DC: Democracy’s Last Hope

Chapter 5: The Court Moves in the Shadows

The Gotham skyline loomed over the city like an ancient beast, its streets pulsing with crime, corruption, and whispered secrets. But deep within the hidden chambers beneath the city, far from the eyes of the public, a secret council convened.

The Court of Owls had ruled Gotham from the shadows for centuries, controlling politicians, judges, and even crime lords with a silent grip. And now, a new threat had emerged—Ibrahim Al-Farooq.

A man who didn't play by their rules.

A man who didn't bow.

"His influence is growing," a masked figure spoke, his voice a low rasp. "The judiciary was always under our watch, but now he threatens to strip it from our hands."

Another figure leaned forward, fingers tapping on an old wooden table. "We allowed him to exist because we believed he was just another idealist, bound to fail. But now… he is not just enforcing the law. He is changing it."

A murmur spread through the room. It was true. Ibrahim wasn't just winning cases—he was restructuring Gotham's legal framework. Judges were now under scrutiny. Corrupt officials were being exposed. Even Arkham Asylum, a place they had long controlled, was being challenged.

One of them finally spoke the words they had all been thinking.

"He must be eliminated."

A cold silence followed.

Then, the leader of the Court, seated in the highest chair, nodded.

"The Talons will handle him."

---

Ibrahim sat in his office, the glow of his system's holographic interface reflecting off his desk. Lex Legis was already processing the latest updates.

[Threat assessment updated: The Court of Owls has activated the Talons. Probability of an assassination attempt within the next 48 hours: 78%.]

He exhaled, leaning back in his chair. He had expected this. The Court had remained in power for too long. They thrived in the darkness, where justice was merely a word used to deceive the masses. But now, for the first time, they were facing a man they couldn't buy, silence, or manipulate.

He was a lawyer, not a fighter. He didn't have superhuman strength, nor did he possess Batman's combat skills. But he had the law—and the law was more powerful than any blade.

He tapped the interface. "Lex, prepare a public hearing request. I want a case filed against every shell company connected to the Court's influence in Gotham."

[Acknowledged. Compiling evidence. Would you like to alert the press?]

A smirk crossed his lips. "No. Let's keep this quiet for now. I want them to see it when it's too late to stop it."

But even as he spoke, his instincts sharpened. He wasn't naïve. The Court wouldn't just sit back and let him dismantle their empire. They would come for him.

A soft chime from his system confirmed his suspicions.

[Security alert: Unregistered movement detected outside your office. Likelihood of hostiles: 92%. Recommended course of action: Evacuate.]

Ibrahim's grip tightened.

"They're already here."

---

The lights flickered as the first Talon stepped into the room, his mask concealing the cold, undead face beneath. These assassins had been Gotham's silent executioners for centuries—undying warriors with one mission: erase threats to the Court.

But as the Talon lunged, blades gleaming, something unexpected happened.

The floor beneath Ibrahim collapsed, sending him plummeting through a hidden chute. He had prepared for this. The Talons were assassins, but he was a lawyer—and lawyers always had an escape plan.

The passage led deep beneath the city, into a secure safehouse lined with legal documents, encrypted files, and a direct line to Gotham's highest courts.

As he landed, his system activated.

[Safehouse lockdown initiated. Shall I begin broadcasting the corruption files against the Court of Owls?]

Ibrahim's breath steadied. He could expose them right now. He could take down half their financial network with a single press of a button.

But no.

That would be too easy.

Instead, he smirked and gave his order.

"Not yet. First, I want them to stand trial."

He wasn't just going to destroy the Court of Owls.

He was going to drag them into the light—and make them answer to the law.

---