. 

He takes a breath and looks at his reddened face in the mirror. His 
expression is of one where a memory floods back to the brain.

START FLASHBACK:



EXT. PLAYGROUND – BRIGHT DAY

We pan towards the rusty JUNGLE JIM and to several KIDS yelling 
frantically around a young, pitiful TOD HOWLING. His body is on the 
ground with the KIDS surrounding him in the form a circle.

He's terrified and a drizzle of blood is coming from the top of his 
forehead to the bottom of his chin.

					KIDS
			Howling is a freak. Howling is a freak. 

They're all chanting simultaneously at the child that everything seems 
to go in slow motion.

TOD curls up into a ball trying to protect himself from the kicking of 
feet into his back.

He screams.

END FLASHBACK:



INT. BATHROOM – DAY

TOD'S sweaty from thinking back to his childhood. He rubs it off with a 
wash cloth and strides calmly out of the bathroom.

CUT TO: 


EXT. GOTHAM CITY HALL – DAY

A new GOTHAM CITY HALL is up, banners posted, streamers hung, and a 
podium with a microphone on the stairs sitting quite until a handsome 
looking young man steps forward. It's MAYOR KENT with his superiors and 
security guards hanging about him as he is delivering his speech.

CAMERA FLASHES sparkle into his eye and reflect off of the podium.

					MAYOR KENT
			I'm astonished – that in such a beautiful day I will 
be giving a speech on the good news of today's crime. There is no 
crime. There hasn't been any in over a year in a half. We can certainly 
thank the last Mayor that came to this city hall even when I was a 
baby, Mayor Grissom.

APPLAUSE sounds, getting picked up by the microphone and echoes through 
the loud speakers.

					MAYOR KENT
			Grissom knew as I did. In order to crack down on 
crime we must sacrifice more and more police officers. We must recruit 
more. He did it, and I'm happy to say that I am also following in his 
footsteps. You might say Gotham City should have a name change after 
all of this.

			          (He laughs)
			With your continued support we won't need to worry 
about crime any longer. We can keep this peace from leaving.

SOME MORE APPLAUDING is heard but before it stops, a REPORTER stands up 
voicing a question. It's JENNIFER GOLDSTEIN.

					JENNIFER
			Mayor Kent, is not true, then, there is a gang out 
there, named the Cronies?

					MAYOR KENT
			I will not lie, there is, but they have shown no 
criminal interactions thus far.

					JENNIFER
			Why couldn't they be planning on something big?
	
					MAYOR KENT
			As I've said before, crime is going to try to happen, 
it's whether it succeeds in doing so is the question on everybody's 
mind. If the Cronies are going to do something, it will take a hell of 
a lot of planning to get passed our police department.

					JENNIFER
			What about Batman, do you think he will return?

MAYOR KENT smiles while taking a step from the podium and looking at 
JENNIFER and the numerous reporters.

					MAYOR KENT
			Batman did once do some good, but he is not the 
number one reason we are what we are today. As far as I know, Batman's 
dead. We won't need him anymore. He's done a lot more bad than good to 
this city. Next Question?

JENNIFER lets other reporters yell their questions and backs up to 
avoid getting crushed by the crowd.

BRUCE stops her.

					JENNIFER
			Oh-

He laughs.
	
					JENNIFER (cont'd)
			Don't scare me like that!

					BRUCE
			Sorry.

					JENNIFER
			Can you believe that jerk up there?

					BRUCE
			Ah, yes, the mayor. Younger means more stupid.

					JENNIFER
			No, he's just more high on himself.

					BRUCE
			What did you ask him?

					JENNIFER
			Questions about the Cronies – crimes – Batman.

					BRUCE
			You asked about Batman – what – got something for 
bats now?

					JENNIFER
			No, I just think he's still hanging around.

					BRUCE
			He might be dead.

					JENNIFER
			Your opinion.

Half of the reporters jump up as they see JENNIFER talking with BRUCE 
WAYNE.
					RANDOM REPORTER
			IT'S BRUCE WAYNE!

They gather around BRUCE and JENNIFER.

					BRUCE 
			Sorry about, just wanted to see you.

					JENNIFER
			I think it's kind of fun. 

They gently kiss on the lips and smile as cameras flash.

CUT TO:



EXT. SHOES GALORE SHOP – DAY

TOD picks up a magazine from the rack in front of the counter and looks 
at the front cover. It's a picture of BRUCE WAYNE in his office. The 
caption says "WAYNE RICHER THAN EVER . . . AND PROUD OF IT"

					TOD
			Bruce Wayne – he seems like a nice guy to me.

CHARLIE, TOD'S assistant, takes the magazine in his hands and tosses it 
across the shop.

					CHARLIE
			Looks like a prick.

					TOD
			Just because he's rich you think that?

					CHARLIE
			I don't think, I know. Most of these rich folks are.

					TOD
			Charlie, come on, you said most. He could be one of 
the few.
	
					CHARLIE
			I stand by my statement.

CHARLIE walks to the back room of the shop and enters. TOD creeps back 
to the magazine on the floor and picks it up. 

					TOD
			(To himself)
			Something about you, Bruce, that makes me feel like 
we are one in the same.

TOD takes his finger and circle's it around BRUCE'S head.

A ring from the shop's DOOR enters TOD'S ears, he turns around facing a 
PUNK in a ski mask.

					PUNK
			Oh, don't move!

The PUNK lifts up a gun to his face.
	
					PUNK (cont'd)
			Take me to the register, pal!

TOD, frightened but still capable of action, walks behind the counter 
and opens the register. 

					TOD 
			There, take all you need.

					PUNK
			Don't look at me while I'm getting it out.

					TOD
			Why? 

					PUNK
			Do you want the reason to hit you in the head?

			(Points the gun at his forehead)
		
			Well, do you?

					TOD
			No – I'm sorry.

The PUNK proceeds to squander the money from the cash register.

A COCKING sound from a rifle is heard and the PUNK turns around to face 
CHARLIE, getting ready to shoot at him.

					TOD (cont'd)
			NO!

The PUNK open fires into the CHARLIE'S chest and CHARLIE returns the 
favor right into his stomach.

They BOTH seem to fall to the ground almost simultaneously. 

TOD stares at the blank expressions on their faces. They were dead. He 
is the only one left alive. He leaps to CHARLIE and checks his pulse. 
Yep, DEAD.

					TOD
			Charlie – why?

TOD wipes a tear from his eye.

START FLASHBACK: 



EXT. ALLEY – DARK – NIGHT

A PUNK from his memory stabs a TEEN TOD in the stomach. Bleeding, TOD 
falls to the ground. The PUNK steals his wallet, others watch not 
helping him. The PUNK runs down the street and out of view.

 
 
END FLASHBACK:


 
TOD opens one of the wooden drawers under the counter and searches 
through the stuff. Windex was on his mind, or some kind of poison. He 
sees a something big stuffed in the back and grabs for it, opening it 
up, and taking the container out of the briefcase.

A glass container, about five inches in tall, is in his hand. 

					TOD
			Here we go!

TOD is totally lost it; he pops the containers top off and gulps it 
down. TOD waits.

BEAT.

Finally, his eyes start to bulge, his muscles quiver, and now he goes 
into convulsions on the floor, moaning and grunting.

DISSOLVE TO:



EXT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES – ROOFTOP – NIGHT

BRUCE WAYNE stands on the rooftop of his highly expensive WAYNE 
ENTERPRISES building, looking out over the breath taking landscape of 
towering skyscrapers. He places his hands over the railings, almost 
thinking to himself.

JENNIFER walks out from a door passage located behind him.

					JENNIFER
			Bruce – is there something troubling you?

BRUCE looks back, not puzzled by the question.

					BRUCE
			No, not at all.

JENNIFER stands beside him, gazing at the scenery as well.

					JENNIFER
			I remember when the city used to be darker than 
night. With so much corruption going around that it was almost hard to 
have trust in anybody.

BEAT.

BRUCE looks to her from the side.

					BRUCE 
			Have you ever felt that – you're supposed to be 
something, but – well – something happens to when you don't feel the 
need for you to be it anymore. So, you were willing to give it up.

					JENNIFER
			You're not talking about the business are you?

					BRUCE
			Well, something like that.

					JENNIFER
			To answer your question - no. I haven't.

BRUCE nods.

					JENNIFER (cont'd)
			But if it's meant for you to be that person – no 
matter what – do it. It's fate in work.

JENNIFER moves back inside with BRUCE pondering on her answer.

CUT TO:



INT. DINING ROOM – DIM
ALFRED, laughing up a storm, wavers his hand in the air as he details 
something from BRUCE'S childhood. MRS. CAROL, MR. CAROL, CARL HARLAND, 
and JENNIFER watch enthusiastically as ALFRED speaks. BRUCE is standing 
next to ALRED, who is in a comfortable chair. Christmas decorations are 
in the background.

					ALFRED
			You couldn't get Master Bruce off the dog if his life 
depended on it. He loved it so much.

EVERYONE in the room laughs. 

					MRS. CAROL
			(To Bruce)

			Surely, darling, you didn't get another dog? 

					BRUCE
			No, I did not get another dog. Once was enough.

					MR. CAROL
			…And the dog's name was? 

					BRUCE 
			Flash. I know it sounds a little corny, but anything 
goes when you are a kid, I guess.


JENNIFER smiles to BRUCE. BRUCE returns the favor.

					CARL
			Well, I must go.

					JENNIFER
			Oh, but you just got here.

					MR. CAROL
			Yes, stay, man, you don't know what you'll be 
missing.

					CARL
			Important business meeting with the Chairman 
tomorrow, definitely don't want to stay up as late as it is. 
			
			(Get's coat)

			G'night Bruce; everyone.


					EVERYONE
			Good night!

He strides out of the room as swift as possible.

					ALFRED
			I'll get the trays, sir.

					BRUCE
			Thanks Alfred.

			(To the group)
	
			Hey, me and Jennifer need to talk but wait and you'll 
get to try the muffins; Alfred makes great muffins. 

					MRS. CAROL
			That will be delightful, Bruce.

BRUCE and JENNIFER leave off to another room.

CUT TO: 



INT. DEN – DIM

BRUCE pulls JENNIFER into a dark spot of the room and gently kisses her 
lips.

					BRUCE 
			I can't stand looking at you, I need you now!

					JENNIFER
			(Playfully)
			
			Stop, Bruce!

					BRUCE 
			What do you think your doing; looking at me like 
that?

					JENNIFER
			Which way?

BRUCE groans.

					BRUCE
			Ah, either way.

They kiss again, this time more passionately.

 
CUT TO: 



INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – NIGHT

TOD HOWLING wakes up in a hospital bed, squealing; not knowing where he 
is.

					TOD
			(Almost to himself)

			What?

He looks around, seeing an instrument give counts of the beat of his 
heart. He looks to his arms. They are huge and muscular; his veins 
pulsating like crazy.

					TOD (cont'd)
			(Mood changes)

			I feel good.

He sees before him soup on a tray. He reaches forward to get it and 
scoops up some with a plastic spoon. It touches his lips.

					TOD (cont'd)
			Cold! How about some hot soup, huh?

Suddenly, his hands warm up and spit a little fireball at the soup cup, 
flaming it and then burning out just as quickly. 

TOD looks around, confused at just what happened. He looks to see 
nurses going around the hospital, not noticing his burnt cup.

A man, standing tall, in a white coat, walks in. It's the doctor, and 
he got a switch board in his hand.

					DOCTOR
			Good, you're up.

					TOD
			What happened to me?

					DOCTOR 
			We honestly don't know, but the authorities found 
you, half dead, on the floor. We revived you and you've been sleeping 
ever since. There seemed to have been a robbery going on when you had – 
whatever happened to you.

					TOD
			Second question – Who am I?

					DOCTOR
			We don't know, just yet, that either. It seems you 
are really suffering from amnesia. We're going to do a couple of tests 
–

As the DOCTOR goes on, TOD reflects on flashbacks of the name-callings 
and the beatings. He doesn't know who he is, but he does know his 
memories of the past – the bad memories.

					TOD
			(Evil look)

			Never mind the testing, I don't feel you are my 
friend. Why should I trust somebody who is not my friend?

FURY seems to rage in his eyes as the doctor backs up.

In an instant, knives in the air seem to appear in front of the doctor. 
He screams as they fly into his chest and stick him to the wall.

SLASH TO:



EXT. CITY HALL – DAY

COMMISIONER GORDON stands at the podium in front of CITY HALL.

					COMMISIONER GORDON
			It's a week till Christmas, but I can assure you, 
we'll have more guards standing around shops and stores than ever 
before.

A REPORTER speaks up.

					REPORTER
			Commisioner, we've heard reports of some break-ins 
done by the Cronies, do you know anything about this?
			
					COMMISIONER GORDON
			It is true, there have been some unfortunate 
burglaries happening on the other side of town, but –

A blast of fire burns to the walls of an alley. People run away. 
COMMISIONER GORDON looks out, seeing a glowing man walk between the 
flames and treading towards them.

					VOICE
			GOTHAM CITY!

Everybody leans forward squinting at his as he comes closer.

It's TOD HOWLING in a hospital gown. And the glowing apparition around 
him is some kind of flame. 

					TOD
			Meet your creator – and destroyer!

TOD flings a fireball into a crowd of reporters. They flee from the 
scene, a couple of them getting burnt in the process. He glides towards 
the podium and takes the microphone in his hands as he pushes the 
COMMISIONER out of the way. Almost everyone is speechless, some not 
even moving away.

					TOD (cont'd)
			I used to have a name; a real name. But now, you will 
refer to me as – Deludion. I'm a psychotic son of a bitch! Show me to 
Gotham City's bank!

We now know TOD as the infamous DELUDION. A few from the crowd point to 
their right.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			Thank you.

He throws the microphone at a nearby police officer, who is calling for 
assistance, and it knocks him down.

DELUDION carelessly moves onto the street towards the GOTHAM CITY bank.

CUT TO: 




EXT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES – DAY

BRUCE comes out of the building's doors with CARL, who is handing him a 
file.

					CARL
			Bruce, you told me to turn them in on Friday, and 
well, I had forgotten, so here it is.

					BRUCE 
			Are you saying this revolutionizes the way we use 
computers?

					CARL
			I'd like to think so.

					BRUCE
			Let me check –

BRUCE and CARL turn to see, coming from the corner, DELUDION, being 
surrounded by police vehicles.

BRUCE and CARLE run down to see what is happening.

CUT TO: 



EXT. STREET – DAY

One of the officers takes out a bullhorn from his cruiser.

					OFFICER
			(Through the bull horn)

			We've got you surrounded!

From the middle of the street, DELUDION prepares to blast.

					DELUDION
			(To the officers)

			It's a lose/lose situation my friends! Deal with it!

He throws a much bigger fire ball than what we have seen before and it 
bounces from one police vehicle to the other, engulfing them all with 
flames. DELUDION steps over the burning cars and back onto clear road, 
passing by house and entering the bank. He, then, makes a CONCRETE WALL 
appear around the whole BANK building, including the entrance.

BRUCE WAYNE runs away from CARL and to the building.

					CARLE
			Bruce, where are you going?

He says nothing but keep sprinting to the bank. 

CUT TO:




EXT. GOTHAM CITY BANK – DAY

Touching the cold steal wall that surrounds the building, BRUCE stands 
amazed at how a thing could just appear there out of thin air. How was 
this person doing it?

A quickly as it had appeared, it disappears. BRUCE witnesses DELUDION 
already with bags in his hands full of unmarked bills.  DELUDION comes 
to a halt when he noticed BRUCE WAYNE standing at the door way.

					DELUDION
			(Pointing at Bruce)

			I think I know you.

BRUCE stays silent and stands in awe.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			Yeah – Bruce Wayne. I'd shake your hand but mine are 
kind of full.

DELDION walks to his side.

					BRUCE
			Why are you doing this?

					DELUDION
			Why does anybody do anything? Because they can. And I 
– CAN!

			(Beat)

			You know, you and I aren't so different? We're almost 
– one in the same!

DELUDION leaves the bank and presses forward.

BRUCE doesn't look back.

CUT TO: 



INT. LIVING ROOM – DIM

ALFRED is sitting in a comfortable recliner, looking straight into 
BRUCE'S depressed eyes. With concern, he gets up and sets his gentle, 
wrinkled hand upon his shoulder.

					ALFRED 
			What's wrong, my little Master Bruce.

					BRUCE 
			I know I've never shown my love for you, Alfred, all 
the time.

					ALFRED
			Oh, Bruce, it's always there, whether you think it is 
or not. I don't think that is the problem – is it?

					BRUCE 
			You think I should become 'him' again.

					ALFRED
			I think you should do what you were meant to do. What 
you can do because you were given a gift to do it. You are worried 
about the ones you love. How they keep getting brought back into the 
dangerous situations – aren't you?

START FLASHBACK:


ROBIN grabs for the ropes grapple when a DARK UNKNOWN VILLIAN cuts the 
rope from up above on a roof. ROBIN grabs it to discover its 
disconnection and keeps falling. The VILLIAN pushes BATGIRL down the 
fifty story building. They fall to their death.

END FLASHBACK:

BRUCE'S concerns are really present.

					BRUCE 
			Yes. I am. Jennifer is the one for me. Why should I 
risk loosing her?

					ALFRED 
			Risk can come in different ways – and meanings. 
Obligations and responsibility is required more. You can make things 
work, if you work to make them work.

ALFRED walks behind him and reaches the threshold.

					ALFRED (cont'd)
			Living is a risk of its own, Master Bruce.

He finally leaves the living room.


CUT TO: 


INT. SHOE'S GALORE OFFICE – NIGHT

Watching the TELEVISION set located at the far corner of the office, 
KYLE LEESON relaxes in his chair, puffing a cigar. He witnesses on the 
T.V. numerous firefighters spraying water onto a very big blaze in the 
middle of a street. JENNIFER is the reporter behind the camera.

ON THE T.V.


					JENNIFER
			These men have been pouring gallons upon gallons of 
this water into this blaze for hours on in and there's still much fire 
to be rid of. The man they say is responsible for all this incident is 
going by the alias name of Deludion. More details as it becomes 
available. Jim.

					JIM (V.O.)
			Thanks, Jennifer –
 
 
BACK TO OFFICE

KYLE shakes his head and tosses the cigar in a trash can a few feet 
away. He proceeds to pick up the newspaper on his desk when-

TOD – DELUDION shows up at the threshold of his office.

					KYLE
			What – the – hell!

TOD isn't surprised.

					KYLE (cont'd)
			What are YOU doing here? I told you to get lost.

					TOD
			Lost – yes – I was once lost. But now – I'm found.

					KYLE 
			Listen preacher boy, you move in any closer and I'm 
calling the cops.

					TOD
			I think you'll find that a little impossible, you 
see, I cut your cord here – what's really interesting is today. You 
see, I've had a really bad case of amnesia, but once the memories 
flooded back, I began to realize; a new awakening.

			(Lifts up a torn cord)
			
					KYLE
			What do you want from me? 

					TOD
			What I WANT is not important. It's what you deserve 
that is.

TOD moves in closer to KYLE. He stands up in his chair.

					KYLE
			What the hell are you? How are you –

					TOD
			Muscular? I don't think you'd care to know. Just like 
you didn't care that I was in the hospital today.

					KYLE
			Like I have a good relationship with you -

					TOD
			SIT DOWN!

TOD pushes himself upon KYLE'S face and he falls back in his chair.

					TOD (cont'd)
			I think you owe Deludion something –

KYLE'S frightened and when he tries to get up TOD slams his hand on 
his.

Suddenly, dark walls and prison bars appear around them. 

					TOD (cont'd)
			You owe him… you!

KYLE SCREAMS. FIRE burns across his arm and up his shoulder, enveloping 
all over him seconds later. TOD laughs with excitement, watching the 
singe away from his bones.

					TOD (cont'd)
			Welcome to HELL, Mr. Leeson!

CUT TO:



INT. SHOE'S GALORE OFFICE – HOURS LATER

POLICE MEN walk towards the charcoaled skeleton sitting in the burnt 
chair. Some take looks at it, kind of studying what happened to the 
guy.

At the threshold, COMMISSONER GORDON lifts up the yellow tag for BRUCE 
WAYNE.

					COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Mr. Wayne, over here is where they found the letter, 
which was for you to open it, but we had to examine - so take a look.

GORDON points the way to the desk. BRUCE follows over and gently takes 
the paper in his hands.

LETTER: TO BRUCE WAYNE

BRUCE opens it.

					DELUDION (V.O.)
			There might be some kind of cloud keeping us apart, 
but you and I are supposed to be together. Maybe you are confused by 
this but I assure you, you shouldn't be. I know you've suffered many 
things; many terrible things. I have suffered too, and it's only a 
matter of time that we will meet again.
Sincerely, your greatest admirer.


BRUCE looks up in surprise.

					COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Yep, very serious matter, Bruce, so I suggest that we 
have you under twenty-four hour police protection. 

					BRUCE
			Around my house?

					COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Yes, sir.

					BRUCE
			You don't think this is – Deludion, do you?

					COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Trademark fire signature, might be. 

					BRUCE 
			Thank you, Commissioner.

COMMISSIONER GORDON trails off with other investigators.

CUT TO: 



EXT. WAYNE MANOR – NIGHT

An Oldsmobile slowly moves in front of the dark gate which is connected 
to a brick wall surrounding WAYNE MANOR. In the vehicle is DELUDION, 
peering through the bars and at the police vehicles inside. DELUDION 
grins.

					DELUDION
			Damn.

The vehicle moves back out.

CUT TO:


EXT. BACK ALLEY – DARK

Loud music blasts out of a boom box located on a curb. Around it stand 
the CRONIES, the gang we've been hearing about all through the story. 
They are dressed in signature pants with slits running from the knee 
and down. Skulls painted on each side of their cheeks.

The leader of the gang, TINSIL, spits tobacco out of his mouth as he 
watches an unknown figure appear out from the foggy road.

					CRONIE 1
			Who the hell is this guy?

					CRONIE 2
			Someone needs a wake up call.

					CRONIE 3
			No warning this time, Tinsil.

					TINSIL
			Shut up, I'll handle this.

					CRONIE 2
			A'ight.

TINSIL moves forward and spits more tobacco out onto the dirty street. 
He steps in front of the figure, which is only a silhouette in front of 
a white background.

					TINSIL
			What the hell are you coming into our territory?

					VOICE
			You Tinsil?

					TINSIL
			Hey, look, man, I'm whatever I want to be.

He throws out a nice shiny switchblade, showing it off in the glaring 
moon.
					VOICE
			Calm down, ass hole, I've got a deal to make with 
you.

TINSIL waits a beat and then finally pulls back the blade; sending it 
to his pocket.

					TINSIL
			I'm listening.

					DELUDION
			First thing's first. My name's Deludion –

					TINSIL
			Ah, shit man, you're the one who did that blaze. Good 
work with that flame thrower – or whatever you had.

					DELUDION
			Listen up, I've got a power that can come to both of 
our uses. I'm planning on some big robberies, and with your help, I can 
get this done and seem even more invincible. 

					TINSIL
			Profit?

					DELUDION
			I need just enough to get around. Say, thirty percent 
of what we get goes to me, the rest to you and your Cronies.
 
					TINSIL
			Sweet fuck, you serious?

					DELUDION
			All I ask in return is leadership. Revenge is better 
soaked in my mind than money.

TINSIL nods.

					TINSIL
			Hell, for seventy percent, I wouldn't mind given a 
little leadership to you.

					DELUDION
			Then, it's a deal.

					TINSIL
			You, bet!

They GRASP hands tightly.


SWIRL TO:

EXT. GOTHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT – DAY

A "GOTHNEWS" paper hits the desk of COMMISSIONER GORDON. He takes his 
feet off the desk and holds it up. DETECTIVE EARL SPACEY nods.

					SPACEY 
			On the front page: "Deludion Strikes Again."

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Look, I'm trying all I can to get the press out of 
our way.

					SPACEY
			Your not trying enough. I've got to get this scumbag 
where I want him.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Maybe he's fond of publicity.

					SPACEY 
			I don't know any psychopath that's fond of publicity.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Even so, the damned press is on it like hot cakes and 
I don't think they will quiet down until he's in jail.

SPACEY takes a sip of coffee and grabs back the piece of paper.

					SPACEY 
			Soon… 
	
			(Points to the front page)
			
			My face will be on here.

Suddenly, the door bursts open with OFFICER SHIRLING. He's out of 
breath.

					SHIRLING
			Another…burglary!

				COMMISSIONER GORDON	
			Where?

					SHIRLING
			Dark…Dark Pearl Diamond…shop.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			My God, that's the biggest on yet.

COMMISSIONER GORDON runs to the rack and proceeds to put on his coat.

					SPACEY
			Maybe we can get him in the act this time.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Wishful thinking, Detective Spacey. Wishful thinking.


ALL THREE exit the room.

CUT TO: 


INT. DARK PEARL DAIMOND SHOP – DAY


TINSIL points the gun at the store CLERK. She sends the money into a 
brown sake and then to TINSIL.

DELUDION watches the event.

One of the CRONIE'S shoots a SHOPPER in the leg. He falls onto the 
ground, moaning in agony. The CRONIE giggles and jumps up in down with 
excitement.

					DELUDION
			See, Tinsil, you need to be as aggressive as him. 

A BULL HORN sounds from outside.

					BULL HORN 
			Come out with your hands up, we have you surrounded.

It seemed to them all that they has just appeared out of thin air and 
they look outside to see the chaos.

DOZENS upon DOZENS of police cruisers are surrounding the shop.

DELUDION winks at TINSIL.

					DELUDION
			I'll take care of it.

CUT TO:


EXT. STREET – DAY

BRUCE WAYNE looks at the DIAMOND shop and squints as a fireball engulfs 
a vehicle out on the street. BRUCE WAYNE looks at his watch.

					BRUCE 
			Alfred!

ALFRED appears on a screen inside of his watch.

					ALFRED(V.O.)
			Yes, Master Bruce?

					BRUCE
			Alfred, get the car ready.

					ALFRED
			The Mercedes?

					BRUCE 
			No, Alfred, the other car.

					ALFRED
			Oh, the Saturn.

					BRUCE 
			NO! The OTHER car!

ALFRED looks in surprise.

					ALFRED 
			Are you certain about this, Master Bruce? 

					BRUCE 
			Get it, Alfred!
 
BRUCE turns off the watch.

CUT TO: 



INT. DARK PEARL DIAMOND SHOP – NIGHT

DELUDION falls to the floor, holding his hand out to the cop cars.

He's forcing to fire out of his hand but nothing is coming out. He 
strains and groans.

					CRONIE
			Man, tinsil, I think he's loosing it.

					TINSIL
			Dude, come on, let it go.

DELUDION looks at TINSIL with rage. 

					DELUDION
			Stay out of it or the deal is off.

He sticks his hand into the diamond cases and grabs a hand full of 
them. Then, he slings it out of the broken window and onto the street.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			We'll wait for it to come back, and then we are out 
of here.

CUT TO: 


 
EXT. SKYSCRAPPER – NIGHT – MOMMENTS LATER

The Dark cityscape is illuminated by the moon giving us a little light. 
A shadow of a cape passes by quickly.


CUT TO:



INT. DARK PEARL DIAMOND SHOP – NIGHT

DELUDION looks at his hands.

					DELUDION
			Matter of minutes, guys, bare with me.

Suddenly, a thump is heard coming from the ceiling of the building. 
Three CRONIES simultaneously point their rifles up.

They WALK across some glass and keep their eyes on the ceiling.

					CRONIE 1
			What the hell was that?

					CRONIE 2
			I don't know man, what the hell you think it was?

					CRONIE 1
			Police officer, maybe. Damn them. They are always 
wanting to do something risky.

					CRONIE 3
			No, man. I don't think that's what it is.

					CRONIE 1
			Ok, what is it then?

					CRONIE
			I heard about these bats that are seen flying up and 
people's vents and shit. Huge bats!

					CRONIE 2
			Right, like there's some big bat up there getting 
ready to come and get us!

The CEILINGS'S TILES suddenly give through and BATMAN falls to the 
ground and lands on his feet. He looks up, the three CRONIES looking at 
him but still pointing their rifles somewhere else.

					BATMAN
			Define irony!

BATMAN grabs CRONIE 2 by the collar and flips him around onto the 
floor. CRONIE 3 jumps onto BATMAN'S shoulder but he twists around him 
and kicks him across the room and into glass. 

CRONIE 1 attempts to run to the door but BATMAN hooks him with a 
grapple that comes out of his silver utility belt. He pushes a button 
which in turn pulls CRONIE 1 back to him.

BATMAN slugs him with the right arm. Then, the left arm. Again, he does 
the right which is followed by an uppercut that sends him sailing 
outside the window and out of the shop.

The DARK KNIGHT looks to DELUDION and TINSIL.

The HOSTAGES are horrified and happy at the same time.

					DELUDION
			(Sarcastic)

			Good, show, Batman. We're just thrilled to have you 
here.

					BATMAN
			It certainly makes you feel insecure.

					TINSIL
			Ah, fuck, I'm out of here!

TINSIL, afraid, runs out of the shop.

					DELUDION
			Take it from me, Batman, never pick an idiot to help 
you out.

					BATMAN
			He's the smart one.

					DELUDION
			You know what, Batman, I can't tell whose worst, 
Gotham City or you. I might as well destroy both I guess.

					BATMAN
			Not if I can help it.

					DELUDION
			There's the beauty – you can't!

DELUDION blows FIRE out of his fingers. They spray in line towards 
BATMAN, but he flips out of the way.

BATMAN sends another grapple towards DELUDION and it hooks him. He 
tries to reel him in when the wires turn into Boa CONSTRICTORS.

He cuts it off with his saw and they appear again as wires when they 
touch the floor.

					DELUDION
			God, I love this shit!

DELUDION pounces from the carpet floor to inside the ceiling and out of 
sight. BATMAN takes another grapple and sends it the ceiling. Seconds 
later he's up and away.

CUT TO:


EXT. ROOFTOP – NIGHT

BATMAN buts down the door on the roof, and walking on the graveled 
ground, he listens to the sirens and shouts of the police department.

He walks cautiously though, being aware of his surroundings.

COMMISSIONER GORDON shows up, gun in hand.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Batman?! Never thought to see you again.

BATMAN greets him fast.

					BATMAN
			Sorry, I don't have time.

COMMISSIONER GORDON grabs his arm tightly. His strength isn't human.

Vanishing is the COMMISSIONER, appearing is DELUDION.

					BATMAN
			What the hell?!

BATMAN is slung to a brick wall like a child's toy, debris is scattered 
into the air.

BATMAN crawls on his knees, trying to catch breath, but even so, he 
can't get out of his procession. 

The evil DELUDION glides across the rooftop to BATMAN.

					DELUDION
			I've always been interested to know who you truly 
are. Ever since some of the police department found out after BATGIRL 
and ROBIN'S decease, I've always thought why they would never reveal 
your name.

					BATMAN
			Because of you geeks.

					DELUDION
			Hmm – you might be right!

DELUDION kneels down and places his fingers around the outside edges of 
the black BAT MASK. 

					DELUDION
			You remind me of someone too.

Grasping onto DELUDION'S feet, BATMAN sends him to the ground, hitting 
his head hard on the gravel. 

DELUDION'S eyes go from left to right. He attempts to fire a blaze at 
him but something is keeping him from doing it. He feels light head and 
when he tries to get up he falls yet again.

BATMAN jumps up in time for a HELICOPTOR to appear above him and 
DELUDION. 

					BULL HORN
			Put your hands up!

DELUDION crawls to the back edge of the roof top and jumps to another 
one.

BATMAN looks across the city and opens his wings only to jump and glide 
through the air, leaving the police stunned and shocked at the sight.

CUT TO: 



EXT. STREET – NIGHT

COMMISSIONER GORDON looks up in awe. DETECTIVE SPACEY shakes his head.

					SPACEY
			Is that – 

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Yes, it is. It's Batman!

BATMAN flies out of sight.

					SPACEY
			The press is certainly going to have a field day now.


CUT TO:



INT. HIDEOUT – NIGHT

Screaming, DELUDION falls to the wooden floor and weeps. He's 
distraught, from what we don't know, but he's eyes give it away.

					DELUDION
			What… are you? Why are you? STOP! I don't think I 
need you anymore. 

DELUDION pulls his hair in agony.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			I don't want pain anymore… I don't want any pain.

FLASHBACK:

EXT. ALLEY – DARK

TOD HOWLING tries to get his car door to open but he is stopped by a 
flying bat, hitting him in the face. He rolls on the asphalt. 

TOD is in his teen years.

					BULLY
			Damages to my truck, you ass hole!

The BULLY whacks him in the stomach, making him lose his breath for ten 
seconds.

					TOD
			Please…

					BULLY
			What? You want me to kill you? I'd rather see you 
suffer!

He kicks him in the face.


END FLASHBACK:

EXT. HIDEOUT – NIGHT

DELUDION looks up. His eyes seem to be brewing a storm. It was a storm 
that had been raging inside him since he was a child.

He roars with rage!

CUT TO:


EXT. POLICE ROOFTOP – NIGHT

Unplugging the BAT SPOTLIGHT from it's outlet, COMMISSIONER GORDON 
gives up hope that BATMAN would return to the roof top once more.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			I don't understand it.

Surprisingly, the RUBBER BAT SUIT shows up like a ghostly goblin. 

					BATMAN
			Commissioner Gordon. You need me?

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			More like wanted you.

BATMAN stares, his eyes a deep, cold abyssal ocean.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON (cont'd)
			I wanted to make sure it was you that night.

					BATMAN 
			It was.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Where were you, Batman? Where were you this whole 
time – this past six years?

BATMAN isn't so cold anymore. For a change, he shows off his emotional 
side.

					BATMAN
			I don't know.

				COMMSSIONER GORDON 
			What do you know?

					BATMAN
			I know Deludion isn't what he seems to be. He wasn't 
brought up as a killer, he became one. Like a high-school nerd who gets 
murder into his mind following his long and torturous past.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			So, rage makes him tick?

					BATMAN
			Exactly. But his rage alone can't explain his powers. 
I suggest you check out local scientific facilities. There may be some 
kind of chemicals that could have made him into what he is now. 
			
				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			My brother works at one. I'll see what I can do. 

					BATMAN
			Another thing is he has the ability to make people 
see things which aren't there. Be careful. I'll keep you posted with 
new information. 

BATMAN takes off into the night, blending into the darkness of the 
city. 

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			God be with you.

CUT TO: 



INT. JAIL CELLS – NIGHT

The bluish tinted bars appear to quiver as a human shadow passes by it.

In his cell bed, TINSIL wakes up, sweating all over. It seems like he's 
had a nightmare of some sorts. He makes sounds which only a frightened 
man would make and he hears something behind him.  
 
Turning around, TINSIL looks at the bars. 

A voice echoes inside the small enclosure. It laughs dryly and harshly.

					TINSIL
			(Whispering)
	
		Who is there?

					VOICE
		Come on, Tinsil, can't recognize my voice.

					TINSIL
			(Frightened)
		Maybe.

					VOICE
		Why did you have to be such a coward; running off like that 
like you were a little boy that just pissed his pants.

TINSIL takes a gulp.

					TINSIL
		Deludion?

					DELUDION
		That's right, cupcake. 

					TINSIL
		I thought you were a goner, I mean you couldn't.

					DELUDION
		Use my powers? Oh, I figured out the trigger. My brain is 
connected to them. If something happens to my head, they just 
disappear. My anger is also connected. 

					TINSIL
		Are you angry right now?

BEAT.

					DELUDION
			(Showing up right next to him)
		Yes!

TINSIL jumps out of the way and looks past the bars to see him in 
another location.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
		What you jumping at?

TINSIL shuts up.


					DELUDION (cont'd)
		I've got another deal to make with you. So listen up, and 
listen good. If you promise to be a good little boy, I'll get you out 
of here, free of charge.

					TINSIL
		You're not yanking my chain?

					DELUDION 
		Cross your heart and hope you die.

		(Grins)
	
		Of course, your other men can come along.

					TINSIL
		Now, I'm not so sure.

					DELUDION
		I didn't forget about your pay!

DELUDION passes a sack full of diamonds through the bars and across the 
rock floor. TINSIL cautiously picks it up with his filthy hands. TINSIL 
cracks a smile.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			(Smiling too)
		So, how about it?


CUT TO:



EXT. STREETS – NIGHT

The BATMOBILE, in all its glory, speeds through the chaotic streets of 
GOTHAM CITY. CRONIES are everywhere!

They're smashing cars, busting store windows, spray painting their 
signature, and looting anything they can get their hands on.

The BATMOBILE stops in front of a CRONIE. He looks at it and shoots 
into the black windows, but he only scraps the surface. He fires some 
more until he runs out of ammunition. 

BATMAN opens the windshield and jumps out.

					BATMAN
			I don't like it when people scratch my car.

He gives him a good SMACK in the face and the CRONIE'S out cold.

Another CRONIE tries to pry the windshield door open after it had 
closed but electricity passes through his body before he can even make 
a mark on it.

A group of CRONIES surround BATMAN when he's not looking and a few of 
them charge, but BATMAN ducks, leaving the two gangsters leaping into 
each other. The DARK KNIGHT grabs one and throws him onto the street. 
A fourth CRONIE takes out a machete, sparking interest to BATMAN.  

The CRONIE shows off a trick, placing the machete in his right hand and 
throwing it under his leg only to grasp it around his shoulder with his 
left hand.
Next, he juggles it around and around until he finally gets rid of it, 
making it slice into the air and toward our hero. 

BATMAN catches it with both hands.

					BATMAN
			Return to sender.

He sends it sailing back at the CRONIE, surprising him and sticking 
into his chest.
The gangster falls to the floor, dead.

UP AHEAD:

TINSIL and DELUDION stare at GOTHAM CITY HALL, people running and 
screaming out of it as some CRONIES shoot the place up.

					TINSIL
			You know some people sacrifice their own people for 
the good of the neighborhood? What would you do for a Klondike Bar?

					DELUDION
			The same!

And with that, DELUDION sets off fire out of his hand and onto CITY 
HALL, sending the whole building into flames.
DELUDION laughs hysterically.

BATMAN shows up but he's too late, people are dying in the building 
already, there's nothing he can do.

					DELUDION
			(Noticing Batman)
			
		It's almost unbelievable what you can accomplish in one 
night, Batman - One night of pure mayhem.


BATMAN runs at him, but DELUDION uses the palm of his hand to hit him 
in the jaw and make him spill on the street.

With BATMAN getting back on his feet, TINSIL gets behind him and puts 
him in a head lock. Thinking fast, BATMAN falls backwards so that 
TINSIL can be caught under him. It works. TINSIL lays unconscious as 
BATMAN, again, gets on his two feet. 

					DELUDION
			Think fast!

DELUDION throws a scorpion at him. BATMAN frantically pushes it away 
and looks down to see only a bouncing ball.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			When are you going to learn?

BATMAN throws a punch into DELUDION'S stomach, but he stays on his 
feet, not making a groaning noise. DELUDION grabs BATMAN'S head and 
hits it with his head. BATMAN falls to the ground as DELUDION runs 
away.



FADE TO:


EXT. STREET – DAY

JENNIFER stands in the middle of an orgy of T.V. REPORTERS, trying to 
get the exclusive story of the CITY HALL burning.

					JENNIFER
			(To anybody)

			Was the mayor in there?

She tugs on a man's shirt, he responds by looks back.

					JENNIFER (cont'd)
			Excuse me, sir, was the mayor in the building?

					MAN
			That's what I heard.

JENNIFER is stunned.


CUT TO:




EXT. CLASSY RESTAURANT – NIGHT

Folding her napkin into her lap, JENNIFER sets the forks straight onto 
the table cloth. She carefully puts the wine glass up to her lips and 
sips, then, sets it down.  
 
On the other side of the table is BRUCE, who is grinning at her ways.

					BRUCE 
		You like things perfect, don't you?

					JENNIFER
		Hey, it's not like I have an obsessive compulsive disorder 
or anything like that.

BRUCE laughs.

					BRUCE
		I'm only teasing.

JENNIFER doesn't seem too thrilled about it though.

					BRUCE (cont'd)
		Is something wrong?

					JENNIFER
		Yeah.

					BRUCE
		What?

					JENNIFER
		You.

					BRUCE 
		Me?

					JENNIFER
		Yes, you.

BRUCE looks around at the other people dining out in the restaurant, 
and then, back to JENNIFER.

					BRUCE
		Do you mind telling me?

					JENNIFER
		Where do you go, Bruce?

					BRUCE
		What are you talking about?

					JENNIFER	
		Where do you go when you're not at work? With another 
woman? Drink beer with the boys?

					BRUCE 
		Jen, I go no where.

					JENNIFER
		I called the other day – your office, expecting to get you, 
but instead I got your secretary. She said you were out on something 
important. That was not a first. I have gotten that for four days.

She tears up, gets her napkin to wipe it off, and proceeds again.

					JENNIFER (cont'd)
		Why are you so busy, Bruce? What can be more important than 
me?

BRUCE puts his hands onto his face.

					BRUCE	
		I knew it would come to this. I knew it. Jen, my life is 
too complex for you, now. 

					JENNIFER 
		Why won't you tell me?

					BRUCE
		Because I'm afraid of the risks behind it. Because I'm 
afraid of loosing you.

					JENNIFER 
		Your going to loose me if you don't tell me.

BRUCE shakes his head.

					BRUCE
		I can't do it.

JENNIFER throws the napkin at his face and runs out of the restaurant.

CUT TO: 


EXT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

BRUCE runs to grab JENNIFER'S arm. She gets pulled back.

					BRUCE
		Trust me. I would tell you. But I can't because I love you 
too much.

					JENNIFER
		What can possibly be so secretive that it could hurt me 
physically?

					BRUCE
		I can't say.

					JENNIFER
		I love you too much to be around you now.

JENNIFER walks down the sidewalk and throws her hand up in the air.

					JENNIFER (cont'd)
		TAXI!

A few moments later, one arrives. She gets into it not even looking 
back at her boyfriend.

BRUCE WAYNE, distraught that his dark and dangerous path has taken him 
down, turns the opposite way to walk. 

As he strolls through the dark alleys, he gets the feeling of someone 
watching him, sneaking around the buildings.

As before, BRUCE stops and alerts himself. Suddenly, something jumps on 
his back and grabs him from behind.

					VOICE
		Don't make a sound, don't even look.

BRUCE remains calm as the person takes him around back into a dumpy, 
rotten door.

CUT TO:

 
 
INT. HIDEOUT – DARK

As soon as they enter the hideout, the man let's go of BRUCE and steps 
into the light.

It's DELUDION. 

					DELUDION
		Finally, Mr. Wayne, we are together.

					BRUCE 
		Why?

					DELUDION
		It's like I said before, Bruce, we are similar. 

					BRUCE
		Maybe, in some way, but our morals are different.

					DELUDION
		I have a proposition for you, Bruce Wayne. I am not a 
vengeful man, I'm not a criminal. I am, though, a very sad man. I have 
been tortured through names and beatings. I have been taken advantage 
of since I was born. And I want you, Mr. Wayne, a man who has also 
followed a sad path as well, to tell the public, that this man (POINTS 
TO HIMSELF) is not a bad person. I want to be treated for the first 
time in my life with some respect.

					BRUCE 
		That's a pretty hard persuasion, given the fact you have 
already murdered innocent lives. Your respect for what you are has 
already been given.

					DELUDION
		I know about your parent's death when you were a boy.

					BRUCE
		Everybody dies, Deludion, I make the fact of my parent's 
death a strength for my character not a weakness.

					DELUDION
		Wrong, it is a weakness, and I can see it in your eyes. You 
can't go on everyday with the emotion running through you, and you 
think to yourself, "If I had done something I would have stopped it 
from happening". I can see it, Mr. Wayne. And you would save even more 
pain to those around you if you just followed my instructions.
					BRUCE
		What if I don't get them to like you?

					DELUDION
		What if I were to say that the fate of Gotham City lied in 
your hands?

					BRUCE
		I would say it would be just like every other day.

					DELUDION
		I can do so much damage to this city that it will 
respectfully be a ghost town before it's all over.

					BRUCE 
		Deludion, as much as you might think you are the savior to 
this world you are really the evil one. Save yourself and you also save 
millions of others. You've the wrong path.

					DELUDION
		Then-

DELUDION takes BRUCE by the shirt and opens the door.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
		-I hope you don't make the same mistake as I have.

He pushes BRUCE out and the door jams shut.


				COMMISSIONER GORDON (V.O.)
		No name, no address, nobody knows this guy.

CUT TO:


EXT. POLICE DEPARTMENT – DAY

COMMISSIONER GORDON shakes his head when holding up a paper.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		I'm afraid we're getting no where really fast. So, I'm 
going to be really blunt with you people.

In front of him stand several police officers. All awaiting for his 
orders.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON (cont'd)
		I need everyone of you, and everyone not here at this 
present time, to search every broken down warehouses, every shack, and 
every vacant building that you can find in Gotham City. Who are we 
searching for - none other than Deludion and his gang of Cronies. 
Gentlemen, I'm not going to lie. This guy is powerful, but use every 
recourse you have and take him down!

DETECTIVE SPACEY stands nearby eyeing the COMMISSIONER.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON (cont'd)
		Move now, we don't have all night.

SPACEY walks up to him.

					SPACEY
		Need me for anything, sir?

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		Yeah, we're going to go visit my brother.

CUT TO:


 
INT. BATCAVE – DARK

BATS flutter across the wet dripping ceilings of the cold, hollow cave, 
their screeches harkening to us a sense of justice and fear.

At the CONTROL section of the cave, BRUCE WAYNE is sitting in his 
chair, watching the many screens for any disturbance that could happen 
in GOTHAM.

ALFRED takes up a glass of water from the rocky desk.

					ALFRED
		So, is their any other reason why this Deludion is such an 
interest to you.

					BRUCE
		Alfred, do you remember before my parents died I was 
attending Southward Middle School?

					ALFRED
		Yes, I remember perfectly well.

					BRUCE
		Well, there was this kid that I always saw was being picked 
on. Everyday, he was picked on.

					ALFRED
		That's him isn't it?

					BRUCE
		Yes, it is. Tod Howling is his real name.

BRUCE presses a button on the computer and outcomes a new window with a 
file on TOD HOWLING.

					BRUCE (cont'd)
		After a car crash killing his parents, he went into a very 
serious case of trauma. He later became a need for psychiatric help, 
joining up with Dr. Kindle. He and Dr. Kindle were together for a few 
years until he thought Tod was better to go back out in the real world.

					ALFRED
		That's such a sad history.

					BRUCE
		I can't figure out where he worked from there, maybe the 
shoe place where his first murder took place.

					ALFRED
		You are giving this information to Commissioner Gordon, 
aren't you, sir?

					BRUCE
		Yeah, Alfred, I am.

CUT TO:


INT. KINGSLEY'S SCIENTIFIC STIDIES FACILITY – DAY

COMMISSIONER GORDON sits down in a hard, squeaky chair, drinking 
coffee, and listing attentively to his soft speaking brother.

DETECTIVE SPACEY watches this conversation from the doorway. 

				 	GORDON
		I can't tell you how many days we've been working on the 
knowledge pill. I just can't tell you. So many days put into it and 
then in a matter of days it goes missing.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		Fran, was this thing tested?

					GORDON
		No, we hadn't even performed any tests on it. It was only a 
matter of days we could go into it but before that could happen someone 
had taken it.

					SPACEY
		I'd hate to call you a liar, since you are the chief's 
brother, but we checked out ever single security guard to this 
facility. Everyone was on duty that night.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		Let me handle this, Spacey.

		(To Francis Gordon)

		Now, Fran, I'm sick and tired of the lies you have been 
spurting out today. According to the guards, they say you left the 
building really late that night. 

A long silent pause comes between the two brothers. Finally, DR. 
FRANCIS GORDON speaks the truth.

					GORDON
		Alright, listen, you know how mom and dad grew up? Of 
course you do. I had made a bargain with a common criminal to take the 
chemicals for exchange of money - Big sums of money. You know I'm not a 
very well funded guy. All my bosses would get a million bucks for what 
I do and I get fucking squat. I just always wanted mom and dad to share 
my wealth. They've never had much. 

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		Ok, so what does this chemical do, supposedly?

					GORDON
		Gain knowledge quicker and more efficient. At least, that's 
what we wanted it to do.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		What happened that night?

					GORDON
		I proceeded to give him stuff, but a police man was at the 
end of the alley. He screamed at us and we ran off into some shoe 
store.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		Now, wait a minute, did you say shoe store?

					GORDON
		Yeah, we hid the stuff under a sink.

Getting up quickly, COMMISSIONER GORDON turns to DETECTIVE SPACEY.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		Spacey, go back to the She Shop, check out what he's 
saying.
SPACEY leaves.
					GORDON
		Why do you want it back?

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		Listen, Francis, your immoral action can be forgiven if you 
do one thing for me.

					GORDON
		What's that?

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		If indeed we find some of that stuff left, is there a way 
to test it and come up with a vaccine?

					GORDON
		I suppose so. We've never tried it though, I don't know if 
it'll work.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
		You must try, Fran. I have to go.

COMMISSIONER GORDON gets his coat and runs out the door.

CUT TO:



EXT. SHOES GALORE SHOP – STORMY NIGHT

Rain pounds on tin roofs, clanging through the air like animals were 
running past them. 

Through all the drippings and splashing, there is a new noise, a motor 
from a vehicle.

The vehicle stops in front of the shoe shop and out pops DETECTIVE 
SPACEY, his eyes seeking around. He quickly heads to the front door and 
cuts the yellow tape.

CUT TO: 


INT. SHOES GALORE SHOP – DARK

SPACEY walks on the floor of the shop, making the woodwork creak every 
few seconds. He shines his flashlight around. We know what he's 
searching for, and in a matter of seconds he spots it.

The SINK CABINET was about a few yards away and he speeds to it, 
opening the doors and throwing his hands into the deep darkness inside.
His flashlight shines in and he finds the glass container with the 
liquid, or what was left of it, still inside.

He smirks in spite of it and places his wet fingers around the bottle. 
Once he is up, the lightning from outside glowed inside and revealed 
someone else in the SHOP.

But darkness smothered the light once again and SPACEY is left shocked.

					VOICE
			Do you know who I am?

BEAT.

					SPACEY
			(Shaky voice)
			
			Who are you?

					DELUDION
			It's me, detective, Deludion.

SPACEY grasps the flask more firmly this time.

					SPACEY	
			How did you know I was a detective?

					DELUDION
			I've seen you around. Hell, I'm always around, so 
it's not hard to miss you.

					SPACEY
			What do you want?

					DELUDION
			That fucking stuff in your hand!

					SPACEY
			You aren't getting it.

Frightened, SPACEY charts his hand around to his belt buckle which, in 
turn, pushes an alarm. A little red button blinks twice, then, beats 
twice again. Each two beeps skipping a beat.

					DELUDION
			Are you afraid of me, Spacey?

					SPACEY
			No.

					DELUDION
			Why do you shake as if you do?

					SPACEY
			Because I'm waiting for the right moment to jump your 
ass.

DELUDION smirks and then bursts out laughing.

					DELUDION
			Ha, you really think you can take me? Hundreds of 
policemen try to take me down and I escape, but one man, a detective, 
puts me down instead? You are pathetic.

CUT TO:

INT. POLICE ROOFTOP – STORMY

As the rain continues, a guard on the police department's roof takes 
out his walkie-talkie, listing to COMMISSIONER GORDON.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Turn on the BATSIGNAL. NOW!

					GUARD
			Yes, sir.

The guard rushes towards the BATSIGNAL and switches the light on. 

CUT TO: 


INT. WAYNE MANOR – DARK

BRUCE WAYNE looks out of the humongous window inside the ball room, 
looking at the light on the clouds with a cutout of the BATMAN symbol. 

					ALFRED (O.S.)
			Do you want a rain coat with the suit, sir?

BRUCE turns around. ALFRED is smiling.

					ALFRED (cont'd)
			It's going to be a rainy night.

CUT TO: 

INT. SHOES GALORE SHOP – DARK

LIGHTNING flashes again as DELUDION pushes forward towards SPACEY.

					SPACEY
			Don't take another step! I'll kill you in a heart 
beat.

					DELUDION
			Tell me, detective, how can you kill me if you can't 
move your arms.
 
SPACEY looks down to his arm, seeing his wrists chained up to the wall. 
He pushes them forward a few times, clanging the chains.

DELUDION laughs out loud.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			How about insects, detective, do you like insects?

Suddenly, on the floor, beetles and roaches crawl around. Thousands 
upon thousands of them just crawl on each other.

SPACEY screams.

					SPACEY
			STOP IT! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!

					DELUDION
			I don't think bugs are scary enough, how about 
snakes?

The bugs morph into the slithering reptiles, but SPACEY doesn't let out 
a sound. His eyes don't move and his arms go backward as his body jolts 
down. The chains keep him from falling to the floor.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			I'll be damned.

DELUDION places two fingers on his neck. No pulse.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			Scared to death!

He laughs some more and grabs the container out of SPACEY'S death grip 
hands.

CUT TO: 


EXT. SHOES GALORE SHOP – STORMY

DELUDION knocks down the door with one powerful kick and walks out.
But before he can go any further, BATMAN lands on the flooded pavement. 
Water splashes around his boots.

BATMAN looks up, the cold eyes staring at DELUDION like an aiming 
sniper gun.

					DELUDION
			Ah, you again. Well, I guess you had a terrible day 
too, I imagine.

					BATMAN
			No, you are the first to damper the day for me.

					DELUDION
			Then, let me damper it more!

DELUDION spouts fire out of the palm of his hand. BATMAN leaps in the 
air catching onto a STEEL WALL LADDER. After grasping onto the bars, 
the ladder gives way, and falls downward, knocking DELUDION down, the 
flask falling into a brown cardboard box.

The ladder attempts to fall to his head, but DELUDION grasps the first 
bar so it wouldn't go further. With all his might, DELUDION pushes the 
ladder into the air with BATMAN still on it.

BATMAN jumps off and clings onto a window sill. His hands go for his 
buckle in which he unleashes the grapple hook. The grapple hooks onto 
DELUDION'S ankle and he's tripped.

BATMAN pushes the button on his buckle; the grapple pulling DELUDION 
towards him. 

He sits up and takes the wire into his hands and then swerves his arm 
around the wire in order to get a better grip on it. He then PULLS hard 
at the wire and BATMAN falls out of the window sill and hits against 
the wall, bricks falling into the puddles of water on the alley 
asphalt.

BATMAN looks up in agony and presses a button on his utility belt.

CUT TO: 


EXT. CITY STREET – STOMRY

The BATMOBILE sits on a city street corner; a few people with umbrellas 
pass by it and gaze at its awkward look. Then, they jump when the 
engine suddenly starts and the headlights beam out.

The BATMOBILE speeds out, and the people run onto the sidewalk.

CUT TO: 


 
EXT. SHOES GALORE SHOP – STORMY 

BATMAN steers out of the way from an oncoming foot. The foot stomps 
onto the floor creating a crater and loose asphalt.

					BATMAN 
			Give it up, Tod. You can't win.

					DELUDION
			How do you know my name?

					BATMAN
			Research.

DELUDION runs at his and uppercuts him in the air.

					DELUDION
			Stay out of my personal life!

BATMAN gasps for air.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			Because your parents died, you think you can come 
here and tell me right from wrong.

					BATMAN
			You already know – right – from – wrong. In this 
case, you chose the wrong.

					DELUDION
			Listen to yourself. You are a fool.

BATMAN kicks up at DELUDION'S chest and he is sent sailing in the air 
and onto the windshield of a nearby driving car.

The glass spider-webs.

CUT TO: 


EXT. CITY STREET – STORMY

The BATMOBILE swerves across a corner, almost hitting a parked BUICK. 
Suddenly, lights from another parked car turn on. It's the CRONIE'S 
CAR.

They follow close behind the BATMOBILE.

One of the CRONIE'S sits up out of the rooftop window with a machine 
gun and open fires of the black vehicle.

Bullets ricochet off easily leaving no marks.

The CRONIES gain closer.

CUT TO:



EXT. SHOES GALORE SHOP – STORMY

BATMAN jumps on the hood of the car and kneels down, punching DELUDION 
in the face several times, almost knocking him out.

					BATMAN
			Why do you wear a mask over who you are?

					DELUDION
			Ditto.

					BATMAN
			This is who I am?
			
					DELUDION
			Is it – Bruce Wayne?

BATMAN'S eyes go wide.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			Was it never obvious? Who couldn't tell that my 
greatest admirer was a bat?

					BATMAN
			If I'm such a role model to you how about you follow 
my rules!

DELUDION places his hand onto BATMAN'S chest and he's flung backward by 
a ball of fire. BATMAN skids across the pavement.

Getting up, DELUDION finds himself dizzy and confused. He blows some 
more fire out of his hand, but it totally misses BATMAN by several feet 
away. He tries again, tripping over his own feet in the process.

Fire takes off onto a building but burns nothing.


BATMAN, dreary, gets up only to find the BATMOBILE stop right beside 
him. 

					BATMAN
			Perfect timing.

BATMAN opens the cabin and jumps in, sliding back the window door.

DELUDION regains some balance and flashes a fire bolt onto the vehicle. 
Steam rolls off the sides but nothing burns.

The BATMOBILE takes off full speed and turns a corner.

Another vehicle rounds the bend up ahead, the cronies. They speed 
faster towards the dark night's car.

					DELUDION
			Get him, you bunch of pussies, get him!

CUT TO: 



EXT. CITY STREET – STORMY

As the BATMOBILE picks up more speed with the rear rocket powered 
engine, the CRONIES do the same, speeding through the night like a Blue 
Jay after a Robin.

CUT TO: 



INT. BATMOBILE – DARK

BATMAN switches on his ON SCREEN MAP. 

					BATMAN
			Alfred, can you get me an estimate of how long it 
could be before I get to CENTER HILL?

ALRED comes onto the screen.

					ALFRED 
			From where you are I should say about five minutes 
tops, Master Bruce.

					BATMAN
			Thanks, Alfred.

BATMAN steers the car left around a corner. 

CUT TO: 



EXT. CITY STREET – STORMY

The CRONIES follow close behind, one of the men jumping back up from 
the inside of the car to the top window with a BAZOOKA in hand.

The BATMOBILE speeds up leaving them farther behind.

As the vehicle steers out of the way from a TRASHCAN, the CRONIE fires 
the BAZOOKA.

CUT TO:



INT. BATMOBILE – DARK

On the screen, BATMAN watches as the green tint goes red. WORDS follow 
in the middle of the screen.

				WARNING: MISSILE DETECTED

BATMAN switches to POWER JOLT.

CUT TO:



EXT. CITY STREET – STORMY

The BATMOBILE pops up in the air by some mechanical spring under the 
middle of the car. It reaches ten feet in the air as the missile passes 
by, untouched by an object and then BOOM!

It hit's a nearby shack sending it to pieces.

A dead end up ahead tells BATMAN to switch to SHARP WHEELS.

The BATMOBILE'S wheels sharply turn right, the vehicle staying in the 
same position but moving sideways.

The CRONIE'S car is sent into the blown up shack.


CUT TO: 



INT. HIDEOUT – DARK

DELUDION paces back in forth, holding the chemical flask.

					DELUDION
			Why? Why do I work with you people?!

Twenty CRONIES sit on the floor, watching him go ballistic.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			Tinsil, find a way to get through to them!

TINSIL, calm and collective, gets up with a kind of soldier emotionless 
face.

					TINSIL
			Alright, listen to the boss. Batman can't survive, he 
has to be dead! Killed! Dismembered! There will be no more screw ups! 
Do you hear me?

The orgy of CRONIES nod.

					CRONIES
			Yes, sir!

					DELUDION
			Thank you, Tinsil, you were a big help.

DELUDION takes out a silencer and fires it straight between TINSIL'S 
eyes. His lifeless body it's the wooden floor, leaving the rest of the 
CRONIES shocked.

					DELUDION
			(Pointing to Tinsil)

			This is you if you don't get the job done.

The CRONIES get up from the floor and wait for the commands.

On CRONIE stands up.

					CRONIE
			Sir, if you have a plan, tell us.

DELUDION'S eyebrows lift up.

					DELUDION
			Batman is Bruce Wayne. Bruce Wayne is a regular human 
being. Like regular human beings, they have mates, relationships with 
the opposite sex. In this case, Bruce has a girlfriend. 

DELUDION chuckles under his breath.
CUT TO: 



EXT. GOTHAM CITY HALL – CLOUDY DAY

COMMISSIONER GORDON stands up on the podium, and puts up his hand, 
trying not to get blinded by the lights flashing from the cameras.

NEWS REPORTERS are clogged together, each one pushing the other.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			It is reasonable to believe that we alone, can't 
fight this evil force. With the assistance of a reborn Batman, and our 
finest scientist, we will come up with a way to find a cure for this 
disorder and dangerous gift Deludion has.

As if it was coming from loud speakers, DELUDION'S voice echoes in the 
air.

					DELUDION
			Batman! Batman! Why do you trust a caped freak?

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			He does good which is more than I can say for you.

DELUDION laughs dryly.

					DELUDION
			I can do good. I can do a lot of good.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			I'd like to see you try, Deludion.

DELUDION appears in the middle of the reporters up ahead from the 
podium. The reporters step back.

					DELUDION
			I was born – a baby. Like everyone else. My parents 
loved me more than anything in the world. I was a nice – sweet – 
lovable kid.

He walks forward to the podium.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			Then, one day, going off to a party, my parents went 
head on into a truck. The metal twisted around and inside my mom and 
dad. The – police – couldn't get them out. I was called to come quick, 
while they were still living. When I got there, I watched them slowly 
die. They tried to say "I love you", but the blood in their air 
passages chocked them. I was a young boy. I grew up the rest of my 
life, unloved by a foster parent. I had no friends, no real family to 
call my own.

EVERYONE was indeed sad, but they knew that he was trying to justify 
his reasons.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Turn yourself in, lad, and the others. Make it easier 
on yourself.

DELUDION with a tear in his eye, put out his wrists, exposed outward 
towards the policemen. One officer comes up and hooks on the cuffs and 
shows him toward the cruiser at the street corner.


				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Deludion, where are the others?

					DELUDION
			An old shack, about two blocks that way.
			
			(Points down the street)

			It's the only one there.

CUT TO: 



EXT. ROOFTOP – DAY

BATMAN'S cape drapes down on the graveled rooftop of a nearby building. 
He looks down to see DELUDION being pushed into the POLICE CRUISER.

					BATMAN
			Too easy – way too easy.

					
CUT TO:



EXT. SHACK – DAY

A large van breaks and stops in front of the supposed HIDEOUT. SWAT 
team moves in, quickly and seeming affective.

CUT TO:



INT. SHACK – DIM

As the swat team enters the building, they break up into other 
segments, few going down stairs, and another few going up the stairs.

CUT TO:



INT. POLICE CRUISER – DAY

The police OFFICER driving the vehicle turns around toward DELUDION.

					OFFICER
			So, the infamous Deludion is finally in custody.

DELUDION doesn't look at him, but stairs outside, looking at the shack 
down the street.

					OFFICER (cont'd)
			If it wasn't for everyone around, I'd make sure to 
kick your ass to death.

DELUDION watches as the shack explodes in flames. 

CUT TO:



EXT. STREET - DAY

The blast knocks the vehicle onto its side. The OFFICER falls into the 
passenger side window, stuck.

CUT TO:



INT. POLICE CRUISER – DAY

DELUDION'S feet move forward, going straight into the cage like bars 
and locking around the OFFICER'S neck.

					DELUDION
			So you wanted to kick my ass?

DELUDION twists his neck until it snaps.

CUT TO: 



EXT. STREET – DAY

DELUDION crawls out from the driver's side and leaps onto the street. 
Several people are running past him, towards the building on fire.

					DELUDION
			Never trust an enemy… no matter how convincing!

BATMAN falls from a nearby building and lands in front of DELUDION. In 
quick reaction, the villain throws fire at him, but BATMAN dodges it 
like he'd anticipated it, and flings his BATMAN BOOMERANG into the air.

It glides and directly hit's DELUDION'S hand, blood drops to the 
asphalt and sizzles. The BOOMERANG comes back to its master.

					BATMAN
			Go to hell.

					DELUDION
			Let's not judge, we'll leave God for that.

					BATMAN
			I hate to be the burden of bad news, but I'm His 
angel of death!

BATMAN summersaults in the air and comes down to DELUDION'S open face, 
knocking him down.

					DELUDION
			What happened to our deal, Bruce? I decided that you 
were giving up on that, so I decided to get my 15 seconds of fame and 
respect. It didn't work so I got my back up plan in mode.

					BATMAN
			You're a coward, Tod. I suggest you give it up. No 
matter how much strength you think you have, you will go down sometime.

					DELUDION
			I'm prepared to live my numbered life to the fullest!

DELUDION throws himself back up and is balanced on two feet. BATMAN 
sucker punches him, but he takes it. DELUDION, then, takes BATMAN by 
the shoulders and pushes him into a vehicle. BATMAN slides off the 
hood.

CUT TO: 




INT. CAB – DAY

A CAB driver sees the mayhem and is about to turn around when the door 
is opened and suddenly tears off its hinges, sailing on the top of 
another car.

The CAB driver is finally pulled out too, unsuspectingly.

DELUDION is now in the driver's seat.

CUT TO: 




EXT. STREET – DAY

The CAB speeds and swerves, missing cars left from right.

BATMAN jumps up, pulls out his grapple again and attaches it with one 
clean swipe to the bumper of the CAB and also a light pole. The CAB 
stops instantaneously, the wheels still spinning and puffing up smoke 
from the asphalt.

Screeching from the tires commences as BATMAN runs to the CAB. He leaps 
onto the hood, getting ready to break the glass windshield with his 
fist, but the bumper breaks off and the VEHICLE jolts forward, almost 
knocking BATMAN off his feat.

He holds onto the sides with both hands. DELUDION, inside the CAB, 
swerves the vehicle to the left, but BATMAN still hangs on.

DELUDION decides to go ahead and get rid of the rodent for good and 
drives head on to a brick building. BATMAN looks back, puzzled if he 
should believe the masterful mind would do it or not, if he's just 
playing chicken. 

He sees he will, so BATMAN shoots his grapple once again, this time, it 
latches onto a concrete window sill and BATMAN scales up the building, 
just as the CAB hits the bricks. 

DELUDION jumps out and shakes his head.

					DELUDION
			Stupid Bat!

CUT TO:




INT. WAYNE MANOR DEN – DIM

A fire crackles in the fireplace where we see BRUCE WAYNE comfortably 
relaxing with JENNIFER on the sofa; their bodies sprawled up next to 
each other.

In the background, the radio is heard.

					ANNOUNCER 
			And new tonight, Deludion escapes again, Batman 
trying too hard to take him down, but the guy was just too strong. The 
Cronies have so far taken over many streets. Gotham Police Department 
is calling for more reinforcements and recruits. Tonight though has 
been quiet and although everything seems to have calmed down, police 
are still on the look out for these common thugs to strike again.

			In other news, a truck load of sleeping and deadly 
gas was discovered missing -

BRUCE WAYNE frowns.

					JENNIFER
			I know, but this city's seen worse days.

					BRUCE 
			Yep.

					JENNIFER 
			Are you ok? Are you not up for tonight's dinner?

					BRUCE
			I just have a little headache, that's all. It's 
nothing too serious.

					JENNIFER
			You know what always helped my headaches?

					BRUCE 
			Bunch of pills?

					JENNIFER 
			No, silly. It was a wet, warm cloth on my forehead. 

JENNIFER walks into the kitchen behind the sofa.

					BRUCE
			You know you don't have to both.

					JENNIFER (V.O.) 
			Well, I do want to go to that dinner tonight.

We hear JENNIFER turning on the faucet.

					BRUCE 
			Oh, please, save the zoos fundraiser?
		
					JENNIFER (V.O.) 
			They're not that bad.

					BRUCE
			Only the speeches they have during the dinner.

JENNIFER walks back in, this time, wet and warm cloth in hand.

					JENNIFER 
			I still like their food 

She sits back down and leans forward, pushing BRUCE down into the sofa. 
She gently places the cloth onto his forehead.

					JENNIFER (cont'd)
			And it's always good to keep a good profile on your 
self, especially when you are the girlfriend of one of the richest 
people in America.

Her voice is soothing to listen to.

					BRUCE
			Jen…

					JENNIFER
				(Caressing his head)
			
			Yeah?

					BRUCE
			(Soft voice)
 
			You're so beautiful.

They gently kiss on the lips.

					BRUCE (cont'd)
			I don't know what I would do without you. I truly 
don't know.

					JENNIFER 
			Let's not think about that right now.

They kiss more passionately this time, lips locked longer.

FADE TO:




EXT. BALL ROOM – BRIGHT

A giant chandelier hangs from the ceiling of the beautifully decorated 
ball room. Several people sitting at tables applaud at the person on 
stage.

As he rambles on, BRUCE, JENNIFER, and CARL watch, anxiously waiting 
for him to shut up.

					CARL
			(Whispering)
	
			I almost hate to be rude, but, where's our food?

BRUCE and JENNIFER give off a light chuckle.

					BRUCE
			I told you Jen.

					JENNIFER
			I don't care what you said, I'm starving too.

					CARL
			I'm going to the restroom, nobody eat anything from 
my plate when it arrives.

They chuckle again.
	
					BRUCE
			We'll try to think twice.

CARL gets up and maneuvers his way to the restroom. BRUCE smiles and 
turns to JENNIFER.

					JENNIFER
			What?

BRUCE gulps and looks around. Then, he looks back at JENNIFER.

					BRUCE 
			Jennifer… things are getting really bad, in Gotham. I 
mean, really bad.

					JENNIFER 
			I know.

					BRUCE 
			No, you don't. They ARE worse than ever. It's because 
of a secret, a secret that has been kept for many years. It's my 
secret.
					
	
					JENNIFER 
			I don't understand.

					BRUCE
			I know. I know you won't. Before it gets worse, I 
want you to know, that I want you. I want you to stay by my side, for 
my whole life. I want you to marry me.

JENNIFER'S eyes tear up.

					JENNIFER
			Bruce…

					BRUCE 
			I know I don't have a ring to give you.

					JENNIFER
			Bruce, you're all I want. I don't want a ring. I 
honestly don't care for them.

					BRUCE 
			I love you, Jennifer.

					JENNIFER
			I just want to know – what is your secret?

BRUCE, stunned that she has asked it again, looks down at the table 
cloth and shakes his head, putting his hands over his mouth and eyes.

					JENNIFER (cont'd)
			I love you too, Bruce, but I can't have a husband 
that keeps secrets from me.

He gets up from the dinner table and BRUCE runs to her.

					BRUCE 
			NO! JENNIFER!

Obviously, they are making a scene; people looking back, watching their 
every move.

					
JENNIFER almost reaches the door, where two security guards are at when 
BOOM!

An identical burst of fire, such as a BACKDRAFT, rolls from the two 
doors, knocking the two guards onto the floor, burning to death.

JENNIFER stands stunned by the spectacle. DELUDION appears from out of 
the smoke, smirking at JENNIFER.

He comes forward just as she is turning to run and grabs her collar. He 
then, keeps walking, holding her up by that neck piece of her shirt. 
She screams. 

BRUCE watches in horror as he sees his enemy coming to him, his 
girlfriend in his hand.

					DELUDION
			Bruce, I don't think you've introduced me to your 
lovely lady.

					BRUCE
			Let her go!

DELUDION takes JENNIFER onto the middle table in the middle of the 
room. He stands on it.

					DELUDION
			No, Bruce, I think I want to have fun with her!

He takes her into his arms. He kind of moves her hands around, humming 
a tune.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			Doesn't she look good dancing – with me?

					BRUCE 
			Take me, Deludion, take me!
			
					DELUDION
			Then, the fun and games would be over.

DELUDION takes out a pistol and pushes JENNIFER down by her head. He 
points at the top of her head.

BRUCE screams.

					BRUCE
			No, don't!

					DELUDION
			Then I think you know what you need to do.

					BRUCE 
			What is it?

					DELUDION
			You mean - Gotham – all of Gotham – doesn't know who 
you really are?

BRUCE stares, his eyes tearing up. DELUDION clicks the gun. But no 
bullet hits her. Everyone in the ball room screams.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			I'm loosing my patients.

					BRUCE 
			No! Please!

					DELUDION
			Yes! What is your secret, Bruce? Who are you?

JENNIFER cries, her tears hitting the white table cloth.

					BRUCE 
			I love you, Jennifer!

DELUDION waits, something is about to come out of BRUCE'S mouth.
EVERYONE in the ball room looks forward at him.

 
BEAT.

					BRUCE (cont'd)
			(Whispering)

			I'm Batman.


					DELUDION 
			How about for those in the back that can't hear!

					BRUCE
			I'M BATMAN!

He falls to the ground, sweating.

					DELUDION 
			Thank you, kindly, Bruce Wayne, you've been a real 
good role model these past few days. And your reward is now being 
given.

DELUDION fires two shots, point blank, range into JENNIFER'S head. The 
white table cloth now is red with her blood, and she falls over dead.

					BRUCE
			(Shrilled yell)
			NO! DAMN IT! JENNIFER! NO! JENNIFER!

EVERYONE screams out in terror as they watch DELUDION throw a rope over 
the chandelier and climb up on it. Then, he climbs up the chain of the 
chandelier… he then reaches the glass window top and busts through.

BRUCE crawls to his lifeless girlfriend. He holds her into his arms, 
rocking her back and forth.

The PEOPLE watch BRUCE WAYNE, vulnerable, depressed, and in despair, as 
we cries out upward.

					BRUCE
			NO! HOW COULD YOU!

He calms down more, but he's still grieving uncontrollably.

CARL steps forward from the circle of PEOPLE.

					CARL
			Bruce… I…

BRUCE sets JENNIFER'S head down very gently on the table. He walks in 
front of the people, then he pushes them out of the way. Now he's 
running full speed out of the ball room door.

					CARL (cont'd)
			Oh, my God!

Suddenly, through the vents, a yellow colored gas seeps through. 
Everyone panics.

CUT TO: 




EXT. DARK FOREST – STORMY
 
Lightning strikes a tree as BRUCE speeds through the dark forest, 
pushing back branches and anything in his way.

					BRUCE (V.O.)
			I ran as fast as I could. I was going no where. I was 
trying to escape the fears, the anxieties. I was trying escape my life. 
Everything felt somewhat familiar. I felt like I felt when my parents 
were died. Alone. I was alone – again.

BRUCE steps into loose soil and the ground caves in, his body falling 
into darkness.

CUT TO:




INT. CAVE – DARK

Opening his eyes, BRUCE WAYNE'S blurred vision becomes clearer, seeing 
the rocky formations around him.

He gets up slowly, trying to analyze what happened when –

					BATMAN (O.S.)
			(Whispering)

			Bruce.

BRUCE looks around.

					BRUCE 
			What? Who are you? What are you?

					BATMAN (O.S.)
			I'm your destiny; your gift.

					BRUCE 
			I want nothing of you.

					BATMAN (O.S.)
			I am what you are. I am apart of you!

					BRUCE 
			No, you are what keeps me from living a normal life. 

					BATMAN (O.S.)
			Bruce, you have forgotten who you are, your place in 
this world. And most importantly, you have forgotten that fate has 
called upon you. 

BRUCE looks forward seeing a SLOLWY MOVING GIANT BAT coming to him. 

					BATMAN (O.S.) (cont'd)
			I am you! You have forgotten me. You are the savior 
of crime. You are destined for even great things than before. 

BRUCE'S eyes twinkle. He looks up with HOPE for the first time ever.

					BATMAN (O.S.) (cont'd)
			You are BATMAN!


FADE TO:




INT. BATCAVE – DARK

Black leather gloves squeak over the hands of BATMAN. Seconds later, 
he's draped over his cape around to his back. BATMAN'S mask slowly 
descends over dark eyes and once fit into place, the eyes open with a 
cold, dark stare.

CUT TO: 



INT. BATCAVE – DARK – SECOND'S LATER

BATMAN descends down rocky stairs towards the BATWING, hanging from the 
ceiling. 

He peers at it with fascination, then, walks toward it.

CUT TO:



EXT. WAYNE MANOR – NIGHT

A platform the size of a driveway opens up, showing a hole in the 
ground. Suddenly, the BATWING zooms out, careening straight up towards 
the dark clouds. 

CUT TO:



EXT. SKY – NIGHT

As the BATWING slowly lowers itself to go forward parallel to the 
clouds, BATMAN takes a glance outside. It is overcast; no city in 
sight.

The BATWING descends to the clouds. Once out, he sees the dozens of 
lights glowing in the city. But darkness starts to sweep through 
GOTHAM, like a swarm of locusts. 

CUT TO:



INT. BATWING – DARK

BATMAN looks at the screen. He punches a few buttons. A buzzing sound 
is heard.

					SCREEN
				   Unknown Gas


BATMAN puts on a gas mask.


CUT TO:



EXT. SKY – NIGHT

The BATWING lowers and flies toward GOTHAM at a fast pace.

CUT TO:



EXT. CITY HALL – NIGHT

DELUDION stands in front of the burned down GOTHAM CITY HALL. The 
CRONIES gather around him, gas masks on each and every one of them 
including DELUDION. 

					CRONIE
			Sir, is the gas clear?

					DELUDION
			Yeah, go ahead and take them off.

They all lower their masks. DELUDION does the same.

					CRONIE 2
			What do we do now?

DELUDION looks up towards the sky and sees the BATWING slice through 
some low clouds.

					DELUDION
			We shoot a bat!

DELUDION snaps his fingers and immediately two CRONIES pick up two 
bazookas.

CUT TO:



EXT. SKY – NIGHT

The BATWING circles backward and then comes back around plummeting 
straight down at DELUDION and his CRONIES.

CUT TO:



EXT. CITY HALL – NIGHT

DELUDION'S eyes glow red.

					DELUDION
			Wait for it.

CUT TO:



INT. BATWING – DARK

The screen blinks red. 

					SCREEN
			      Locked On Target

CUT TO: 



EXT. CITY HALL – NIGHT

DELUDION throws up his arms and waves them.

					DELUDION
			Kill the Bat and leave me Bruce!

He dances around hysterically. The BAZOOKAS go off, each missile going 
into different directions.

CUT TO: 



EXT. SKY – NIGHT

The BATWING shoots out two missiles and they hit the other two 
simultaneously. 

CUT TO: 



EXT. CITY HALL – NIGHT

DELUDION jumps up and down.

					DELUDION
			No! No! No!

DELUDION shoots with his pistol at two CRONIES with the bazookas. They 
both hit the ground with a thud. 

He looks up to see the BATWING drop an object.

It falls slowly to the street and bounces. Once stable it twirls 
around.

Three CRONIES run to investigate.

It's in the shape of a bat, and it stops and clicks. 

BOOM

An explosion kills two CRONIES and knocks three of them off their feet, 
some falling on cars.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			Why aren't you aiming at me? It's easy to kill 
imbeciles.

Another bat-shaped grenade drops and a few seconds later, explodes 
behind DELUDION. Debris hits his back. He smiles.

CUT TO: 



 
EXT. SKY – NIGHT

The BATWING turns around, gliding over the cityscape in perfect form. 

CUT TO:



EXT. CITY HALL – NIGHT

DELUDION turns around, facing where the BATWING is flying toward. He 
grins and sticks up a birdie.


As the BATWING gains speed and comes even closer, an escape pod shoots 
out into the air, and DELUDION realizes he was going to loose at 
playing chicken.

DELUDION jumps out of the way and into a building as the BATWING hits 
the street, sending gravel, smoke, and fire into the air. The CRONIES 
follow DELUDION. 

BATMAN glides out of the pod and flies to the front of the building 
with his cape. He enters it.

CUT TO:



INT. BUILDING LOBBY – DARK

BATMAN, not off guard at all, grabs a CRONIE'S arm as he tries to punch 
him. The dark night then throws him into the wall board and past the 
insulation.

Another CRONIE, this one with a dragon skull painted on his face, 
throws up an UZI from behind the counter.

Quickly thinking, BATMAN summersaults down the side of the room, the 
bullets barely missing him. The shooting stops and BATMAN looks up. 

The CRONIE desperately tries to reload his weapon. BATMAN shoots out a 
SPIKE into his neck from his utility belt. Blood gurgles out from his 
throat as BATMAN moves down the hall. 

CUT TO:



INT. HALL – DARK

BATMAN enters a hall with a dozen doors on both sides of the corridor.

A voice comes over the loud speakers.

					DELUDION (V.O.)
			Ha Ha. Batman, what would be inside door number one?


Bullets fly out from the first door to his right, and he backs away 
just as the CRONIE knocks the door down. BATMAN upper cuts him into his 
chest and the gun falls out of his hands and into BATMAN'S.

BATMAN shoots the gun onto each door. Then, he drops the gun.

					DELUDION (V.O.) (cont'd)
			Aw, not fair. Not fair at all.

The door at the end of the hall swings open. A big man, muscular and 
boxy, steps forward.

					DELUDION (V.O.) (cont'd)
			Welcome the Crusher to the center stage.

The CRUSHER speeds down the hall to BATMAN, and tackle's him to the 
floor. As the CRUSHER wrap around him with his arms and legs, BATMAN 
attempts to get out with his fingers sinking into his muscular biceps. 
The CRUSHER groans and squeezes harder. BATMAN gasps for air. 

Accidentally, the CRUSHER hits the SAW button on BATMAN'S utility belt 
and it slices through his abs. The CRUSHER screams in agony and lets 
go. BATMAN jumps up on his feet and walks slowly down the hall.

CUT TO:



INT. CHURCH – DARK

The pews stretch to the end of the building where a large podium 
stands, above it a sculpture of Jesus on a cross. BATMAN gazes around.

DELUDION pops up from the podium.
 
BEAT
He comes forward, down the aisle, smiling.

					BATMAN
			Something I can do for you?

					DELUDION
			Yeah, shoot your brains out.

					BATMAN
			Reverse that to you and we have a deal.

					DELUDION
			Ah, so Bruce Wayne wants some revenge. He finally 
snapped. 

					BATMAN 
			No, I don't want revenge. I want justice.

					DELUDION
			Then, why do you insist on killing me?

					BATMAN 
			Because you won't stop until I do.

					DELUDION 
			How do you know that?

					BATMAN
			Because you're a heartless bastard.

DELUDION punches BATMAN in the face, making him fall to the ground. 
Blood streams down his rubber mask.

					DELUDION
			
			(Screaming)
			And you are a liar!


DELUDION jumps around hysterically.

					DELUDION (cont'd)
			Nothing like luring a bat into a trap, eh Bruce?

BATMAN looks up and stands up, not giving out any hits.

					BATMAN
			When my parents were killed, Tod, I went through a 
transformational stage too. I found a red book, my father's read book. 
It was a journal he kept throughout his life so that he could pass it 
on to me when I was ready. He never finished it. The rest of the book 
was blank. My life was different. The end of my book was already 
written. My fate, already decided. My duty, already assigned.

					DELUDION	
			What does this have to do with me?

					BATMAN
			Your fate's a choice. Mine isn't.

					DELUDION
			(Laughs)

			Don't talk to me about fate. So, you're saying my 
parents chose to die? Are you saying they chose to leave me stranded? 
Fate's chosen me to suffer? And now you say I have a choice? I've never 
had a choice.

					BATMAN
			When I was young I was in your class. Do you 
remember?

START FLASHBACK: 



EXT. PLAYGROUND – BRIGHT DAY

We start back on one of the flashbacks we saw in the beginning.

					KIDS
			Howling is a freak. Howling is a freak. 

They're all chanting simultaneously at the child that everything seems 
to go in slow motion.

TOD curls up into a ball trying to protect himself from the kicking of 
feet into his back.

He screams.

Something different happens into this flashback, a young BRUCE WAYNE is 
watching this all. His fists squeeze together in anger and he runs to 
everyone and starts throwing punches. He swings like a frantic bat and 
he hits some kids, knocking them to the ground, making this cry.

A TEACHER comes by, quickly grabbing Bruce's hand. 

					TEACHER 
			What were you doing? I'm going to report you to the 
principal. 

Young BRUCE looks at TOD and smiles. TOD wipes away a tear and manages 
to do the same.

END FLASHBACK:



INT. CHURCH – DARK

DELUDION pounds his chest.

					DELUDION
			(Yelling)		

			NO! That wasn't you! 

					BATMAN
			Yes, it was. I understand what you went through, but 
none of this justifies it.

DELUDION falls to the floor in pain.

					DELUDION
			I'm a changed person now, Bruce. I'm a changed man.

					BATMAN
			You're a bad man. You are the bad guy.

DELUDION changes tone.

					DELUDION
			That's right. I am the bad guy.

Quickly, DELUDION takes out from behind him a device with a button.

					DELUDION
			And guess what, baby, I've got all the cards, and you 
are now faced with 'choice'. Watch Gotham City's sleeping gas become 
fatal with a push of a button – or – sacrifice your self for them.

					BATMAN
			And if I die, who saves them?

					DELUDION
			Me - because I'll blame it all on the bat. 

DELUDION points a pistol at BATMAN. BATMAN freezes in place.

					BATMAN
			You won't do it, Tod. You know who I am and what I 
did for you.

					DELUDION
			I'm willing to put it in the back of my mind.

DELUDION shoots just as BATMAN throws up his arms, the bullet ricochets 
off the metal in his gloves and bounces back at DELUDION'S forehead.

DELUDION falls to the ground, his pistol and controller slip out of his 
hands.

He lays lifeless on the rocky floor.

BATMAN slowly walks to DELUDION'S lifeless body. Instead of a happy 
face, TOD'S was a sad face. BATMAN grabs the controller and sees and 
pulls out the battery cartridge. No batteries were put in them.

FADE TO:

BLACK


FADE BACK TO:



EXT. GOTHAM CITY PLAZA – DAY

COMMISSIONER GORDON and a few of his POLICE MEN walk down the street 
with him. COMMISSIONER GORDON turns to the CAPTAIN.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			I want all this litter and damage cleaned up by the 
end of this week. Hire contractors and construction workers as fast as 
possible. 

The CAPTAIN nods and runs along. COMMISSIONER GORDON wards off 
reporters as he walks up the steps of the POLICE DEPARTMENT.

				 	REPORTER 1
			What time do you suspect the city to recover?

					REPORTER 2
			What ever happened to Deludion, is he confirmed dead?

					REPORTER 3
			We hear that you have received the true identity of 
Batman. 

COMMISSIONER GORDON turns around and looks at REPORTER 3.

				COMMISSIONER GORDON
			Weird, I don't seem to remember who it was.

COMMISSIONER GORDON turns around again, smiling, and enters the POLICE 
DEPARTMENT building.

CUT TO: 



EXT. ALLEY – NIGHT

A limo is parked on the side of one of the alley's walls, ALFRED is in 
the driver's seat. He looks out the window to see BATMAN looming over 
the building to his left. ALFRED smiles.

CUT TO: 



EXT. ROOFTOP – NIGHT

BATMAN smiles.

					BATMAN (V.O.)
			I learned something recently.

Running across the rooftop, BATMAN jumps off the side and takes flight, 
falling back down on another skyscraper.

					BATMAN (V.O.) (cont'd)
			I learned that my gift wasn't something to run away 
from.

BATMAN walks to a statue of a gargoyle.

					BATMAN (V.O.) (cont'd)
			That justice was my life, and that it wasn't because 
I wanted to be or had to be, but because I am. 

BATMAN looks up, the BATSIGNAL floating around the clouds.

					BATMAN (V.O.) (cont'd)
			I am Batman.



				


					THE END

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