Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gotham City, the birthplace of crime. Known for her gothic color scheme and street gangs. Home to criminals, psychopaths, socialites, and more. Even though people usually tend to avoid Gotham, something about the city still plagues their brain. It is a simple question.

Who rules Gotham?

Is it the two faced and deceitful high society that fill her galas. Or maybe the mafia and rogues that her monotone streets welcome. Many people think that no one owns Gotham, that she runs on her own design. And in a way their right Gotham chooses those who she believes deserves to run her city.

In the dark of The City’s shadows is where you may find the truth. An organization that rules from behind their shadowy perch. The Court of Owls watches all the time. They rule Gotham City from the darkness she embraces them with. They watch you at your hearth, they watch you in your bed. Though, should you speak a work of them, they shall send a Talon for your head.

In the shadows of Gotham’s night, creatures known as Talons emerge. Under the instruction of The Court of Owls, these inhuman beings bring silence to all that dare to disobey. 

Though, it is not in The Court of Owls where this story starts, but rather at the circus. 

The circus, Haly’s Circus to be specific. A place with huge tents and spectacular acts. Joy and laughter echoing through the grounds. The bright eye catching colors standing out against the dreary skyline of Gotham City. Cheerful music filling her silence. A place of fun for everyone.

But, Gotham City isn't one for intruders. She keeps her cards close and burns any that get near. This story is a fine example, for on the eve of the first show, a boy sleeps in a small trailer by the fairgrounds. Gotham is keeping an eye on the boy for he isn’t like the rest, a diamond in the rough. A robin in a horde of monkeys, unable to truly fly with its broken wings, instead swinging rope to rope and pretending to be something it's not. 

Tomorrow Gotham has big plans for her new little robin. He will finally soar high, truly free of worldly troubles. For now though, she cradles him with her presence, whispering soothing words in the language of old.

Chapter Text

The sun eventually rises, along with it the people of the circus. Jokes and laughter fill the air as they prepare for their first preference in Gotham. A young boy sprints past a burly man and around the corner to the circus canteen, playful yelling and laughter trailed behind him.

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Surrounded by family, two anxious parents tell the boy he can swing with them. He buzzes with excitement turning to inform anyone that lends an ear. Gotham listens from the shadows. It’s almost time.

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No one saw the man cut the wire, at least on one said anything if they did. It's too late anyway. The boy swung safely. The parents fell.

Down. 

Down. 

Down. 

Down.

Till there wasn’t any farther down they could fall. The silence was broken by the crunch of their bones hitting the floor where bodies landed. A family died that day and the circus was left mourning two wonderful people and their kind child. Who disappeared shortly after the accident. Reported never to be seen again. 

Gotham always got what she wanted eventually. She waited for the perfect moment to strike, filling her victims with her venom.

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The shadows feasted in welcome to their newest addition. A toast to the future. The Court of Owls welcome him. Gotham’s Newest shadow. The Gray Son. Richard ‘Dick’ Grayson.