INT. COURT MANOR - NIGHT
Running late, Madeline rushes through the exquisite halls of the Court's undisclosed manor. The Court's existence and location are both hidden from Eldred, kept a secret that is barely even a whispered word among the oldest families. Those whispers are on the verge of being re-ignited now that the Court has once again found footing and chosen to exact their revenge against their enemies.
The number of meetings have drastically increased as a result and Madeline - despite being their appointed liaison - was still required to attend.
She pushes her way through the double doors into the grand ballroom and...
...stumbles to a sudden stop.
She stares in horror at the sight laid out before her.
Literally, laid upon the floor and the tables are the handful of Court members that remained. At the head of the room, all five members of the Council were strung across their table.
Madeline cautiously steps further into the room, moving in a stunned state of disbelief. Drinks were spilled, goblets tossed carelessly around her fallen family.
A groan within the dead alerts her attention to at least one surviving member. She races towards the head of the room, reaching the GOLD tie member of the Court - the de facto head of the Council.
MADELINE
Uncle!
She calls out to him, desperately helping him sit upright against his throne-like chair. His mask is removed, revealing his aging face and gray hair.
MADELINE
Uncle, what happened?
His trembling hand reaches for the fallen goblet. The liquid trails out and stains the white cloth stretched across the table. Madeline's eyes burn into the blood red stain, permanently marking its presence as her uncle takes his last breath.
END OF TEASER
INT. UNDERGROUND LAB - SAME NIGHT
Liz, Kate, and Gar are all stunned by the emergency broadcast announcing the impending execution of William Kane. They know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was the Court of Owls, but to the rest of the city it is up to their interpretation whether they are heroes or villains.
LIZ
We're done standing around.
She makes her move, heading directly for the containment area with her suit.
KATE
Liz! Now is not the time to make any rash decisions.
Kate hurries after her daughter, grabbing her by the arm in an effort to get her to take a moment.
LZ
Dad has 12 hours. We don't have time to do anything else.
KATE
Which is probably what the Court wants. To lure Batgirl out so they can pass their sentence.
LIZ
The alternative is that I hide while judgment is passed on dad. I won't do that.
Gar clears his throat while standing from his seat and stepping closer to their conversation.
GAR
Moore Incorporated is the answer. The computer there found Malcolm in seconds. Helped me find Hank and Dawn. With any luck, we'll find Tommy too. Maybe even your dad.
LIZ
Then that's where we're going. No more waiting. The Court keeps hunting me down, it's time I return the favor.
Kate opens her mouth, ready to put up another argument but she lets it go without saying a word. She takes a deep breath, giving herself a moment to process everything rationally instead of with her mom goggles.
KATE
I'll stay here in case we're overreacting and Tommy returns.
Liz gives a nod at her mother's hopefulness. She knew that nobody wanted this to resolve peacefully more than her mother, but the odds of that were extremely slim.
KATE
But please, neither of you do anything without checking in first.
LIZ
Of course.
GAR
We'll let you know what we find before we make a move. Right?
Despite Liz already agreeing, Gar looks to her as he asks for confirmation that Batgirl won't act too rash with him in tow.
LIZ
Of course.
She repeats herself, this time with a little more assurance that she is going to play as safe as she possibly can without gambling her father's life.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - SAME NIGHT
Nightwing returns to Batman's cell, slowing his pace when he catches the midst of a conversation in progress. Jim Gordon is sitting in a chair, doing his best to be on level with Batman slumped in the corner of the cell. The Dark Knight's blank stare is painfully evident despite the words coming from a long time friend.
GORDON
I need you to hear me. I need to know that there's something left. I need to know that there's a chance.
Nightwing brings his slow approach to a stop, keeping himself at a distance from the conversation he isn't meant to hear.
GORDON
I need you to fight. Gotham needs you to fight. We need you.
Having heard enough, Nightwing clears his throat when the city's Commissioner emphasizes the importance of Batman. It's enough to catch Gordon's attention and he looks up just as the Gray Son resumes his approach.
NIGHTWING
There won't be anymore games with Crane. I made sure of it.
GORDON
Glad to hear it. Even if I don't agree with any of this. Working with Crane, giving him a functioning lab, offering to set him free… Batman would never--
There's a noticeable animosity when he mentions the deal Nightwing made with Crane in exchange for saving Batman. It's one thing to save Batman, it's another to set a man like Jonathan Crane back out into Gotham.
NIGHTWING
I told you before, I'm not Batman.
GORDON
You keep saying that, but there's nothing wrong with being like Batman.
NIGHTWING
I can think of a few things wrong with his methods.
GORDON
And what about your methods?
Gordon turns, now directly facing Nightwing as he boldly questions the man's tactics that have been on display ever since he's had to step in as the city's protector.
GORDON
I understand we're dealing with criminals, but they're still people. Sometimes I feel like you can't differentiate the two.
NIGHTWING
I haven't crossed any lines, Jim.
GORDON
Not yet. But I'm already scared of you.
The Commissioner turns away from Nightwing, putting his attention back on Batman as the Dark Heir takes in that unexpected piece of information. Scaring the one man that he needs on his side was never something Nightwing had considered was even a possibility.
INT. HOSPITAL - SAME NIGHT
Hank has seen better days. The loss he suffered at the hands of the Court's mind-controlled minions is apparent all over his visible features as well as his ginger movements as he makes his way down the hospital corridor. A fresh cup of coffee is in his hands but doing very little to offset the exhaustion on his features. He passes the nurse at her med cart as he returns to Dawn's room.
The nurse reviews the information on her mobile computer screen before retrieving a capped syringe from one of the drawers. She sets it atop the cart and verifies more orders on her screen.
BECKHAM
Pardon me.
The nurse flinches slightly at the voice over her shoulder, looking back to see the towering Beckham with a pleasant smile on his face.
BECKHAM
Is there a restroom around here?
NURSE
Oh! Yes. Right down there.
The nurse turns away from him, pointing down the hall where a BATHROOM sign extends from the top of the wall. Beckham reaches around her, silently swapping out her capped needle with one of his own. He pockets hers and still has that smile on his face when she turns back to him.
BECKHAM
You're a lifesaver.
The compliment is likely meant to have the double meaning and it puts an appreciative smile on the nurse's face as he heads off. She resumes her work and collects the needle on her way into Dawn's room.
Beckham continues past the bathroom sign, pulling a cell phone out of his pocket. He presses a single button before bringing it to his ear.
BECKHAM
It's done.
He doesn't wait for a response on the other end. He presses a button to end the report call and places it back into the pocket before disappearing around the corner.
Inside of the room, the nurse greets Hank with a friendly smile. It's not the first time the two have encountered one another and it likely won't be the last.
NURSE
I'm just going to give her a routine sedative to keep her relaxed.
She only takes a few moments to get ready before she steadily administers the contents of the syringe into her IV. It only takes seconds before she's done and the syringe is capped and placed into a SHARPS container.
HANK
How is she doing?
NURSE
Vitals are good. The doctor will be in within the hour to check her condition. I'm sure he'll have more information for you.
HANK
Thanks. I appreciate it.
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
The monitors go haywire before the appreciation is even out of Hank's mouth. The nurse's eyes widen at the results fluctuating frantically and she presses an EMERGENCY call button.
HANK
What's going on?
Before the nurse can answer, Dawn's eyes SNAP open. She jumps out of the bed, tearing the IV from her hand in a fit of disorientated rage.
HANK
Dawn? Dawn, look at me! You're okay.
Hank gets directly in front of Dawn, desperately trying to talk her down from her panicked awakening. It does succeed in keeping her still, however, she GRABS him around the throat with unbelievable strength that instantly cuts off his supply of oxygen.
INT. KANE MANOR - SAME NIGHT
Kate paces back and forth in the dining room. Her tea - meant to calm her nerves - is just getting cold as it sits untouched. Her cell phone has her attention every couple of seconds with no new messages or calls.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
The announcement of an arrival wipes away the stress, replacing it with relief. She rushes to the door and yanks it open as quickly as she can, expecting to see Tommy returning from his reconnaissance mission.
KATE
Beth?
The unwelcome in-law stands on the doorstep with the same cold expression she always greets her sister-in-law with.
BETH
Too busy for a family visit?
It's an assumption based on Kate's less than thrilled response, but it's not like either woman considers the other family nor do they want to spend time together. Despite this, Beth pushes her way into the home.
BETH
Hm. I'm surprised my brother hasn't been completely erased.
She observes the home's decor that hasn't changed much over the years, though it's the photographs of him that she's especially surprised to see remaining.
KATE
What are you doing here, Beth?
BETH
I feel like we didn't get to finish our talk earlier. There's a lot more I have to say.
KATE
I don't have time to deal with you right now. Family or not. Please leave.
Kate steps aside from the door, holding it open as she calmly requests Beth's exit. Unsurprisingly, Beth doesn't budge a step towards the door.
BETH
I'm not going anywhere, Kate. Just like I told you the night that I returned. I'm here to stay.
KATE
Great!
Kate shoves the door closed with a SLAM and returns to the dining room, surprising even Beth with how easily she surrenders the fight.
KATE
You know where the guest room is. But I'm not sticking around for this.
Completely fed up with Beth's cattiness, Kate collects her tea cup and heads for the kitchen, intent on leaving the woman behind in her wake.
BETH
Do you really think I care that you used to be Batwoman?
Kate freezes in mid-step, nearly spilling her tea as the question shakes her to the very core. By the time she processes that the question really happened and she musters the wherewithal to turn and face Beth again, her own expression is as stone cold as her sister-in-law.
KATE
What are you talking about?
BETH
Oh please! William knew as well. Just like we both know you forced your daughter into the cowl.
Kate flings the cup aside, dismissing it with a shatter as she walks right up onto Beth.
KATE
You leave my daughter out of our business.
Beth scoffs on her laugh, shaking her head with amusement at the fire in Kate.
BETH
I have no ill will towards my niece. But you can't protect her anymore than you can run my brother's company.
KATE
What exactly is that supposed to mean?
BETH
It means you should do what's best for your daughter and Kane Industries before it's too late.
Now that she's finished what she came to say - or threaten? - Beth is ready to take her leave like Kate was so desperate for her to do earlier in this conversation.
KATE
You better not do anything to Liz or so help me.
Kate issues her warning before Beth reaches the door, but it doesn't stop the other woman from continuing on her way. She has the door open, giving a look back to Kate to ensure there's no doubting her resolve, and she pulls it closed behind her.
INT. OWL'S NEST - SAME NIGHT
Freed of his restraints (presumably an attempt at peace?), Tommy now sits on the cot provided in his subpar prison. He lightly touches the bandage on his temple, wincing at the pain that it provides. He's certainly suffered worse, but it's far from something he can just shrug off.
CLICK
The silence is broken by the sound of a lock releasing. He looks up, confused to find his cell door SQUEAK as it opens partially.
TOMMY
Hello?
He calls out to whoever would have possibly unlocked his cell, but there's no response. It only takes him seconds to cross the small space and push the door the rest of the way open. He peers out but finds no one around.
TOMMY
What the hell?
Confused, but curious at the opportunity presented to him, he exits his cell and starts down the hall. After walking for several moments, he reaches a stairwell. He takes a deep breath and goes for it, making his way up the stairs.
The door at the top is unlocked and he exits out into an elaborate gallery containing massive paintings on the high walls. In addition to the wall art, there are podiums all throughout the room containing elegant art pieces.
Tommy ventures further into the room, casually noting the pieces but finding nothing out of the ordinary with them. He reaches the middle of the room when the double doors at the head part open to reveal Oliver.
TOMMY
Ollie?
Oliver walks into the room and the doors are closed behind him as he continues towards the center where Tommy is awaiting him with a confused expression.
TOMMY
You're alright.
OLIVER
I'm more than alright, Tommy.
Realization overcomes him just now and he does his best to blame it on the head injury, but there's a part of him that wanted to deny it altogether; the pinch of hopefulness he still has remaining.
TOMMY
You're behind the Court. It was you all along. I knew it!
Oliver chuckles and waves a hand to dismiss Tommy's proud proclamation.
OLIVER
Don't pat yourself on the back just yet. You see, I was not selected for a seat among the Council.
There's a disgusted grimace as he recalls his rejection to be among the Court's most elite members. It's only a moment before his expression perks up and he has a crafty smile on his face.
OLIVER
But they're no longer in the equation so... it's me now. That's what's important.
Tommy blames his head injury once again as he doesn't completely follow the information that Oliver has felt was important enough to correct him.
TOMMY
So, what does that mean for me? What are we doing here?
OLIVER
It means it's time for you to learn where you fit into the equation.
A smile spreads across Oliver's face. It's kind that clears up Tommy's confusion almost immediately. The dread that it creates in the pit of his stomach and puts him on edge is the unfortunate parting gift.
END OF ACT ONE
INT. MOORE INCORPORATED - SAME NIGHT
Gar is already in the driver seat beneath the massive tower of Moore Incorporated. Liz is just over his shoulder, doing her best to keep her impatience in check as she waits for him to work his magic.
GAR
Alright. So if Tommy still has the tracker in him then... wait a sec.
He hesitates in his work, staring in surprise at the large screens in front of him. Liz looks it all over, but it's apparent she's only making assumptions off of what she's seeing.
LIZ
Is that him?
She eyes the blinking dot on the Eldred map.
GAR
No. It's the Guardian suit. The tracker is back online. It hasn't been on since before Tommy and I went looking for him.
LIZ
Okay. What about Tommy?
Gar nods at her subtle redirection. He resumes his initial work and it's only a few moments before another dot appears on the map, practically overlapping the first one.
GAR
Whoa. They're in the same place.
LIZ
An Owl's Nest.
It's another assumption on Liz's part but she's a lot more confident in this one. It's all she needs to be ready to take her leave and start the rescue mission.
GAR
So they're prisoners. I mean, Malcolm has been missing for a while.
LIZ
Tommy hasn't. And as much as I hate to admit it, he might not be a prisoner.
Gar spins around in his chair, looking up at Liz in surprise.
GAR
You think he'd join the Court?
There's only a moment of hesitation before Liz shakes her head. If she has her doubts, she thinks better of admitting them, even to Gar.
LIZ
No. But they did warn him they'd come back for him. For an answer. If he can hold them off long enough, we can get there before he declares himself an enemy.
Liz is already heading for the door and Gar realizes he's sitting alone staring up at the massive screens over him. He jumps up, hurrying after her.
GAR
I hope we're not too late.
LIZ
Like I said, Tommy might be able to hold them off for a bit.
GAR
I meant for Malcolm.
Liz glances back, coming to a stop when she realizes that Gar has as well. The half-beast, half-boy has a troubled look on his face that is somehow different from his usual apprehension about dangerous situations.
GAR
He's been missing a while, Liz. What if it's just the suit?
Gar looks to her for an actual answer, but it doesn't appear to be something that Liz was ready to accept. She was already fighting against the clock to keep her father alive. She wasn't ready to accept that Tommy or even Malcolm could have already suffered that fate.
LIZ
Then we'll take it back from whoever has it and make them pay.
She musters up all the determination that she possibly can and miraculously puts out enough to inspire the confidence Gar needs to get himself moving again.
INT. HOSPITAL - SAME NIGHT
Alarms are going off from the monitors and now the nurse that is calling for help with an emergency call button. None of that seems to matter to Dawn. She keeps a vice-like grip on Hank's throat that has him gasping for air. His eyes bulge and he coughs in his attempts to talk to her.
Orderlies storm the room, grabbing Dawn's arms up and tearing her off of Hank. He drops to the ground, sucking in precious oxygen while Dawn is dragged back to the bed.
NURSE
Hold her down!
The nurse shouts her orders while racing back to her cart to prepare a stronger sedative. She barely has the med cart's drawer open when Dawn launches the first orderly into the wall with a CRASH that damages the drywall.
The second orderly tries to restrain her, but he's no match for the untapped rage and power that has been awakened in Dawn. She shoves the second orderly back, sending him toppling over the bed.
HANK
Dawn!
Hank gets back to his feet, coming from behind to wrap his arms around her in a bearhug. She immediately puts up a fight, but Hank uses all of his strength to keep her at bay.
HANK
It's me. Hank. You gotta snap out of this.
BAM
Dawn throws her head back, CRACKING him in the nose with her skull. The bearhug is instantly released. Hank barely has time to tend to the throbbing pain before Dawn grabs him and sends him across the room. He SLAMS into the wall, wincing as he clutches at his nagging injuries courtesy of their battle with the Court.
The nurse watches from the door, horrified at the damage that has been done in only a matter of seconds. She startles when Dawn turns on her, but she only takes a single step before her eyes roll back in her head. Dawn CRASHES to the floor and begins seizing uncontrollably.
HANK
Dawn!
Hank calls out to her as he starts to crawl towards his girlfriend.
The orderlies get there first. They transfer the patient into the bed and hold her down as the nurse finally administers the sedative. Several terrifying moments pass before Dawn settles down and falls back into a state of unconscious peace.
HANK
What the hell was that?
NURSE
I... it took two sedatives to calm her down. I don't know what happened, but she seems stable again. I'll get a doctor.
Baffled by Dawn's reaction to the first "sedative", the nurse hurries out of the room in search of said doctor.
Hank approaches the bed, staring down at Dawn. He watches her seemingly peaceful slumber but can still feel her violent grip that threatened to crush his windpipe only mere seconds ago - worse than threatened. Somehow she was fully capable of doing exactly that if she hadn't been stopped.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - SAME NIGHT
Nightwing makes his way down the eerily quiet halls of Arkham. There's a heaviness in the air that has even the psychotic inmates hiding from the thing under their beds. Nightwing pays them no mind either way.
He continues to the end of the hall until he reaches the same cell he's visited far too many times recently.
Jonathan Crane is hard at work... that's not out of the ordinary these days. His level of focus is different now. He actually looks like he wants to do this work as opposed to his passive approach prior.
The cause of that becomes apparent when he catches a glimpse of Nightwing out of the corner of his eye. The scientist actually flinches as he turns to confirm that it's who he thinks it is.
The master of fear has succumbed to his own weapon under the belief that Nightwing would make good on his promise. That becomes far more apparent when Nightwing takes his first step towards the cell.
Crane matches him with a step backwards. His face tells the story that he doesn't have far to go and it doesn't change the situation any - but it's all he can do.
GORDON
Nightwing!
Commissioner Gordon shouts the vigilante's name while hurrying down the hall to reach him.
NIGHTWING
Gordon, you're not supposed to leave Batman alone.
GORDON
It's Two Face.
Another formidable enemy from the Gotham rogue's gallery is enough to make Nightwing forget about Crane for the time being. He reclaims that step away from Crane's cell, putting the Scarecrow a little more at ease.
GORDON
He's awake.
Nightwing grimaces at the news. He looks over his shoulder back to Crane. He's a lot more interested in their conversation now than his concern that Nightwing has come to make good on his promise.
CRANE
Off to recruit another soldier to the army, Sarge?
Crane finds a little more light-heartedness now that he can only assume Nightwing needs to leave to deal with Two Face.
INT. OWL'S NEST - SAME NIGHT
Tommy lets out a tired sigh, shaking his head in disappointment that Oliver would ever think that the Court is something he would want to be a part of. He thought Oliver knew him better than that, but he was quickly coming to the realization that neither of them knew the other anymore.
TOMMY
The Court isn't the way to fix Eldred, Oliver. You have to know that by everything you've witnessed them do over the years.
OLIVER
The Court may have gotten a lot wrong... trust me, I know they've gotten a lot of things wrong. But they have had some good ideas.
TOMMY
What are you talking about? A few good ideas doesn't erase all of the bad that they've done.
Oliver chuckles, confusing Tommy at the sudden tonal shift in their conversation.
OLIVER
Just like a few years locked up in Eldred Penitentiary doesn't erase all that you've done?
While Oliver might find this humorous, Tommy certainly doesn't. He stiffens up at the reminder of his dark past and how he's been under a microscope every single day since he turned himself in for those crimes.
TOMMY
Nothing I've done was erased. I live with it every single day.
OLIVER
And that makes you the hero? The Court has some missteps and they're the devil incarnate, but you... you get to walk around a free man living in his mansion and running the world from his ivory tower? There's a word for people like you, Tom. Hypocrite.
TOMMY
The difference between me and the Court is that I don't kill people anymore. I don't manipulate the world into my favor.
Oliver lowers his head at the letdown of Tommy's response to the Court being in their hands; in turn it would put all of Eldred back in their hands.
OLIVER
Manipulation? Okay. I suppose that's fair. It was how I took care of Kyle, after all.
TOMMY
You... you took care of Kyle?
It doesn't take too much for Tommy to jump to the conclusion that Oliver wasn't actually trying to help defend him.
OLIVER
Once ECPD investigates my office, they'll find my files incriminating Kyle and they'll have to assume he's trying to keep his dirty name clean. That'll only strengthen the case that he murdered Capricio and Cash will make sure he's put away for good. Hell, they might even reinstate the death penalty.
TOMMY
You son of a bitch!
Tommy fumes and charges towards Oliver. The new leader of the Court backpedals and keeps several podiums of art between them, at least enough for Tommy to rein his rage in.
OLIVER
With the Commissioner and William Kane out of the way, this city will finally return to my family's hands. Where it always belonged.
The new information is processed by Tommy and he's forced to put his anger aside in favor of dark thoughts that twist up knots in his stomach.
TOMMY
Your family... you... you consider me and my family the enemy.
A smile spreads across Oliver's face and it's enough to make Tommy sick to his stomach.
TOMMY
You've been jealous of my family this whole time.
OLIVER
Not just me. My father hated your father. Your father looked down on everyone in this city, including my father. You were the city's crown prince and anyone who wasn't a Moore was nothing in your father's eyes.
Dragging up this history ignites a long-forgotten outrage in Oliver and he spits his fiery contempt at the so-called crown prince of Eldred.
TOMMY
Then why go after William Kane? He took care of your daddy's little problem and what happened? Your father still amounted to nothing!
OLIVER
All of that blood you spilled and you still haven't figured it out? My family created The Black Mask for this city. We made sure he knew about the Court. We made sure he knew that your father would kill him if William Kane didn't kill him first!
Tommy's rollercoaster of emotions have hit their peak and now come crashing down in a wave of instability. The color drains from his face as he's struck with the unexpected reality that his family didn't die over something as petty as a business rivalry. He was betrayed by his own inner circle.
TOMMY
You set him up...
OLIVER
I didn't. My father did. And it was the best thing that ever happened to this city!
Oliver rubs salt into the wound, well aware that Tommy is far too overcome with his emotions to do a single thing about it. In fact, it's taking everything within Tommy right now to keep from hurling up the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach; all brought on by the disgust that someone would be so hungry for power that they'd murder their own friend.
OLIVER
And despite all of that... despite everything that my father did for this city... I still wasn't good enough for the Court. I was denied my birthright - my place at the fucking top!
Tommy swallows down all of his distress, making himself sicker in the process, but still manages to raise his eyes. With loathing in his eyes, he glares across the room at Oliver.
TOMMY
What? Did they realize you're as fucking crazy as your daddy?
OLIVER
Hardly. A blood disease. That's all it took to exempt me. Apparently you can't be elite if you're dying.
The irony that everyone is dying isn't lost on Oliver and is the motivation behind the bitterness he spits with his revelation.
OLIVER
In case you haven't figured it out, nothing scares a sad old man more than his mortality. So when I found out they discovered a way to extend their lives, I did what any rational person would do. I followed in my family's footsteps and eliminated anyone who stood in my way.
He's reached the part of his story that turns the tables in his favor and therefore his demeanor brightens. There's practically a smile on his face as he talks about becoming a murderer.
OLIVER
The Council had to go. They stagnated the Court with their old ways. Madeline's family had to go. Even my own parents refused to see things my way.
TOMMY
That wasn't your first clue that you're a raging lunatic?
If Tommy was meant to feel sympathy over Oliver's illness and denial from the Court, it certainly wasn't achieved. After learning that his parents were killed by Oliver's father - and the son reveled in it - Tommy doesn't have an ounce of sympathy for a member of the Brigh family.
OLIVER
Decades of failure have proven the need for a single voice. There can only be one Judge.
TOMMY
Right. And that's automatically you? So what's the point of bringing me here? Why tell me all of this unless you're trying to die sooner?
Oliver chokes back a laugh, showing far more confidence in himself than Tommy would have guessed. For someone dying from a blood disease, he was far too comfortable in the room with a killer. Then again, Oliver was more than willing to kill; he was just more clever in his murderous ways.
OLIVER
You're loose ends, Moore. The last in a long line of problems for this city. Just like your parents... your crimes against Eldred are unforgivable.
Boldly, Oliver steps beyond the podium and gives Tommy a clear path directly towards him. It becomes all too apparent where Oliver's bravery has come from. Somewhere from within the room, the silent Talon has arrived in the room with them. The Court's premier assassin approaches calmly, as if alerted telepathically that he is needed.
OLIVER
Thomas Moore, the Court of Owls has sentenced you to death.
The Talon bares its clawed hands, revealing his built-in weapons as he faces down his defenseless prey.
END OF ACT TWO
INT. OWL'S NEST - SAME NIGHT
Hannah has conceded to her fate as a prisoner within the Court of Owls residence. Her prison could be a lot worse, she can only assume. Unlike the other prisoners that Court has kept below the manor, Hannah continues to reside within her luxurious dungeon.
She's in the midst of curling up with a good book in the oversized chair in the corner of her room when she hears the door unlock. The book is forgotten about and she brings her feet to the floor, doing her best to be ready for whatever comes through the door.
Madeline enters the room, her eyes low to the floor. It's apparent her mind is heavily occupied and - for a moment - Hannah sees a slight opening to push through to the freedom of the hall. However, she has no idea where she'd go from there and who might be outside the room.
HANNAH
What now?
She abandons any fantasies about breaking out, instead demanding an explanation for yet another visit from the Court's liaison.
MADELINE
I... um...
Hannah realizes that Madeline indeed looks to have other things on her mind - or at least one thing that is entirely consuming her. There's a distance in her eyes, almost like a fog that leaves her too disoriented to put a sentence together.
HANNAH
Are you alright?
Compelled with concern for her captor, Hannah stands from her seat. Even though she knows it's crazy to be worried about Madeline's well-being, she can't help herself.
MADELINE
Oliver... was supposed to be finding an alternate suspect in Carter's death. Someone other than the Commissioner... someone other than you...
Madeline struggles with her explanation, muttering her way through her thoughts but they come out more like she's attempting to make sense of them herself rather than a conversation with Hannah.
HANNAH
Oliver? You mean... Oliver Brigh?
The name isn't super familiar to Hannah, but she was aware of his return to Eldred just prior to pulling the trigger on Carter and then ending up a prisoner of the Court.
MADELINE
He never had any intention... he was never going to find anyone else. He lied.
She SNAPS out of the disoriented brain fog when she finally admits that Oliver lied to her, coming to as if she just realized where she is. She blinks several times and makes eye contact with a very confused Hannah.
MADELINE
He lied to me. He's going to make sure the Commissioner goes down for Carter and... he killed my parents.
Madeline recoils from the traumatic confession, backing into the wall next to the door. The young woman slips down the wall, crumbling into a seat as she buries her face in her hands.
The exit is wide open. Hannah could easily make her escape and it's highly likely that Madeline would never even notice. Hannah inches towards the door, peering out into the hall. Not a single sign of any guards.
She tears her eyes from the hall, letting them fall onto Madeline struggling in a fetal position. The Commissioner's wife can't help herself but to kneel down beside her.
HANNAH
He's behind all of this? He's behind the Court?
Madeline's face rises from her hands. She realizes it only seconds before she says it.
MADELINE
He is now.
HANNAH
Then bring him down. We can do it together. I'll help you.
Madeline shakes her head, slow at first but soon she's refuting the idea vehemently.
MADELINE
No. I can't... I can't do that.
HANNAH
He killed your family. Do you really think he'll stop there?
Despite the strong argument, Madeline continues to reject her proposal by shaking her head more decisively. She reaches out to the wall, dragging herself back up to her feet while refusing Hannah. She puts herself back between Hannah and the door before Hannah can even get back to her feet.
HANNAH
Wait! You don't owe him anything!
MADELINE
I can't betray my husband!
Madeline snaps at Hannah, shocking her with the revelation that her own husband murdered her family and has seized control of the Court.
MADELINE
No more than you can betray yours.
She reminds Hannah exactly why she's still locked inside of her five-star prison rather than standing free among the Court's ranks. Madeline tugs the door closed, finally back to her senses and regaining her loyalty for her husband.
INT. ECPD - SAME NIGHT
Eldred's most devoted detective makes her way to the Commissioner's open door. It's typical to find it open - unless some unfortunate officer is in the middle of getting a scolding. Sadly, it's equally as typical these days to find the office empty despite more work than any Commissioner can handle piling on every single day in a city like Eldred.
FORD
Yo! Where's Adams?
She shouts out to the entirety of the precinct, willing to have her curiosity satisfied by anyone who might possibly have an answer. Nobody on the force had time to go round asking mundane questions one by one, so this was the usual method of communication among the boys and girls.
OFFICER
Where do you think?
Her question is answered by another one, but it's entirely rhetorical. It didn't even matter to her who it was that shouted it back. Everyone knew exactly what it meant. Ford rolls her eyes and heads towards the holding cells.
Back in the holding cells is a pair of Commissioners. One - Kyle Bullock - remains behind bars as he awaits trial for the murder of Carter Capricio. The Acting Commissioner - Daniel Adams - is once again conversing with his predecessor. The pair have matching expressions that show the weight of far more than anyone should be tasked with.
FORD
Adams! I need a minute!
Ford shouts from the entrance, earning only a glance from Adams before he puts his back towards her once again.
ADAMS
I'm busy, Detective.
FORD
It's important.
ADAMS
More important than Gordon's missing body?
He turns back to her, posing the question with a level of frustration that surprises Ford almost as much as the contents of the actual question.
FORD
I... what?
Dazed by the weirdness of a missing body that's only compounded by the fact that nobody has yet to make sense of how the body has even returned in the first place, Ford ventures further into the room.
ADAMS
Yeah. The ambulance that was transporting Gordon to the morgue was found wrecked. Both EMTs were murdered and Gordon's body hasn't been seen.
FORD
Someone stole it?
BULLOCK
Doubt it.
The former Commissioner finally speaks up, earning himself a chilly glance from Ford. He doesn't seem bothered in the slightest that she doesn't like him being involved in the discussion of ongoing cases.
BULLOCK
Probably got up on his own, just like he did before coming here to try and kill me.
FORD
What are you saying? We're in a zombie apocalypse? Be serious.
BULLOCK
A dead man tried to kill me, Detective. What do you want me to say?
FORD
Nothing, surprisingly enough.
From chilly to downright cold, Ford practically snaps at her former superior when she makes it crystal clear that she doesn't want his input on the James Gordon Jr. case or any case for that matter.
ADAMS
I want someone to say something because this isn't making sense. I don't like when things don't make sense.
BULLOCK
You need to talk to Batgirl.
FORD
Absolutely not!
Ford raises her voice, practically barking with authority as she tries to rein in the conversation.
FORD
This force does not work with vigilantes.
She forcefully denies a collaboration with the city's caped hero, looking directly at Adams as she silently pleads with him to back her up.
BULLOCK
You've made that perfectly clear, Detective. But when things get like they’ve been lately, my advice is that you either help Batgirl or stay out of her way.
Bullock sends a glance in Adams' direction. The current Commissioner is visibly torn by the advice he's receiving from the two most vocal members involved with the city's problems.
BULLOCK
Whether it's wrong or right, she'll find a way to keep more bodies from piling up.
Ford keeps her eyes settled on Adams, but the Commissioner refuses to make eye contact with her or Bullock. The decision is ultimately in his hands and he hasn't a clue what the right choice is for Eldred.
INT. GOTHAM GENERAL - SAME NIGHT
Nightwing daringly walks through the halls of the Gotham General and right into the ICU with all eyes glued to him. The hospital staff is in a collection of intimidation and amazement that the famed vigilante is right in front of them. Nobody risks stepping up to him, even as he waltzes directly into Harvey Dent's room.
NIGHTWING
Dent.
Harvey looks up from his bed, groggy but awake. He heaves a labored breath, but is far too weak to do much of anything else even when faced with the man desperate to put him back into Arkham.
TWO FACE
Come for the show, did ya?
NIGHTWING
I'm here for answers. You had to know I'd come.
TWO FACE
Yeah. I knew you were stupid, but I was hoping you weren't this stupid.
Nightwing walks right up to Harvey's bedside, glaring down at the man who nearly died and now has the audacity to not take this seriously.
NIGHTWING
You almost died, Harvey. Stop playing games with me.
TWO FACE
Games? Do you think I'm stupid? If I open my mouth again, the next shot is a guaranteed trip to the morgue.
Two Face turns just enough to make it clear that Harvey Dent isn't interested in helping out Nightwing anymore than the other side of his twisted personality.
NIGHTWING
You're afraid to die. Got it. But odds are, you're gonna end up there anyway. You have information that someone is willing to kill to protect. What makes you think they won't slip in here and take care of you anyway?
TWO FACE
They probably will.
He shrugs his shoulders as best he can in his weakened state, furthering his disinterest in the dangerous situation even more for the frustrated hero standing over him.
TWO FACE
Means I got nothing to gain from talking.
NIGHTWING
I can stop them. But I need your help.
Two Face breaks out into a laugh that lasts only seconds before he falls into a coughing fit.
TWO FACE
You working with me? That's a laugh that even The Joker wouldn't touch.
NIGHTWING
I'm already working with Jonathan Crane. Adding you to the mix isn't so much of a stretch these days.
The idea that Nightwing - the vigilante known for his venomous hatred for criminals that Batman tries to save - would work with Scarecrow surprises Two Face, even in his current state.
TWO FACE
You and the Scarecrow?
NIGHTWING
That's how desperate I am to bring the Court down. And you should be too.
TWO FACE
It don't matter, kid. Doesn't matter who you work with. There's no fighting the Court.
Nearly at his limit, Nightwing grips the side rail of Harvey's bed. He clenches his teeth in a last ditch effort to hold onto his patience.
NIGHTWING
Just tell me who's behind the Court.
TWO FACE
Good question. There's a changing of the guard coming. Might've already happened. This new Judge... psychotic doesn't even begin to cover it. They ain't linked to the one you're used to.
Nightwing releases the side rail. He's getting something akin to answers that at least give him something to start trying to figure out.
NIGHTWING
What do you mean, the one I'm used to?
TWO FACE
There's more than one Court. The one out in Eldred is a different kind of scary these days.
NIGHTWING
Two Courts?
TWO FACE
That we know of. And trust me when I say this, because we both know I don't care. But if you've got any friends out in Eldred... you probably don't anymore.
The ominous advice leaves Nightwing conflicted. He doesn't exactly trust Harvey Dent, but he is the only person who has directly dealt with the Court.
EXT. CEMETERY - SAME NIGHT
Batgirl and Beast Boy traverse through the sea of headstones in the dark, closing in on the signal from both Tommy and the Guardian suit.
BEAST BOY
I'm a little worried about this plan.
BATGIRL
What plan is that?
BEAST BOY
Exactly that. We don't have a plan.
BATGIRL
The plan is to get Tommy and Malcolm out alive.
Batgirl comes to a sudden stop when she announces the plan. Beast Boy continues a few steps, watching the handheld screen.
BEAST BOY
Is it okay if I'm worried about getting us out alive?
BATGIRL
That's not my concern.
He realizes that Batgirl isn't with him when her voice calls out behind him. He stops and turns back to her.
BEAST BOY
It’s not?
BATGIRL
I'm worried about getting there alive.
Beast Boy notices she's not looking at him. He turns to follow her gaze and startles to find them in the sights of the League of Shadows, led by Talia al Ghul.
INT. OWL'S NEST - SAME NIGHT
Oliver is completely forgotten about now that Tommy realizes he's defenseless against a killer. The Court's Talon has no other purpose than to do their bidding and now he finds himself in Batgirl's shoes with a death sentence passed.
OLIVER
It was truly a pleasure seeing you one last time, dear friend.
Tommy glances in the direction of Oliver's voice, but is cautious to keep the Talon always in his sights one way or another.
OLIVER
Send your parents my regards when you see them again.
Oliver exits through the double doors that open for him on cue. They immediately close as soon as he's through, ensuring Tommy won't be finding his exit in that direction.
Escape becomes a distant dream when survival is thrust to the forefront. The Talon attacks quickly and violently, slashing recklessly in his pursuit of carrying out the Court's will.
Tommy might be unarmed, but he's still able to dodge the incoming attack. The large podiums are a helpful respite that keeps the Talon from relentlessly attacking. He ducks behind one of them and shoves the large sculpture over, praying for anything that slows down his attacker.
The priceless objects SHATTERS on the marble floor and only creates an obstacle that the Talon hurdles. He swipes across the podium and Tommy draws back out of range. He turns and slides across the floor to avoid the next attack, putting another podium between them.
The Talon swipes at the art. It BURSTS on impact and the hardened clay rains down on Tommy.
BOOM
He takes a solid boot to the sternum and he's sent toppling over. The Talon already knows he has an opening and races in, raising both claws as he comes down onto Tommy.
CRASH
The razor claws hit solid steel and the Talon is stopped before contact.
The Guardian pushes all his weight behind his shield to send Talon backwards. He performs a series of acrobatic twists that conclude in a crouched stance as his yellow eyes burn into his newest target.
TOMMY
Malcolm?
GUARDIAN
Don't take it personally.
He shoots a quick glance back at Tommy, making sure he knows that he isn't saving him for any personal attachment. He doesn't even stick around long, leaving Tommy seated on the floor as he charges towards the undead assassin.
The Talon meets him in a mighty clash that surprisingly sees The Guardian hit with such ferocity that the Talon is sent spiraling to the ground. With a hiss, Talon is back up in a crouch that threatens another round.
GUARDIAN
This sucker goes down but he doesn't know when to stay.
Guardian grips his shield tighter, waiting for the Talon to strike again. He steps back and swings with all his might. The shield CRASHES into Talon's face and stumbles him back several steps. Guardian moves with him, swinging again with another loud CLANG that snaps Talon's head side.
BOOM
A third shot from the shield SNAPS the Talon's neck to the side with a sickening crack. The clawed assassin crumples to the ground with a THUD and doesn't move.
GUARDIAN
Shit...
Guardian is successful, but the imagery of Talon's lifeless body can't stop the memories of Draven's corpse flooding his mind again. He squeezes his eyes shut, but that doesn't have any effect on the mind's eye. The armored hero backpedals a couple steps, furiously trying to shake the haunting image out of his mind.
Tommy catches Guardian, stopping his backwards stumble and effectively snapping him out of his traumatic flashback.
TOMMY
Malcolm, we gotta go.
Guardian flinches away from Tommy's touch, still trying to cast away the lingering thoughts threatening to seep back in.
GUARDIAN
I'm good. Don't sweat. I took care of it for you.
Tommy isn't having any of Guardian's animosity with him at the moment. He grabs him by the arm, forcefully tugging him towards the exit.
TOMMY
No, you really didn't.
Guardian starts to pull away again, but catches something out of his peripheral. He turns and stares in disbelief as the lifeless Talon starts twitching back to life - not unlike the memory of Draven's dead body that he later saw wreaking havoc in Eldred City.
It would be just as traumatizing if Tommy weren't grounding him by physically dragging him away from the scene in hopes of making an exit before the relentless killer has them in his sights again.
END OF ACT THREE
EXT. CEMETERY - SAME NIGHT
The League is as still as the shadows nearly engulfing them. Batgirl doesn't wait around for them to declare battle, snapping a BATARANG from her belt. Beast Boy has her back, baring his fangs with a GROWL that emanates through the silent graveyard.
The entirety of the League falls in line, all drawing their swords in a synchronized movement. It's abruptly brought to a halt when Talia raises a single hand.
TALIA
We did not come here for a fight.
BATGIRL
Why do I find you so very hard to trust?
TALIA
Trust that you aren't dead already. That could change should you choose not to play nice, little girl.
The unexpected banter leaves Beast Boy less feral than he was ready to get. He looks from Talia to Batgirl, seeking any sign that he should be ready for a fight or not.
BEAST BOY
We're going for the Court right now. This is what you wanted.
TALIA
My desires have changed. I'm afraid I cannot allow you to reach the Court.
Talia draws her sword now, prompting Batgirl to grip her BATARANG tighter. However, she only uses it as a suggestive roadblock in the direction Batgirl and Beast Boy were headed.
BATGIRL
And you're switching sides? Let me take this moment to not be surprised that you're willing to jump into bed with the Court of Owls for more power.
Talia scoffs at the mere notion, rolling her eyes in disgust.
TALIA
I'm both disgusted and insulted at the idea of an alliance with anyone who would associate with the Court. This is nothing more than a matter of you becoming inessential. The Court has already been severely wounded without your involvement.
The revelation that the Court has suffered a critical blow is enough to perk up Batgirl's interest. She lowers her weapon and takes a step towards the League, prompting Talia's followers to tense up in preparation for her.
BATGIRL
What does that mean? Tommy?
TALIA
All I know is that your assistance is no longer necessary.
BATGIRL
I hate to break it to you, but we weren't bringing down the Court for your benefit. And I'm not going to let you stop me from making them pay for what they've done.
Batgirl's weapon is back at ready and Beast Boy only needs a second to extend his claws, more than willing to throw down with a group as dangerous as the League if necessary.
TALIA
Right. They have your boyfriend. The League is well aware of this development.
Beast Boy flinches at Talia's word. He glances at Batgirl and it's clear she's waiting for the League's field leader to elaborate on what information she might have to help them. Beast Boy picks up that this isn't the intent behind Talia's statement.
BEAST BOY
That's why you're stalling us.
TALIA
The League will allow the Court to do us this last service before we cut them down ourselves.
BEAST BOY
You think they'd kill him? His father was the head of the Court. They want him to lead them.
Talia throws her head back with a laugh that is far too entertained for it to be good for anyone.
TALIA
Why don't you ask his father how beloved he was by the Court?
Batgirl flinches at the implication that Tommy's father might not have been a favorite among the very group that he had close ties with. She knows better than anyone how her father ordered the murder of both Harold and Patricia Moore.
BEAST BOY
No... they wouldn't...
TALIA
No, I'm sure a group of power hungry elites would never betray one another. Nor would someone want to eliminate a legacy.
It makes far too much sense to not be true. Regardless of whether her father was responsible for it or not, all Batgirl knows is that they need to get to Tommy. There's just one thing standing in their way.
BATGIRL
I'm not letting that happen.
TALIA
Well then. It seems we did come here to fight.
Talia brings her sword up, taking a fighting stance as her League falls in line. The odds are stacked against them, but Batgirl and Beast Boy ready themselves.
INT. HOSPITAL - SAME NIGHT
Hank paces back and forth in the hospital hallway on his cell phone. He peers through the doorway on every pass to ensure that Dawn is still sleeping peacefully - or at least making sure that she isn't trying to choke anyone.
HANK
I don't know what happened. One minute she's in a coma, the next she's throwing orderlies around and trying to choke me out.
KATE (V.O.)
It sounds a lot like the drug that is affecting Batman. You have to be careful. Violence isn't the only thing it causes.
HANK
What is it?
KATE (V.O.)
We haven't figured it out yet. The Court was manufacturing it to create soldiers for their army.
Hank grimaces at the confirmation that it's directly connected to the Court of Owls like he feared.
HANK
Sounds like the drug that put us in here to begin with. They said they were training these fighters from birth and then removing their pain receptors with the drug.
KATE (V.O.)
The League. It's their trainees. The Court is stealing them. At least that's Talia's version.
HANK
And we trust her?
KATE (V.O.)
Only slightly more than I trust the Court. Either way, Dick has confirmed that the drug works with an external stimulant; it's likely a sound you can't hear.
Hank stops in front of the door, staring into the room housing something that is controlling Dawn.
HANK
I'll tear the room apart to find it.
KATE (V.O.)
In the meantime, be careful. The Court clearly sees you both as a threat if they're out there just to keep you both silent.
HANK
I'm more worried about Dawn than myself right now.
KATE (V.O.)
Dick is working on a cure. I'll make sure Dawn gets it as soon as we have one.
HANK
I appreciate it.
Hank ends the call and steps back into the room, looking around for anything that might be out of place.
EXT. GOTHAM GENERAL - SAME NIGHT
Nightwing stands atop a building, looking directly into the ICU. Two Face is alone in his room, resting comfortably (or as comfortably as someone in intensive care can be). He turns away from the uncooperative enemy and activates a call on his internal display.
GORDON (V.O.)
Yeah?
NIGHTWING
Two Face wasn't as helpful as Crane.
GORDON (V.O.)
Did you use your same level of persuasiveness?
There's a heavy amount of sarcasm from the older man, but Nightwing doesn't even entertain it.
NIGHTWING
He did tell me that we aren't dealing with the same Court of Owls that Batman faced. There's a new one based in Eldred.
GORDON (V.O.)
And you believe him?
NIGHTWING
It's not out of the realm of possibility. I know Batgirl has had run-ins with them. She's working on bringing them down.
GORDON (V.O.)
If they're based out of Eldred, then why come after you and Batman?
NIGHTWING
They needed Two Face to manufacture a drug for them. I got too close.
GORDON (V.O.)
If there's one thing I know about the Gotham Court is that they didn't like leaving loose ends. You might want to get back here to Arkham where - I can't believe I'm saying this - it's safer.
BEEEEEEEEEP
Gordon's fatherly advice is interrupted by a high-pitched ringing. Nightwing spins around, shocked to see Two Face's monitors producing a flatline. There's not a soul in the room with him.
EXT. CEMETERY - SAME NIGHT
The overzealous assassin charges at Batgirl, clashing their sword with her BATARANG. The smaller weapon's teeth lock the long blade up, allowing Batgirl to twist and turn to deliver a back elbow to their teeth. The CRACK weakens their resolve. Batgirl takes the opportunity present to rip the weapon from their grasp. She now has a sword of her own as more assassins close in on her.
Beast Boy leaps over and slips under several sword strikes meant to slay the beast before he can rampage. The League as a whole knows what he's capable of - and he certainly hasn't forgotten the damage he caused the last time he was set loose on the group.
It was a haunting memory that plagued him on his best day. Now here he was fighting for his life and doing his best to push the bloody images aside and focus on surviving.
Batgirl's sword meets one after the other, casting them aside and always keeping her eyes moving for the attacks coming from all sides. A SMASHING boot to an assassin's ankle is the first major offensive move that allows Batgirl to drive the handle of her sword into their face with a CRACK before tossing them aside. The rest of the group gathers around their fallen comrade. It's only then that Batgirl realizes they're falling back because Talia has chosen to step forward.
TALIA
I have not forgotten our last encounter.
BATGIRL
If I remember correctly, I won.
TALIA
Not without help. I can assure you things will be different this time.
Confident in a victory this round, Talia attacks. Batgirl raises her sword in defense, moving quickly and cautiously against one of the world's greatest assassins. The daughter of the Demon moves so fluidly that Batgirl doesn't even get a moment to check on Beast Boy's whereabouts or whether he's doing alright on his own.
Unlike Talia, Batgirl feels responsible for those within her ranks. It's the mistake that Talia is waiting for. A split second glance to check on Beast Boy is the misstep that allows Talia to slash clean through the protective layer of the Batsuit, piercing the skin with a shallow cut that draws first blood.
TALIA
You had the chance to walk away.
A quick exchange ends with Talia taking Batgirl down to one knee before she disarms her opponent, sending her sword flying well out of reach. Almost too easily, Talia has Batgirl at her mercy.
TALIA
I want that to be your final thought.
Beast Boy sees the dire straits that Batgirl is in, but his attempts to reach her are impeded by the overwhelming number of assassins ensuring that Batgirl and Talia remain in a one-on-one affair.
Talia raises her blade and brings it down swiftly.
CLANG
A metal bo staff catches the sword at the last possible second. Batgirl opens her eyes, stunned to see Robin alongside them. He shoves Talia's sword back and spins, striking her with his staff to send her backpedaling into her startled League.
ROBIN
Now's your chance to walk away.
TALIA
I'm here to do you no favors. I know when I have the advantage.
ROBIN
Might wanna reassess the situation.
Robin casts his gaze to the side briefly. Talia follows it out of curiosity, laying eyes on Tommy and Guardian having come upon the battle.
TALIA
What you see as an advantage, I see as more opportunity for retribution.
She casts a hand aside; the only direction necessary for the rest of the League to disperse. Even with more adversaries to take on, the League has the clear numbers advantage
TALIA
The League never forgets. And we never forgi-- AHHHHH!
Talia throws her head back, howling in agony and drawing the attention of everyone on the undead battlefield. She slowly turns her head, coming face to face with the Talon. His claws are buried into her back, covering his hand with her blood.
TALIA
You...
Her disgust for the undying monster is evident in her eyes but she never gets the opportunity to verbalize it. The League's commander falls to the ground. There's no more fight left in the daughter of the Demon, laying at the feet of the Court's immortal weapon.
A monster wearing J.J.'s face shows no emotion - especially no fear despite the League now turning their attention to him for his crime against them. If he truly can die, no one will test that further than the League.
Still, Talon pays them no mind. His attention is focused solely on those that the Court has sentenced to death.
Batgirl and Tommy.
INT. HOSPITAL - SAME NIGHT
The hospital staff is in a panic as Harvey Dent's life hangs in the balance. They SHOCK him time after time, seemingly ready to give up just before a heart rate finally returns to the monitors and everyone breezes a sigh of relief.
Nightwing watches the entire scene unfold from the rooftop, breathing his own sigh of relief when the only man with inside information on the Court continues to live. He has learned his lesson not to turn his back on the room again. As much as it conjures up more anger than he's ever felt, he knows he's in charge of protecting Two Face.
Hours pass before Two Face wakes from his second near-death experience. When he does, the darkened room is comforting to him. He wants nothing more than to be forgotten about in the shadows. Except when those shadows move.
Two Face reaches for his call light, but it's snatched from his hand before he can press the button. He stares up at Nightwing, only half illuminated by the moonlight reflecting through the windows.
NIGHTWING
Are you ready to talk now?
TWO FACE
You don't give up, do you?
Nightwing doesn't bother answering the question. He doesn't need to. Two Face already knows the answer and Nightwing has done more than enough to show him that he's not wrong.
TWO FACE
You'll protect me, right?
It takes everything in Two Face to swallow his pride and almost beg Nightwing to keep him safe from something even scarier than himself. Nightwing grits his teeth. It's not a matter of pride for him. It's about putting his disgust aside for long enough to take out someone even worse than Two Face.
NIGHTWING
Yes.
TWO FACE
I only know one thing that you need to know. The Court knew what you would do even before you did.
NIGHTWING
What does that mean?
TWO FACE
Jonathan Crane. They're working with him too.
Two Face drops the bomb; news so unexpected that Nightwing's first instinct is to completely dismiss it as a sick joke from Dent. It only takes a moment to realize that Two Face has never been more terrified in his life. Too scared to be lying about this.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - SAME NIGHT
Commissioner Gordon has resumed his position outside of Batman's cell, keeping watch on his longtime friend and Gotham's greatest protector. He glances down at his phone, waiting anxiously for Nightwing to check back in with him after the news that Two Face wasn't going to help.
To his surprise, the phone lights up while he's looking at it. The name NIGHTWING fills the display screen and Gordon brings his finger to the slider to answer.
....
Dad...
The single word brings a chill to the Commissioner, freezing his finger less than an inch from his phone. He casts a look over his shoulder, shocked to see his son less than five feet from him.
GORDON
J.J.?
His late son looks up from the ground, opening his mouth only for blood to begin pouring out. He removes his hands from his stomach, bleeding out from the gunshot wound.
....
Daddy...
He turns abruptly at the next voice. A shattered coffee table covers the ground under his daughter, Barbara Gordon, as she clutches at her own gunshot wound. The young woman trembles in terror while bleeding out just like her brother.
GORDON
Barbara... sweetheart...
There's no way any of these things can be real, but the father can't stop himself from instinctively moving towards his daughter calling out for help.
CLICK
He flinches at the all too familiar sound. The longtime cop can recognize it as a Colt Single Action Army revolver. Not only does he know guns, but he knows that gun.
Filled with dread, he can't stop himself from turning towards the entrance to the room. He can see it before he even lays eyes on the scene.
Purple hat casting a shadow over that hellish grin.
Hawaiian shirt with an SLR film camera around the neck.
And the gun. Colt Single Action Army.
JOKER
What are ya afraid of, daddy dearest?
Joker's eyes gleam with a perverted sense of pleasure and that blood-red grin somehow stretches wider and wider across his face at the paralyzing effect he has on Jim Gordon.
END OF ACT FOUR
INT. CITY HALL - SAME NIGHT
Reporters crowd into city hall late in the evening, lured in by the promise of a newsworthy story. The solemn expression on their newly appointed Mayor gives them hopes of selling papers, but concern for their city as a whole.
CASH
I want to thank you all for attending such a late conference. Typically I would wait until morning but I have some unsettling news for the city of Eldred and it's our responsibility to get the information out to our citizens as soon as we can.
Cash struggles with this statement, his supposed love for Eldred showing in his anguish.
CASH
As you are all aware, the investigation into Carter Capricio's murder continues. The former Commissioner, Kyle Bullock, remains behind bars for his suspected involvement. However, new developments suggest a new suspect... perhaps an additional suspect.
The revelation of a newsbyte sends a murmur through the crowd and all of the reporters ensure that their mics are picking up the speech.
CASH
Kyle Bullock has a history of enabling someone with a contentious history with the Capricio Family. Someone who has been in prison and should still be there today.
It's not a difficult puzzle for anyone in Eldred to figure out - let alone the media outlets that have covered stories involving Thomas Moore's early release from prison as petitioned by the currently incarcerated Commissioner.
CASH
Thomas Moore has violated the terms of his conditional freedom. He has returned to masquerading in our streets as The Red Hood and we have acquired proof of this transgression.
The large LCD screen behind the Mayor flickers to life, presenting a security cam still of Red Hood outside of the old Moore Tower on Parliament Drive.
CASH
As a result of these actions, we are authorized to revoke his freedom but we're aware of how dangerous he is. That's why the city of Eldred is offering a $500,000 reward to any information that leads to his capture.
The crowd is alight with the news that a large sum of money is being put up for the capture of a single man - although he is a pivotal figure in the city both with and without his mask.
CASH
That reward is payable whether he is dead or alive.
A hush falls over the crowd, stunned into silence for several moments as the reality of the danger sits in for them. Not only is Thomas Moore's capture prioritized over the recent announcement of a publicized execution of William Kane, but the absurd payout is more than enough for someone to risk killing Thomas Moore.
END OF EPISODE ELEVEN