"I AM VENGEANCE! I AM THE NIGHT! I AM BATMAN!"
*Cough* *Cough*
Sorry about that and welcome back! Our next Guest in the Hollow Night is another requested character by Laypselgod. That character is the legendary Dark Knight himself, Batman.
What can I say about Batman? Tragic backstory, proper motivation and a childhood icon, Batman hits all the marks all the way, even if there are people who aren't fond of Batman's No Kill Rule (which extends to other DC Super Heroes like Superman and Wonder Woman. Injustice Counterparts not included.).
So the question is... which interation of Batman will I use? There are many incarnations of him after all, but for the sake of things, we'll use him from 2004 TV Series, The Batman. While not his most popular incarnation, The Batman is a good series from when I was younger and it's movie, The Batman Vs. Dracula is a fun movie! It also helps there are fans of this series as well.
Like with Raven, his VA will be in English... BUT! The catch is we can't use Kevin Conroy, sense he tragically passed away last year (may he rest in piece), but tha thankfully, we can use his VA from The Batman.
So, why has the Dark Knight traveled into the Hollow Night? We'll find out now...
The Batman (Real Name: Bruce Thomas Wayne)
The Dark Knight
Sex: Male
D.O.B.: Unknown
Height: Unknown
Weight: Unknown
Blood Type: Unknown
Ability: The "EXS" of Vengeance: Gotham Knight
Weapon: Batarangs, Mini-Bombs and Grapple Gun
Original Series: The Batman (Superhero cartoon) from DC Comics and Warner Bros. Studios.
Batman VA: Rino Romano
Alfred VA: Alastair Duncan
Character Appearance: Batman's costume consists of a black mask and cape and gold utility belt, except with dark blue highlights. He also wears a dark gray costume with a black bat-emblem, black trunks, gloves, and knee high boots.
Animations
Intro 1: Batman glides into the arena before landing and standing up and getting into his fighting stance.
Intro 2: Batman jumps down onto the stage with his back turned from his opponent. After glancing back, he turns to face them.
Round Loss: He slowly gets up to his knees, not ready to give up.
Time Out Loss: Clutches the side of his abdomen as he drops to one knee.
Round Victory: Turns his back to the screen as he stares down his opponent.
Match Victory: Batman turns away and as he takes one last glance at his unconscious opponent, leaves the area with his Grapple Gun.
Victory Screen Quotes
Victory Screen Portrait: His back is turned to the screen as Batman looks back at his opponent.
Vs. Hyde: "That's a lot of power you have. Hopefully you'll use it to do the right thing."
Vs. Linne: "You're not the first "immortal" being I've encountered... but compared to Dracula, if you let me, I will use what I can to help you."
Vs. Waldstein: "You weren't the first opponent with a ton of muscle I fought. However, you could be a valuable ally against Bane."
Vs. Carmine: "Just another violent thug... well, at least you're not a vampire."
Vs. Gordeau: "You've definitely earned your moniker, The Harvester of Gredd. Now, why don't you tell me a bit more about Paradox?"
Vs. Orie: "The Licht Kries is well intentioned, but surely you must have realized that there is some corruption within the group. I've seen a few corrupt cops to know that."
Vs. Seth: "Whatever your reasons, I don't condone murder of any kind. I'll pick you up once I finish business here."
Vs. Yuzuriha: "IaidÅ. A Japanese martial art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to sudden attacks. You're skills are good, but your a little too flashy and that's your fatal flaw."
Vs. Vatista: "You're a refreshing change of pace compared to D.A.V.E., but let me ask you this... is following the orders of a long dead master really what you want?"
Vs. Merkava: "I'm sorry you've beomce this, but I swear that one day that you and other Voids will be freed from this terrible nightmare."
Vs. Hilda: "I'm The Batman. And you Paradox, are now casted off the stage where you plams will never come to fruition."
Vs. Eltnum and Akatsuki: "You're not an In-Birth. Who are you and where did you come from?"
Victory Screen Quotes Against Batman
Hyde: "Guess you got me spooked a little, but it'll take more than a man in a bat costume to scare me."
Linne: "Takes a lot of guts to wage war against crime by yourself. I will admit that using fear to scare the criminal element is... ingenious."
Waldstein: "Hah! While you have trained your body well, the fact you also rely on those little toys show you still have a long way to go before you can defeat me!"
Carmine: "Come on, you call that scary?! Bats are NOTHING compared to me! Let me show you what ture fear is like!"
Gordeau: "Not bad Dark Knight, I'll admit you had me thrown for a bit of a loop. However, you should probably stick to fighting the criminals in your city."
Orie: "So you are the infamous Batman I heard rumors about. I should take you into custody but... is there a reason why you're acting outside of the law to begin with?"
Seth: "The only way to eliminate crime is to put them in the ground. Your methods are only a stopgap measure. Nothing more, nothing less."
Yuzuriha: "Geez, it's like you knew what me and Ayame can do. I can tell you put yourself through rigorous and intense training, that's for sure."
Vatista: "The Batman. A mysterious vigilante from the city of Gotham, a city infamous for it's high crime rate. I will now consult with the program to decide what to do in regards to you "breaking" the law."
Merkava: "You strike fear into the criminal element by dressing as a creature that man fears while I strike fear into the common man due to my never ending hunger. How ironic that we are both similar..."
Hilda: "You thought you could terrify me when it is you who should have been terrified of me. Everyone, including your backwater city, will eventually fear the name Hilda the Paradox!"
Eltnum: "You are definitely one of the most famous heroes in the comic book industry and yet the Batman I see before me is one of the most underated Dark Knights I ever bore witness too."
Akatsuki: "I can tell you trained yourself to peak physical condition. That is no mere accomplishment most people can do. I hope we can get another to meet again and spare once more under better circumstances."
Super Attacks
EXS Attack - Grapple Gun Slam: The Batman lunges with a hook punch. Should it connect without the opponent blocking it, The Batman grabs them and shoots his grappling hook up, ascending with his opponent. He then throws the opponent back down, while on top of them, and slamming them into the ground at full force.
Infinite Worth - The Dark Knight: Batman throws a smoke batarang at the opponent, quickly inputs his co-ordinates to the Batmobile, then shocks the enemy with two tasers and follows up with a knee to the face. He then throws an explosive batarang at the opponent and jumps out of the way as the Batmobile drives in to run over the opponent.
Infinite Worth EXS - I'm The Batman: Once the Flash Field connects, Batman activates a prototype solar energy-storing machine from behind him, blinding and stunning the opponent with Batman delivering a series of punches and kicks before raising his arms to form a shadow bat over the opponent. The Batman than grapples upward blinding the opponent further with The Batman landing a powerful drop kick onto the opponent.
Unique Traits
Cape Glide: Using his cape, The Batman can perform a downward air dash similar to Merkava.
Chip Damage: The Batman's special attacks involving his gadgets will cause chip damage to the opponent like with Hyde's sword.
Hilda Arcade Story Interaction
*Hilda is wandering around a new location, all the while getting a faint suspicion that someone is watching her*
Hilda: "..."
"You know, just because I'm not looking up, it doesn't mean I can't tell you're there. You may as well come down."
*With that, The Batman lands in front of her*
The Batman: "So you noticed me?"
Hilda: "Not so much as noticed, but more that I..."
The Batman: "Sensed my EXS? That makes sense for In-Births."
Hilda: "And yet, you don't use EXS, nor are you an In-Birth. Who exactly are you?"
The Batman: "I come from Gotham City. I'm The Batman."
Hilda: "Gotham? Didn't I send someone from Amnesia to investigate that cesspool?"
The Batman: "He's currently locked up in Arkham. I managed to get him to tell me about this place."
"Whatever you are planning for this city, I won't let that happen. So I suggest you surrender... or I will take you down."
Hilda: "My! So savage! I have heard about a Dark Knight that lives in Gotham, but to think you'd come to me!"
The Batman: "I mainly stop crime and protect the innocent. I don't know what your intentions are for finding me, but it it's to cause crime, you can forget it."
Hilda: "Really? That's too bad. Because sense you came to stop me, I will have to end you now Man-Bat!"
The Batman: "You wouldn't be the first to try, Paradox."
*The scene transitions to the fight*
The Batman Arcade Story
Prologue [Location: Skyscraper's Rooftop]
*The Batman is standing on the rooftop of a building in Kanzakai as he overlooks the city. Eventually, he pulls out his communicator to speak with his faithful butler, Alfred*
The Batman: "Alfred, am I coming though alright?"
Alfred: "It would appear the connection is working just fine Master Bruce."
"I must admit that I didn't expect a trip to an unknown city in Japan, but considering this is where that mysterious criminal came from..."
The Batman: "Yes. The man in question works for an organization called Amnesia. He possess a power called "EXS" and he is known as an In-Birth."
Alfred: "Let us pray they are nothing like Dracula and his "army" of vampires"
The Batman: "Thankfully, that isn't the case. The only similarity is that these In-Births gain their powers after being biten by Voids, who used to be human themselves."
"Therefore, I will make sure to avoid killing a Void if I run into one. The In-Births, I can fight them as I normally have."
Alfred: "I understand. I also managed to discreetly load the Batmobile on the boadtwe took here. It may prove useful in your endeavor in Kanzakai."
The Batman: "I appreciate it Alfred. I'll call you when I make some progress on this Paradox the In-Birth told me about."
Alfred: "Do take care out there. I will be at the ready."
*Alfred hangs up as The Batman aims his grapple gun to swing down into the city*
The Batman: "Better be careful here. The In-Births here will definitely pose more of a challenge than the likes of Joker and Penguin."
*The Batman leaves the area as the 1st stage, with the first randomized opponent, loads up*
Stage 3
Vs. Byakuya [Location: Old School Building of Falling Blossoms]
*The Batman arrives at an abandoned building with purple cherry blossoms as he investigates what he found so far*
The Batman: "These In-Births definitely have this "EXS" like that man from Amnesia. However, the abilities vary from person to person."
"It's as if their powers are a manifestation of the individual in question. Which would explain why no one's EXS is exactly the same as the other."
"While this makes fighting them somewhat difficult, this will make things flow smoothly."
"Now, the next thing to do is to find information about Paradox."
*As The Batman is planning his next move, Byakuya and Tsukuyomi appear before the Dark Knight*
Tsukuyomi: "How unfortunate that you said that. We don't need anyone else interfering with our pursuit."
The Batman: "Who are you? Another In-Birth?"
Tsukuyomi: "Yes, both me and my brother are In-Births, although I currently can't use my powers right now."
"Although you took our sudden appearance quite well. So you're the man who's dressed as a bat that I heard about? Roused quite a stir around this night as a result."
The Batman: "If it mean striking fear into the criminal element here, although I'd rather not beat up innocent In-Births if I cna help it."
Byakuya: "Innocent In-Birth? That sounds hopelessness optimistic."
Tsukuyomi: "Scaring the criminal element is certainly an interesting idea at least. Is that why you're pursuing Paradox?"
The Batman: "One of Paradox's men came to Gotham and was causing trouble. Now he's locked up in Arkham while I track down his boss."
Byakuya: "Gotham? Isn't it that foreign city in the states? Far from home aren't you?"
Tsukuyomi: "Apparently so. Unfortunately, you made the mistake of mentioning that you were looking for information on Paradox. She's my quarry and I can't afford you getting in my way."
The Batman: "So you intend to take me out despite being powerless?"
Tsukuyomi: "That's where Byakuya comes in. He's my claws and fangs in this night. Either you back away and forget Paradox or you become my brother's pray."
The Batman: "I don't intend to let Paradox roam free, but I won't let you and your brother threaten me either."
Tsukuyomi: "A shame. Byakuya, take him out."
Byakuya: "I wonder how bats can handle spiders, guess we're gonna find out."
The Batman: "What an interesting mindset you have there."
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Stage 6
Vs. Chaos [Location: Rumbling Factories]
*The Batman heads over to the factory area as he continues to investigate Paradox where he sees a young man with glasses talking to himself*
The Batman: (To himself) 'Another In-Birth? He appears to be talking to himself, I better listen in.'
Chaos: "Seriously Gordeau, do you have to run off like that? Granted, letting Paradox open the Gate to the Abyss is the last thing we want, but charging in with reckless abandon is a sure fire way to get yourself killed."
"Stopping our boss without making it look like a mutiny should take careful planning. Although if it means keeping her from turning into a Void, it should work out."
*With that, The Batman drops down from behind Chaos*
The Batman: (To Chaos) "How fortunate that I found a member of Amnesia here."
Chaos: "What the?! Where did you come from?!"
"Wait... a man dressed as a bat? You muse be that strange Batman that's been running around here."
The Batman: "Correct. Now, what was that about your boss opening this Gate?"
Chaos: "Eavesdropping on a man talking to himself without him noticing? Underhanded, yet very smart and clever. I like that."
"Now that you heard me, there's no hiding it. My boss Hilda does intend to open the Gate to the Abyss, although me and Gordeau have thoughts against that notion."
The Batman: "How come?"
Chaos: "Hilda seeks to be a Re-Birth, however at the rate she's going, she's more than likely to be a Void instead at this rate."
The Batman: "So why send one of her men to Gotham?"
Chaos: "I have no idea why she sent one of our men overseas. Perhaps it was to find new members for our group, although I handle those affairs myself.
The Batman: "Well, she just brought herself trouble. I won't let her do as she pleases."
Chaos: "Be that as it may, while I don't agree with her plans, she is still my boss and I don't intend of letting you get near her."
"Sorry to say "Batman", but your wings are about to get torn asunder by Azhi Dahaka."
The Batman: "Send whatever you want at me. I've fought countless lunatics more threatening than Amnesia."
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Stage 9
Vs. Gordeau [Location: Silent Park]
*The Batman is in the middle of the park where he contacts Alfred and brings him up to speed on what he has discovered about Paradox*
The Batman: "Alfred, do you read me?"
Alfred: "I read you Master Bruce. How goes the investigation?"
The Batman: "Good. I found out that Paradox is a woman named Hilda and that she plans to open something called the Gate to the Abyss to become something called a Re-Birth, although two of her men are concerned she'll become a Void instead."
Alfred: "That is indeed cause for concern. Do you have any idea where she is?"
The Batman: "Unfortunately no. However, the other person opposed to her plan, known as Gordeau is around here. I'm planning to confront him right now."
Alfred: "Do take caution Master Bruce. I have a feeling this Gordeau won't make things easy."
The Batman: "It never is usually."
*As soon as he hangs up, The Batman heads off to where Gordeau is as the Harvester is making his way toward Hilda*
The Batman: "Gordeau, I presume?"
Gordeau: "Who wants to know?"
"Hold up, a man dressed as a Bat? So you're the infamous Batman that's been running around this Night."
The Batman: "Word spreads fast. I came here to Kanzakai because Paradox sent one of her thugs to Gotham and I came to stop her plans of becoming a Re-Birth."
Gordeau: "How do you know that?"
The Batman: "Got information out of your ally Chaos. Don't worry about him, I don't kill people."
Gordeau: "Good to hear. You don't look like the kind of guy who'd do people in anyway."
"Yeah, Hilda is planning on becoming a Re-Birth. If you want to know what that means, she's seeking immortality, but chances are is that she'll become a Void instead."
"Stubborn as she is, Hilda's still my friend and my boss, so I'm planning on busting up her plans before she gets out of hand."
The Batman: "Good to know there's someone with common sense. So, what is Amnesia's objective?"
Gordeau: "Create more freedom for In-Births in the Hollow Night by removing Night Blade and Licht Kries from power, that's what Hilda told us. Nothing wrong with freedom, but the means to do so..."
The Batman: "I get it, but order is required at least. Besides, based on the direction you're heading..."
Gordeau: "You guessed right. Hilda's up ahead, but don't think I'm gonna let you steal the spotlight."
The Batman: "I can appreciate you being a good friend to her, but I can't let her get Gotham involved."
Gordeau: "Looks like we're gonna have to do this. At least this way, I can avenge Chaos' defeat. Let's see what you're made of Dark Knight."
The Batman: "Heh. Very well than."
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Final Stage
Vs. Hilda [Location: Altar of Light and Dark]
*The Batman is outside the door leading into the room where Hilda is at and he contacts Alfred to let him know everything he's learned and what her plans are*
The Batman: "Right now, I'm inside Paradox's base of operations."
Alfred: "All of this to cheat death and to create more "freedom" within this Hollow Night?"
The Batman: "The second part is to justify her desire for power. It would have been bad if her men found people like Joker or Penguin to recruit into her organization."
"If this Gate is the key to her plans, all I have to do is destroy it."
Alfred: "And what about Paradox? I don't believe we have any proof to lock her away without revealing the Hollow Night to the public."
Thr Batman: "I'm afraid you're right. Fortunately, these Licht Kries people I heard about will apprehend her in my sted."
"I'll contact you when I'm done inside."
Alfred: "Best luck to you Master Bruce."
*After hanging up, The Batman enters the room where the Gate to the Abyss is located*
The Batman: "Ugh... I don't even need the scanner to tell the pressure in this room is intense. It's no wonder Gordeau and Chaos don't want Hilda to pry this door open."
"A few explosives should take this thing out without destroying the building or endangering anyone."
*Hilda than arrives to stop the Dark Knight before he can do anything*
Hilda: "I don't think so Birdboy!"
The Batman: "Hilda The Paradox I presume?"
Hilda: "Indeed I am. I must say I didn't expect you to come all the way from that low down city of Gotham all the way here."
The Batman: "Unfortunately for you. Good thing I stopped your henchman from finding recruits for your organization."
Hilda: "Actually, it was you I wanted. Granted, I could have recruited the legendary Crown Prince of Crime himself, but why bother when I can have the equally legendary Dark Knight instead?"
The Batman: "Huh... didn't expect that you wanted me over The Joker."
"However, I came to stop your crimes, not commit them. So you got my attention, but not in the way you wanted."
Hilda: "That truly is a shame. You could have become a true creature of the Night. Oh well, once I deal with you, I will send another member to recruit this Joker instead."
"Besides, you can't arrest me anyway considering your position and you won't even kill people either!"
The Batman: "There are more than a few ways to stop your plans. I hope you weren't getting your hopes up about your ambitious tonight..."
"Because I'm about to crush them."
*The scene transitions to the final fight*
Aftermath
[Location: Altar of Light and Dark]
*Hilda has fallen unconscious as The Batman finished prepping the explosives on the Gate*
The Batman: "All right, this should be enough to blow this thign apart without damaging anything else."
*The Batman picks up Hilda to ensure hpshe is not killed by the blast*
The Batman: "All right. Time to go."
*The screen turns white as The Batman leaves with Hilda as the sound of an explosion is heard, destroying the Gate and ending the Hollow Night*
Ending
[Location: Skyscraper's Rooftop]
*The Batman is on the rooftop as he contacts Alfred on the outcome of the battle*
The Batman: "Alfred. It's done. The Gate is destoryed and Hilda has been apprehended."
Alfred: "That is a relief to hear. Where is Paradox now though?"
The Batman: "I tied her up and left her to be picked up by a Licht Kries member named Orie. I'm certain she'll bring her in for us and end Amnesia's reign."
"One thing I got wrong though is her idea of a recruit. Paradox wanted to recruit me first before The Joker."
Alfred: "That is unexpected. Even the most brilliant detectives can be caught off guard..."
The Batman: "That's true. Fortunately, it brought Hilda the extact opposite of what she wanted and it proved her own undoing."
Alfred: "Such is the case of one who desires nothing but power through cheating death itself."
The Batman: "Right. Alfred? How long will it take to return home to Gotham?"
Alfred: "It should take until Sunday morning Master Bruce."
The Batman: "I guess it wouldn't hurt to look after Kanzakai this weekend. And if I can help this city as both Batman and Bruce Wayne..."
*Bruce is exploring Kanzakai, observing Hyde, Orie, Seth and Carmine heading to their school*
"At least I can encourage someone to protect this place when we return home to Gotham."
*The credits roll as "The Batman Theme" plays*
With that, the Dark Knight's quest in the Hollow Night has concluded. I hope this was to Laypselgod's liking.
While I haven't seen the series in a long time, it is an underated series that deserves a watch, especially it's movie, The Batman Vs. Dracula.
Next time when we venture into the Hollow Night, we will join the Proud Knight King as she enters the fray. See you soon!