AN: I know it's not long but. well..trying to revive my muse. She's being fickle again.
Like before, he worries over the whereabouts of his wayward son. Wondering as to why or even how he disappeared. Kaldur'ahm was not one to ignore his duties, yet he recalls how a frantic looking Garth came to them and alerted them of Tula's injury.
It had been fortunate that she had survived and had only said that the prince must've came into his powers just then. She admitted to his wife that she had fallen for Garth and had told Kaldur'ahm of this.
Mera theorized that such a shock may have triggered the reaction. "It is not as though he is trained to hold his emotions with those he can power is unexpected in one so young."
In the end, Orin hadn't cared. He just wanted his son back, but the years have proven to be long indeed and news of Kaldur'ahm scarce. What made it even worse was that his toddler son, Arthur, was ill as well. It was a mysterious condition that left him asleep more often than not.
The people were becoming restless.
He needed a fit heir- but not only that, he needed to know if Kaldur'ahm was well.
Still, he frowns glancing as someone cleared their throat.
"What is it?" Orin mutters wearily, "I told you not to dis-"
"But sire, there is news about Prince Kaldur'ahm!"
Orin looks at him, eyes wide for a moment in shock. "What news? Tell me now!"
With Dick in school and Wally following more leads back at the manor, Kaldur finds himself at the office-well one of them- of where Bruce often frequented. It wasn't hard, really, to keep himself disguised well enough with glasses, a formal shirt with a hoodie he had borrowed from Roy on his last visit. It made things easier that was for sure.
He just never thought it would be so big on the inside that he couldn't help himself but look around in awe. After all, he's only been to very few places aside from the manor and that was to see Artemis and Roy and a store for clothing.
He didn't even see where he was going until he accidentally bumped into someone. "My apologizes." He said turning, "I did not mean to disturb you."
"It's quite alright, son." The elderly gentleman said though looks him over curiously, "Though, why are you here?"
"I.." Kaldur closes his mouth unable to think of a better reason as to why he would be here.
"Looking to intern?" The dark man asks amused, "If so, you would have to make an appointment."
"Yes, I am sorry." He mutters again, "What is your name, sir, if you do not mind my asking?"
"Lucius Fox."
He bows slightly towards him, not risking a handshake. Webbing was more noticeable then, "It's a pleasure to meet you sir."
Amused, Fox watches him for a moment before saying, "This would be the part where you tell me your name."
"Kal." Wasn't entirely a lie. Roy called him that on occasion so did Dick and Wally. "I was hoping to get an interview with you."
"A reporter?"
"No, just a student." Kaldur said smiling easily, "I was wondering who I should talk to, but you seem to be well respected here if the looks of others are any thing to gauge."
With a slight smile, Fox motions him to follow, "They should. I am the chairman of the board ever since Mr. Wayne came back from his trips."
"I see." Kaldur nods slowly, "What is it like to work here then?"
Considering a moment, Fox glances at his watch before nodding to him to follow him as he spoke.
If nothing else, Kaldur will at least learn more about the people and history of this place.
Though he really should've been paying more attention about where they were going because Fox nodded at some woman behind a desk then stops before two oak doors.
"Listen, son, do you think I am a stupid man?"
Kaldur's eyes widen as he shook his head, "No. No of course not. Why would you suggest such a thing?"
"Why don't you be more honest about who you are?" Fox shakes his head a bit before reaching up and taking his glasses, "Only real idiots are fooled by a pair of simple glasses."
He looks away,"I...just.."
"Wanted anonymity, I'm sure. But why are you asking so many questions about the company when you could've just asked your owner?"
His eyes flashed a bit, "He's not my owner. He's..." He then closes his mouth. "I am trying to understand, is all. It would be good to have it from someone else as well."
"I see." Which, Fox didn't to tell the truth, " Well, I'm certain Mr. Wayne can explain it far better than myself." With that he knocks on the door.
Kaldur swallows slightly wondering what to tell Bruce about his appearance here. He had cautioned the others against telling their guardians about their little investigation but it would be hard.
"Enter."
"Tell me again, where did you see him?" King Orin watches as the person in front of him tries hard not to fidget.
"Um.. you see.." She wonders about what else she should say but fixed her dark eyes on him, "I was on the surface at the time-"
"Which was strictly forbidden." Prince Orm adds raising a brow.
Orin waves his hand, "That, if your information proves useful, I shall forgive with full pardons, Lorena. Now, tell us. Where did you see Prince Kaldur'ahm last?"
Lorena breathes out for the moment before speaking again. "I saw him in the city of Gotham. They have a harbor that connects to the providence-"
"Yes, yes." Prince Orm said, "But what did you see?"
"The prince was in the company of.." She hesitates.
"Of?" Queen Mera frowns at this, "What is it that gives you pause so?"
"My lady, " Lorena looks to her, "I do not wish to alarm any of you but- his highness was being sold."
"Sold?" Orin doesn't like the sound of this, "What do you mean sold?"
"There is a system on the surface world that exists that sells humans as..well.. Pets." She explains, "I fear that Prince Kaldur'ahm may have been captured when he disappeared and sold in such a system."
Mera gasps softly and looks towards her husband who had a dark expression on his face.
"Lorena, you shall show us where you last saw him in this 'City of Gotham' and we will bring him back."
"Yes, your majesty." Lorena relaxes a little. Thank gods she wasn't in trouble. But.. how could she tell them that he had been sold already?
