Sword of Azrael Pt. 2 (Gotham Eternal)

Episode 5 of the first season of Gotham Eternal. Jean-Paul Valley's journey had lead him to Switzerland months ago, and he has trained with the Order of St. Dumas ever since. Batman decides to close this month-long open case by personally travelling to Switzerland and confronting Azrael and the order of St. Dumas. Jean-Paul Valley must decide whether to protect his order from the Batman or to betray everything he knows in the name of justice.

Cast

 * Dacre Montgomery as Jean-Paul Valley/Azrael
 * Scott Eastwood as Nomoz
 * Christopher Lambert as Carleton LeHah
 * Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman
 * Charles Dance as Alfred Pennyworth
 * Sarah Chalke as Maria Valley
 * Ian Chen as Tim Drake
 * Ryan Potter used for facial CGI
 * Billy Crudup as Jack Drake

Story
Jean-Paul springs his head up and he sits upright in the pool, gasping for air. The maidens all watch.

Jean-Paul

I’ve seen.. I saw everything. The crusades, the Knights Templar, we were unstoppable.. now we’re-

Nomoz

We are formidable still, *hrmmph*, boy.

Jean-Paul looks at the same monkey beast man from the previous episode, now known as Nomoz.

Jean-Paul

Nomoz, master.

Nomoz

How was the experience?

Jean-Paul

Enlightening, it’s like I’ve finally opened my eyes.

Nomoz

Such is the way of the *hrrmph* sacred order. Do you realize what must do now boy?

Jean-Paul

Yes I do.

Nomoz

Then I dub thee Azrael, Angel of Death, bringer of justice, the savior of the Sacred Order. Follow me *hrrmph*

Jean gets out of the water and follows Nomoz to a dungeon like room in the back. On a display case is a new and improved version of his father’s Azrael suit. Next to it is a sword, seemingly normal.

Nomoz

Are you ready for the vast responsibility that your father failed to handle?

Jean-Paul

My father.. my father was weak. My mother an actress. I was a test tube baby made with his sperm, created and enhanced to be better. I was created by the Order of St. Dumas. Therefore I will succeed where he couldn’t.

Nomoz

Then we *hrmph* have much work to do.

* TITLE CARD*

In an abandoned alley, a father and son walk home. The son is about thirteen. The kid has a trophy in his hand, and he’s in an Olympic jumpsuit.

Kid

This is really the safest way to get to the car?

Father

It’s the fastest, parking is expensive.

Kid

So, where are we going to celebrate my win?

Father

You know I was thinking-

Mugger

Hands up!

A gun cocks, and the pair freeze in fear

Mugger

Hey kid, that’s a nice trophy. Give it here

Kid

You can have it

The kid throws the trophy at the Mugger’s face, and then runs up and kicks him in the nuts

Father

Tim!

Mugger

That’s it

The mugger points the gun at Tim, until he’s jumped on from above by Batman. Batman punches the mugger one more time to knock him out, then disarms him.

Tim

It’s Batman!

Batman

Are you two alright?

Tim

We’re great! Better than great, I mean you’re-

Father

Tim, let’s get going.

Tim

But- yes dad.

Father

And uh, thanks Batman.

The two leave off past Batman

Batman

Wait, you forgot this.

Batman hands the boy his trophy back.

Batman

That was very brave. But don’t do it again.

Batman grapples off onto a rooftop, and the camera zooms into Tim’s trophy: revealing his full name as Timothy Drake.

On the rooftop, Batman surveys the rest of the city. He notices a bat-signal flash in the distance, and he heads for it. On top of that rooftop isn’t Commissioner Gordon, but instead a random woman.

Batman

You don’t look like the commissioner.

Woman

No. My name is Maria, Maria Valley.

Batman

Valley? As in Jean-Paul?

Maria

Yes, he is my son. Well, it’s complicated.

Batman

I have time.

Maria

Long ago, I was a maiden for the Order of St. Dumas, given the task to portray the mother of the Azrael’s son, all to further play into his brainwashing. I accepted that task swiftly, gracefully. For the first couple years, I was able to keep my attachment to the boy as low as possible, but- well I couldn’t help but feel like I was responsible for him. He had become my son, whether I liked it or not, and his father had felt the same way. The years went by, we were a happy normal family, and then around his 13th birthday, I was scheduled to “become sick and die”. All to play into his conditioning.

Batman

So you left him.

Maria

No. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. His father and I had many arguments over this for a good couple months, until he decided to force me out. “If you step into this home again, I will bring my blade and strike you down swiftly.” So I had no choice but to leave, follow my boy from the shadows.

Batman

And you want me to find him? I have no open leads on his case.

Maria

You do now. The Order of St Dumas are located in the Swiss Alps, it’s likely my boy is still there, training to become that dreaded Azrael. Find my boy, Batman. Bring him home to me.

Maria walks off a ledge of the building.

Batman

No!

He looks over the ledge, and Maria is gone. Commissioner Gordon walks up to the rooftop to see the signal on and Batman there

Commissioner Gordon

Who was up here with you?

Batman

Someone who needs my help.

Batman glides away from the building.

Commissioner Gordon

Vigilantes.

In the Batcave, Batman preps for his journey to the Swiss Alps.

Alfred

Good evening Master Bruce, I see you’re preparing for quite the journey

Batman

I’m headed for Switzerland

Alfred

Good heavens! What could possibly be there for you?

Batman

Jean-Paul Valley Jr. His mother wants him back home, and so do I.

Alfred

I’m presuming she gave you the location. And how sure are you that this isn’t a trap?

Batman

Not at all. Doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try.

Alfred

Master Bruce, you don’t think there’s enough on your plate here in Gotham? With this Joker character, miss Selina Kyle, hell even Master Jason. I fear he needs you now more than ever.

Batman

Alfred, I need to do this. I know what it’s like to lose a mother, she doesn’t need to know what it’s like to lose a son.

Alfred

Very well, Master Bruce. Just remember.. I don’t need to know what it feels like either.

Batman

And you won’t. I’ll be back soon Alfred, with Azrael. I promise.

Having put all the necessary gear into the Batwing, Batman gets in the jet and takes off for Switzerland in an all white snow camo batsuit, with a scarf covering the mouth opening and goggles over his eyes.

On top of the mountain, Nomoz is briefing Azrael.

Nomoz

The demon *hrrmph* Biis. Immortal enemy of Azrael. He has risen once more, in the form of your fathers murderer and betrayer of the order: Carleton LeHah

Azrael

LeHah? But I killed him

Nomoz

We never truly stay *hrmph* dead, child. We are simply the tools of those we serve.

Azrael

Well where is he? I’ll be sure to finish the job this time

Nomoz

We do not know. He has been *hrmpph* traveling the globe, murdering members of the order. He began with 3 members in Australia, 2 in China, 3 in *hrmph* Saudi’s Arabia, 6 in Africa..

Azrael

Where was he last?

Nomoz

You dare speak over me?

Azrael

I apologize, but I need to know

Nomoz

..Poland.

Azrael

He’s moving west! There are no members in Germany, he’s coming here. Where the order is.

Nomoz

The Azrael does not think, boy. The Azrael *hrmph*  avenges.

Batman

Jean-Paul Valley!

Nomoz and Azrael look outside to see Batman on the hillside screaming his name

Nomoz

Who dares? Azrael! Kill the demon

Azrael

But we need to worry about LeHah

Nomoz

Do not let personal grievances cloud your judgement! An outsider dare penetrate our mountains? Kill him!

Azrael

As you wish.

Azrael puts on his helmet, and leaves the room.

Batman

I am looking for Jean Paul Valley Jr! Hand him to me now, he’s due back in Gotham!

Azrael

Remove yourself at once trespasser.

Batman

Azrael? So it’s true. You’ve taken your fathers place.

Azrael

This is your final warning.

Batman

You need to come home with me.

Azrael rushes Batman with his sword, which Batman narrowly dodged

Batman

Jean? What’s going on with you?

Nomoz

Jean-Paul is *hrmph* no more. He is the angel Azrael now.

Azrael slashes Batman with his sword, which Batman blocks with his gauntlets

Batman

Snap out of it Jean!

Batman falls backwards and throws smokebombs, blinding Azrael’s vision. The smoke clears and Azrael looks for Batman, and Batman drops down on him from above, Azrael dodges this.

Azrael

You face your death today, demon

Batman

Listen to yourself, they have you brainwashed

Suddenly, the mountain begins to rumble. Snow falls down the mountain as missles hit the small village.

Nomoz

We are under attack! Counterdefenses!

Soldiers at the top of a nearby hill fire at a helicopter firing missles, the helicopter hits them too. Zoom into the helicopter, it’s LeHah with a skull face painting. He shoots one of the buildings and they topple onto each other, more avalanches. It seems the entire place has been avalanched with no survivors. The helicopter bombs it once more.

LeHah

Okay, let’s go.

The helicopter flies away, assuming the town is dead. Azrael and Batman escape from beneath the snow, tattered and out of breath

Azrael

My. my.. Master

Azrael ignites his flaming sword, melting the snow until he can find Nomoz, who is wounded but still alive

Nomoz

You *hrmph* you failed, boy.

Batman

Failed? What was he supposed to do?

Nomoz

Protect the order, I see no such order.

Azrael

Then I will avenge it. The next closest member is in England, that’s where he’ll be.

Batman

I’m coming with.

Nomoz

Nonsense! Outsider has no *hrmph* business in the order.

Batman

I have an increased interest in this LeHah business

Nomoz

And what would that *hrmph* be?

Batman

Justice.

Nomoz

We do no such thing! We *Hrmph* we avenge!

Batman

I fail to see the difference in this case.

Azrael

The Batman is.. Right. If we are to find LeHah, his help will prove useful.

Nomoz

Hrm. Some Azrael.

Batman

We’ll take my plane.

In Glastonbury, England, a member of the door sits in his home.

Guard

Mr. Richards, Carleton LeHah is at the gate.

Mr. Richards

He must be here for our arms deal. Let him in.

Guard

As you wish. *clicks radio* Open the gates!

The Guards open the gates for LeHah, letting him through. The car pulls up to a parking garage, and Richard comes out to greet him at the door

Mr. Richards

Mr. LeHah! You’re earlier than expected!

LeHah

Actually, I think I’m right on time.

LeHah shoots Richards in the chest twice, the surrounding guards aim their weapons, and LeHah takes each out through headshot in quick succession.

LeHah

My lord Biis, great demon lord. It will be done soon, oh so very soon.

Batman drops down through a window

Batman

LeHah! You’re coming with me!

LeHah

The mighty Batman! You will falter, you don’t serve the master I serve.

Azrael bursts in through the door as well, his flaming sword up and ready to strike.

LeHah

And the angel Azrael! I’ve killed you once, I can do it again. My lord commands it.

LeHah sprays at the duo, they each duck and hide.

LeHah

You should’ve joined me boy, under the great demon Biis. We could’ve created our new order, you could’ve been his greatest enforcer.

Azrael

I serve no such satanic power.

LeHah

Then I suppose it is fate! Just as the angel Azrael controls you, the demon Biis controls me.

Batman throws a smoke bomb to flush LeHah out, and LeHah escapes through a nearby door.

Batman

He’s getting away, this way!

Batman grapples upwards through that broken window, carrying Azrael with him. They end up in a giant house with no idea where LeHah is

Azrael

LeHah! Show yourself and face punishment!

Suddenly, a pillar explodes, separating Batman and Azrael. It knocks the wind out of Batman, and the wall of rubble between the two prevents Azrael from seeing Batman being dragged down to a basement by LeHah.

Batman wakes up tied down in the basement, unmasked.

LeHah

Bruce, Bruce, Bruce.

Batman

Carleton LeHah. Serving a new master are you?

LeHah

Hardly, I’ve been an agent of Biis for a while now. Simply biding my time and obeying his commands until the time came

Batman

Time? For what, sunshine?

LeHah

For judgement day, Batman. For all of the angels to fall. For the order to be no more.

Batman

Funny. That day sounded a little different in Sunday School.

LeHah

You dare mock me?

Batman

No.. I’m a little looser than usual. I suspect you drugged me.

LeHah

As the demon commands.

Batman

He command you to put on that terrible get-up too?

LeHah

Your mockery is of little significance. You will soon be dead.

Batman

Ladeeda. Tough talk from a man in face paint.

LeHah gets mad and puts a knife to Batman’s throat.

LeHah

No.. not yet. He has not commanded it.

Meanwhile, Azrael searches the house for LeHah.

Azrael

LEHAH!!!!!!

Nomoz

Continue your search boy. He is here *hrmph* somewhere.

Azrael

You haven’t been much help.

Nomoz

In the four months with us, in those mountains, training. *Hrmph* you have yet to learn respect still.

Azrael

I.. I apologize, master. I just need to put an end to LeHah, once and for all.

Nomoz

And you will. The angel of death commands it. Now continue your search.

As Azrael continues to walk, he notices a random patch of wood in the marble floors.

Azrael

Wood?

He stomps on it and it breaks, unveiling a ladder to go down. He does so with Nomoz. The two enter a tunnel, and Azrael lights his sword up to light the way.

Azrael

A tunnel? Maybe it was a bootleggery.

Nomoz

Do not make *hrmph* small talk with me boy. The Azrael searches, avenges. He does not think, he does not speculate.

The two continue onwards, until they find a locked door. Azrael kicks it open to see a hung and unmasked Batman with LeHah.

Azrael

LeHah!

LeHah

I see master.. I see why I wait. To preserve my energy for my arch enemy, the angel of death and his pet.

Nomoz

Do what must be *hrmph* done boy.

Biis begins shooting at Azrael, and Azrael flips a table with alcohol bottles on it to cover himself.

LeHah

Hiding? Beneath the angel of death!

Azrael

I’m not hiding. I’m finding an opening

Azrael rushes out the other side to approach LeHah, LeHah slashes Azrael’s costume and falls back. He continues to shoot at Azrael, and he dodges it. A stray bullet hits the fallen alcohol, setting the wooden table on fire and much of the room. With no cover left Azrael rushes LeHah and knocks him to the ground.

Azrael

No more tricks LeHah

LeHah

My lord demon Biis.. save me. Save me.

Azrael

Know that men call you liar. Know that men call you betrayer! Know that men call you defiler! Therefore it is the duty of the angel Azrael to bring you punishment- punishment of death by fiery sword!

Azrael stakes his sword into LeHah, ending him once and for all.

Nomoz

Good. Now let us *hrmph* leave.

Azrael turns around to see Batman hung up and unconscious, the fire about to kill him

Nomoz

Our mission has been finished, he does not *Hrmph* concern you! Let us leave!

Azrael ignores his master’s wishes, unties Batman and runs out of the house with him and Nomoz. They get a good distance away before the entire house explodes. Batman wakes up.

Batman

Ughh.. what..

Azrael

I rescued you. LeHah is no more. You’re safe

Nomoz

You FOOL! The Azrael does not rescue! He Avenges! AVENGES! You are the ANGEL OF DEATH!

Azrael

I am no angel.

Azrael takes off his mask

Jean-Paul

I am a man. Who acts of his own free will.

Batman

Your.. *cough* your mother.. She’s alive.. She wants to *cough*.. See you..

Jean-Paul

My.. my mom?

Batman

In Gotham..

Nomoz

If you return with that man, you declare yourself an enemy of the order. Never to return again.

Jean stares at Nomoz, seemingly mulling over his decision.

Batman and Azrael end up back in Gotham, on top of a rooftop. The same woman enters from behind them.

Maria

My boy.. Oh God Jean!

Jean-Paul

Mom!

The two hug

Jean-Paul

Where have you.. What happened?

Maria

I had to fake my death Jean. I’m so sorry I had to leave you.

Jean-Paul

So it’s true. You were an actor this whole time?

Maria

I was your mother Jean. I always will be. Even if I..

Jean-Paul

What?

Maria

I can’t stay here. I need to go back to the order.

Jean-Paul

What? What are you talking about you just came back to me!

Maria

I sacrificed myself so you could get out of that life. Return home. I’m taking your place.

Jean-Paul

Stop.. please don’t go again! We can both stay here! The order doesn’t have to know!

Maria

They will never stop chasing you! They will make your life hell. I’m sorry Jean.

Maria turns around and walks away.

Jean-Paul

Mom! MOM!!!

She leaves. Jean cries.

Batman

I’m sorry.

Batman hands him a card.

Batman

You can start a new life again in Gotham. I can even get you started on a paying job. Call me when you’re ready.

Batman glides off the building, and Jean holds the card in his hand.

Episode End