In the Golden Light - A Justice League AU

Act 3 Introduction

! Before You Read Act 3 !

{Act 3 has been branded with a content warning for containing the following topics: depression (moments of emptiness and hopelessness), alcohol abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, manipulation, gore, death and trauma. Please protect yourself first if these topics will upset you/cause a trigger.}
{This particular chapter deals with: verbal and physical abuse and blood.}

"Isn't he just precious?"

Dazzling Hawk tipped his head as he looked at his son, who was just born weeks ago, huddled by Cassandia's belly. He was, though Dazzling Hawk didn't admit to it. "I know I've said this a lot of times, but he just...looks exactly like me," he said instead. "A spitting image. No ounce of you anywhere--"

That statement changed when the little pup finally opened his eyes for the first time, radiating the same deep blue that his mother bore. The little pup yawned and let out a soft whine, digging his little head to Cassandia's belly, nursing. He felt his heart swell.

"...He's got your eyes..."

Cassandia gave him a small lick on his head between his tiny ears. "Just like my mom's." She looked up at him. "Have you finally decided on a name for him?"

Dazzling Hawk bit his bottom lip. That dreaded question. How was he going to answer this time? "Well, uh, no. I'm sorry; I've just been so preoccupied with Suizul and helping him with his plans to--"

Cassandia sighed, shaking her head and cutting him off. "Again, dear? Really? This is getting frustrating. This is the fifth time you've ignored your sons over plans and work. Ignored me... Isn't he a tad bit of importance to you? Isn't this what you wanted ever since we got together?"

"O-Of course he is, it's just--"

"Then why don't you spend more time with us? Don't you love him?" She narrowed her eyes. "Love me?"

"It's not that easy, Cassandia dear! We're at times of desperate measures, and I am trying all and whatever it takes to TAKE GOLDWATH AND THE JUSTICE LEAGUE DOWN!" he retorted, raising his voice and shooting out his wings in response.

"Did I really give up my immortality for your stupid ways?" Cassandia challenged.

"WELL I'M SORRY THIS LITTLE SCRAP WAS BORN AT THE WRONG TIME!" Dazzling shouted. "MIGHT AS WELL HE SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN BORN AT ALL!"

Cassandia flexed her toes. "Don't say that! And don't yell, Dazzling! It's not good for the child--"

"I DON'T CARE! YOU'RE TO OBEY ME BOTH AS YOUR HUSBAND AND YOUR LEADER!"

He lifted up a paw. Hearing the fear in his son's whines that responded to Cassandia's flinch, he let out a frustrated sigh. He put his paw down, closed his wings and looked away. "...Ugh. Fine. I'm sorry. Look: I don't wanna argue with you, but you're putting me under some stress as well and really haven't had much time to wonder on names. I can not focus on our son or our time together right now."

Cassandia pulled their son, when he waddled towards him, back to her with her tail, eyes narrowed. "And I thought you loved me. I guess domination means more than love," she said in a bitter voice. "Men." 

She faced away from Dazzling Hawk, who was turning to his way out, and fell asleep.

✰✰✰

"Dad, you don't understand--"

The King paced in front of her, eyes flared in anger. "I don't understand? I DON'T UNDERSTAND!? YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!!" he shouted.