SHADOW OF THE BAT "THE BAT AND THE TIGER"

Fan-Script by Phillip Rogers

TEASER. INT. BLUDHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL/GYM - NIGHT THUD. POW. POP! Vicious punches on the heavy bag kick up dust in a pool of light in an otherwise dark gym. TY JOHNSON, high school martial arts champion with the build to make that more than believable but expected, is wailing on the bag. He is the only person in the gym. A silhouette hangs in the doorway behind Ty. Ty winds up for a haymaker and BAM! The bag splits open spilling its innards onto the floor. A TINKING sound comes from behind Ty and he whips around. The silhouette is gone. Nobody is there. Spooky. Hello? TY JOHNSON

A TEAMMATE with the same build hidden under his Bludhaven Nighthawks letterman jacket pops his head into the gym. TEAMMATE Its just me, Ty. Whats up? TY JOHNSON

TEAMMATE Just headin out. Good practice today. Thanks. TY JOHNSON

The teammate leaves. Ty looks around the dark gym, unnerved. TY JOHNSON (PRELAP) (CONTD) No, mom. I didnt hurt anybody. INT. BLUDHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL/LOCKER ROOM - LATER The walls are covered in artifacts from decades old victories. We fly past plaques, banners and retired jerseys until we land on a framed newspaper. The headline is TriState Martial Arts Champion 12. The article is accompanied by a picture of Ty wearing a gi and in attack stance.

2. TY JOHNSON It was just practice. Ty stuffs a wrinkled gi into his duffel bag. TY JOHNSON (CONTD) I told you I was going to be late this morning. (beat) Ill study as soon as I get home. I promise. Ty exits. EXT. BLUDHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL/PARKING LOT. He walks through an empty parking lot toward his car on the far side. TY JOHNSON Okay, mom. Ill be home soon. The sound of FLUTTERING WINGS commands his attention. He whips around. Hello? TY JOHNSON (CONTD)

Nothing. Ty looks worried. TY JOHNSON (CONTD) No, ma. I just thought I heard something. He turns back to his car, continuing his walk. Men in owl masks, SOCIETY INITIATES, skirt past us. He approaches his car and sees an initiate in the reflection of his window. He turns. Again... nothing. TY JOHNSON (CONTD) Somethings wro-His phone BEEPS. He looks at it. Dead. What the-TY JOHNSON (CONTD)

Ty unlocks his car and throws his duffel bag inside. An OWLS COO makes him turn.

3. Out of nowhere, hes surrounded by SOCIETY INITIATES. They are all black except for their white owl masks. They carry katanas, sais, and other martial weapons. Theyve created an arc around his car. TY JOHNSON (CONTD) Listen, I dont have any money. If you want my car you can have it... SOCIETY INITIATE #1 Prove yourself. What? TY JOHNSON

The initiates converge on Ty. One initiate stays behind, watching. We see his familiar eyes behind the mask as Ty Johnsons SCREAMS and the sounds of a VICIOUS BEATING become overwhelming. The eyes smile. FADE TO BLACK. ACT ONE: EXT. DOJO - DAY - (FLASH FORWARD) Two men stand back to back on weathered stone pillar overgrown with vines and towering above the trees. One has two fighting sticks and a robin mask. The other a quarterstaff and mask of a snarling bat. They are ready for a fight. Twelve black-clad ninjas burst from hidden hatches in the ground. They charge the two warrior trainees. The Bat strikes a charging ninja-- CRACK!-- then two more in succession. His strikes are devastating. The Robin readies himself to block the first strike from a charging ninja but The Bat swoops in with a backwards kick, knocking the attacker off the pillar. The Bat incapacitates several more ninjas with lightening ferocity. The Robin searches for an opponent while The Bat slices through them like butter. He finds his man. One lone ninja on the other side of the pillar. They make eye contact. They charge.

4. Just as they are about to clash the bat warrior tears off his mask and flings it towards the ninja, revealing he is young twenties BRUCE WAYNE. The mask knocks the ninja off the pillar. The Robin looks towards Bruce. His shoulders sink. MASTER KIRIGI (O.S.) (in Korean)

NO!

Bruce hangs his head. BRUCE (to self) What now? Master Kirigi, geriatric master of the martial arts, approaches seemingly from nowhere. He hobbles on a walking stick. BRUCE (CONTD) I thought that was rather impressive. MASTER KIRIGI (in Korean) You have not learned what one must conquer to become a warrior. BRUCE Fear? Ive conquered fear. The Robin laughs. MASTER KIRIGI (in Korean) Fear is not to be conquered. It is to be... understood. Fearlessness leads to hubris. Master Kirigi swings his walking stick. Bruce ducks! Master Kirigi, without effort, sweeps Bruces legs so that he falls. MASTER KIRIGI (CONTD) (in Korean) You will learn. You must learn. Bruce pushes off of the ground only to find himself face to face with a ROARING TIGER! We see Bruces fear... SMASH CUT:

5. INT. BRUCES DORM/BEDROOM - NIGHT (PRESENT) A german shepherd BARKS ferociously. The dog has a pair of black briefs stretched over his head. They almost look like a domino mask. He barks at Bruce who has fallen asleep in his book. Whether he was studying or investigating we cant tell as a series of holographic screens project a few blurry pictures of society members in masks, news articles of unsolved crimes, and a very clear picture of ALBERTO Falcone, Bruces schoolyard nemesis and only potential lead on The Society. Bruce wakes with a start. BRUCE Harvey! Your dog got in my hamper again. Bruce clicks a button on his desk and the holograms disappear. INT. BRUCES DORM/LIVING ROOM Harvey sits on the couch watching TV. HARVEY I hear him. He goes to Bruces room. We stay on the TV. An anchor for News 52 bring us another tragedy. As she talks Ty Johnsons championship photo is superimposed over her shoulder. ANCHOR (ON VIDEO) ... Ty Johnson found dead in a Bludhaven High School parking lot. Police are now confirming that he was attacked by a large group making this the... Two more athletes photos are super imposed over her shoulder. ANCHOR (ON VIDEO) (CONTD) ... third gang-style beating of a high school student in the past month. The assailants were armed... INT. BRUCES DORM/BEDROOM Harvey enters.

6. BRUCE I cant believe I let you bring that thing in here. He hates me. HARVEY Who? Ace? Hes a sweetheart. He peels the underwear off of Ace and tosses it away, disgusted. BRUCE Yeah, Im sure hell come around. HARVEY Besides, when you save a life you become responsible for it. I think I saw that in a movie. Harv notices Bruces drool stained science textbook. Get any studying done? Bruce answers him with a glare and goes back to his book. HARVEY (CONTD) Ah. Maybe if you could find a way to stay in one of these nights, you might find a spare hour or two to study. Hell, I might even help ya. BRUCE Help? From you? The only course youre not struggling for a C in is criminology. HARVEY Yeah and youre failing criminology. BRUCE I have my own take on the justice system. HARVEY Sure. Oh! I almost forgot. Silver dropped by while you were out. BRUCE I told her wed go out soon. I just didnt tell her when. HARVEY Just make sure you keep Tommy in the dark about it.

7. BRUCE

Tommy?

HARVEY Tommy Elliot. Your old besty. Hes been in love with Silver since before your tour of western Europes finest prep schools. Right. BRUCE

HARVEY Well, if you need a hand studying-BRUCE I dont need help. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. Bruce and Harveys eyes go wide. HARVEY Aunt Harriet! BRUCE Aunt Harriet? HARVEY Sorry. Mrs. Harriet. MRS. Harriet. That was Freudian of me. BRUCE Yeah, dont use that term until you figure out what it means. Sure. HARVEY

Bruce kicks dirty clothes under his bed and exits. Harvey grabs Ace by the collar and puts his hand around his snout. They hide. Shhh... HARVEY (CONTD)

INT. BRUCES DORM/LIVING ROOM Bruce opens the door. BRUCE Mrs. Harriett.

8. MRS. HARRIETT Bruce. Wheres Harvey? BRUCE Hes looking up Sigmund Freud... at the library. MRS. HARRIETT Hmm. You had a package. BRUCE Thanks for bringing it up. Bruce tries to close the door but Mrs. Harriett pushes it back open. MRS. HARRIETT I also thought this would be a good time to talk about filling in the rest of your schedule. BRUCE Yes. I have the form. I will get on that immediately. Bruce tries to close the door again. No go. MRS. HARRIETT Good because attendees of Bludhaven Academy are required to maintain a full 16 credits per semester to-BRUCE/MRS. HARRIETT --remain in Bludhaven Academy. MRS. HARRIETT And the deadline is this Friday. BRUCE I didnt forget. Ive just been busy. Anything else? Mrs. Harrietts eyes dart around the room. MRS. HARRIETT Clean your room. This isnt... BRUCE Yes, maam. Bruce SLAMS the door. Harvey enters.

9. HARVEY You still haven't completed your schedule? BRUCE You kidding? I barely have enough time for Langstroms bio-chem test. Bruce opens the package, spills the contents and discards the box. The first thing he sees are stacks of prep school brochures from around the world. BRUCE (CONTD) (to self) Subtle, Pennyworth. Harvey picks up the box and reads the label. HARVEY You know, if you want to lose your rep as the rich snob on campus... maybe cut the cord with jeeves. Bruce pulls smaller box from the brochures. He peeks inside then hides the box from view. BRUCE Ive got to go to... the cave. HARVEY But what about the-Bruce exits. Harvey is alone in the dorm. -- test? HARVEY (CONTD)

He looks around the room. Hes alone. Uh... Ace? HARVEY (CONTD)

EXT. THE CAVE - LATER The Cave. Bludhavens only all ages dance club. We open on a blinking neon sign with the clubs name. Teens line up outside the door. Bruce lurks in the shadows across the street, watching. He wears a hoodie under his prep-school jacket to partially conceal his face.

10. A couple of Alberto Falcones thugs walk past the line. A bouncer lets them in. Bruce opens the box from Pennyworth. Inside is a small piece of tech-- a disc shaped device-- with a handwritten note tied to it saying: I felt compelled to oblige. Oh, Alfred. Bruce pulls out his phone. He presses a button and it opens revealing wires and circuits. Bruce does his magic with the disc and BAM-- it lights up. Bruce smiles. BRUCE Thank you, Pennyworth. INT. DORMITORY - NIGHT Harvey tip-toes through the dark halls of the dorm. HARVEY (sotto)

Ace!

He hears Aces WIMPER. Ace sits in front of a closed door. Harvey looks up to read the nameplate on the door: Falcone. MUFFLED VOICES come from the room. Ace GROWLS a low rumble. He recognizes the voices. Harvey opens the door. INTERCUT WITH: INT. DORMATORY/ALBERTO FALCONES ROOM Harvey peeks into ALBERTO FALCONEs dorm. Alberto sits at his desk looking at his computer. We see his eyes. They look hauntingly similar to those of the society member who watched Ty Johnsons death in the teaser. He talks to a mysterious DARK FIGURE wearing a white owl mask, more ornamented than the regular initiates, is on his computer screen. DARK FIGURE (ON SCREEN) I saw the news. ALBERTO FALCONE Ty Johnson was a disappointment. Well find a replacement.

11. DARK FIGURE (ON SCREEN) See that the next is fit for the initiation. ALBERTO FALCONE What are you suggesting? DARK FIGURE (ON SCREEN) I believe you are capable, Alberto. This level of failure is... unprecedented. ALBERTO FALCONE Ty Johnson was... DARK FIGURE (ON SCREEN) Fulfill your bloodlust on your own time. We must pay tribute and I will not have the society embarrassed. The video cuts out. Alberto hangs his head. Harvey looks intrigued. Aces low rumble of a GROWL escaletes to a BARK! Shhh! HARVEY

Alberto turns to see the door cracked open. He darts to the hallway. Empty. Harvey and Ace have escaped. INT. THE CAVE/DANCE FLOOR The usual boys and girls from the neighboring prep schools prowl around before curfew. DUB-STEP blares as kids dance. When repressed prep school kids party... they party hard. Bruce is tucked away in a dark corner. He keeps his head down, hood still drawn. He looks up to see: Alberto Falcones thugs chat with some girls in the VIP section. Alberto approaches and his thugs tell the girls to-Scram. THUG

Bruce pulls out his newly upgraded phone. BRUCE (to self) Time for a test drive.

12. Bruce adjusts the disc. The tech lights up. The screen statics for a moment then shows a 3-D rendering of the room with all the technology with WiFi lighting up. Bruce taps on the cell phone in Falcones pocket then puts an earbud in his ear. FALCONE (V.O.) (static) We move (static) the list. Bruce fidgets with the device. FALCONE (V.O.) (CONTD) (static) this Kane has potential. THUG (V.O.) Where (static). FALCONE (V.O.) (static) Thats where well get Kane. THUG (V.O.) But why do we need to... FALCONE (V.O.) Because I said so! SILVER (O.S.) Well if it isnt Bruce Wayne. Bruce panics. He pulls the bud from his ear and hides his cell phone under the table. SILVER (CONTD) I hope its not me youre trying so hard to hide from. Hey. BRUCE

Bruce hits a button on his phone. A red dot blinks on and a timer starts. RECORDING... Hey. Hey. SILVER BRUCE

SILVER Ynow. I stopped by your dorm earlier.

13. BRUCE Yeah. Harv told me. I was just... SILVER Save it, Wayne. If youre trying to dodge me, I can make it easy for you. Silver tries to walk away. Bruce stops her. BRUCE No! No. Its not like that. I just... Im having trouble adjusting to the new school. SILVER Yeah, from what I hear things are crazy over there. BRUCE Any better at the girls academy? SILVER Well, less of our teachers get hauled away in paddywagons... LESS. BRUCE I know weve been meaning to get together. SILVER Whats wrong with now? Bruce looks over to see Falcone and his thugs. They get up to leave. BRUCE Im a bit tied up at the moment. Of course. SILVER

Silver picks up her books and turns. BRUCE But!... Im free soon... When? Tomorrow? SILVER BRUCE

14. SILVER Tomorrow it is. And Ill hold you to it, Wayne. Silver walks off. BRUCE See you then. Bruce clicks his phone and the timer stops at 00:00:57. EXT. BLUDHAVEN ACADEMY CAMPUS - NIGHT Bruce looks up at a CCTV camera on the corner of building. It follows him as he walks. He dials his phone. It RINGS. INTERCUT WITH: INT. TED GRANTS GYM TED GRANT stops punishing his punching bag to look at his phone. It buzzes and blinks the name The Brat. Just as Ted answers Bruce hits a button on his phone and the 00:00:57 seconds count down. BRUCE We have 57 seconds. INTERCUT WITH: INT. SOCIETY SURVEILLANCE ROOM A masked society member, THE WATCHER, sits staring at a series of monitors in a dark room. On one of the monitors Bruce walks talking on his phone. The recording of Bruce and Silvers earlier conversation plays. The Society is none the wiser. Hey. BRUCE (V.O.)

SILVER (V.O.) Ynow. I stopped by your dorm earlier. Back to Bruce and Grant.

15. GRANT You didnt show up for training. BRUCE Ive had a hard time getting away from my schoolwork. Besides, Im being watched, remember? GRANT How could I forget... BRUCE Listen, I just gave my phone an upgrade and used it to pull an NSA on Falcone... Bruce! GRANT

BRUCE ... I havent worked out the kinks so the audio is pretty messy but I started a scrub to clean it up. From what I could hear.... GRANT Dammit, kid. I told you to lay low. Youre not ready... BRUCE I heard the name Kane. Kane? GRANT

BRUCE As in Jacob Kane. Colonel Jacob Kane. A Gotham socialite with a direct line to military grade weapons. GRANT Why do you think that? BRUCE Cause... hes a... colonel. GRANT Thats a pretty big assumption. BRUCE Well, whatever they want the colonel for its gonna be good for The Society and bad for Bludhaven.

16. GRANT Right. Thanks for the intel, kid. But stay out of it. Youre not ready. BRUCE Not ready? Where have you been the past month? GRANT Another kid was found, this one outside of Bludhaven High, he was beaten to death by a gang of masked hoodlums. BRUCE Was it Society? Could be. GRANT

BRUCE Ill look into it. GRANT Look into... That was a warning not a... Are you even listening to me? BRUCE Dont worry. I dont plan on playing pinata anytime soon. GRANT Bruce, back off of this one. Im warning you. Im not going to keep training you if... Bruce looks at his phone. The counter 3... 2... 1... BRUCE Were out of time. Bruce hangs up. The Society Watcher hears the last of the pre-recorded conversation. SILVER (V.O.) Tomorrow it is. And Ill hold you to it, Wayne.

17. BRUCE (V.O.) See you then. CUT TO: BLACK ACT TWO: INT. BRUCES DORM/BEDROOM - NIGHT (THE NEXT DAY) Bruces phone has a status bar that reads 99% complete. Bruce sits at his desk, he has a book in front of him that he doesnt even look at. Instead he focuses on the holographic screens projecting in front of him. He taps the holograms and sweeps his hands controlling the content. One theme seems to be on all of them-- THE COLONEL, Jacob Kane. BRUCE (to self) What do they want with Kane? Harvey enters holding a course book. HARVEY Bruce! Check it out. Bruce hits a switch and the screens blink out. It appears that hes just at his desk reading. HARVEY (CONTD) Basket weaving 101. Its pass/fail, theres barely any homework and its not full. Harvey tosses the booklet to Bruce. BRUCE Sounds exhilarating. HARVEY Better than getting kicked out of school. What are you working on? BRUCE Just... studying... for Mondays exam. HARVEY You need help? I know that book backwards and forward, which might help since youre reading it upside down.

18. Bruce flips the book around. BRUCE Ive got it. HARVEY You know, if you are feeling overwhelmed... BRUCE Thanks, really, but Im just going to sit here and pound through this book-Harvey starts out the door but something is nagging him. HARVEY Bruce. Theres something... Can we talk about something? Bruce can sense Harvs serious tone. Yeah. BRUCE

HARVEY I... The thing is. I was looking for the dog earlier and... Bruces phone beeps. 100% complete. BRUCE Just one sec. Bruce picks it up and puts it to his ear. ALBERTO FALCONE (V.O.) We move on to the next on the list. From what I hear this Kane has potential. THUG (V.O.) Where do we-ALBERTO FALCONE (V.O.) Gotham is hosting a martial arts competition. Thats where well get Kane. BRUCE Shoot. Ive gotta go.

19. Bruce types through a menu on his phone and chooses GPS Scrambler. INTERCUT WITH: INT. SOCIETY SURVEILLANCE ROOM The Society watcher looks at a screen with the layout of Bruces dorm and two dots. One is labelled BW and the other HD. The BW heads towards the door then statics for a second and jumps back to the desk. Right. Bruce exits. HARVEY (CONTD) So, I guess thats a no on the basket weaving? INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/LOBBY - NIGHT The Colonel walks with his daughter, Kathy KANE, towards the girls locker room entrance. They walk past one of Alberto Falcones thugs, THUG #1, acting casual. The thug watches. KANE You didnt have to come, you know? THE COLONEL Im glad to be here. KANE Its not even the finals. First day were basically going through the motions. THE COLONEL Maybe I wanted to see my little girl embarrass some dopes twice her size. Kane opens the locker room door. Hold on... Kane stops. THE COLONEL (CONTD) Im proud of you. THE COLONEL (CONTD) HARVEY

20. Kane rolls her eyes and heads into the locker room. The Colonel is left alone with Thug #1... INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/GIRLS LOCKER ROOM Kane strides to her locker. She is beaming with pride. Then she sees it. Her bag falls. Her shoulders sink. Tears well in her eyes. Her locker is marked with graffiti. It reads, RUGMUNCHER. INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/LOBBY Bruce enters the lobby of the schools gym with his hood pulled over his head. Cheering can be heard in the next room. Bruce walks towards the entrance of the gymnasium. As he opens the door, Alberto Falcone and his thugs come into view. They are sitting in the bleachers right by the door. Bruce would have to walk right in front of them to enter the gym. BRUCE (to self) Nope. Bruce turns around and looks around the lobby. A teen with a camera around his neck and a notepad in his hand, REPORTER, interviews an adult in sweats (COACH). A press badge hangs from the reporters waist. REPORTER What is the value of the Tri-State Martial Arts Tournament to the student body? COACH This multi-day tournament gives these talented students a way to-Bruce brushes past the reporter. The reporter stumbles. Excuse me. BRUCE

Bruce swipes the press badge. He continues towards a set of doors in the back of the lobby labelled Locker Room.

21. SECURITY GUARD (O.S.) Whoa, whoa, whoa. A SECURITY GUARD grabs Bruce as he tries to enter the locker room. SECURITY GUARD (CONTD) Are you allowed back here? BRUCE Yeah, Im press. Im... Bruce reads the badge then shows it to the guard. Malone. BRUCE (CONTD)

The guard lets go and Bruce enters the locker room. INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/GYM Kathy KANE, dressed in black and red gi, stretches. She looks at her name on the leader board. One match left and she wins the day. ANNOUNCER Next to compete. Central Citys Gerry Strauss and Gothams Katherine Kane. Kane looks towards the announcer then towards her father in the stands. COLONEL KANE smiles and nods. Kane tries to smile but still looks shaken from the hate crime on her locker. She nods. Bruce peeks out the windowed doors that lead to the gym from the locker room. He has a clear view of Falcone and his thugs. Bruces phone vibrates. Hes got a call. The name Silver pops onto the screen. Crap. BRUCE

Bruce ignores the call and looks back into the gym. As Kane approaches the mat Alberto Falcone pulls out his phone and puts an ear bud in his ear. We follow Bruces gaze from Alberto to Colonel Kane. BRUCE (CONTD) Why is he recording the colonel?

22. The match starts. Kane lands hit after hit. Its a massacre. Bruce uses his phone. We jump into the 3-D rendering of the gym awash with the glowing lights of WiFi signals. Bruce zooms into Albertos phone and takes it over. Bruce now sees and hears exactly what Falcone is recording. ON SCREEN: Kathy Kane beats her competitor into submission. BRUCE (CONTD) (to self) Theyre not after the colonel. Theyre after his daughter. ALBERTO FALCONE (ON PHONE) See. What did I tell you? DARK FIGURE (ON PHONE) Shes good. But not right. Kane hurls Gerry Strauss over her shoulder and SLAMS him to the mat. The REFEREE jumps to the ground and counts him out. REFEREE 3... 2... 1... The crowd goes wild! Kane stands, looks towards her father and smiles. This is exactly what she needed to feel better. She lends Gerry Strauss a hand. He sneers. Fine then. KANE

Kane turns to walk away. GERRY STRAUSS Heading back to your locker for a little lite reading? Kane stops. She wheels around and kicks Gerry Strauss in the face. The crowd reacts in horror. The referee grabs Kane by the arm. REFEREE Disqualification! DARK FIGURE (ON PHONE) I take it back. Shes perfect. Bruce pockets his phone and turns to make his escape. BAM! He runs smack dab into Ted Grants burly chest. BRUCE I can explain.

23. Off of Grants angry face: INT. TED GRANTS GYM - NIGHT Bruce takes a full on punch, knocking him to the ground. GRANT Keep your hands up. We pull out to see the two are sparring in Grants dingy, old boxing ring. Bruce stands up and gets back in fighting position. BRUCE When I do that you hit me in the stomach. GRANT Maybe if you made more time to come down here and train youd know how to protect your-Grant feigns a strike at Bruces head then POPS him one in the gut. BODY! Bruce doubles over. BRUCE They werent after Colonel Kane. They were recording Katherine Kane, his daughter. Bruce is back up and ready to go. They continue to spar. GRANT I told you to let that go. BRUCE Falcone was on the phone with somebody. Maybe I can trace the call-GRANT Let... it.. GO! Grant swings a doosy right at Bruces nose. He blocks. GRANT (CONTD)

24. BRUCE What if they are trying to recruit her? The kid that was beat to death-was he an athlete? If he was? GRANT

BRUCE Maybe he didnt pass the final test. GRANT BRUCE, youre one class short of staying at Bludhaven Academy, youre failing the classes you are taking, AND YOURE PUTTING YOURSELF IN DANGER WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING! Grant throws Bruce across the ring. BRUCE So Im not a great fighter yet. Whats the harm in-GRANT Did I ever tell you about how I broke every bone in my body? BRUCE You fight as long as you have and-GRANT At the same time. Oh. BRUCE

GRANT Keep your hands up. BRUCE She could be in danger. GRANT Ill talk to the girl. YOULL go back to your dorm and try to pass at least one class. Bruce begins gaining on Grant as he talks, swinging until Grants back is to the ropes:

25. BRUCE You? I got it when it was Kane senior but what makes you think a 16 year old girl is going to talk to you about a secret society of homicidal avian enthusiasts? Bruce lands a punch on Grants jaw. Grant doesnt flinch. OW! BRUCE (CONTD)

GRANT Ill give you one shot. Bruce smiles. BRUCE One shot is all I-Grant punches Bruce in the face. CUT TO: BLACK GRANT Keep your hands up! EXT. BLUDHAVEN GIRLS ACADEMY - MORNING Girls in plaid skirts, maroon blazers and full book bags meander around campus. INT. BLUDHAVEN GIRLS ACADEMY/ADMISSIONS OFFICE Kane wears more comfortable attire when not on the mat: jeans, leather jacket, and dark make-up. She sits across from an empty chair. Marcus Falcone enters. MARCUS FALCONE Im sorry that Im late. Splitting my time between here and Bludhaven Academy wreaks havoc on my schedule. KANE You work at the boys school, too? MARCUS FALCONE That I do. Would you like a soda or...

26. KANE No. Thanks. MARCUS FALCONE So... Katherine Kane. Call me, Marcus. He extends his hand. KANE Thanks. Its just Kane. MARCUS FALCONI Kane! I feel kind of silly trying to recruit you to our school with scholarship when you are such a prominent Gotham City family. KANE Its not the scholarship that interests me. I just... would like the change of scenery. MARCUS FALCONE Not the best reason but to get you on our team Im willing to accept it. Why? Sorry. KANE MARCUS FALCONE

KANE Why are you so eager for me to attend your school? My grades... MARCUS FALCONE Are inconsequential. To be perfectly candid were interested in your abilities on the mat. So, knowing that, are you still interested? Kane gives a long hard think. She suspiciously eyes Marcus. Then... KANE Is there a dress code? Marcus smiles.

27. EXT. BLUDHAVEN GIRLS ACADEMY Bruce, sporting a fresh black eye, lurks outside the admin building at the girls campus. He has an earbud in his ear and points his phone at the door. Kane exits. She turns around to shake the hand of the man who opened the door for her. Bruce uses his phone to zoom into the mans face and take a picture. The phone analyzes the picture and a mug shot pops up on his screen: MARCUS FALCONE BRUCE Falcones uncle. Kane walks off and Bruce goes to intercept her. BRUCE (CONTD) Youre Katherine Kane. KANE Its just Kane. BRUCE I saw you fight yesterday. KANE What? Are you going to ask me to beat up whoever did that to you? Kane points at his black eye. BRUCE Would if you could. KANE I thought you said you saw me fight? BRUCE Maybe we can get a quick cup of coffee. KANE Youre not my type, suit. BRUCE Please, its really important. Bruce grabs her arm. She pushes it away without noticing the bug he slipped into her jacket pocket. Back off! KANE

28. SILVER (O.S.)

Bruce!

Bruce recognizes the voice. He freezes. Silver? BRUCE

SILVER Oh my god, your eye. BRUCE I didnt keep my hands up. What? SILVER

Kane laughs at Bruces flustered demeanor. She turns to leave. SILVER (CONTD) Im Silver St. Cloud. You are? Leaving. KANE

Bruce begins to follow her until: Bruce. SILVER

Bruce keeps an eye on Kane as she walks away. BRUCE Silver. I... came by to apologize for missing our date. I was... SILVER You fell asleep studying. Harvey told me. BRUCE Harvey told you. Thank you, Harvey. SILVER I have to admit, I thought you would call me sooner about rescheduling. BRUCE I wanted to in person. Kane gets into Falcones firebrand red sports car. Falcone drives. Theyre gone. Bruce sinks.

29. SILVER Well, dont look too excited about it. Are you feeling alright? BRUCE Friday! Lets meet up on Friday. Ive got to run. Bruce leaves. BRUCE (CONTD) Ill call you! Bruce jumps into a beat-up old rust bucket of a car. Ted Grant is in the drivers seat. GRANT Youre girlfriend? BRUCE Not exactly. GRANT Shes cute. Bruce pulls out his phone and we see a tracking dot on a map courtesy of the tracker that he slipped into Kanes pocket. Drive. BRUCE

EXT. DOWNTOWN (BLUDHAVEN) CAR CHASE. Grant dodges in and out of traffic trying to catch up to Falcone. Bruce stares at the tracking dot. BRUCE Right at this light. Grant turns right at we see a glint of Falcones car. Falcone drives much more recklessly. Bruce listens to his cell phone. STATIC. BRUCE (CONTD) Were not close enough to get a signal. GRANT You and your toys.

30. BRUCE You never used any gadgets? GRANT Just one. Youre sitting in it. BRUCE Then Id think you be a better driver Grant slams on the brakes. Bruces head SLAMS into the dashboard. BRUCE (CONTD) OW! What the? Bruce looks up to see an elderly woman pushing a grocery cart across the crosswalk. Grant shrugs. Bruces phone blinks SIGNAL LOST. GRANT I forgot to ask. How did your talk with Kane go? CAR CHASE END. CUT TO: BLACK INT. TED GRANTS GYM - NIGHT Bruce watches the recorded footage from Kathy Kanes earlier fight being projected on the wall. He controls the feed with his cell phone. BRUCE Why athletes? An all state wrestler? Championship Tai Kwon Do fighter? Grant rummages around in a storage closet. He pokes his head out. GRANT You got that old piece of junk working. BRUCE Theyre being tested. Grant goes back into the storage closet.

31. GRANT (O.S.) Maybe next you can work on my cable box. BRUCE Or your car. Grant pokes his head out, offended. What? GRANT

BRUCE Whats with the campus tour? Grant pops back into the supply closet. GRANT (O.S.) Dont you have somewhere to be. Unless... BRUCE

Bruce opens another window on the projector. BLUDHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL is written on the banner of the window. Bruce taps the log in and a bunch of numbers and letters filter through until the student records open. Bruce types in Ty Johnson. BRUCE (CONTD) Ty Johnson... GRANT Be sure to hit the lights on the way out. Ty Johnsons school records pop up. We focus on the last sentence at the bottom: transfer - Bludhaven Academy. BRUCE Ty Johnson was in the process of transferring to Bludhaven Academy on a full scholarship. Grant enters with a duffel bag. GRANT Interesting. BRUCE If Im right we are running out of time.

32. GRANT You gave it your shot. Im up to bat. Grant opens his duffel bag. BRUCE What are you doing? GRANT Packing for surveillance. Grant stuffs a bag of cheese puffs in his duffel bag. BRUCE You going to break out the old cat suit too? Grant glares at him and heads to the front door. Damn. BRUCE (CONTD)

GRANT Youre worried that whoever killed this kid and the others is going after the colonels daughter next. They attack at night. Ill watch the girl at night. Maybe Ill even get to bust some heads. BRUCE You still think stalking a 16 year old girl is a viable plan? GRANT Got something better? BRUCE Yeah. I want to turn her. If they let her in she could be an inside line. GRANT And have her risk this initiation? She could get killed. BRUCE We warn her. If shes prepared she stands a much better chance. GRANT And if the society sees you talk to her theyll kill her either way. (MORE)

33. GRANT (CONT'D) Its no good. Were going with my plan. BRUCE I need a way to talk to Katherine Kane without The Society getting suspicious. GRANT I quit. Find a new trainer. BRUCE You cant quit. I dont have my license yet. Grant opens the front door. Mrs. Harriett stands on the other side, hand raised as if about to knock. Bruce swipes his phone and the school records disappear. The fight remains projecting on the wall. Mr. Smith. Harriett? MRS. HARRIETT GRANT

MRS. HARRIETT Mister Wayne, I suspected you would be here. BRUCE Sorry... I... MRS. HARRIETT And its Thursday. Class registration ends tomorrow. I trust you have found time to fill your schedule. Grant gives Bruce grin. Hes enjoying this too much. BRUCE Actually, I was just talking to Mr. Smith about my new elective. What? GRANT

Bruce looks towards the fight projecting on the wall. BRUCE Im funding the first martial arts program at Bludhaven Academy.

34. Grant drops his duffel bag and rubs his brow, frustrated. Dammit. GRANT FADE TO: BLACK ACT THREE: INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/GYM - NIGHT The bleachers are full. Tension is high. Three mats are set up to operate at the same time on the gym floor. Bludhaven Nighthawks, Central City Tigers, Gotham City Knights, and various other public schools are represented--competitors, mascots, cheerleaders, cheering friends and family. ANNOUNCER Welcome to day three of the 2013 Tri-State Mixed Martial Art Finals! Today our finest athletes from over 25 participating schools will compete to crown this years champion!!! Spirits are high. The only serious face seems to be Kathy Kane who sits on the Gotham City bench. The Gotham coach waves her in and she approaches the center mat. One thing. GRANT (PRELAP) INTERCUT WITH: INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/LOCKER ROOM Grant tapes Bruces wrists. Bruce looks nervous. Yeah. BRUCE

GRANT You have one month of training under your belt. These kids have been working for years to get here. BRUCE You think I cant do it?

35. GRANT I think you deserve whatever happens to you out there. BRUCE I dont need to take home the gold. I just need to talk to Katherine long enough to warn her about the Society without raising suspicion, gain her trust so I can recruit her as a potential spy on their operation, and convince her that Im not a crazy person. Grant motions to the window. Bruce looks out. Kane throws and body slams her opponent. The ref counts them out. REFEREE 3... 2... 1... Grant smiles. Godspeed. Thanks. GRANT BRUCE

INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/GYM Kane high fives a teammate, GOTHAM TEAMMATE, and sits next to her. GOTHAM TEAMMATE Nice pin. Now if only Central City would lose one today well have a shot at the gold. Kane follows her teammates gaze to a Central City Tiger pounding a poor rival. The ref breaks up their fight, TOOTING on his whistle. KANE (O.S.) Im not so sure thats going to happen. GOTHAM TEAMMATE It better. Ben Turners in your bracket.

36. KANE Ive been waiting all year to school that bigot. Kane looks at the leader board, a large bracket with more than fifty names. An assistant coach takes her name and advances it one bracket. There is no opponent yet. One step back is Central City - Ben Turner and Bludhaven Academy Bruce Wayne. KANE (CONTD) Whos Bruce Wayne? Hey! BRUCE (O.S.)

Bruce approaches the Gotham City team bench. Kane sees his gi embroidered with his school name Bludhaven Academy. You? KANE

BRUCE We need to talk. KANE How did you even get here? BRUCE I pre-funded the tournament for the next five years. Kane and her teammate share a look. The teammate walks off. GOTHAM TEAMMATE Im gonna go warm up. KANE Ill join you. Kane stands to leave. She sticks around for just a moment to say: KANE (CONTD) I hope your money was worth it because you are heading home early. Huh? BRUCE

KANE Your first match is against Ben Turner.

37. Kane looks past Bruce, who follows her gaze. A mascot wearing a karate gi and tiger headpiece dances around for the crowd. Is it the Bronze Tiger? BRUCE (O.S.) The mascot? The real BEN TURNER sits on Central Citys bench behind the mascot. The mascot gets a little too close and Turner pushes him. The mascot eats it. KANE No. The serious case of roid rage that just introduced his ass to the mat. Bruce is paralyzed for a moment. Right. BRUCE

Kane, across the room now, is approached by Alberto. Bruce observes them but hangs back. They look chummy. INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/LOCKER ROOM Ben comes out of the bathroom. Bruce talks to him as he makes his way back towards the gym. BRUCE Hey! Youre Ben Turner. And? TURNER

BRUCE And I need to fight Katherine Kane. Well, I need to talk to her but she wont go near me so I need to fight her instead. TURNER Then fight her. Bruce bars his exit. BRUCE Wait. I need to beat you first. Turner laughs.

38. TURNER Get out of my way. BRUCE Ben... please. If I dont get a chance to talk to Katherine Kane she might get hurt or even killed. TURNER Why should I care about that suckerpunching rugmuncher? BRUCE Rugmuch...? Bruce is stricken with a realization. BRUCE (CONTD) Not her type. TURNER You want my advice? Sure. BRUCE

TURNER Fall down and dont get up or I will hurt you. Turner forces past Bruce, slamming him against the wall, and exits the locker room. BRUCE On to Plan B then. INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/GYM Bruce approaches Grant in their lonely Bludhaven Academy area. No fans. No family. Just Grant. He tosses Grant his gloves. BRUCE I need the other gloves. GRANT Other gloves? BRUCE The other gloves. He digs through the duffel bag and pulls out a pair of gloves and then marches back towards the mat.

39. GRANT

Bruce, No!

INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/GYM/MAT The Central City crowd cheers and jeers. ANNOUNCER (INTERCOM) Benjamin Turner, Central City High. Turner looks scary, large, and ready to throw down a beating. He approaches the mat. Kane stands at the mats edge. Kane. Turner. TURNER KANE

TURNER You kicked my teammate while he was down. Sue me. KANE

TURNER I think Ill teach you a lesson instead. ANNOUNCER (INTERCOM) Bruce Wayne, Bludhaven Academy. Bruce walks towards the mat, discarding his old gloves and putting on his new ones. Kane nods towards him. KANE Beat the trust fund and youll get your shot. TURNER See you on the mat, rugmuncher! Kane walks off, passing Bruce. KANE Dont hurt yourse-Bruce walks right by her. He punches his gloves together. The sound of a charging flash WHINES. The gloves light up ever so slighting.

40. REFEREE

Shake.

Bruce and Turner touch gloves. ZAP! Turner flies back from an electric charge bursting from Bruces gloves. Everyone looks confused and there is a moment of quiet. Then the CHEERS erupt. ANNOUNCER Next round. Katherine Kane of Gotham High against Bruce Wayne, Bludhaven Academy. Grant looks on disapprovingly. Bruce shrugs. CUT TO: BLACK INT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/GYM - LATER Grant lets a little bit of his anger out while tightening Bruces gloves. Ow! Too tight? BRUCE GRANT

BRUCE I had to do it. GRANT Youre not going to electrocute her too, are ya? BRUCE Im not planning on it. ANNOUNCER (INTERCOM) Bruce Wayne. Bludhaven Academy. Bruce stands up and heads towards the mat. GRANT Id tell you I was rooting for you. BRUCE Dont bother.

41. GRANT Remember... Keep your hands up. (to self) Not that it will make a difference. Grant is all smiles. He knows whats about to happen. Bruce enters the ring. He looks over to the Central City bench. Ben Turner is talking in hushed tones to his coach. Hes recovering with an ice pack on the back of his neck. Bruce doesnt show an ounce of guilt. ANNOUNCER (INTERCOM) Katherine Kane. Gotham High School. Kane enter the ring. Shake. REFEREE

Bruce and Kane bump fists and Kane jumps into her stance. Bruce is slower on the draw and takes a POP! to the face. His head whips around and he sees Grant. Grant raises his fists with a grin. BRUCE I just want to talk. Sure. KANE

Bruce is slow to block two more strikes--POP! POP! BRUCE What has Falcone told you? KANE Thats none of your business. BAM! SMACK! She gives him two more. BRUCE Did he tell you about The Society? KANE Is this how you beat Ben Turner? You bored him unconscious? BRUCE I beat him because I am a better fighter.

42. KANE

Sure.

Bruce goes on the offensive. Each of his strikes Kane blocks with ease. BRUCE Tell... me... what... they... KANE Im done talking. She uses the forward momentum of his last punch to flip him. BRUCE WANT-AAAHHHH. He SLAMS hard on the mat. Kane pins him. REFEREE 3... 2... 1... Crap. BRUCE

INT. BRUCES DORM - LATER Harvey reclines on the couch with an anatomy book opened to a diagram of a face with exposed muscles. Tommy Elliot paces back and forth in the room. HARVEY How many muscles can be found in the human face? TOMMY 43 have been identified. HARVEY Youre gonna make a hell of a surgeon. Thanks. TOMMY

Ace comes out of Bruces room and approaches Tommy. The sight of him seems to jog Harvs memory. HARVEY Have you seen anything... unusual on campus?

43. TOMMY This is Bludhaven Academy, Harv. Unusual doesnt begin to explain it. HARVEY I think Falcones up to something. TOMMY Are you and Wayne gonna start your post-curfew escapades again? HARVEY He hasnt been the most social lately. Harveys phone rings. Its across the room next to Tommy. Tommy looks to Harvey. TOMMY Speak of the devil. HARVEY Just put it on speaker. He does. HARVEY (CONTD) Hey, Bruce. INTERCUT WITH: EXT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/ALLEY Bruce, no longer in athletic clothes but rather in his school uniform, waits outside the gym. He keeps his eyes on the back exit. BRUCE Harv. I need a favor. HARVEY Ask away. I am forever in your debt. BRUCE Silver is going to be coming over any minute now for our date but Im stuck in Gotham. Harvey drops the book and scurries over to his phone. He takes it off speaker and puts it to his ear. Tommy looks hurt.

44. Harvey takes the call into Bruces room for some privacy. Tommy creeps towards the door to listen. INTERCUT WITH: INT. BRUCES DORM/BEDROOM HARVEY You need a ride? BRUCE No, I just need to stick around and talk to someone. HARVEY Someone? Who? BRUCE Just this girl at the competition. HARVEY Youre blowing off Silver, again, to talk to some chick you just met. Tommy looks surprised... then relieved. BRUCE Its not like that. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. Tommy answers the door. Silver is on the other side dressed ready to go out. Hey. Tommy. Hi. TOMMY SILVER

TOMMY I was just... studying... here. SILVER Is Bruce around? TOMMY He actually just called. Hes stuck in Gotham. Of course. SILVER

45. TOMMY I was just about to go pick him up. Maybe you want to come with? SILVER I think Im just gonna... TOMMY Cmon. Dont let a little bad luck keep you from your date. Im not the worst person to be stuck in the car with for half an hour. Silver thinks about it... INT. BRUCES DORM/BEDROOM BRUCE Just ask her to wait and Ill be there as soon as I can. HARVEY Ill tell her to wait here. No problem. Thanks. BRUCE

HARVEY Bruce... Does this have to do with Falcone and his thugs? Bruce waits a long moment before he answers... Is he going to let Harv in? BRUCE Harv, I got to go. Bruce hangs up. HARVEY Bruce?... Hello? Harvey heads back to the: INT. BRUCES DORM/LIVING ROOM HARVEY (O.S.) Was that... Harvey re-enters and sees theyve gone.

46. HARVEY (CONTD) ... Silver? Does nobody every say bye on this freakin campus. EXT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL/ALLEY Kane exits the building wearing her regular badass from the other side of the tracks apparel--tight jeans, leather jacket. She also has a gold medal she casually twirls in her hand. Katherine! BRUCE

KANE JESUS! What is wrong with you! BRUCE Im not trying to hit on you. I swear. KANE Gotta admit a little comforted but no less creeped out. Bruce points to the medal. BRUCE Hey, you won! KANE You cheated! BRUCE Just so I could get five minutes in the ring to talk to you. KANE You didnt last five minutes. BRUCE Just give me five minutes without hitting me or trying to walk off. KANE You cheated me out of my chance to settle things with Turner. Bye! Kane walks off.

47. BRUCE Katherine! Theres a gang of mask wearing deviants beating high school athletes to death and I think your their next target! Kane stops. KANE Youre insane. She turns around to face Bruce. She sees behind him four heavy built high-schoolers in tiger masks and letterman jackets block off the alley. They carry bats, chains and other potentially deadly fighting implements. One of them even does that annoying thing with the beer bottles from The Warriors. Bruces eyes go wide. Kane turns to see four more blocking her end of the alley. BRUCE This is gonna sound weird but... These arent the guys Im talking about. CUT TO: BLACK ACT FOUR: EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Bruce and Kane stand back to back in fighting stance. The mask wearing ruffians close in on them, blocking all escape. BRUCE Who did you piss off? KANE How do you know theyre after me? TIGER #1 Ruuuugmuncher! The tigers LAUGH and CACKLE menacingly. They close in. KANE Well, that settles it. Eh... BRUCE

48. Yes. Bruce Wayne eats pussy. TIGER #2 Goin somewhere, lesbo? A tiger thug throws a glass bottle at Kane. It SHATTERS at her feet. KANE You should get out of here. BRUCE Im not leaving you to get gaybashed by a gang of furries. KANE Thatd make me feel a lot better if I knew you werent useless in a fight. BRUCE I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Another masked ruffian raises a tire iron and charges at Kane. She braces until... Stop! TURNER

The circle parts as Ben Turner makes his way in. Hes either brave enough or stupid enough to actually show his face. KANE Cant fight your own battles, Turner? TURNER Theyre just here to keep you from running away. Turner motions towards Bruce. TURNER (CONTD) You cant use your little buddy to get out of it this time. BRUCE (offended) Little? KANE (offended) Buddy?

49. TURNER Just you and me, Kane. Then them. Turner motions towards his armed henchmen. He slides on a pair of brass knuckles. Nothing about this fight is fair. KANE You really this butt-hurt about taking home the bronze? Kane tosses Turner her gold medal. TURNER Keep it. Im here to teach you some respect. KANE Youre here to feed your own ego. Bruce reaches into the pocket of his uniform and pulls out a piece of tech. TURNER Im here to kick your dyke ass! Kane is infuriated. She goes to charge Turner but Bruce stops her. Wait! BRUCE

He presses a button on the tech and it lights up blue with the familiar WEEN of a charging gadget. BRUCE (CONTD) Lets even the odds. He throws it at Turners feet and shields Kane and his own faces behind his jacket. The gadget FIZZLES out then POOFS! A misfire. Bruce and Kane face to face under his coat: KANE What the hell was that? BRUCE That was supposed to be louder. KANE Whats wrong with you?

50. BRUCE And brighter. BAM! Turner dragon kicks Bruce, who falls to the ground. Then he throws a backwards roundhouse towards Kane who jumps back. The Tigers start WOOTING and LAUGHING. The next strike is at Bruce on the ground. Kane blocks it. Kane and Bruce double team Turner. Turner thrashes like a beast blocking every attack. BAM! SMACK! POW! He grabs Bruces punch and hurls him into the ring of tiger masked thugs. Hold him. TURNER

The thugs restrain him by the arms. Turner turns his fury solely on Kane. She looks scared. She backsteps blocking, SMACK, THUD, THWACK! Until she is stuck back pressed back against a dumpster. Turner winds for the killing punch. Katherine! BRUCE

Bruce tries to rip himself free but catches a bat to the gut instead. Another tiger thug pulls a switchblade and puts it to Bruces throat. Turner follows through with his swing! Kane back-flips, landing on top of the dumpster. Turner punches a dent into the metal. BWWWWONG!!! AH! Turner smiles. TURNER (CONTD) Now were talkin. SMACK! Kane kicks the smirk off of Turners face. She flips over Turner and BAM! kicks him in the back. The tide has turned and Kane wails on Turner. Punches. Kicks. Turner wasnt expecting this amount of skill and fury. She pummels him until Turner slumps over. KANE This dyke ass just kicked yours in the dirt. One last SMACK! And Turners down for the count. TURNER

51. Kane looks around. The other tigers are converging on Kane. The tiger with the blade pulls back to shank Bruce. WEEEEEEEEEN! The piece of tech Bruce tried to use earlier lights back up, charging. Bruce and Kane share a look. Bruce shuts his eyes tight and shields his ears. Kane follows suit. FLASH! BANG! The tigers are disoriented by the device. Bruce breaks free. Our heroes together do some major kung fu action taking out tigers in pairs, ripping weapons from their hands and using them on their owners. Kane drops to one knee to knock out a thug. The last tiger charges Kane with a bat. She, on the ground, puts her arms up to block. Bruce grabs the tiger by the shoulder, spins him and-BRUCE Keep your hands UP! POW! Hes out. BRUCE (CONTD) Youre welcome. Bruce helps Kane to her feet. Kane turns away to brush herself off. KANE Thanks but I didnt need your-She looks up and Bruce is gone. She is alone with the score of unconscious bodies. We see her surprise. Did he just pull a Batman? -- help... KANE (CONTD)

No. Bruce comes from behind the dumpster with his backpack. BRUCE (O.S.) Sorry. I was just grabbing my bag.

52. KANE I didnt need your help... but I appreciate it. Maybe Ill see ya around. Kane turns to go. She gives the nearest tiger a kick to the gut on the way out. BRUCE Katherine. Please. Five minutes. Its Kane. KANE

Kane presents her hand and they shake, officially meeting. BRUCE Bruce Wayne. KANE Wayne, Kane... Kane, Wayne. You should go by Bruce. BRUCE Ill consider it. KANE I know a coffee place around the corner. Bruce stretches his neck, strained. BRUCE They have ice? HARVEY (PRELAP) I know you hate Falcone and his thugs as much as I do and youre the only one around here that has any idea what theyre up to... INT. BRUCES DORM/BEDROOM - LATER Harvey stares intensely. HARVEY (PRELAP) That being said you do have some communication issues. So were gonna play a game. Im going to ask you questions. Reverse to show Harvey holding Ace by the cheeks, staring into his puppy eyes.

53. HARVEY (CONTD) If the answer is yes, move your head like this... Harvey moves Aces head for him, up and down in an affirmative nod. HARVEY (CONTD) If the answer is no, like this... He moves Aces head back and forth the other way. HARVEY (CONTD) Now... Is there an evil secret society on campus bent on world domination? Ace lets out a WHIMPER, confused. Damn. HARVEY (CONTD)

Harvey turns his attention back towards his laptop that he has set up on Bruces desk. On it, web-encyclopedia articles about secret societies. HARVEY (CONTD) What the hell is going on? Harvey, frustrated, drops his head into the desk. Ace rummages through Bruces hamper, tucked away in the closet again. Ace! HARVEY (CONTD)

Harvey pulls him by the collar. A wad of clothes are sticking out of Aces mouth. The displaced clothes reveal an old piece of evidence that Bruce had hidden away in his closet. Harvey sees it. A MASK. The same as the Dark Figure on Albertos screen was wearing, except spray painted black and cracked across the side. Harvey looks confused and horrified. Could Bruce be part of this secret society? Bruce? HARVEY (CONTD)

SLAM. The front door closes and Harvey shuts the closet door and whips around.

54. Bruce walks in, exhausted. Harvey tries to act normal. HARVEY (CONTD) Youre back. Bruce walks right by and faceplants into his bed. BRUCE Silver left? HARVEY Yeah. How did karate go? You look... tenderized. BRUCE Started out rough but ended up being very productive. HARVEY You found time to study? Bruce sighs, grabs his chemical biology textbook, and sits back up. BRUCE What are you working on? HARVEY I was just looking into something. Harv closes his laptop quick before Bruce can see the screen. He gets up to leave. HARVEY (CONTD) I was about to head to The Cave. You gonna drop by when youre done? BRUCE Depends. How long does it take to memorize four chapters of Chemical Biology? That bad? HARVEY

BRUCE Have fun, Harv. HARVEY Cmon, Ace. Harvey feigns walking out and Ace follows. Harv double takes at the door.

55. HARVEY (CONTD) BRUCE

Bruce? Yeah.

HARVEY If you knew if anything bad was happening on campus, youd tell me, right? BRUCE Well... Yeah. HARVEY Im not suggesting anything you know anything. I just... Its... You can tell me if somethings wrong. BRUCE Everything is under control. Harveys dialog flows through the following... MONTAGE: EXT. DOJO - DAY (FLASH FORWARD) Bruce is still face to face with the tiger. HARVEY (PRELAP) Everyone gets in over their head sometimes, Bruce.

INT. THE CAVE - NIGHT (FLASHBACK) Were back with Bruce as he spying on Falcone. We see Bruces drive. HARVEY (PRELAP) ... whether they put themselves in a bad situation... EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT (FLASHBACK) Kane looks over her shoulder to see her armed, tiger-masked assailants.

56. HARVEY (PRELAP) ... or its just have a bout of crap luck. It happens. INT. GRANTS GYM - NIGHT (PRESENT) Grant drinking a beer, eating his cheesepuffs, and watching footage of Bruces fight on his recently repaired projector. HARVEY (PRELAP) Youre lucky, though. You have people who would do anything to help you out. On screen, Kane SLAMS Bruce to the mat. Grant laughs. EXT. COFFEE SHOP (FLASHBACK) Through a window we see Bruce and Kane sitting across from each other, chatting. Outside, Silver St. Cloud watches from Tommys passenger seat. Silver looks hurt. Tommy puts his arm around Silver to comfort her. What a dick. HARVEY (PRELAP) You just have to stop pushing us away all the damn time and give us a chance. EXT. DOJO - DAY (FLASHBACK) The Robin looks on horrified at Bruces predicament. Bruce remains face to face with the tiger. HARVEY (PRELAP) Were here to help you, Bruce. All you have to do is ask. Bruce looks over at The Robin. Help. BRUCE

Bruce jumps into a defensive stance. The tiger pounces at him. The Robin charges. The shadows of battle dance across Master Kirigi who smiles. Harv? BRUCE (PRELAP) (CONTD)

57. MONTAGE END. INT. BRUCES DORM/BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS Yeah. HARVEY

Bruce looks to Harvey, exhausted, bruised, and desperate. Is he going to let Harvey in? BRUCE Langstroms test. Do you think you could go over it with me? Harv hides his disappointment. HARVEY See. It didnt kill you to ask for a bit of help. BRUCE Alright. Nucleic acids... What the hell are they? Harvey chuckles but his eyes plead. He knows hes being kept in the dark. He looks over at the closet. The door is still cracked open. Inside we see the mask staring back at Harvey. Off of Harvey we: CUT TO: BLACK TEASER: INT. SCHOOL BATHROOM - NIGHT Ben Turner looks at his bloodied mug in the mirror. He puts a hand on either side of his nose and CRACK, realigns his nose. The lights shut off. What now? TURNER

He looks in the mirror. A man in owl mask stands behind him. He spins TURNER (CONTD) What the... SOCIETY NINJA #1 Prove yourself.

58. The lights flip back on. Turner is surrounded by owl masked ninjas. TURNER Who the hell are y-A ninja swings at Turner, POW. Another zooms past and SLICE! Turners arm is bleeding. AAHHH!!! TURNER (CONTD)

Third strike, a roundhouse begging to undo what little fix Turner did on his nose, get grabbed. Turner is pissed. PUNCH. SWEEP KICK. The ninjas keep coming. DOUBLE PUNCH. JUDO THROW! Turner slams a ninja into the mirror and it shatters. More ninjas. No fear. Turner grabs shards of glass and his blows become lethal. The ninjas continue to fall but this time they dont get up. Turner spins a double SLICE landing in his most feline of Bronze Tiger poses and its over. Turner is surrounded by bodies. CLAPPING come from the shadows. MARCUS FALCONE (O.S.) Even better than expected. Marcus Falcone steps into the light. His clapping slows to a halt. MARCUS FALCONE (CONTD) Ben Turner, how would you like to see the world? Turner smiles. THE ROBIN (PRELAP) Im surprised. EXT. DOJO - EVENING (FLASH FORWARD) Bruce PANTS, exausted. He has a slash from the Tigers claws across his chest. The Tiger saunters off shaking his head. Hes had enough. Dont be. BRUCE

The Robin, also winded, is on one knee.

59. THE ROBIN I thought youd never ask me for help. BRUCE I remembered something. What? THE ROBIN

BRUCE We all get in over our heads sometimes. Bruce offers a hand to The Robin and helps him up. THE ROBIN I meant, I never thought you would ask me for help. Glad to see Im finally gaining your trust. The Robin takes off his mask to revealing he is Ben Turner. BRUCE Dont get ahead of yourself, Turner. After everything youve done, Ill never trust you... TURNER So I guess were just killing time. BRUCE Until the day comes. Turner nods with the realization that Bruce will deal justice upon him, for what we have yet to learn. They are inevitable enemies. TURNER Until that day comes. MASTER KIRIGI (O.S.) (in Korean) You both survived. Master Kirigi is silhouetted by the setting sun. Very cool. MASTER KIRIGI (CONTD) Then you are ready for your next lesson. CUT TO:

60. SHADOW OF THE BAT THE END.