In the Golden Light - A Justice League AU

Chapter 35 - Old Acquaintances

1 year later.

Goldwath held his daughter carefully in his good arm, cradling her and nuzzling her. Orca reached out to his face with her little paws and batted at his cheeks. He felt himself beaming with love and happiness; this was his child. His pride and joy. He curiously wondered how his brother would react. He puffed out a little chuckle.

Would he be proud, or just question my choices?

The moment couldn't last long though.

It had already been a year.

It was time.

The League, the King and Queen were preparing to finally meet and take down the Rebels once and for all. They planned it all, everything that was going to happen. The only thing that burned in Goldwath's mind was Will this succeed? Will we win? It mildly disturbed him, his daughter noticing his energy change and whimpering softly.

He looked back down at her and kissed her forehead gently. "Don't worry, Orca," he muttered to the few months old pup. "We'll win. Atlantis will be back into the rightful rule of your grandparents, and the Justice League will save the world. Your world."

Orca yawned in response, since she couldn't yet comprehend what was happening with how slow she was, and clung onto the Thanagarian, her little face rubbing back and forth in fur before settling down. Lazuli had noticed them and slowly walked in their general direction. Goldwath felt relieved to see how better she was doing in the last year. Though he could tell she was still not 100% there; even though she did her best to take care of Orca, she was depressed and having some difficulty finding the will to be a mother. It was too much stress and trauma for the young princess.

Thankfully the League had been very understanding and had started to partake in little Orca's care. She had brought joy to everyone. Everyone loved her, the Flash especially. Kids seemed to be his specialty.

"Where are we going to keep her if the whole League is coming with us?" Lazuli asked Goldwath, carefully burying her cheek in his neck fur and stroking her daughter's cheek. "We can't have her here alone-"

Goldwath nuzzled Lazuli back, pecking her forehead then shook his head. "Oh no no. No we won't. I know someone who can take care and watch over her while we're gone. In fact, perhaps we could use some of their help."

The princess leaned back, eyes curious. "Who?"

"A friendly alien I happened to befriend."

***

"What's the password?"

"Braaqi, it's me. Goldwath."

Braaqi opened the door and smiled at Goldwath, embracing him in a huge hug. "Brother! Thank God you're okay! It's so good to see you again, Goldwath!" The alien looked around and noticed everyone else. His antennas twitched as his whip tail flicked from side to side. "Uhhh, Goldwath? What's going on?"

"There isn't much time to explain, Braaqi, I have to get to Mother Merli," he answered quickly, his paw shifting.

Braaqi rubbed his neck anxiously. "Well, you know how she feels about a large crowd surrounding her at once..." he reminded, tapping on his head. "Her....powers, and all that-"

"I know. Don't elaborate further in front of everyone. It's ok though! I'm only going to bring a few so she won't be intimidated." He turned around and nodded. "Lazuli. Hawkgirl."

The two stepped up and joined him, with Goldwath telling Braaqi to watch the others. Suddenly Goldwath found himself in an awkward situation. He was surrounded by his girlfriend and his ex crush, Lazuli carrying their child by the scruff of her neck. He felt like wanting to collapse and let the ground claim him.

Please just take me now, fate.

---

"Oh, my son. How you've grown so much. To think just years ago, I picked a miserable Thanagarian off from the streets of an unfamiliar planet."

Goldwath had explained all he could to Mother Merli, Lazuli hesitantly handing Orca over to her. The purple alien took the baby princess gingerly. Her eyes glittered when the small puppy pressed her tiny paws to her snout, chuckling softly. "Awww aren't you such a cutie~ You're so pretty, yes you are~" She smiled. "I promise to take good care of her while you guys save the world," she said to them. "No harm will dare come to her, or else everyone will feel my wrath."

"Thank you so much, Mother Merli," Goldwath thanked, bowing. "I also wanna ask: Would it be fine if we could recruit some back up for this plan? I just have a very bad feeling it will go horribly wrong, and...." He trailed off, his eyes looking back at Lazuli and Hawkgirl. He leant closer to Mother Merli, whispering, "I don't wanna lose the ones I love so dearly to me. If anything happened to either those two, I don't know how I'll cope.."

Mother Merli softened and patted him. "You've truly grown."


{To be continued...}