In the Golden Light - A Justice League AU

Chapter 27 - Tests and Friendships

! 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: Gore, death}

"I have to go now, son. Take care and study hard. I love you."

"Love you too dad."

"Oh! Don't forget dinner tonight, honey! 7 o'clock! It's going to be a big one this time!"

"Yes darling~ I would never dream of forgetting the wonderful cooking of my beautiful wife. I'll be off early, don't you worry your pretty ears off~"

"Honeyyy! Not in front of our son..."

Zako watched as his father gently teased and kissed his mother before he left their home for the Palace. He slinked away slowly and began to settle down in his room as his mother began prepping up the dining room for the family dinner. He took a textbook from his shelf, some paper and a pencil, opened up the book and started to read. He let out a sigh as he looked out his window; it had been weeks now that the trio had hung out together. With Lazuli carrying the future heirs of the throne, it caused a rift in their group, though he was still supportive of the princess and paying her visits when she was fit to have any here and there. But not only had the news caused a rift, Zako noticed Oraca hardly visited him or Lazuli since their last meeting. He steered his eyesight away from the window and looked back at his textbook in confusion.

Oraca is one of Lazuli's best friends, he thought to himself. She would never abandon her friend. Right? How come she hasn't visited us in a while? Is it because Lazuli was going to be a mother soon, therefore leaving less free time from the princess and shoving a new responsibility in her face?

Zako had to admit: he had a crush on the princess ever since they first were introduced by their parents. He was disheartened that his crush had fallen for someone else, choosing that someone and carrying that someone's children. But that didn't stop his friendship for the princess. Even if he couldn't marry Lazuli in the future, he made sure to let her know that if she or her little ones ever needed help, he would be there. 

Zako read and wrote until his eyes drooped. He blinked and shook his head.

Hmmm, I should pay Oraca a visit. See if maybe she wants to talk to me privately.

He got up to prepare for the walk to Oraca's house. He shoved his textbook back in its shelf, left the papers in a bit of a mess (since he was too tired to actually put them away in an organized matter) and groomed his fur, tidying his hairdo. Once he was freshened up and ready, he left his room and passed by his mother, casting a side glance at her. She was curled up on the couch from finishing setting up the dinner table, taking a rest until she needed to work again and cook. She lifted up her head upon noticing Zako and gave him a smile.

"I'm going to Oraca's house, mom. I'll be back soon."

"Ok, sweetheart! Take care!"

Zako tipped his head in acknowledgement and exited the front door, shutting it behind him. It was a quiet day, nothing stirred in the streets. He could see residents from their windows, catching a sensation of unease within their stiff bodies. It seemed everyone was just as tense about the future heirs as he was; Lazuli told him she was carrying a litter. His heart still broke when he was listening her talk about this "Goldwath" fellow and her love for him. He would never be able to confess his true feelings to her now.