In the Golden Light - A Justice League AU

Chapter 20 - Search for the Princess

"It's a perfect spot, ain't it?"

"It is... Remote and far away from the shores of the ocean..."

Ever since the two escaped from Atlantis, Goldwath and Lazuli sought refuge in a rundown alley house in Metropolis. Weeks had passed, and they settled comfortably, with their love growing stronger everyday. The walls were cracked and the paint was fading. The kitchen was to the right, and on the left side lay a single bed. It was like a fresh new apartment room without the couch and other wardrobe. It made the princess slightly at unease, but it was the best they could do to hide. It was a place Goldwath was familiar with when he had first arrived to Earth. It was nearby what he said as "people I know from this establishment who helped me when I first arrived here." 

"Do you think any of the Atlantean guards would dare step outside the ocean and into the surface world to find you?" Goldwath asked, dusting away webs and dirt.

"No one would want to," she said, sitting on the bed, "but they won't hesitate to in order to find me."

He turned back around. "I hope they don't find you here-" Goldwath went silent, staring at the princess. She had stretched with a huge yawn and huddled in the bed, curling up. She looked extremely fatigued, which made him concerned as of late, but she seemed fine. Goldwath was used to pushing himself to extreme limits but could only imagine the princess wasn't used to it herself. How she buried her nose into her fluffy tail made Goldwath blush. His heart started to beat fast.

She's so cute-

"I'm so tired..." Lazuli complained, her muscles twitching as she shivered. Goldwath padded towards her, covering her with the blanket that stood at the edge of the bed and pressing his nose to the back of her head.

"You deserve a rest, love," he muttered softly. "I'll stay up and protect you while you sleep. I promise."

"But...." Lazuli shifted, her eyes pleading. "You look exhausted yourself. Why don't you rest too? I was...thinking that you could....that we- uhm--"

Goldwath smiled at what she was wanting from him, immediately curling himself around her. He huddled her under his good wing. The two laid there together, sleep overtaking them. Goldwath was a light sleeper in these parts of the city; he knew the dangers more than the princess. Every little sound jolted him awake, but they were nothing each time. He checked on Lazuli here and there, watching her side rise and fall gently. He furrowed his brows; there was something wrong happening, he could sense it. He nuzzled his face to her body, going back to a light nap.

Voices were heard outside.

Immediately on the defensive, Goldwath got up, covering the princess, and crept towards the window. She shivered and hissed through her teeth, hugging the blanket closer to her. He looked back at her then looked forwards again. He angled his ears.

They were voices he recognized, which angered and worried him.

"How much longer will we have to scavenge the surface world? Ultramine didn't order us to come here...."

"Trust me... I know someone who could help with our search."

"You know. You always mention a someone a lot. Who even is this 'someone' you speak of? Why won't you tell me?"

"A matter of being bonded into secrecy. You have to promise me yourself you will keep your mouth shut on this. If Ultramine found out, we're both dead. Promise?"

"......Suspicious in of itself, but if it means finding the princess quickly...fine, let's get this over with. And I'll keep quiet. Just for you, I guess..."