Disclaimer: I don't own anyone from the movie newsies, I do own Phantom and anyone from the Bronx that is not familiar.

A/N Thanks to Betchya OConnor for reviewing! It means a lot for me to know people read this. But I still hope I get more reviews for this chapter, so I know whether to continue this.

-----

Haze seemed to think for awhile, "Well I don't know Phantom, last time you thought like this was the time you took off…ya thinkin' bout that again?"

I let out a huge sigh and placed my head in my hands, "Honestly I don't know, last time." I paused, deciding if I wanted to tell him this, "last time when I handed you leadership, I found out my older brother was still alive and I went searching for him. I found him over in Brooklyn, and after seeing him a few times I disappeared again into the streets."

"Did you ever talk to him, once you found him?" Haze asked turning his gaze towards me.

I sadly shook my head while throwing my cigar onto the ground, "I never got the courage to talk to him, I mean what do ya say to someone that ya thought was dead?"

"I'd start with Hi, it's a great ground breaker" Haze smiled as I glared at his sarcasm. I stood up signaling that the talking time was over, Haze followed knowing he wouldn't get anymore from me tonight.

"Let's get some sleep before there is no more darkness around here." With that Haze and I went back into the lodging house, and I just hoped I could get some rest before work.

-----

Over the next few days I continued my days like normal, working, poker games, watching over my newsies. As far as they were concerned I was the same as always, Haze silently kept an eye on me, but I hadn't talked anymore about my past.

My parents were out of my mind for now, but the idea that I never did speak to my brother now plagued my thoughts. For once in my life I hadn't the courage to speak to someone, usually I wasn't afraid to speak my mind, but to speak to someone I hadn't seen in years worried me.

It was late morning when I had finished my selling for the day, and without thinking twice I found myself headed towards Brooklyn.

Before I was far into Spot's territory I felt myself being watched, "Great just the person I didn't want to see" I said turning around to meet him.

Spot smirked, "Well, well Phantom, what do I owe this pleasure? You're not sellin' in my parts are ya?" I hardened my gaze, "Just passin' through, and I believe that is allowed now"

Spot shook his head with a small smile playing on his lips, "I'm not gonna find out ya left trouble in my territory am I?"

I looked shocked for a moment, "Trouble? What ever gave ya that idea? I'll be out of here by tonight, taking any trouble with me" Spot nodded liking my statement, and while he turned his attention to one of his newsies running up behind him, I slipped into a near by alley, finishing our conversation.

"Phantom!" I heard Spot's yells behind me as I smiled and turned back to the trail of my brother. I proceeded towards the last place I had seen my brother, which was a fairly nice apartment on the other side of Brooklyn.

The whole way there I was worried what he would say when he saw me, he was about 4 years older than me, and for all I know he could have his own family now. Finally I found the building I had spotted him in only a short distance from me.

It was now or never. I thought once more about that statement, maybe never wouldn't be as bad. Sighing I decided I had to get over my fears, before people knew I was actually afraid of something.

I took a seat on the steps hoping that before I would go in maybe he would pass by me. Lighting up my cigar, I took my time smoking it, waiting and watching the people going by.

Just as I was about to change my mind and heard a voice above me, "Can I help you with something" confused I looked up to see an girl a few years older than me.

"I am waiting for someone" I answered bluntly, hoping she'd move on.

"Well maybe I can help, I know a lot of the people that live here" she smiled at me waiting for my answer.

"Michael" was the only word I gave her, there was something I didn't like about really happy people. But the minute I said the name I noticed her smile waver.

"Michael Costa?" she whispered the name in a way scared me. I slowly nodded now afraid for her to answer. "I'm afraid he is no longer here"

I frowned, "Ya mean he's moved or that he is in fact not here?"

"He died about a month ago in a factory accident." I hung my head as I saw her tears flowing. Before she could explain any more I stood up and walked down the steps.

"Wait" I turned my head to the girl waiting for an explanation, "Why'd you want to find him?"

I laughed a little, "I'm his sister, although he never knew I was still alive" I saw more tears fall down her face and I felt bad I had brought those forth. Whatever her connection to him was, it was closer than our bond of brother and sister. I fell into the crowded streets leaving the building behind, along with any chance I might have had to regain a family.

I took a long way back to the Bronx, and took the time to avoid any of Conlon's gang. For another time this month I found myself drawn to the dark, needing the time to think.

All I knew by the time I reached the Lodging House was that I had in fact lost my family…for the second time, and this time it hit me harder. I heavily dragged my body up the stairs and into my bed; letting sleep engulf my tired body and mind. Tomorrow I would go back to my life of selling and being with the only family I know, the newsies.

------

When the dawn broke I rolled out of bed like any other day and started to get ready. I felt someone behind me as I entered the washroom.

"What is it Haze?" I spoke without turning, knowing he was concerned about my disappearance last night.

"Ya alright?" I narrowed my eyes and glared back at him; it was too early for this and he seemed to drop the subject. I walked out of the house with the other newsies following, all heading to get our papers to sell.