Scene 1:
Antarctica, barren wasteland. The Batwing whooshes by overhead with Rogue and Superman flying on either side of it. Cuts to the inside of the Batwing. Batman is piloting, Iceman is in the back seat.
Batman:
Are you sure we’re going the right way?
Iceman:
Of course Bats. X-Men visit and leave the Savage Land on practically a monthly basis. I’m surprised you don’t have maps of the place up in the Batcave by now.
Batman:
I’ve heard rumors, but until now I’ve never had a reason to come down here. I know a few scientists who would kill for five minutes with the local animal life.
Iceman:
Yeah well they’d probably be killed first, so just be careful.
Batman glares.
…right… forgot who I’m talking to.
Cuts to outside.
Rogue:
So Supes, why are we comin’ down this way now?
Superman:
A series of unnatural volcanic activity has created several hotspots in the Antarctic circle, right around the Savage Land.
Rogue:
You think someone’s tryin’ to expand the Lost World?
Superman:
Maybe. But the fact of the matter is if this continues it could result in a very dangerous acceleration of glacial melting.
Iceman:
<We’re almost there guys.>
Rogue:
This is my favorite part.
Over the horizon a sunken tropical jungle emerges. As they approach the Savage Land they go in low. A herd of apatosaurs crane their necks up and over as they go by. Below them they can see many species of dinosaurs grazing.
Superman:
This is incredible.
Rogue:
I know.
Cuts to the inside of the Batwing. Batman has many incoming “crafts” on radar.
Batman:
We’ve got company.
Suddenly the entire sky is filled with Pterosaurs, Sky Riders (Spear wielding Savage Land natives riding Pterosaurs) and black suited “Society of Shadows” ninjas with big white eyes on hovercrafts.
Batman pulls the wing into place and sets it to “hover”. He glares at one of the ninjas on his monitor.
Batman:
This is worse that we thought.
He activates a few switches then fires.
Iceman:
Hey!
The cannons on the Bat-Wing fire numerous Bat bolas which entrap ninjas and sky-riders.
Batman:
Relax. I wouldn’t use lethal force.
Iceman:
Yeah I know but, uh… they will!
A ninja fires a bazooka at them. Superman blocks the blast. A massive flock of Pterosaurs surround Superman. Meanwhile Rogue is taking out the hovercrafts with her claws. Cuts to back inside the Batwing. Batman is still taking out riders with bolas and blunt projectiles.
Superman:
<Batman. I’m trying to break through these animals but they’re swarming me. I’ll hurt them if I break through.>
Batman:
You’ve gotta be kidding me.
Superman:
<I’ll see what I can do.>
Cuts to Superman. He uses super breath (holding back a bit) to try and force some of the animals out of his way. A small path appears but as he starts to head down it a Pterosaur comes up right in front of him with large hypnotic eyes. Superman staggers back and falls unconscious. He falls out below the crowd. Rogue spots him and dives for his falling body. The swarm of Pterosaurs follows and they’re both lost in the mass of wings and screams.
Iceman:
That’s it. I gotta get out there.
Outside a ninja gets close to the Batwing’s underside and sets a small device on it.
Eject me Bats--
The device goes off sending high volts of electricity throughout the wing frying the circuits and controls. The Batwing plummets into the jungle below.
Opening Theme.
Scene 2:
The Batwing plummets through the thick foliage breaking branches, smashing through trees and it finally crashes violently on the jungle floor. Inside Batman is encased in solid ice. The ice dissolves away and Iceman and Batman exit.
Batman:
What… happened?
Iceman:
I know your plane had security measures but I figured they might not be working properly after that jolt hit us… so I kind of placed you in super-dense cryogenic protective ice until after impact.
Batman:
Good thinking.
Iceman:
Don’t mention it.
They look up. The sky is clearing of the ninjas and sky-riders. There’s no sign of Superman or Rogue.
Where did they g--
Batman shushes him and points behind him.
Batman:
(Whispering) Get down and stay quiet.
Batman gets up into a tree and Iceman submerges himself into a nearby stream. Several ninjas walk by searching.
Ninja 1:
They can’t have gotten far. Here is the Batman’s craft.
Ninja 2:
The master said the detective would be difficult to track. We may have his comrades but there is no room for mistakes. If Batman is loose in the Savage land he poses a threat to the plan. Subdue him, but do not kill him. We meet back at the citadel in three hours.
The ninja’s leave. Batman and Iceman come back out of hiding.
Batman:
You’ve been here before. What kind of a citadel would they be talking about?
Iceman:
The one Magneto built here a loooooong time ago… it’s since served as home sweet home for any number of omnipotent overlords. I think I can get us there. I just wonder who we’re dealing with this time.
Batman:
I know who we’re dealing with. Those ninjas are members of the society of assassins. And their “master” is easily one of the most dangerous men on the planet.
Scene 3:
The citadel. Superman and Rogue are in restraints and they have been brought to the throne room by Ubu to be presented before…
Superman:
Ras Al Ghul. What exactly are you doing here?
Ras Al Ghul:
So upfront and forceful. Not even and introduction for your friend here. Truly the detective must be rubbing off on you.
Rogue:
And who exactly is this bozo?
Talia enters from behind and shocks Rogue in the Back with a taser.
Talia:
How dare you speak about my father in such a way.
Rogue:
And who might you be?
Talia grabs Rogue by the Hair and pulls her face to face.
Talia:
I am Talia, daughter to the Demon, whom you will grow to respect.
Rogue:
Why I oughta--
Talia throws her back at Ras’ feet.
Ras Al Ghul:
In case you haven’t discovered it yet, your amazing abilities do not work here.
Superman:
How?
Ras Al Ghul:
Even you are vulnerable to science, Superman. This fortress was once the home of several of the keenest genetic minds on the planet. They figured a way to temporarily revert Homo Superior DNA to that of Homo Sapiens. I was curious to see if it could be altered to work on any super being. And as you can see I was successful.
Superman:
So you’re the one who’s been playing god with the Savage Land.
Ras Al Ghul:
“Savage Land”? It doesn’t surprise me that the rest of the so called civilized society would bestow such an ironic name on such a pristine place.
Superman:
It doesn’t surprise me to find you here, Ras. What exactly are you up to? Trying to melt the Icecaps again?
Ras Al Ghul:
Hardly. Do you have any idea what this place represents to me, Superman? A patch of Earth untainted. A ghost of the natural splendor of this once beautiful planet.
Rogue:
So you do want to expand it.
Ras Al Ghul:
Quite. I wish nothing more than to rejuvenate the world to match this wonderland. And the natives seem to support my project. I believe you’ve already met my new general, Sauron.
Sauron steps in out of the Shadows grinning. He is wearing a special belt that allows him the use of his powers in the citadel.
Rogue:
Long time no see, green skin.
Sauron:
Nothing like a little vengeance to tide me over until the rest of the world gets wiped out by my new boss. Glad you could make it Rogue.
Superman:
How in God’s name do you plan on turning back the clock on the entire planet?
Ras Al Ghul:
I admit I haven’t figured everything out yet. Rest assured it will be a long arduous process. Fortunately I have the patience and longevity to spearhead such a project. Perhaps I should show you phase one.
Ubu grabs Rogue and Superman by their neck restraints and follows Ras out the door. Talia and Sauron follow. They are lead to a large outdoor facility. They stand on a balcony overlooking several breeding pens full of velociraptors, tyrannosaurs, and other large deadly carnivores. They are being held by electrified fences etc. A la Jurassic Park.
Ras Al Ghul:
I’ve been learning a lot about these creatures over the past year or so. And I believe it is entirely possible using cutting edge growth hormones to breed their populace to 30-40 times their size in the next five years or so. After that it’s a matter of introducing them onto other continents along with local plant life.
Rogue:
That’s crazy. The climate here in the savage land may be suitable for dinosaurs, but out there it’s a cold harsh world for these fellas.
Superman:
You’re going to try and simulate the unique volcanic activity here on other continents.
Ras Al Ghul:
That‘s half right. This place is kept tropical due to strange alien climate control devices that are linked directly to the heat generated by natural underground volcanic mechanisms. While I don’t yet understand the subtlety of these devices I have been able to recreate the effect they can have on an arctic environment. Imagine what I can do to more temperate zones.
Rogue:
This is all insane.
Talia grabs Rogue by the hair again and speaks directly in her face.
Talia:
I warned you about infidelity!
Rogue spits directly in her face. Talia growls and smacks Rogue with the back of her hand.
Ras Al Ghul:
Enough! Ubu. Take our guest’s here to their holding cells. I’ll give you an hour to consider your options. If by then you will not join me. You will be executed.
Ubu takes them away.
Scene 4:
The Jungle. Iceman and Batman are traveling in the direction of the citadel. Iceman has made them both giant Ice Machetes with which to cut the foliage as they go.
Iceman:
I still say I should just ice slide us there. It’ll be way faster.
Batman:
No. We’ve already learned that the skies here are kept under constant surveillance. If they could stop the Batwing, Rogue, and Superman, then Imagine what they could do to us.
Iceman:
Point taken. It looks like this Racey Ghoul guy has plenty of local help. Hopefully we wont be running into--
A Tyrannosaur’s Roar and the cries of other Dinosaurs is heard in the background.
Batman:
I think we have other concerns. Follow m--
Batman starts to lead Iceman through a patch of trees but a herd of Iguanodons breaks through snapping down several small trees as they go. Batman and Iceman fall back. The Tyrannosaur follows the herd but loses them in the gaps of the trees. The Tyrannosaur looks over curiously at Batman and Iceman.
Iceman:
Oh boy.
Batman grabs Iceman and grapples them into the treetops.
Batman:
Once he sees that he can’t get to us he’ll probably--
The Tyrannosaur charges the tree shaking them out of it. Iceman reshapes his molecules reforming on the ground safely. Batman lands on the Tyrannosaur’s snout. It starts to jerk it’s head wildly as Batman hangs on. He flips over around its neck and pulls a handful of tranquillizer darts from his utility belt jamming them into its neck moments before he’s thrown off its back. Batman flips over and lands nimbly on his feet next to Iceman.
Iceman:
So, uh… can I freeze dry Godzilla here yet?
They continue to narrowly dodge the Tyrannosaur as Batman explains.
Batman:
No. We don’t want to leave an obvious trail. The tranqs I gave him should slow him down, but we’re dealing with one of the largest predators on land here. It’ll take a while.
Iceman:
So now what?!
Batman:
Run!
They run from the T-Rex, and it soon is worn out. Iceman leans against a tree and breathes a sigh of relief. A surprised look crosses Batman’s face.
Iceman:
What?
He looks up to see that they are surrounded by ninjas. Sauron descends onto the jungle floor with them.
Oh…
Sauron:
Quite the ruckus the three of you made back there. You will come quietly.
Batman:
I don’t think so.
Sauron:
Perhaps you misunderstood me.
Sauron’s eyes start to swirl hypnotically.
You WILL come quietly!
Iceman:
Batman don’t look at his eyes!
Iceman blasts Sauron with an ice beam. Sauron cries out in agony.
Sucks to be cold blooded, eh Sauron?
All of the ninjas start to attack. Batman and Iceman take them out, meanwhile Sauron recovers. As they fight one of the ninjas manages to slash off Batman’s utility belt with a sword and toss it into the jungle. Sauron charges the two heroes knocking Iceman over with a powerful blow from his wing then takes off grabbing Batman in his talons and carrying him off.
Iceman starts to give chase on an ice slide but several more ninjas on hover bikes show up to cover Sauron. The begin to fire pulse cannons at Iceman who staggers and falls backwards. He manages to create a second slide to safely guide him to the ground and lands back on the jungle floor. Iceman gets back up and rubs his head then looks over to the ground and sees Batman’s utility belt.
Scene 5:
Batman has been brought before Ras by Sauron.
Ras Al Ghul:
Welcome to the my citadel, Detective. Can I offer you a drink?
Batman:
You can can the hospitality, Ras. Why did you take me and leave Iceman?
Ras Al Ghul:
Because I have matters to discuss with you, and only you. The young mutant is not a concern of mine.
Batman:
You still want me to be your successor, don’t you?
Ras Al Ghul:
There is no man on Earth more qualified. I figured my climate control tests would draw the Justice League here, and consequently you. You see, Detective, this plan is perhaps my most promising, but alas it is rather lengthy and incredibly complex. I need to make sure someone will be there to ensure that it is completed in the event that something unfortunate should happen.
Batman:
But you know I would never go along with your sick vision of the future.
Ras Al Ghul:
Of course.
Ras turns, looks out a window and is silent for a moment.
I had always known that it would be you who takes control of my operations. You who would take care of Talia. And surely you have always known that I would not accept no as an answer.
Batman:
You could never make me believe in you Ras. I’m not like one of your mindless followers.
Ras Al Ghul:
Actually, it’s much simpler than you think. General Sauron.
Sauron grabs Batman and turns him to face his eyes.
Sauron:
Don’t resist, human. Succumb to my eyes. My will is yours. And you will listen.
Batman struggles to resist Sauron’s hypnotic stare. Camera pans into Sauron’s swirling eyes.
Scene 6:
The lagoon surrounding Ras’ Citadel. Iceman is ice sliding across it with Batman‘s utility belt slung over his shoulder. As he gets close he reverts to human form and slides off into the water skipping as he goes. He slows down and stops near a dock. Several guards come to investigate and Iceman ducks under the water.
Guard 1:
You hear that?
Guard 2:
Probably just that damn Pleaseiosaur again.
Guard 1:
Plesiosaur.
Guard 2:
Whatever.
They leave. Iceman pops up.
Iceman:
Let me guess. No powers in the citadel.
He climbs up onto the deck and hides behind some crates.
Still…
He clips Batman’s utility belt on.
…this could prove interesting.
Scene 7:
Superman and Rogue are in a cell together. Talia and Batman enter.
Rogue:
Batman!
Batman:
Hello, Rogue. Superman. I’ve talked to Ras. He’s not going to kill you.
Superman looks suspicious.
Superman:
What’s going on here?
Talia:
As friends of my beloved we will offer you a place in my father’s new world order.
Rogue:
Belo--what?!
Batman:
The world is full of pain and suffering. The Society of Shadows is seeking to correct this injustice.
Superman:
Batman!
He pulls him closer through the bars and whispers.
Bruce. This is insane!
Batman:
No. I’m seeing things much more clearly now. The Justice League was founded with good intentions, but our methods were futile. Only by cleansing the planet of the root problem can we create a better tomorrow.
Rogue:
Sauron--
Batman:
Has nothing to do with this. This is my own choice.
Talia:
Come, beloved. We shall deal with them in time. But for now we have much to celebrate.
They leave.
Superman:
This is Sauron’s work?
Rogue:
That would be my first guess. But the way they looked at each other… it’s like she’s got him under some kinda spell all her own.
Superman:
Batman and Talia have history from what I hear.
Rogue:
From what I hear…Batman and a lot of people have history…
Superman touches Rogue on the face with his bare hand.
Superman:
Don’t worry. We’ll find a way out.
Rogue removes her glove and grabs Superman’s hand off her face. They stand there looking into each other’s eyes holding onto one another’s hands.
Rogue:
How come every time I get a chance to touch people it’s gotta be cuz I’ve been captured by some power dampening maniac.
Superman:
Every cloud has it’s silver lining, Rogue.
Rogue:
You would say that, Boy Scout.
They kiss.
Scene 8:
Iceman is sneaking around a corner towards an entrance to the citadel. He searches through several pockets on the utility belt and eventually finds a lock pick.
Iceman:
Ok. Here goes nothing.
Guard:
Hold it!
Several guards have come and spotted him.
Iceman:
Aw for the love of…
He pulls out three batarangs and throws them at the guards. The batarangs sail harmlessly over the heads of the ninjas who look up and over, a little confused.
Ok so I’m not good at the little bat shaped thingies.
The ninjas continue to run towards him.
There’s got to be something in here. Oh what the hell!
He pulls fistfuls of random objects from the belt and throws them at the guards. Smoke and flash bombs go off, electric batarangs send sparks everywhere and random projectiles are shot off everywhere. When the smoke clears the group of guards are all unconscious.
Alright so that was a bit over the top.
He looks over at the door.
Who am I kidding?
He steps back a bit and whips a Bat-Bomb at it. The door is knocked down and an alarm goes off.
Great.
He runs inside only to find another small army of guards waiting for him. He throws down several more smoke and flash bombs then grabs a grapple and pulls himself up to another level. The guards are left below dazed and confused.
Well, now I know how he does that one. Gotta shut down the power generator. Get my power back on.
He runs off down a corridor.
Scene 9:
Bruce Wayne is sleeping next to Talia. He is tossing and turning. In his dreams we see his parents and himself walking out of a movie theatre. Two gun shots are heard and the spilling of pop corn and pearls seen. The Earth is shown with flames spreading over it and the barrel of a gun held up to it. Batman is shown holding the gun grinning madly. He pulls the trigger and a very loud gunshot is heard with Ras laughing behind it. Bruce jerks awake gasping for air and sweating profusely. Talia wakes up next to him and holds him.
Talia:
Bruce! Bruce!
He calms down.
Beloved. You must have had a nightmare.
Batman:
So many innocents…
Talia:
Calm down… it’s over.
Batman:
No… it hasn’t even begun yet… Talia. How in God’s name can I go through with this?
Talia:
It’s only natural to have doubts about something so important. I know I do every now and then. And I can only assume that my father does as well. But deep down inside you have to know this is the way it must be.
Bruce stops and thinks for a minute. A flash of Sauron’s eyes comes over him and he looks up.
Batman:
You’re right. I need to stay focused. For all our sake.
He gets up and leaves. Talia looks upset.
Scene 10:
Iceman is sneaking down hallways taking out guards with gas grenades, etc. from Batman’s utility belt. Meanwhile the scene cuts back and forth to Superman and Rogue kissing passionately. Eventually Iceman gets to the power generator and throws several electrified Batarangs at it.
Iceman:
It’s show time!
A few of them connect and short out the power. The entire citadel goes dark and Rogue begins to absorb Superman’s powers and memories.
Scenes of Superman kissing Lois Lane flood her mind and she shoves Superman off of her slamming him through the bars that were holding them.
Rogue:
No.
Superman is unconscious.
Cuts back to Ras, Ubu and Sauron.
Ras Al Ghul:
The specimens!
Outside the dinosaurs begin to attack and break through their holding pens. Ras’ ninjas are trying in
vain to contain them.
Cuts to Batman and Talia running down a hall.
Talia:
Someone has cut the main power!
Batman:
It’s Iceman! Superman and Rogue should be free by now too! They’ll head for the throne room to try and catch Ras!
Cuts back to the throne room. Loud noises are heard and ninjas are sent flying unconscious through the doors as Rogue enters. Sauron charges her. The two fight intensely for a bit but she quickly slams him onto the ground and pulls her claws out on him.
Sauron:
Look into my eyes, X-Man!
Rogue struggles briefly with the hypnotic start but quickly regains her composure.
Rogue:
How about you look into mine for a change.
She fries his retinas with a bolt of heat vision causing him to scream in pain, then retracts her claws and gets off of him leaving him to wander around slamming into walls and objects behind her.
It’s over, Demon!
Iceman slides in behind her with Superman’s unconscious body over his shoulder.
Ras Al Ghul:
Is it?
He pulls out a small whistle and blows on it making a strange shrieking sound.
Quickly Ubu!
The two of them retreat as numerous Velociraptors flood the room.
Iceman:
I’ve got this Rogue. Go after the old man!
Rogue chases them outside and catches up. She throws Ubu off into the distance and then grabs Ras by the collar. Batman appears and stops her from punching him.
Batman:
You’ve touched Superman.
Rogue:
What’s it to you?
Batman:
I can’t let you interfere.
Rogue:
You’re out of your mind!
Ras Al Ghul:
Actually the detective is thinking more clearly than he ever has before.
Talia:
No.
She appears behind him and has injected Batman with a serum into his neck. Batman falls over.
He is not.
Ras Al Ghul:
Daughter!?
Rogue grabs Talia.
Rogue:
What did you just do to him?
Talia:
I’ve given him something that will clear his mind. I could not see the man I love manipulated any longer.
Ras Al Ghul:
You traitorous--
A Tyrannosaur roars and snaps by them tearing Ras’ cloak off as Rogue grabs the three of them and moves them safely out of the way. Ras’ entire stock of carnivores is now rampaging on the grounds attacking and devouring his followers. Iceman appears with Superman who is now alert but still leaning on Iceman for support.
Superman:
What’s going on?
Iceman:
Take it easy, big guy, we’ll fill you in later. Rogue there’s rambunctious carnivores everywhere! Ghul must have been breeding a small army!
Ras pulls out a taser and shocks Rogue then begins to run.
Talia is helping Batman back onto his feet.
Talia:
Father!
Iceman tosses Batman his utility belt.
Batman:
Iceman! Get Superman out of here. Rogue, stop as many of the carnivores as possible and help evacuate the grounds! I’ll get Ras!
The others leave.
Talia:
What about me?
Batman kisses her passionately then runs off after Ras. Talia watches.
Rogue begins to save Ras’ followers from attacking predators zipping around at super speed and knocking them senseless with her increased super-strength.
Meanwhile Ras has secured a hover boat and is about to speed off across the lagoon. Batman dives down into it as he takes off.
Batman:
This time I’m taking you in! No tricks! No vanishing act!
Ras tries to shock Batman with his taser but Batman swiftly kicks it out of his hand and into the water.
Ras Al Ghul:
I have offered you so much Detective! And yet you continue to refuse! I will no longer tolerate this insolence.
Batman:
You call removing my free will an offer?!
Ras grabs a sword from a compartment in the boat and begins to slash at Batman who dodges all of his swipes.
We’re both at our physical and mental peak, Batman! Why won’t you just realize we’re above this humanity so full of hate and intolerance! Why can’t you just--
Batman kicks him in the stomach dead on and Ras drops the sword and falls over.
Batman:
You’re a lunatic, Ras. And we’re nothing alike.
Ras gets back up then pulls out a dagger and charges Batman. The boat is suddenly stopped and they jerk out ward. Batman lands safely in the water but Ras slams into a large Ice Pillar and falls down onto a layer of ice unconscious.
Iceman:
Relax Grandpa we’ll have you back at the old folks home in no time.
Iceman helps Batman out of the Water onto his Ice bridge. The roaring and screeching of dinosaurs is heard in the distance at the citadel.
Scene 11:
S.H.E.I.L.D has arrived and is arresting members of the society of assassins including Ras, Ubu, and Sauron. Superman is supervising. Rogue approaches him.
Rogue:
Got a minute, Blue?
Superman:
Rogue. How are you?
Rogue:
That should be my line. You’re the one who got the rough end of that kiss… not that my end was too much fun…
Superman:
Oh?
Rogue:
You really care about her don’t you?
Superman:
…Oh.
They’re both silent for a while.
Rogue:
It could have been fun, Supes…
Superman:
I’m sorry.
Rogue:
It’s okay. It ain’t easy to win a man’s heart when ya can’t touch him 99.9% of the time. I’m used to pain. And I’m used to losin’ out to the other gal.
She looks over at Batman.
He let her go. She’ll probably break Ras out a month from now. Heck maybe even a week. He’s gotta know it, but he still let her go.
Superman:
It’s not always simple, Rogue.
Rogue:
Don’t I know it.
She starts to take off but Superman stops her.
Superman:
Where are you going?
Rogue:
Flyin‘, sugah. In case you forgot, the aerial view here is breath taking.
She flies off over the Jungle. Superman watches her go.
END