AN) Sorry for the radio silence! This chapter is 3,000 words long! I've had my first dress rehearsal for Wonka, it's a bit hectic. My inflatable suit works though so I blow up! Anyway, on with the show!

He felt his fingers brush over the line, his feet turning on a dime. And he was off again, pounding towards the second marker, ignoring the burning in his legs and chest. Hand swatted the line, he turned to run the other way.

He moved swiftly, pushing himself against the clock. Pulling in breath after breath, he tried to force himself faster. His master ordering him to do so. But what is mind was screaming didn't correspond with what his legs were doing. He was slowing down.

"What are you doing?!" His inner voice screeched. "You are running from Kid Flash, he's ten steps behind you! Move!"

A low growl escaped his throat. He turned quickly, lengthening his strides. He wouldn't let the kid loser get him. Heck no. But Scott's words rang in his head. The look in his best mates eyes as he gushed about his heroes. The Justice League was adored. Scott worshiped them. They had made Richard's life a nightmare.

The League were hypocrites. They said they stood for justice, for equality, for freedom—yet they had taken Richard, against his will. Tried to shape him to what they wanted him to be, ignoring the fact that what he wanted was to serve his master. Why should they be idolized? Why should they, liars, kidnappers—why should they be adored? The public should know. They should know that the men and women that they revered as gods didn't hold themselves to the standards they told the public they had.

Richard wanted revenge. He wanted to kill Kid Flash, he wanted the Atlantian to fear him. He wished that the clone wouldn't be invincible anymore. He could make them crumble, he could make the Bats be over run in their city. The Amazon could fall in war. He could make the Man of Steel be as strong was a twig—which he could crush under his foot.

He could do all of that. He could drain the courage from Green Lantern—he had before. He couldn't help but smirk at that memory—the pain in the Lantern's voice as he realized his plan had failed. But he also had to remember what he had told the Lantern. He was an obedient apprentice, he followed his master's orders, and he wouldn't go against them. But he couldn't create orders for himself—he couldn't kill, he couldn't steal without his master's permission. And yet—Master wouldn't let him exact revenge on his enemies.

Didn't Master know he was capable? Hadn't he proved himself to Master? He had done so over, and over again. Why wouldn't Master let him to punish the League for their actions? Couldn't he just…just for one day…learn of their weaknesses? He had to know them! He wouldn't be tempted, he would remain loyal to his master—he would! If he learned of secrets the League had revealed he could prove the might of his master. He would make all tremble at the mere mention of his apprentice.

"Richard." He froze immediately, almost toppling over mid-step. He took a soldiers stance, arms tucked behind his back, back straight—his eyes focused straight ahead. He pulled air in, risking at glance at his master. He did not look displeased, but rather impressed. A firm hand landed on his shoulder. "Very good Richard."

"Thank you, Sir." He nodded, the little spark of pride igniting in his chest.

"I must congratulate you on your mission." Master chuckled lightly. "Police forces are baffled as to where to look."

Richard let a thin laugh escape. "Thank you."

Master looked at him for a moment, Richard shifting awkwardly under his gaze.

"You're distracted." Always able to read the truth. "What's bothering you?"

"Master, please I beg you. If I were to discover their weakness—I could bring them to their knees!" Master sighed, this was a discussion they held often. Always ending the same way. "Sir, I want to get revenge. They cannot…freely disrespect you and go unpunished!"

"Richard, I understand you want revenge. But what you are suggesting, to allow the memories to return—I cannot and will not allow it to happen."

"I am not weak!" His fists were balled now, red creeping against his face. "Master, my loyalty remains with you. I have served you faithfully since I was a child, the Lantern's pleas fall on deaf ears. The Martian's powers have no hold on me, their silver tongues carry nothing but lies. Have I not proven myself to you, Master?"

So he was playing the guilt card? Slade knew how badly Richard wanted to destroy the League—but to have him look back on the memories would be dangerous. If he believed them, he would lose his apprentice. Richard wasn't some child Slade could control anymore. No matter what Richard said, no matter if he swore his loyalty would remain with Slade—there was still a chance he could turn. Slade dealt with absolutes, not chances. If it was positive Richard would remain loyal and have access to his memories—Slade would have all of the League's secrets in his hand.

During his silence, the boy had lowered his head—thoughts swarming in his own mind.

He hadn't proven himself. Master still thought him a weak child. Master didn't think he could beat the League, that he wasn't strong enough to take them.

Two fingers curled under his chin, lifting his eyes upward.

"You have proven yourself to me Apprentice. But I cannot risk losing you to them. You are my weapon, to have you fall in their hands would be a catastrophe. You will have your revenge, I promise you. But not the way you ask."

"Master you don't understand! I'm free of their grip, they can't control me. Why can't I—"

"Boy, you will remember who you are speaking to." A gasp caught up in Richard throat.

"Watch yourself, brat." The evil voice snarled.

"A-Apologies Master." He choked out. He dared glance up, to see the softening anger in his eye. "I-I forgot my place, it w-won't happen again."

"I trust it won't Apprentice." Richard let his head drop slightly, Master began to head away from him—Richard taking the cue to follow. "You're a smart boy Richard. I know you are capable of great things, but you will trust me."

"Of course Master, with my life."

He stood almost awkwardly next to his master in the lift. The man looking straight ahead, his apprentice stealing glances at him—which he thought went unnoticed.

"Go, get changed. Will most likely will have dinner ready shortly."

"Yes Sir." He stood still for a moment, watching Master leave. "Master?" He blurted out the word quickly. The man halted, peering over his shoulder. "After dinner, may I go out?"

"I thought Scott was gone?"

"H-He is. I thought I could go by myself…"

His master seemed to consider it for a moment. "Very well. Don't wander off. Be back before sundown."

"Thank you, Sir." He felt a small sigh escape his lips. He trusted Master, but there were moments when he froze, when fear whispered into his mind. He knew he had nothing to fear, Master was his teacher—almost like his father. But there was no doubt that before…when he was young, disobedient…he had been in a position to fear his master. But he had earned respect and rights, so he needn't fear punishment over trifle things.

But as it had been said, old habits die hard. There were still sneaky voices in his head who hissed things at him. He tried to pay them no mind, but he could hear them. They weren't of the League, thank goodness—but of a strange voice he couldn't make out. It sound slightly like his master's but not exactly.

He had no memory of the Justice League or the sidekicks—spare one. It wasn't even a true memory. It was a melody, it floated through the air. Snippets of words revealing themselves. He heard 'hero, afraid, I'll, and save the day'

It was nothing. The Ghost Song he called it. That strangest part of it was, if he thought of it, his right hand felt warm. But it rarely happened—so Richard ignored it.

Breakline

They were curled into a circle, pillows and blankets stashed around them. Chip crumbs, empty soda cans and candy wrappers littered the space around them. The auburn haired boy was reaching into the chip bag, his oxen haired friend groaning at his eating habits. The girl of the group blew a bubble, her green companion laughing as she popped it—the sticky candy covering her nose. The fourth boy tried to open a pack of Skittles.

The all froze, heads turning towards the sound. A voice was raised, echoing down the halls. They couldn't hear what words were said, but they were said angrily.

The older kids had been acting strange lately, they spent more time talking with each other—and not their new teammates. The famous Red Bat had made appearances, usually Nightwing was the only Bat Clan member who was at the Cave. Wally and Artemis had been stopping by more, much to Bart's chagrin.

Today had been the strangest. Red Arrow had showed up. He was never, ever at the Cave—the younger kids hadn't seen him for weeks. And boom—there he was, storming in like someone had blown up his house. He and the older kids had disappeared, telling their young teammates that they needed privacy. So Bart had raided the pantry, opening up a feast of junk food.

"They're getting pretty heated in there." Cassie raised an eyebrow, chomping on her gum a tad louder than normal.

Jaime nodded slightly, "I think that was Roy, or Wally."

"My money's on Con." Gar shrugged, scratching behind his ear. La'gaan shrugged ever so slightly at that idea.

There was a loud crash that sounded like someone had thrown a chair of something. La'gaan tilted his ear toward the commotion—hearing definite swears in Atlantian. There was Kaldur. The other's raised eyebrows—Kaldur never shouted, he was usually very calm.

"What I would give to be a fly on that wall." Jaime let out a low whistle. Five sets of eyes landed on Garfield. He was still eating his Twislers, and very slowly he noticed their stares.

"What?"

"A fly on the wall…" Bart mused, a smile crossing his face.

Gar mouthed 'what' to himself, looking between his friends. Understanding dawned on him. "Guys…if Meg finds out I'll be grounded." Their gaze didn't fall, he shifted slightly under the looks. Until he threw his hands in the air. "Fine! But if I get caught…you have to bring me Oreos."

They nodded, a small price to pay for information. Their friend screwed his face up, disappearing into a smaller, winged form. He buzzed off—his teammates turning back to each other, though they conversed they were anxious for his report.

Gar didn't particularly like flying as a Fly. He preferred a bird, large one at that. A Flacon or Eagle. But he was curious about the yelling. And why Meg had been kicking him out of her room! He was always in his big sister's room, but she would ask him to leave, which he did—he was a good brother—but he would soon hear Meg talking to herself, or sometimes crying. There were strange things turning up in her room—there was a new picture frame on her desk that she didn't let Gar look at.

He barely fit under the crack in the door, letting himself go unnoticed. He landed on the wall, his eyes rest on the older half of the team.

Meg and Con were on opposite sides of the room, Meg crossing her arms, Con balling his fists. Nightwing stood with Red Bat in the middle, the large computer screens pulled up. Artemis was standing between Wally and Roy, Roy leaning against the wall—counting to ten. Wally looked sullen, he was twirling a sliver of something in his fingers. Kaldur was sitting down in a chair (Connor had thrown it, it landing on Kaldur's foot) His left foot resting on his right leg, his hands slowly rubbing his foot.

"I know tensions are running high—but fighting won't bring him back."

"We have to do something!" Wally threw his hands in the air. "Even your mentor's given up!"

"My father has not forgotten him." Nightwing growled.

"Then where are the reports?" Kaldur asked, an unusual ice to his words.

"I have been completing them." Nightwing defended himself. "There has been no new information on our brother's location."

Brother?

"The last time we actually made contact with him was with Hal. We've seen him, or at least heard traces of him all over the world." Red Bat sighed. "He's almost impossible to trace."

"Then step it up!" Artemis demanded this time. "My sister only knows so much."

"So you think we have all the answers? That we can poof him out of thin air?"

And—boom—shouting. Fingers were pointing everywhere, voices rose and fell. The only one not accusing anyone as Connor. Garfield was scared, his team—his role-models were being torn apart. He watched Connor, he suddenly headed for the computer, his face blank. He took control of the keyboard—Nightwing the only one to notice.

There was a screen pulled up, a fuzzy static covering it. Was he really going to watch—the screen came to life. A youthful giggle blasting over the speakers, they all froze. It was almost creepy how they quieted and watched.

A small boy was on the screen. He had large sky blue eyes, which seemed to sparkle. He was an odd mix of tan and pale, a harsh looking scar tracing his left cheek. His black hair stuck up in odd places in the back, his bangs hitting his forehead lightly. He wore a cheap costume. Captain America. He wiggled slightly, as Gar heard Megan's voice.

"So, who're you dressed as?"

"Captain America!" He cheered, waving a toy shield around. His smile was blinding.

Gar saw a shirtless Connor in the background, green paint smeared on his chest. He walked awkwardly across the camera's screen—pausing. Looking directly at them he pulled a face, before walking away.

"Why are you dressed like Captain America?"

"He's the b-best! H-He's strong and brave! S-Steve wants e-everyone to be s-safe 'nd happy!" He smiled shyly, whispering the last part. "E-Even me."

Suddenly Wally picked the boy up. He was wearing a cheap costume too—a red and gold one. A mask pulled on top if his head, letting his wild freckles show. He swung the kid about, holding him by his legs. The child shrieked in laughter. Wally smiling happily.

"I got ya!" He righted the boy, holding him against his hip.

"And who are you Wally?"

"I'm Iron Man! Tony Stark—Steve's best friend."

"B-Bucky's Steve's best friend." The child correct, Wally pouting slightly. "B-But Wally's m-my best friend."

"Yay!" Wally cheered, blowing a raspberry on the boy's neck. "But I'm your Steve too right?"

"Yeah…y-you keep Hydra away." The boy nuzzled his head against Wally's chest. Wally giving the camera the biggest, proudest smile. "Y-you'll protect me."

"Dang right I will, Bucker-oo." His smile softened slightly. The boy lifting his head off Wally's chest, pecking him on the cheek. Wally planted a kiss on his forehead.

"My Steve."

"My Buck."

"HOW THE CRAP DO YOU PUT THIS ON?!" Roy voice cut the scene, he stormed into the background, trying to pull a costume on. His head in the sleeve area.

Connor stopped the video. He looked at his quiet friends.

"That's our brother." He spoke evenly. "We're still looking for him. We're all scared, angry—but that's what we need to remember. We gave him a childhood—he personally gave me life. We have to find him. And stay united."

Gar decided that was his cue to leave, he had another activity he wanted to try. He buzzed towards Meg's room. He thought he knew what was in the picture frame Meg never let him see.

He changed in her room, thin shacking hand turning the down-faced frame upward. The boy was there. His toothy smile as he sat on Kaldur's lap. Wally leaned on the chair Kal occupied, giving the duo bunny ears. Artemis stood next to Megan, the girls smiling happily, Meg putting up a peace sign, Arty laughing slightly at her. They were in line with Wally, Connor on one knee besides the kid. Giving the thin smile he had, only he was actually showing teeth. Roy was kneeling next to Kaldur, the archer pointing finger guns at the camera. The kid had an arm wrapped over Kaldur's shoulder, a stuffed Nemo toy sitting in his lap. His small hand waved to the camera.

"Who is this kid?" Garfield mumbled to himself. He apparently meant a lot to the others. But they hadn't mentioned him before, and Gar had never, ever seen him.

He turned the picture frame face down again, so Meg wouldn't think anything about it. He, this time, became a mouse—opting for faster travel. He couldn't fly very well so small.

He barely fit under the door, scurrying to report to his friends. They would most certainly find this interesting. He was surprised he had done all this without being caught, he had snuck past two Bats, a telepath, a clone of Superman, and three other people without superpowers—but weren't useless. That was a pretty good feat, he couldn't brag about it though—even though it would be cool to tell Nightwing he hadn't noticed the changeling. But now—he realized, he wouldn't be getting any Oreos as payment. Well—that was a small price to pay.

"Guys." He gasped, changing back. "You'll never believe what I found out.

"Spill." Cassie commanded. Garfield drew a breath, getting ready to share.

"We have another brother."

AN) So…Ta-Da! I hope you enjoyed! Can we get to 20 reviews? Pleeease?! I love you all! Think Positive!