Gar was falling. He could feel it. The wind blew through his blonde hair, he could feel its chill on his tan skin. He opened his light blue eyes, and he saw it. The twinkling lights of the city. He was falling and he didn't have a parachute. Thing is, he didn't remember jumping out of a plane. The lights of the city were closer as he plummeted to the city. He could see the outlines of Jump. There's the water tower, S.T.A.R. Labs, Jumpton Bridge, City Hall. The world looks so small from up here.

He looked at his hands, they were covered by black and purple gloves. He stared down at his chest, the same thing, his old Doom Patrol uniform. This isn't right, I haven't wore this uniform in a month, not since...

Steve, Cliff, Larry, Chief! They're Gone! And For What! No, I can't think about it. I can't lose control again. He looked down on his hand, his holoring was still there. He glared down at the piece of jewelry. He was still falling. Stupid thing! It doesn't even work half the time! I should give Dr. Stone a piece of my mind!

Oh, what's the use? I don't even know why I wear it anymore...People still treat me like a freak even if I don't look like fanged green elf. Even my parents, they still treat me like a was their five-year old little kid. The ground was getting closer now. He could clearly see an island off the coast of the city, straight down below him. Just my luck! I manage to fall on the piece of land that isn't the ocean.

The island grew in size as he fell, it became the size of a house, the mansion, then a foot ball field. He was so close now..He closed his eyes before he hit the ground. He didn't feel any pain, no broken bones. He felt warm, like he was being hugged by a heater. His body was covered by something.

When he opened his eyes, he wasn't falling anymore. He was asleep. It was a nightmare, you idiot. He laid on his back, staring up the ceiling. It wasn't a ceiling. Though, it was black, polished upholstery. He lifted his head and scanned his surroundings. He was in an automobile, a fancy one his parents rented. The inside of the car was clean, untouched by anything, The upholstery of the whole car was black like the ceiling. Feels like I'm in a hearse. He looked to the front seat, his dad, Mark was driving. His mom, Marie, was in the passenger seat, her hand hovering over a cup of coffee that was in a cup holder next to her. The time on the clock in front of him caught his attention.

9:30

"Good Morning, Sleepy Head!" Marie said softly to him

His mom glanced back at him. Her graying brown hair caught the light of the sunrise. Her brown eyes brimming with emotion. His mom was dressed in a brown business suit that looked like it had never looked worn before. A jagged scar ran diagonally across her face, a souvenir from the boating accident.

Gar shuttered, Better a scar then death, Rita once told him. His mom was scarred but she was alive! His dad was alive! They were alive, this whole time! Gar still had trouble wrapping his head around it. Not even two months ago, he was alone, wandering the country side of Lumumba. If I knew that they were not dead, things would have been so different! No Galtry, no being a thief for those two assholes, no experiments, no Doom Partol! Gar knew that last one wasn't fair, Rita and Steve looked out for him like their own. Larry and Cliff were fun to be around once you got to know them. Gar felt a pang his chest. His throat constricted, making hard to breathe. He felt his eyes start to burn at the thought of them. Is this going to happen every time I think of them? Get your head together, Gar! They wouldn't want you angsting over them! You're stronger than that!

Marie gave her son a look.

"Honey, it's ok to cry for them" she said gently "They were your family, and you miss them. Anyone would feel sad after their loved ones passed away. Your team's death was sad. If you have to cry, then let it go. Your father and I won't think any less than you. It's good to cry sometimes..."

He sat up in the car he was in. The sun beamed its way through the glass window hitting the left side of his face. He saw a sign outside of the window. It said Jump City 5 miles.

He could see his refection in the window.His spiky blonde hair stood up on its end, and blue eyes were red and puffy from crying. He looked down at his left hand, the holo-ring was doing its job. His clothes were wrinkled, a his black hoodie crumpled against his chest. He had his Captain Marvel red and white t-shirt on, with his faded blue jeans, and some white sneakers.

Gar looked to his mom, and sobbed "It's just... they're gone, Mom! I don't know what to do now! They trained me to be a hero and now I don't know what to do next. And then you two show up and I'm having trouble handling it...and-"

"It's a lot to take in, sweetie, I know and I can't imagine myself in your situation. But, I know that if they were here right now they would tell you everything going to be ok" replied Marie calmly.

"But it's not! Mom! It's not ok!" snapped Gar, his frustration evident "I'm sorry...it's just hard, you know." he mumbled.

"I know it is Gar. You've been through a lot. And I know we haven't been there for you. But, we here now. As a family" his father, Mark, spoke, entering the conversation "When we found out you were alive, it gave both a breath of fresh air. We spend years in a spiral until we finally realized the truth"

"What truth?" questioned Gar.

"Everything that's happened to you, all of it, your mother and I bare full responsibility." answered Mark "And I know you're going say that we don't. But we do. As parents we bear the responsibility of your life. What you when through, it's on us. All of it" he finished sadly.

"No." Gar countered, feeling suddenly guilty "Dad, Mom, no. I'm the one that went through it."

Marie sighed and looked at her husband "I think" she said reluctantly "what your father is trying to say is that none of this your fault. Honey, we came to Jump City to one reason; to give you the life we should have. It will be safer here. I promise. Here we can have a fresh start, with no dangerous adventures or deadly viruses. This place has a great school, a large beach so we can go swimming like you used to. It will be great, I'm sure of it."

Gar sighed and looked out the window again. They entered the city. He could see the Jumpton Bridge off the horizon. A fresh start? I sure hope so. Maybe...Mom is right. Maybe, just, maybe, we can have a better life here. I can go swimming, good to a real school for once without having to worry about supervillians or anything. It would be nice, I guess, to have some friends my own age for once.

I really am lucky. Moving to a new place, no one knowing about my powers or anything. My parents are alive! And I'm with them.

Everything is going to be OK.

I hope.

Author's Note: Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Sorry, this chapter is angst heavy. It will get better, I promise! Thanks to the people who reviewed, followed and favorited. I really appreciate it.

Next time on The Alternate, Raven confronts her mom about her father.

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